This was quite different from Ihli’s other books, but I don’t think anyone could have depicted the mass murder of the ‘gentiles’ on mountain Meadow more respectfully and moving as her. It was a thoroughly researched book about an event I knew nothing about before reading it. I was immediately transported back in time, as if I was there. It brings home how much the world has changed and what our ancestors had to live through.

I also recommend the afterword, it just made me respect the story the author has crafted even more.

Honestly this isn't a book I would typically read. But I really did enjoy reading this book. I honestly didn't even know about the history around this book. It was slow to start and I wanted to give up a couple times but I stuck it out and I'm glad that I did.

A thriller, no doubt, but it's originally a historical fiction. A work of fiction but tightly based on a brutal, tragic, and sickening event in history. Very meticulously researched and told through emotional experience this is the book every one who didn’t know about it, should read. I praise the author for providing excerpts from sermons, letters to church leaders in Philadelphia, and most importantly, the list of victims in the Mountain Meadows Massacre in Utah in 1857.
It's written in a thriller style that keeps you on edge throughout the book. You can't help but admire the strength of all three women in their horrifying journey. All the characters are based on real people's lives, which is explained truthfully in the author's note at the start and the afterword at the end. Attention to details and the descriptions are masterfully crafted.
It was an intense, heartbreaking, and gut-wrenching emotional experience. Highly recommended.
Thanks a lot to @Netgalley , author, and the publisher Dynamite Books for the eARC.

As someone who tends to not love a historical fiction, I was a little skeptical when I was encouraged to try Noelle West Ihli’s latest novel. With her writing style and pace though, Ihli did a fantastic job presenting such a tragic event in US history, one myself, and I’m sure many others, have never even heard of: The Mountain Meadow Massacre.
Told in the point of view of three unique women, we get a glimpse into the historical conflict and nuances that lead to the massacre, from the perspectives of a Mormon wife, a gentile mother in a wagon train bound for California, and the fourth-wife of a Native chief.

I was impressed at how well Ihli was able to tell this story. It was compelling and hooked me from the first paragraph. The characters were layered and the telling of the events was riveting. If I learned this story in history class, I have no memory whatsoever; upon finishing this book, though, I want more information because it was just fascinating to learn how all the parties were involved. I’ve found myself even mentioning it to friends in conversation because it’s so powerful. You can feel how much care Ihli put into the characters, while still keeping as much historical accuracy as possible.

This is not for the faint of heart though, and comes with many trigger-warnings. Be sure to read the intro warnings if you may be impacted reading about death and other difficult content. While Ihli handles the topics respectfully, given the nature of the event, it’s tough at times.

A great read that I highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley and Dynamite Books for this advanced digital copy.

Thank you to Dynamite Books for the ARC! While the story started off slower than I anticipated, it kept me hooked all the way to the end. The characters are well-developed, and the twists are unpredictable! For me, it leans more toward historical fiction than a typical thriller, but it is a thought-provoking read, and one that I definitely recommend!

I realized early into the book that this was more of a historical fiction than a thriller. With that, I’d say this book was really interesting and really heartbreaking. It dug deep into the POVs of multiple characters on different sides of the “Mountain Meadows Massacre”. It was impossible not to care deeply for them all.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

This is a slow-burn read. There are so many details to read and sift through. I've not read any of this author's books prior to this one, and I think that's good, considering I would not list this as a thriller. I would consider this book more of a historical fiction/non-fiction. I haven't cried tears for a book in a very long time, until now. This is such a heartwrenching story, completely based on real people and real events. This is a book that will stay with you for awhile.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

Noelle continues to be one of my absolute favorite authors, and once again, she delivers a powerful and unforgettable book. her works are always top-tier, and this one is no exception. while this particular story deviates from her usual style, especially with its SLOWER pace, its still a compelling read.

what makes this book even more profound is that it’s rooted in real-life events. i can't even begin to imagine the emotional toll it must have taken on the author to bring such a deeply personal and heart-wrenching story to life. the depth of emotion woven into every page is palpable, and it’s clear that Noelle poured her heart and soul into this work. 👏👏😮‍💨

the historical event at the heart of this story was entirely new to me, and it was fascinating to uncover this hidden chapter of history. the narrative introduces us to three women, each with her own unique and harrowing journey, and slowly reveals how their lives intersect. it is a story of unimaginable tragedy and survival, showcasing the strength of the human spirit. Noelle’s dedication to portraying these women’s stories with such care and respect is nothing short of phenomenal. 🥰

This was so good but in the most heartbreaking way. I cried more than once while reading this. I was not prepared for how heavy this book was going to be. Keep in mind that if you are sensitive to violence then check content warnings before reading. I feel like I can't say too much without accidentally giving a spoiler but this book was amazing and I highly recommend.

The following review has been posted on my Bookstagram (@mads.is.booking), Goodreads, and StoryGraph. It will also get posted on Amazon on pub day!

This could very easily become one of, if not the, top book of 2024 for me. I went into this with zero knowledge of the Mountain Meadows Massacre and it feels like such an injustice I didn't know about this before.

