This is the first book that I've read from Jessica Strawser. It's always great to discover new authors, and I thank Netgalley for allowing me access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick read, with relationship drama and suspense. It makes the reader examine how well we can know another person underneath the superficiality of purely social interactions. That includes someone we even think of as a best friend.

Not That I Could Tell is a great beach read. Summer is almost here!

Thank you to Netgalley and St.Martin's Press for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.


Izzy wakes up morning a few days after the girl's night at her neighbors house, to see the soon to be ex husband of Kristin pacing in their driveway. Feeling concerned Izzy makes her way over only to find out that Kristin and the twins are gone, and no one knows why.


Clara is shocked when the police show up asking about Kristin the last time she saw her. Soon the women are overwhelmed with the realization that they are the last ones to see her and on top of it all they really didn't seem to know her. Soon Clara begins to suspect that all wasn't right in the household.


Meanwhile Izzy is struggling with her feelings towards in her brother in law, her feelings of being an outsider in her own family. She doesn't realize that Paul is suddenly becoming more than the neighbor, which isn't necessarily a good thing because he is getting a divorce and his wife is missing.


As all of the women try to come to terms with their own pasts and their missing friend, one of them will be caught in a situation that might not end well. Will they be able to see what is in front of them before it is too late?


I love this book, I was expecting a thriller, but this was deeper and more thoughtful. It packed a punch with the twist that is for sure, but I was so happy with that twist. I love Izzy and I was so happy for everything she realized during the course of the book. I mean seriously I really want those women as my friends. Clara rocks, and Natalie and the I am more than a little jealous of these fictional friends.

3.5 stars
This was a quick, easy read that I devoured on a long car ride. I would categorize it under domestic suspense/women’s fiction, not mystery/suspense.

After the women in the neighborhood gather around the firepit for a fun evening of chatting and drinking wine, one of the women, Kristin, along with her two children are missing. Where are they and is her soon-to-be ex-husband, the handsome well-liked physician, responsible? The story builds slowly as we get to know each of the characters and their families. The disappearance of Kristen affects each of the women differently and we learn the background and personal issues that affect them. How well can we really know our neighbors?

There’s not a lot of tension as you would get in a traditional mystery. Instead things are revealed slowly, and I had more questions than answers until the last 20% or so. I found the characters interesting, even when I found some of their actions inexplicable. The ending was a complete surprise! I enjoyed the author note at the end and appreciated her research into a very important and timely issue.

Recommended for fans of slow burn women’s fiction/domestic suspense.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of the book for review

This is a quick and easy read that seems more of a women's fiction or domestic drama than suspense or thriller. There is indeed a mystery and missing people involved, but the focus of the book is on those left behind. Part of the ending was strong, but I wasn't as attached to the characters as I would have liked and it was missing the wit and quirkiness that has made me love other "neighbor" books. I did enjoy it, but I was expecting a bit more. I'm happy I read this with a group, because it was interesting to see what didn't work for some people definitely did for others. This would be a great book to take to the beach or on vacation with you for those who love domestic dramas with a mystery involved. I was a fan of the charming setting of Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Six neighborhood women gather together one Saturday night to relax in one of their backyards. Armed with baby monitors to listen out for their sleeping children, they bond and drink a bit too much wine. They spend the night laughing and confiding in each other, growing closer. That makes it even more stunning when the next day, one of them is gone. Kristen and her twin children seem to have vanished. They left behind a lot, but some important items have disappeared with them and there doesn't seem to be signs of struggle. Did she just pack up and move on without any warning? Or did her handsome soon to be ex-husband have something to do with it?

The whole neighborhood is rocked by this event. When the ladies are questioned about Kristen and her husband Paul, they begin to realize that perhaps they don't know them quite as well as they thought. Banded together by their concern, they begin to spend more time together as they try to wrap their brains around what happened. As time passes with no new news from the police, everyone starts to wonder if they'll ever know exactly what happened to Kristen and her children. Though they all worry, their lives still go on and we get to know the characters and their issues quite well.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

A group of woman from the same neighborhood spend the evening around a bonfire, drinking and telling stories, the perfect evening. In the morning though one of them, Kristen, has vanished without a trace, along with her two twin children. What follows is a character driven story about the woman who inhabit the neighborhood and how their lives form around the tragedy. There’s Clara, who seems to stick her nose right into the middle of the investigation and Izzy, who is dealing with her own life troubles and seems content to turn a blind eye to what may or may not have happened. There’s also Paul, the husband who may or may not have had something to do with her disappearance.
I enjoyed the book. The characters were well crafted and developed, with interesting back stories that helped to explain their actions. Paul was just the right amount of distraught husband and weird guy next door. But I just wanted to more from the book. The storyline felt a little bit predictable to me and barely anything happens for the first 85% of the novel, aside from the initial disappearance. I found myself waiting for a twist or something to happen. The ending was okay, but again I just wanted a little bit more from it. Overall I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

DO NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!! Read until the very last chapter to see the right way a suspense novel should be played out.

