This story is TOUGH and so important.

A historical account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre (with fictional elements), Noelle W. Ihli brings to light the horrors that have always persisted, the awful things we do to each other, and the ripples of impact that our actions have.

I had to stop several times to digest what I'd read or because I was feeling the anxiety and suspense, which is exactly why Ihli is an auto-buy author for me. She masterfully told the story of the massacre from several POVs and...just read it. You won't be sorry!

Wow, that was a brutal read! This is only my second book by Ihli (Gray After Dark being the first) so I was looking forward to it but figured it’d fall into the fairly standard thriller books category. But boy, was I wrong. This is honestly more historical horror than thriller.

The story is based off a very dark and very real massacre from the mid 19th century. This is one I had heard nothing about which is WILD because it is some heavy stuff. Ihli does a fantastic job at keeping the book accessible despite its pre Civil War setting. It’s a ROUGH read. The kind of book that leaves a weight on your chest during and after you’re done. I wouldn’t say it’s a fast paced book but the first half has a LOT going on and then the second half is a bit scattered until things start clinking into place and your heart just sinks gradually.

I really enjoyed this one. Ihli has a personal connection with the real life subjects and her dedication shines throughout the book. I’m from the southeastern US and don’t know a ton of history about the LDS community and their past. So this was an absolutely fascinating read for me.

The characters are very well written. Again, this is a heartbreaking book. It’s hard to really accept the horrors of humanity at times. In the afterword Ihli discusses in which ways her story deviates from the history and it’s both fascinating and devastating. I’d definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy dark historical reads. This is a heavy one but an absolutely worthwhile read.

ARC Book Review

Thank you to @netgalley, Dynamite Books, and @noelleihliauthor for the chance to read and review this book its release date. Noelle W. Ihli is an auto-read author for me, and I screamed when I got the ARC email from NetGalley.

I had to sit with this book after I read it because my heart was so heavy. I had honestly never heard about the Mountains Meadow Massacre before picking up this book, but I will never forget it. The actions and events on those days were so brutal and vile, and just reading the Afterward written by the author left me even more sick to my stomach. My heart hurts.

Ihli takes us through the events leading up to, and a few years after the tragedy that left at least 120 Americans, men, women, and children, brutally murdered. Readers follow multiple POVs, Katrina Huff, one of the women traveling with the wagon train through Utah to reach California, Lucy Robinson, one of the Mormons who lives in the town, and Kahpeputz, an indigenous woman caught in between.

None Left to Tell is pretty different from Ihli’s other novels, but I couldn’t put it down. Her writing and storytelling was enthralling, and she had a grip on my heart that wouldn’t let go. As a mother and a wife, reading from other mother’s POV during this tragedy made it that march harder, and that much heavier. Truly a work of art and a tribute to those Americans who senselessly lost their lives just searching for a better home.

2.5⭐️ Thank you to Netgalley, Dynamite Books, and the author for the ARC.

I have been a fan of Ihli after reading her last several books, so I was excited to see that she had a new book coming out. This book, which is marketed as a thriller, should be classified as a historical fiction with action more than anything else. Don’t get me wrong, I love historical fiction, but this period of history isn’t something I would typically choose to read about. Ilhi’s writing was beautiful and still grabbed my attention as it always did, but I just found it difficult to get interested in the story itself. The plot wasn’t objectively bad by any means—it just wasn’t something I enjoyed this time around.

Noelle West Ihli has done it again! While this book feels more like historical fiction than a thriller, her writing pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, your heart will race with some thrilling moments, and you might find yourself tearing up, too!

Set against the backdrop of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857, we meet three incredible women who endure unimaginable hardships. First up is Lucy, who’s fed up with running away. Ten years ago, an anti-Mormon mob drove her family from their homes in Illinois. Now, with those same men rumored to be heading through Utah, she’s ready to stand her ground.

Then there’s Katrina, a young mother of four. She knows the journey west will be tough, but she’s walking straight into chaos. Determined to protect her family, she faces challenges that will test her strength like never before.

Finally, we have Sally, who’s just been “gifted” as a fourth wife to a man she hardly knows. Feeling trapped and lonely, she tries to make the best of her situation. But when her husband gets involved with a group planning revenge, Sally is forced to rethink everything—loyalties and her own safety included.