The story is told through the POVs of several women - Lucy, Katrina, and Sally - who are all connected by this terrible, violent tragedy. Each woman's story is heartbreaking in its own regard. Their stories are powerful and devastating at the same time.

None Left to Tell is a violent book and there were moments where it was hard to read the details. This story was obviously very close to Ihli's heart and that comes through in the pages. There is incredible emotional depth and character in this story.

I do think it's important to note that this book is not quite the historical thriller it was originally advertised to be. Though there was a slight theme of a mystery (in terms of the short plot points of the investigation), this is by no means a thriller. It is more closely a historical fiction. Knowing this going into it will make it much more enjoyable, IMO.

I have thought about this every single day since I finished it and I don't see that pattern stopping anytime soon. This book might likely end up one of my top books of 2024. I cannot recommend None Left to Tell enough. Please, please, please read this book!!!!

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours, Dynamite Books, and Noelle W. Ihli for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Unfortunately this was just too slow paced for me. I was so excited to read another Noelle thriller but Unfortunately this one wasn't it.

Thank you NetGalley, Noelle W Ihli and Dynamite Books for a copy in exchange for a review.

Noelle W. Ihli once again demonstrates her exceptional talent for bringing history to life. This is the second book I've read from her, and she continues to impress with her vivid and immersive storytelling. From the moment you begin reading, you are transported to a specific time and place—so richly detailed that it feels as though you are living within the pages. Her ability to capture the essence of the historical period adds incredible authenticity to the story, making it as educational as it is entertaining.

The first part of the book introduces the three central women, each uniquely drawn with complexity and depth. While some might find the early chapters slower-paced, this deliberate pacing is essential for building the emotional foundation of the narrative. It's like the climb before the drop of a roller coaster—meticulously crafted and absolutely necessary to create the tension and anticipation that the second half delivers in spades.

And once the roller coaster begins, there’s no turning back. The second part of the book is a thrilling, breath-stealing ride, full of unexpected twists and gripping moments that make it impossible to put down. Ihli masterfully keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, delivering emotional highs and lows that resonate deeply.

Though the book is historical fiction, it is not just a lesson in history—it’s an emotional journey that explores the triumphs and struggles of its characters. Expect to be captivated not only by the setting but also by the rich internal lives of these women, who are portrayed with such care and nuance.

Be prepared to cancel your plans once you reach the heart of the story, as it’s the kind of book that demands your full attention. If you love books that combine historical authenticity with compelling character-driven narratives, this one is a must-read.

This one was more historical fiction than thriller. I found it to be a little bit slow and heavy on the research, it was an interesting story to read but not particularly thrilling

Harrowing historical fiction.

„Here 120 men, women, and children were massacred in cold blood in early September. They were from Arkansas.“ ~ Inscription by US Cavalry, marking a mass grave at Mountain Meadows, Utah.

As this quote at the start of the book makes clear, „None Left to Tell“ tells the fictionalized story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre that took place in Southern Utah in September 1857, culminating on September 11, 1857. It was one of the deadliest massacres on US soil before 9/11/2021.

Though the story‘s aim is, per the author‘s note at the end, not „us-versus-them“, the novel is in fact told through the eyes of three women that find themselves on very different sides of the events taking place:

- Katrina „Kit“ Huff is a 38-years old mother of four from Arkansas, making the trek West through Utah with her family to give her sick daughter the chance of a better future.

- Lucy Robinson, also a mother of four, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also historically referred to as „Mormon“) who helped settle the town of Fillmore, Utah with her husband after having fled from religious persecution in New York, Missouri and Illinois.

- Kahpeputz / Sally is a Native American girl kidnapped from the Bannock people as a young girl and gifted to the household of Brigham Young, then president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as a servant. At seventeen, she was then given to Chief Kanosh of the Paiute, residing in Corn Creek, Utah, as his fourth wife.

As the emigrants from Arkansas pass through Utah territory on their way to California, the lives of these women intersect inevitably and with devastating consequences, which the author compiles into a superbly written and deeply moving novel.

The most harrowing historical fiction is the one where you are told in the beginning (or already know) the horrific ending of the events covered in the book, yet the story is written in such an engaging and moving way that you keep hoping for a different outcome. „None Left to Tell“ does exactly that. You know the massacre is looming, is inevitable in its historic certainty, and yet you cannot stop imagining different futures for protagonists you know are doomed, so that when the worst still happens, it is even more haunting heartbreaking. Therein, then, lies the true strength of this book, and the whole first part was absolutely shattering, gripping, and devastating.

On the other hand, the whole second part of the book with its dramatized descriptions of the massacre’s aftermath fell fairly flat for me in comparison. An utterly unnecessary romance is one thing. It is another thing completely to have a character who historians believe met a very different end have a completely new/fictional storyline, regardless of my hopes for her story to have a happy ending. While it is inherent to historical fiction that - besides the bare facts of what we can prove happened - most of it is made up, this rubbed me the wrong way. The same can be said for making some protagonists - in this case, the ones based on the author‘s own ancestors, of all people! - out to be active participants in the massacre and its aftermath in the book only to have to specify in the afterword that they did not, to the author’s knowledge, have a role in any of it.