What seems to be an innocent girls night out turns into something so much more. When the neighborhood moms gather at one of the houses to enjoy some wine and relax away for a few minutes, none of them imagine that by Monday morning one of them would be gone and the police would be involved. Yellow Springs, Ohio is a small town that keeps everyone involved in everyone else’s lives in one way or another; so when Kristin and her twins disappear leaving her estranged husband behind, secrets start to turn up making everyone question what they thought to be true. Her husband Paul is at the center of the investigation but when nothing turns up, the police seem to let the case go. Clara, their closest neighbor is pulled into the drama when the case dredges up memories of a past she has tried hard to leave behind. Izzy, one of the newest neighbors in town isn’t sure what to think but also doesn’t have time to deal with too much drama when her own life is falling to shambles. As more details turn up, everyone realizes things are not what they seem and everyone has their secrets, some more deadly than others.

I have to admit that part way through I was feeling a little disappointed with how the story was playing out. I thought the suspense could be played up a little more. But just when I started to get disappointed, things turned around and I couldn’t put the book down. This is the kind of book that if readers will be patient the pay off at the end will be worth every page. I loved how things unfolded and the characters brought out the best, and worst, in each other. You can really see the way they care for each other and used their own experiences to help one another. I did not like Paul from the very beginning and am glad that Strawser let him play out the way that she did. The dynamic between all the characters really was spot on; I didn’t feel that any of them acted out of character but instead played out the story deliberately and intentionally the way the story should unfold. By the end I was taking the title of the book and rolling it around in my head with what different characters would say and it totally made sense for each and every one of them to be able to utter that sentiment and be truthful. On the last few pages I had a smile on my face as I read the last scene unfold. I am pleased to say that I highly recommend this book to any and all readers that are looking for a story that will keep them guessing and characters that are genuine and play out beautifully. This will for sure be one of my top books of the year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

NOT THAT I COULD TELL is a melodramatic neighborhood mystery that is not to be missed! Motherhood, relationships, secrets and betrayals. The novel kind of reminded me of the nighttime soap Desperate Housewives. The mystery by Jessica Strawser really dishes it up. So many twists and turns! My head is still spinning. I could not put the book down! Highly recommended!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review!

I was hooked from the first page. These characters were so realistic - they could have been in any neighborhood. It was interesting to see the stories of Clara and Izzy with most of the other neighbors more minor characters but still believable.

I kept waiting for perhaps a different path to the story but actually glad it didn't take that easy way out. The narrative stayed true to a scenario that could have happened to anyone.

I didn't see the ending coming. A fitting conclusion! I do recommend this book

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser is a highly recommended domestic mystery.

In the small town of Yellow Springs, Ohio, a group of neighborhood women spend a Saturday night drinking wine, baby monitors in hand, around a backyard fire pit. This is a rare night of kid-free adult interaction for most of the women and they all drink too much, share too much personal information, and regret it all the next morning. But, even more shocking than their hangovers and over-sharing, is that one of them is missing the next day. Kristin and her twins have disappeared overnight. It appears that a few things have been packed up, but her cell phone has been left behind, and the three have vanished.

Kristin was in the process of divorcing her husband, Paul, an ob/gyn doctor, who called the police after he discovered evidence that the three had left. As the police question the neighbors, the women's recollection of the evening is fuzzy and incomplete due to the amount of wine they consumed. Clara, Kristin's next door neighbor, thought she was close to her friend, but is shocked when she learns things that her friend never shared with her. New neighbor, Izzy, didn't know Kristin well at all and is trying not to be judgmental. She is more worried about the private secret she shared with the women.

As the investigation unfolds, suspicion is high on Paul, who appears in his public statement to be more interested in a potential monetary settlement from the divorce than actually cooperating with the police investigation. Kristin's last computer search seems to indicate she was concerned about spousal abuse. The news vans are circling the neighborhood, looking for a scoop. How well did the neighbors know Kristin - or Paul?

