
Member Reviews

I love Noelle Ihli's writing and this book was no exception. It is clear the amount of time she spent researching the Mountain Meadows Massacre. At times it felt more like historical fiction than a standard thriller, but didn't read like a history book. It is much different than her usual books, but still kept me on the edge of my seat.

I would consider this more a historical fiction, rather than thriller. This is a very well researched story of a historical massacre that happened in the 1800s. Gripping, tragic, and heartbreaking. But very well written!

None Left to Tell by Noelle W. Ihli is a gripping historical thriller that explores the tragic events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three women: Lucy, a Mormon woman seeking retribution against those who persecuted her community; Katrina, a young mother traveling westward with her family; and Sally, a woman forced into a polygamous marriage. Their intertwined narratives illuminate the complexities of faith, obedience, and survival during one of America's most brutal massacres.
Ihli's meticulous research and evocative storytelling bring this tragic historical event to life, offering readers a profound exploration of human nature and the consequences of blind allegiance. While the novel paints a vivid picture of the era, it also includes graphic depictions of violence, including violence against children, which may be distressing to some readers. The book's content warning specifies "graphic descriptions of violence, including violence against children; the death of a child; and a non-graphic scene involving the death of an animal."
None Left to Tell is a compelling and thought-provoking read for those interested in historical fiction that confronts harsh truths and examines the darker aspects of American history.

**Review of *None Left to Tell: A Thriller* by Noelle West Ihli**
*None Left to Tell* by Noelle West Ihli is a gripping, heart-wrenching historical thriller that dives deep into one of the darkest chapters in American history—the Mountain Meadows Massacre. This novel not only brings a tragic event to life but also explores the emotional and physical toll it takes on the lives of three very different women, whose stories are intricately woven together amidst violence, survival, and betrayal.
The novel centers on three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—each dealing with their personal struggles in the face of terror. Lucy’s story is driven by her desire for vengeance and justice after the brutal persecution of her family and the anti-Mormon mob that drove them from their homes. Her resilience and determination to stand her ground when faced with impending violence make her a compelling and strong protagonist.
Katrina’s perspective adds a layer of vulnerability to the narrative, as she faces the harsh realities of protecting her family while enduring an unthinkable journey. As a mother, her survival instincts are tested to the breaking point, and her determination to shield her children from harm forms one of the novel's emotional core points.
Sally's storyline is one of the most poignant, as she navigates the complexities of being forced into a polygamous marriage to a man she barely knows. The isolation she feels within her new life is stark, and the pressure of having to choose between her own safety and standing up for what’s right becomes the backbone of her character arc. Her internal conflict adds depth to the narrative and highlights the struggles faced by women in oppressive circumstances.
The novel shines a light on the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which was a brutal, real-life event in 1857, and provides a raw, unflinching portrayal of the violence that occurred. The author does not shy away from the horrors of this moment in history, describing the brutal acts in graphic detail, making the stakes for these women all the more intense and urgent. This realism makes *None Left to Tell* a powerful, haunting read, though it is important to note that the graphic violence might be unsettling for some readers, especially those sensitive to violence involving children.
What sets this book apart is how it combines historical events with deeply human experiences. The novel doesn’t simply recount the massacre but allows readers to witness the impact of those events through the eyes of women who, in different ways, are fighting to survive and protect those they love. The personal struggles of Lucy, Katrina, and Sally are painted against the larger backdrop of historical conflict and religious zealotry, making their stories all the more compelling and poignant.
That said, the book also includes some language and phrases that are now considered racially insensitive, as a reflection of the time period in which the story is set. While it may be uncomfortable for some readers, the author does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of that era, contributing to the book’s historical authenticity.
Overall, *None Left to Tell* is an emotionally intense, beautifully written thriller that balances historical depth with the human stories at its heart. Noelle West Ihli has crafted a captivating, thought-provoking narrative that not only sheds light on an important moment in history but also explores the resilience of women when faced with unimaginable circumstances. It’s a powerful, memorable read that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, thrilling suspense, and stories of survival and inner strength.

None Left to Tell by Noelle W. Ihli is a powerful and haunting historical fiction that delves deep into the tragic Mountain Meadows Massacre. The author expertly weaves together the stories of three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—each grappling with the harsh realities of survival, loyalty, and the impact of violence. The characters are well-developed, and their courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances draws the reader in. Ihli’s writing captures the tension and brutality of the period, making the story both gripping and emotional. While the narrative could occasionally feel overwhelming due to its heavy themes, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read. A must-read for those interested in historical fiction and stories of resilience.

Noelle W. Ihli's None Left to Tell is a gripping historical thriller that delves into the harrowing events of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. Through the intertwined narratives of three resilient women—Lucy, a devoted Mormon convert; Katrina, a pioneer mother journeying westward; and Sally, a Native American woman navigating the complexities of her forced marriage—Ihli masterfully brings to life the personal and collective tragedies of this dark chapter in American history.
The novel's strength lies in its meticulous research and vivid storytelling, which immerse readers in the cultural and emotional landscapes of the time. Ihli's portrayal of the protagonists' struggles and resilience offers a poignant exploration of faith, survival, and the moral ambiguities faced by individuals ensnared in larger historical forces.

