This twisted tale was so fun to read. I love the always lyrical yet down-to-earth voice of Rachel Howzell Hall. This time, the exotic locale, pandemic setting, and cast of wacky characters really captured my attention. Howzell Hall gets you rooting for her very real, very fed-up heroines like no other. In this book, Coco is navigating a bad breakup while returning to the scene of a brutal crime from her childhood. I was captivated by the plot and by Coco's voice. Howzell Hall has become an automatic read author for me. She never disappoints, and the ending of this one is pitch perfect!

I've got some mixed feelings about What Never Happened.

There were times when I was confused as the story jumped back and forward a bit, especially at the beginning, thus requiring a higher level of concentration to connect to the goings on which are significant.

As the story progressed and the mysterious goings on increased, clues began to drop but it was difficult to determine which were red herrings. However, this made me more invested and determined to follow Coco as she wound her way through her daily life, often reflecting on the past.

There was a change in tone in the final part of the book which, imo, made it easier to unravel the mystery...but you'll have to read it for yourself to find out!

Did not love. It felt scattered to me and hard to keep up with. I actually liked the beginning, then it just veered off track quickly. I was able to get through it, but it was not a favorite.

What Never Happened was quite the ride. The first few chapters set the tone for the book. Coco's tragic history plays a significant role when it comes to her experience on the island of Catalina. The fact that it takes place on an island shortly before the pandemic adds to the suffocating atmosphere of the story. Things get off to a somewhat slow start, but it is to better acquaint the reader with her life on the island and those who inhabit it. As the story progresses, the pace picks up and becomes abundantly clear that things (and people) are not as they seem. By the end of the story, I couldn't put the book down as things begin to unravel. I felt transported by Hall's description of Catalina. Coco's story, as well as those associated with her, became more intriguing as the story progressed. Overall, a good read for those who want a slow burn mystery where the setting plays a role and characters have questionable motives.

This was a gripping read - compelling, likable characters, an interesting story line, and a plot that kept me engaged. I loved the quirkiness of it while also being a solid thriller.

First time delver into RHH's work, I was initially taken aback by the unconventional beginning and had to pay close attention early doors. However, once I found my bearings, the narrative which unfolded was profound and captivating. While Coco stood out as a memorable character, others gradually faded in appeal as the story developed. The vivid portrayal of Avalon and Catalina made me want to explore Southern California in the flesh - which is the sign of brilliant writing. I eagerly anticipate exploring more from this author. Highly recommended.

WHAT NEVER HAPPENED by Rachel Howzell Hall starts out with a bang. Coco wanders home in the middle of the night after slipping out to drink with local kids. Coco, a recent import from Long Beach, wants to fit in but finds Catalina Island a challenge, particularly as her family comprises a fair percentage of the island’s miniscule Black population. Coco walks in on a horrific scene at home: her father dead in a pool of blood in the kitchen. Coco discovers that her mother and brother have also been murdered, before narrowly escaping the killer by hiding in a closet. Nineteen years later, Coco has come back to Catalina to claim the house her family was supposed to move into all those years before. Coco is leaving her husband Micah who has dreams of becoming an actor on her dime. She worked as an obituary writer for the LA Times but was downsized. A job offer from her friend Maddy solidifies her decision to move back to Catalina Island.

Shortly after she arrives on Catalina, she finds out that the man who was arrested and convicted of killing her family has been released based on the sudden reappearance of the murder weapon, a knife that contains DNA that doesn’t match the suspect’s. Also, there's a strange occurrence happening in town; elderly people are dying under unusual circumstances. None of them die at home and no one seems to know why they may be at the locations where their body is found. Coco becomes suspicious after hearing about the strange deaths as the writer of their obituaries. At the same time, the country is starting to shut down due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Coco has to add sleuth to her resume as she tries to determine why her family was the targeted victims of a fatal home invasion, staying two steps ahead of her conniving husband and trying to determine if a serial killer is on the loose.

This was my first time reading one of Hall's psychological thrillers, and I was hooked from the start but at some parts the story lagged and seemed to get off course. Hall knows how to create a tense and captivating atmosphere. The book also touched on some relevant issues, such as racism, domestic violence, and the impact of the pandemic on people's lives. I thought the book was well-written and engaging, with some twists and surprises along the way. I was left with a few unanswered questions as some of the storylines were not wrapped up. This will not be my last read by this author.

My first book by Rachel Howzell Hall and I really enjoyed it! It was more of a slow burn for me with moments of intense suspense. I liked the writing and the inclusion of the start of the covid outbreak works perfectly to cut off the island and give the story a more isolated, creepy feel. Even with the isolation there are enough suspects and twists to keep you guessing.

I was really hoping to like this one as I struggled with the author's previous book and I do like to give second chances. Sadly, I don't think this author is for me. I got 25% into this book before I knew it was going to be another slow and dull story. If you plan to read this one, please don't take my word for it and give it a go.