Chapters alternate between Clara and Izzy, with excerpts from a personal journal of an unnamed person opening chapters. You meet all the neighbors through Clara and Izzy's interactions with them. Clara is a wonderful character. She is deeply concerned about Kristin's disappearance as she experienced an incident years before that has scarred her and made her cautious and suspicious over Paul's statement and actions. Izzy, portrayed as way-too self-absorbed for me, really created her own drama and problems based on the big-hush-hush secret that she shared. It was a struggle to relate to her and what she felt was important.

The quality of the writing is good and the plot moves along evenly, not frantically, as more information is slowly revealed. There are no huge surprises here, but it is a well told story with a satisfying ending.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of St. Martin's Press.
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AMZ and B&N

This book reminded me of an episode of Desperate Housewives (loved that show) . Any book that can keep me captivated with great characters, suspense and mystery is the perfect blend of a great beach read ! Loved the flow of the book the author kept me interested from the first pages. I would recommend reading if you like a good mystery.

Really 3.5 stars. Well written and gripping, but the end was a bit of a letdown. Sort of too pat while also having loose ends, believe it or not. It still made me turn the pages fast!

I don’t know if it’s a new trend in publishing or just a coincidence but recently I’ve read quite a few books about neighbors and the secrets they all have. Either way, I’m digging it and can’t see myself getting sick of books like these anytime soon. Domestic drama always fascinates me and Not That I Could Tell had plenty of juicy gossip and intrigue about not only Kristin’s disappearance, but the rest of the neighborhood as well.

Strawser proves with her second novel that she’s an incredibly gifted writer, I was a fan of her style in her debut and I think her writing has only gotten stronger this time around. Her characterization is where she really shines, she has a fantastic ability to craft people that are wholly believable, the type of people you may live next door to yourself. You hear from several different people here, Izzy and Clara mostly and I really found Clara to be relatable and my favorite of all the characters. The suburban setting was dead on, she did a great job of creating a strong sense of place and though I may not actually want to visit Yellow Springs, I feel like I can picture it vividly.

I wasn’t in love with the ending of the authors last book but she redeemed herself big time this go around, I loved it!! Endings can make it or break it for me and this one was amazing. Another excellent book club type of read and one I would classify as a light suspense with a domestic slant.

Not That I Could Tell in three words: Engrossing, Thoughtful and Deft.

I really enjoyed this book at a variety of levels. Initially I was attracted to it by the subject -- I do like domestic thrillers. Then, when I discovered it was set in Yellow Springs, Ohio and environs, well, that's an area of my home state that I'm well familiar with and I love to read books set in Ohio.

The writing is crisp, the characters are well drawn, the good people aren't perfect and the bad person isn't a caricature. The baddy is a creepy -- and creep. But that's to be expected.

The ending caught me by surprise. I didn't see it unfolding that way. But it was just right.

A good rainy weekend read!

4.5 Dramarana Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

This was a really fun read for me..... set in small town Ohio where the houses were as eclectic as the citizens..... whenever I read a book that takes place in a small town I always feel a little jealous, having lived in major cities my entire life..... and Yellow Springs was so picturesque and ideal, just the place you’d want to raise your family.....

The neighbor ladies get together for a girls night out.... kid free and husband free... The wine is flowing, the fire is burning, and the tongues are loose..... and the next day Kristin is gone along with her twins... did she leave of her own volition? Or has something more sinister happened?

This book really was about Clara and Izzy and how they coped with the disappearance of their friend/neighbor..... I really liked both of these ladies and related to them both in very different ways.... Clara is a stay at home mother with a fabulous husband (I must say) raising two kids and trying to be the best mom she possibly can.... Izzy oh Izzy... my heart broke for you girl! Caught in an impossible situation filled with regret... fighting her way back.... I really loved her character growth in this book... and I actually would appreciate another book with her to see where she goes from here......

I loved being the nosy neighbor without having to leave the comfort of my own home or peak out my window..... I loved getting a glimpse into all these characters lives... the good, the bad, and the ugly.... and a very special mention needs to go out to the very precocious 12-year-old Nancy Drew A.k.a. Hallie.... there were some times during this book I absolutely felt as though she was more in touch with what was going on then the adults... and the girl had spirit!

Absolutely recommend two fans of domestic thrillers with a slower pace.... this book didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat however I really wanted to know what was going on and The sooner the better....