For me personally, the stunning, harrowing way in which the tragedy was brought to life in the first part of the book was somewhat cheapened by these storylines. In fact, it seems to me that simply stating the known facts of what happened after the massacre to the people the protagonists in the book are based on - similarly to the epilogue at the end of a movie based on true events - would have been more impactful (and respectful) than that.

Interestingly, the book‘s afterword makes it clear that the author grew up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints herself, but before you think she has unconscious, favorable bias towards the „Mormons“ in this story, the afterword actually gives the impression that she has since left the Church, suggesting a different kind of unconscious bias. In fact, of the three women protagonists, Lucy comes off as the most morally ambiguous, despite being based on the author’s own ancestors.

Similarly, speaking from a research point of view, there was definitely some intentional selection of the historical sources quoted in the book to fit a specific narrative.

There is no question that the perpetrators of the Mountain Meadows Massacre were, by and large, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in particular local church leaders. In fact, the Church itself very clearly acknowledges this in its account of the massacre:

“What was done … long ago by members of our Church represents a terrible and inexcusable departure from Christian teaching and conduct... We express profound regret for the massacre …. A separate expression of regret is owed to the Paiute people who have unjustly borne for too long the principal blame for what occurred during the massacre. … [T]hey would not have participated without the direction and stimulus provided by local Church leaders and members.“

However, the book’s strongly suggested involvement by Brigham Young himself has never been conclusively proven. Seemingly presenting evidence of the presumed guilt of Church officials on all levels, some direct historical quotes from Young in the book are actually taken out of context to *only* include inflammatory speech given against the backdrop of the Utah War. Missing is, for example, Young’s direct order to the men in lying siege to the wagon trains in Mountain Meadow, dated September 10, 1857, that „you must not meddle with them [the emigration trains passing through the Utah settlements].“ To not include both seems historically inaccurate.

All in all, while not perfect, „None Left to Tell“ covers a horrible event sensibly, with deep empathy and haunting, unflinching prose that never resorts to unnecessarily gory descriptions of a tragedy that is still unknown to many. It is an often difficult read, and all the more important because of it.

Thanks to Dynamite Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

„None Left to Tell“ is slated to be released on October 10, 2024.

Absolutely heartbreaking story! It was my first time hearing of this horrible event. Even though it was a very sad story to read I loved how it was written and the awareness of what truly happened.

None Left to Tell is a powerful and gripping historical novel that brings to life the harrowing events surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre, one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history. Through the perspectives of three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—the novel delves deep into the personal toll of religious persecution, survival, and revenge.

The novel shines in its vivid portrayal of frontier life and the tension between settlers and the unforgiving land they occupy. The author’s depiction of the events leading up to the massacre is both haunting and thought-provoking, providing insight into how fear and fanaticism can spiral into unimaginable violence.

None Left to Tell is not just a story of tragedy but also of resilience, showing how, even in the darkest moments, people can find strength to survive. A must-read for fans of historical fiction!!!!

Historical fiction based on the 1857 Mountain Meadow Massacre, NONE LEFT TO TELL is an emotionally charged story of three women who will stand their ground in the face of outstanding odds against them. Noelle Ihli is best known for her thrillers, yet brings her considerable writing skills to bear in a story not so well known in history and brings it to life in a manner where readers will feel the adrenaline as the characters prepare to fight and protect their community. It seems Ihli is more than a thriller writer, she's a woman of awesome skills.

This is absolutely my favorite read of this year. And I'm over 130 deep so far.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I put it off until the last minute. I knew from the intro and the content warning that it was going to be an emotional read and I didn't have that in me at the time. Once I started I could not stop.

This is my first book by this author but her writing is so descriptive you feel like you're there. I was genuinely immersed in the book the entire time. It had me emotional at about 10% of the way through and in tears at 25%. And the book continued to make me cry. The story is so powerful.

If you read the Dear America journal series growing up, this feels like the adult version. Obviously based on true events, but from a very relatable perspective. Three female POV's in part one and part two.

I can not recommend this book enough. I just know it's going to stay in my mind and heart for a long time. Please read the content advisory before you read. But please read.

Noelle is a master author…. Her books are like a skein of yarn. While she carefully spools all these threads of characters and storylines together to make one big ball of a colorful story.
I was truly impressed more so by her Authors story in and the background of how she came to write this book. Growing up we were never told the hidden secrets of the American people. It’s not all what our history books tell us, yes a lot is dark and scary. What Noelle does here is shed light on a very important story of Americas Dark History in a way that you are sympathetic to all involved.

None Left to Tell
by Noelle West Ihli
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

**This book contains some graphic descriptions of violence, including violence against children; the death of a child; and a non-graphic scene involving the death of an animal. It also includes outdated and racially insensitive phrases and words about Native people, endemic to the time period.""
Ihli clearly poured her heart into this story, and the attention to detail is impressive. It’s a beautiful yet heartbreaking tale that shines a light on a tragic part of American history that deserves more recognition. While the story starts a bit slow, the emotional depth and powerful themes make it a must-read.

Bravo to Noelle West Ihli for another captivating novel! This story is both special and touching, leaving you with a lot to think about. If you haven’t heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre before, this book will definitely change that!