Twenty years ago, Collette (Coco) Weber was the sole survivor of a home invasion on quiet Catalina Island, an idyllic spot where crime is virtually non existent. Leaving the island as soon as she could, Coco doesn’t look back, but when she’s at a crossroads in her life and her Aunt Gwen needs some care, Coco is headed back to the island. Thankfully she already has a job writing obituaries at the local paper owned by her college friend, Maddy. When a series of older woman are found dead in odd places around the island, Coco is not sure that the deaths are as natural as everyone seems to believe. At the same time, Coco is taking her own heat after her return, someone doesn’t want her back on the island. Could the loss of her family and the deaths of these older women be connected or is there more to the story? When obituaries with her name, date and cause of death start showing up, Coco is ready to leave the island once again, but in the midst of a pandemic the ferries are not running. Buckling down and putting her own safety aside, Coco is bound and determined to find out just what is really happening on the island, but will she be the next victim. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I thought this started slow but then I got caught up in the story….a girl escaping to her ho,me island from a marriage , and trying to get closure on her family’s murder from 20 years previous. Discussion of racism, nepotism, and past problems in her town lead to an unexpected ending.

Loved the setting of this novel! Being stuck on an island at the beginning of the pandemic really helped set the tone of the novel. So many twists and turns. Also loved all the mentions of Family Feud! Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

The beginning of What Never Happened will absolutely grab you. In fact, this may be one of the best opening scenes I've read this year. However, the book does slow down substantially and becomes a bit of a slow burn. I didn't hate the gradual buildup, but I was happy to see it pick up once again in the second half. There are a lot of subplots, but I actually liked them in this read. It really helped add to the setting and what life is like on the island. I enjoyed how the mystery played out although I could spot the red herrings along the way. The conclusion was rushed and should've been paced better. Overall, I would recommend the book to fans of small-town thrillers.

After reading roughly a hundred romances this year, I was in the mood for a nice mystery/ thriller/ suspense.

Rachel Howzell Hall’s What Never Happened depicts the killings taking place on Catalina Island that appear to be both racially and economically driven. This story uses the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic as the perfect opportunity for a serial killer to strike what is normally considered a safe heaven.

Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this book. It started out strong, waned in the middle, but picked up by the end. The big reveal is what ultimately bumped my rating up from three stars to four. I thought Hall did a great job concealing who was commuting the murders and tying together how and why the victims were chosen.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Rachel Howzell Hall, and Thomas and Mercer for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thrilling and mysterious. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Pacing was off sometimes but it didn't disturb the book too much.

What a fantastic thriller with a great plot that hooks you straight away.
The location of Catalina Island was an added bonus as it a place that has always fascinated me and the author created a wonderfully eerie gothic setting.

A brilliant twisty, gothic thriller full of surprises.

Obituary writer Coco Weber returns from LA to Catalina Island, her family's last home before they were brutally killed, to reclaim the family home from her aunt Gwen, following the breakup of her relationship. Taking a position as obituary writer on the local paper, she's made aware of several mysterious deaths of elderly women and starts investigating, but her attention is unwelcome and attracts threats. At the same time the person convicted of her family's murders is released after new evidence comes to light, meaning the real murderer may still be on Catalina. These threads are brought together in a surprising fashion, throwing a light on the unique environment of Catalina Island.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book starts off so strong and really reeled me in! I found the 1st quarter after that a bit slower, but pushed through and then I could not put the book down.

I enjoyed following Coco as she tries to survive again on Catalina while also dealing with her toxic ex. I also LOVED her obituarys they were so fun. I found the plot intriguing and it kept me wondering what was happening. I will admit I did figure it out early on.

Giving this one a solid 4 stars!

If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now!

Rachel Hozwzell Hall, you little rascal, you!

What Never Happened, completely blew my mind. Trust me when I tell you I wasn't giggling or cracking jokes when I was elbow deep in this banger of a book!!!

I went in blind, I adored the cover and the title was catchy. Sometimes, when you go in blind the surprises hit just that much harder and I wasn't in the mood for anything predictable.

BEST DECISION EVER!!!

This book right here is down right twisted, I loved every minute of it and hung on every word!

Absolutely ELECTRIFYING!!!

Check out this teaser :


It’s murder in paradise as a woman uncovers a host of secrets off the rocky California coast in a gripping novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Howzell Hall.

Colette “Coco” Weber has relocated to her Catalina Island home, where, twenty years before, she was the sole survivor of a deadly home invasion. All Coco wants is to see her aunt Gwen, get as far away from her ex as possible, and get back to her craft—writing obituaries. Thankfully, her college best friend, Maddy, owns the local paper and has a job sure to keep Coco busy, considering the number of elderly folks who are dying on the island.

But as Coco learns more about these deaths, she quickly realizes that the circumstances surrounding them are remarkably similar…and not natural. Then Coco receives a sinister threat in the mail: her own obituary.

As Coco begins to draw connections between a serial killer’s crimes and her own family tragedy, she fears that the secrets on Catalina Island might be too deep to survive. Because whoever is watching her is hell-bent on finally putting her past to rest.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

• fun & suspenseful plot
• great Catalina Island setting
• interesting secondary characters

This book hooked me from the very beginning! There are many mysteries in the plot and it was fun to see them all unfold. I really enjoyed our FMC's inner dialogue. The author uses a unique writing style which worked really well for me. The ending was just a little too neatly wrapped up for me.

🗣️ Thank you to @netgalley and thomasandmercer for the opportunity to read and review this book via both gifted eARC and audio! All opinions are honest and my own.