*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***

A fast paced, beach read that’s a little on the soapy side. With an interesting cast of characters and told in two different voices, it was quite good. How well do you know your neighbors? What really happened to Kristen? If you enjoy a little drama in the neighborhood, you’ll enjoy this book!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I made it to the 15% mark and I have to bail. There’s nothing wrong with the writing, per se, but I feel like I’m reading a script for an episode of Desperate Housewives, and that’s just not my thing. Maybe it’s a case of right book, wrong time, but I refuse to force myself through something I’m not enjoying. I don't care for any of the characters and I have absolutely zero interest in what really happened to Kristen and her twins.

Where the $#%#% is Kristen!?!?!

This book will take you up and down, and back around again just trying to answer that question. I really enjoyed the suspense that builds up throughout this - and it's a fun, easy read as well. A bit "Big Little Lies" -esque, this story follows a group of neighbors (mostly moms), who let their hair down one night with some wine, and stories, and some neighborly bonding while their children and families sleep unaware of the mystery they will wake up to Monday morning - Kristen, has disappeared.

You wonder throughout the WHOLE BOOK where she went. You think it's one thing, then you think it's another (I wish there was more of this though - I didn't question many characters, and wished there were more angles to point fingers) but ultimately the end is satisfying, yet a little predictable, and then WHAM! Total surprise! I loooooved the end of this book!

I have read a few books in the past that each chapter is dedicated to a character. I find this a bit hard to keep track when its three or more characters. This book primarily follows two, Clara and Izzy, who are very likeable although troubled. I loved this technique of just following two people and watching all the drama in this entire neighborhood unfold.

The writing is smart, and clever and progresses very smoothly. This story of how well you really know the people around you, flows really well, and is definitley a page-turner, and I'm glad I read this.

After reading Jessica Strawser’s first book, and feeling that it was storytelling at its best, I couldn’t wait for her to write another thriller.

This time around, the story unfolds when a doctor’s wife vanishes after spending an evening with women who live nearby drinking wine by a fire pit. Each woman had things to share, some of them open up about fears and situations that upset them. Jessica slowly reveals information about each of the women as the story progresses. At times, the descriptions are so vivid that I either cringed along with them about embarrassing situations, and felt empathy for the one who was in love with a man who married her sister. Ouch! There were other moments in the book that made me smile, and of course, the “Oh No! be careful!” moments that left me on pins and needles for the character whose choices weren’t the best.

Not only do I recommend this book, but I think you should get the first one by this author if you haven’t already read it.

Missing doctor's wife and twin children - are they missing of their own volition?

Theirs is a friendly young neighborhood in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The women of the cul de sac are close friends, their children play together and go to school together. So no one can believe when Kristin and her twin children disappear the day after all the women had a gathering, drinking wine around one of their fire pits late into the night.

But they are gone with no trace, taking very little with them. And Dr. Paul, the husband who was being divorced, has moved back into what was "their" house. He says the right words but not everyone is believing that he doesn't know where his family is.

The author did a great job building the suspense in this story and also with the way she handled all the pieces of the puzzle.

I loved the character development of the women in the story. I felt like I would know any of them if I met them on the street or at a function.

The side and background stories of the different women were engrossing too.

I received this book from St. Martin's Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

So, lately I have been reading a lot of books about neighbors! I wondering if this is the new "girl" title? haha.

A backyard full of women lounging in front of a bonfire and drinking their worries away with tons of laughter. Baby monitors turned on full blast and husbands forbidden on this girls night. This sounds like my kind of night.... almost!

The next morning one of the women in this group of girls is missing along with her 2 twin children. Did she leave on her own? Is she missing? Did something horrible happen to her and the children?

The police start to get involved in this tragic event that is unfolding in this quant neighborhood. Secrets, lies, and deception starts to slowly unwind like a spiders web. Who is innocent? Who knows more then they're leading the others to believe?
Some the things that I loved in this novel was the dual POV. I LOVE this and being able to dive into the mind's of each and every character. But, sadly I couldn't get invested in these characters that much. I was waiting for something to happen and couldn't get my attention until like 70 percent in :(.

Finally, when story was revealed I just wasn't that impressed and it left me wanting more from the story. Although, I didn't see that last twist coming at the end which was a pleasant surprise :). I will still definitely like to see more from this author :).

This was a traveling sister read and like always loved seeing the ladies different point of views on this one. I feel like this was half and half on who loved it and who didn't.

Please go to Traveling Sister's blog to see our full sister review<3: https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com

Overall, 3 stars for this one.

Thank you so much to Jordan Hanley, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the advanced arc in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: 3/27/18
Posted to GR: 3/25/18.