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!

Thank you Netgalley and Dynamite Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This book is not what I was expecting from this author her typical dark and twisty fast paced thrillers turned into a historical almost true story. It wasn’t a bad read just not what I was expecting and not the typical book I like to read. Also there was way too many characters that at times made certain story lines hard to follow.

Wow! Saw this on a NetGalley Facebook group as it came highly recommended. Thankful to have received this ARC.

I had never heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Grateful to have learned more about this. The authors note at both the beginning and the end were so helpful and insightful. Loved that the author stayed as true to actual events as possible.

I hope many others read this and learn more about this event!

Fascinating. I always learn so much about history when an author takes the time to do the research to make the novel as close to the real events as possible. Ihli certainly put in that research.

In 1857 there was a wagon train heading from Arkansas to California, the families were having a rough time of it due to drought conditions. They were running low on food and their cattle didn't have enough grass to eat. When they finally came to a meadow where there was water to drink and grasses for the cattle, they felt positive that they could complete their trek. But that night they are attacked by a tribe of Native Americans, some suspected that the guns the Natives held may have been given to them by the Mormons but they tried to stay positive.

This story is told in various POV's, all women; a Gentile woman heading to California long with her daughter's voice, A Native American woman who is not of that tribe, and a Mormon woman who has to deal with her husband taking another wife and then his complete change of character after he returns from that Meadow.

Every group seemed to believe that they were the people who deserved something from others or from the government. The Mormons certainly didn't come out looking very good even though you have to feel for them being persecuted in New York and in the Midwest. It certainly doesn't give them the moral right to massacre a hundred people who hadn't done anything to them. It's another case of people going to war for their religious beliefs and using God as their excuse to behave badly.

I highly recommend reading this book. It truly brings to life a time in America's history that isn't shared often. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Let me start by saving, this book was very good. And major props to Noelle Ihli for telling the story so elegantly and clearly. I truthfully had never heard of the massacre before reading this book, but Noelle Ihli did her research and told the story in such an honorable way for those it impacted. It was definitely a slow pace but made sense given the timeline it had to cover.

However, my only issue with the book is that it is NOT a thriller. I think it's been miscategorized and should be historical fiction or whatever would fit that better. It just had no aspects of a typical thriller and I feel that readers should know that before going into it.

None Left to Tell
4.7⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genres/Tropes: Historical fiction based on true story, twisty
Spice: none
Cursing: mild
Settings: 1850s Utah
Characters: Nancy, Sally, Awan, Vick, Peach, Amina, Tri, Lucy, Kima, Emma
👍 twists, learning about Mormons' and native Americans relations, short chapters, multi POV, learning history
👎slow at times

Description:
Three women are connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history.
Lucy is sick of turning the other cheek. Ten years ago, an anti-Mormon mob drove her family and friends from their homes in Illinois. But now, the tables have turned. Rumor has it, some of those same men are traveling through Utah on their way to California. And this time, Lucy won’t run.
Katrina knew the trek west would be difficult. But she had no idea she’d be walking straight into hell. The young mother of four is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her family from the violence closing in, but the battle to survive will be more harrowing than anything she can imagine.
Sally has just been “gifted” to a man she barely knows—as his fourth wife. Trapped and lonely, she tries to make the best of her new life. But when her husband insists on joining a group of religious zealots’ plans for revenge, she’s forced to reconsider her loyalties. Even if it means putting her own life on the line.
Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

My opinion:
Very detailed storyline with well developed main characters most based on true historical people. I also liked being able to understand the story better because of the multiple POV. The short chapters make for easy, quick reading. I truly appreciated learning about true (not history book) American history, especially in regards to the Mormons' and Native Americans' relations. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #historicalbooks #booktok #nativeamerican

My words won’t seem to come to me after finishing “None left to tell”. What an absolutely heart wrenching book, Noelle. I’m so happy that I got to read an advance copy of your newest novel. It took me longer than I expected, but I’m so glad I read it. I am shattered. I cried so so many times. Only twice were they happy tears. Having no prior knowledge of the Mountain Meadows Massacre I was completely blindsided but not in a way that made me want to stop reading. I just feel so broken for everyone involved 😭😭

Fans of psychological thrillers will likely find "None Left to Tell" a satisfying read, thanks to its intricate plot and strong character development. Overall, it's a solid addition to the genre that showcases Ihli's talent for storytelling.