None Left to Tell by Noelle W. Ihli is a well-researched historical thriller that delves into the harrowing events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The narrative follows three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—each offering a unique perspective on this tragic chapter in American history. While the storytelling is compelling and sheds light on a lesser-known event, I found the subject matter particularly heavy, and it didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped. However, readers interested in historical fiction that tackles difficult topics may find this book enlightening.
Trigger Warnings: This novel contains graphic descriptions of violence, including violence against children, the death of a child, and a non-graphic scene involving the death of an animal. Additionally, it includes outdated and racially insensitive language reflective of the time period. Readers sensitive to these topics should approach with caution.

None Left to Tell by Noelle W. Ihli is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on edge with its twists and eerie atmosphere. The protagonist’s journey through danger and deception is compelling, and the mystery unfolds in a way that keeps the pages turning. While some plot points feel slightly predictable, the suspense and strong writing make this a highly enjoyable read, earning it a solid four stars.

Engaging and immersive. A recommended purchase for collections where historical crime and thrillers are popular.

Buckle up. This one was a doozy. I connected with the characters almost immediately and couldn’t put this one down. Very creepy vibes, and I just had to know how it ended! Recommend to all thriller fans!

2.5 Stars ~
This was a tough read for me, not for the content per se, but the fact it was way more historical fiction than I had anticipated.
Historical fiction is not my genre of choice by any means. My problem was purely the genre and not the story itself.
I haven't read a book by Noelle Ihli that I didn't enjoy, and that I felt I was really having to force myself to finish, but this was the exception.
The read felt quite endless, and I was just trying to make myself pick it up, just to finish it.
I will continue to read anything Noelle writes, she is an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you to Net-galley for the eARC of this book, in return of an honest review.

Wonderful book. Heartwrenching, heartbreaking, and emotional in many parts. Loved the historical background. All the characters were beautifully drawn., with their own sympathetic points of view. Didn’t want the story to end. Highly recommended.

I love that this story was based on true events of the authors ancestors and I loved the way all the characters came together into one story without even knowing it. However I struggled to follow along at times. There were so many characters and so many things happening at once. That being said, this was my first historical fiction and I'm just not sure this genre is for me.

I knew absolutely nothing about the Mountain Meadows massacre so researched it before starting. The book is so well written and really captures what it might have been like to live thru that terrible moment in history. This was one of my favorite books ever read - it kept me fully engaged and the characters were well developed. Five+ stars!

going in blindly was the best thing! I enjoyed all of the different POVs. Even though it was advertised as a thriller, it gave more of a historical fiction vibe

This book wrecked me in ways I wasn’t ready for. It’s gripping, emotional, and full of twists that kept me hooked till the last page. The story dives deep into trust, betrayal, and the weight of secrets, with characters so real they practically breathe. The suspense? Perfectly paced. The emotions? Gut-wrenching.
Set against the backdrop of the brutal Mountain Meadows Massacre, this novel follows three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—whose lives are entangled in tragedy, survival, and impossible choices. Each woman’s story is raw and powerful, showing the brutal realities of the past and the strength it took to endure. The amount of research and heart poured into this book is evident on every page, making it both an immersive historical fiction and a chilling true-crime-inspired tale.
I couldn’t put this book down. It transported me to a time when survival was uncertain, making me grateful for the world we live in today. The writing is engaging and effortless, yet thought-provoking and intense. It sparked my curiosity and led me to research more about the real events behind the story.
Much like Ask for Andrea, this book will live in my mind rent-free forever. If you love thrillers that hit hard and stay with you, don’t skip this one. Just be sure to check the content warnings if certain topics might be triggering.

I had trouble connecting with this book. I loved the historical aspect but the three main characters all had similar voices, and it was difficult for me to tell them apart or connect with them, so I wound up trying to finish it twice but quitting about halfway through. I might give it a try again sometime, because I did really find the history interesting -- maybe it's a book that I just needed more patience for.

So good! Historical fiction beautifully written. Noelle’s writing style captures you from the start.

*Heartbreaking. Gut-wrenching. Emotionally draining.*
Honestly, I’m not sure what to say.
This book was tough, I had to take breaks from it. However, it is very well-written and I think the author does a great job with such a heavy topic. The story is thought-provoking and opened my eyes to the trials that America went through in the past.
Told in the points of view of 3 different women, you witness their heartache and tribulations. I definitely recommend this book, but look closely at the “content advisory” at the beginning of the book. I also appreciated the “Author’s Note” at the beginning as well.
I would not label this book as a thriller, to me it is an emotional historical-fiction with some suspense.

I really struggled with this one. I love historical fiction and I also love Noelle's other books but this was not at all what I thought i was getting myself into. I think if maybe I revisit it at another time when I am more in the mood for something Historical I may enjoy it more. Thank you for the opportunity though!