Lucy was driven away from here home in Illinois. Katrina knew the journey to the west would be difficult. Her main concern is protecting her family. Sally has been “gifted” as a fourth wife to a man she barely knows. She tries to make the best of her situation.

Don’t pick this book assuming her normal thriller. You can tell the author poured her heart into this story and research. When reading, pay close attention to the names and dates. Although it wasn’t the thriller I expected, I did learn a lot about the massacre that I didn’t know happened.

Thank you to Noelle West Ihli, Dynamite Books, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a haunting historical novel set against the backdrop of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a dark chapter in American history. The story follows three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—whose lives intertwine as they face the violent aftermath of the anti-Mormon persecution. Lucy, embittered by her past, is determined not to flee this time when old enemies pass through Utah. Katrina, a mother of four, is unprepared for the brutality awaiting her as she fights to keep her family safe. Sally, thrust into a polygamous marriage, finds herself caught in a deadly conspiracy, forcing her to make unimaginable choices. Through their stories, the novel explores themes of survival, faith, and moral dilemmas in times of extreme violence.

Review:
A deeply moving exploration of an often-overlooked historical event. The author excels in creating richly detailed settings and in capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters. The attention to historical detail is remarkable, bringing to life the difficult realities faced by these women during a time of upheaval. The book is beautifully written, offering a blend of heartbreak and hope that lingers long after the final page.

One of the novel's strengths is its ability to evoke powerful emotional responses from readers. The challenges faced by Lucy, Katrina, and Sally are rendered with sensitivity, making their struggles feel personal and urgent. Themes of survival, loyalty, and the cost of vengeance are explored in ways that provoke deep reflection on the part of the reader.

However, the book’s pacing may not appeal to everyone. While billed as a "historical thriller," it reads more as a slow-burn historical fiction. The deliberate pacing, while allowing for deep character development, can feel sluggish at times, making it difficult to maintain momentum. Some readers might struggle through the middle sections, as I almost did, but it’s worth sticking with for the emotional payoff.

For readers unfamiliar with the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the novel offers a captivating introduction to this tragedy. Despite its slow pace, the book’s emotional depth and attention to historical detail make it a worthwhile read. I even find myself considering a re-read, hoping it might reveal nuances I missed the first time.

Pros:
📌 Beautifully written with a keen eye for detail
📌 Emotionally engaging, with powerful themes of survival and loyalty
📌 A thought-provoking look at a little-known tragedy

Cons:
📌 The slow pacing may be a deterrent for some readers
📌 Feels more like historical fiction than a true "thriller"

Final Thoughts:
While this novel may not have the fast-paced action of a thriller, its emotional resonance and historical authenticity make it a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives. For readers looking to understand the human cost of violence and fanaticism, this novel is a poignant, if heavy, journey worth taking.

Wow. I don’t even know what to say about this book. I had never heard of Mountain Meadows Massacre. Noelle did such a beautiful job of telling this story. It was tragic and hard to read at times. I felt transported to the time of the events as if I was standing afar watching this all play out. I loved the afterwards, it helped clear up a few questions I had. This is unlike her other books I’ve read but it was incredible.

Wow. My mind is still processing everything that happened in this book. Knowing that this is based on true events, my mind is even more blown. I had never read a historical suspense/thriller and I had never even heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre before picking up this book, but now I won’t be able to stop thinking about it. This book was very different from Noelle’s usual thrillers, but it was such a profound story that is the kind of story that will stay with you. She did a great job of combining true events and fictional story elements to make for a very unique, compelling, heart wrenching, and hard to put down read. The story is told from the POV of multiple women from different backgrounds through multiple timelines, all connected by one tragedy. It really highlighted how damaging trusting the wrong people can be, how misunderstandings can be warped and twisted to fit the narratives of different groups/different belief systems, and how extreme religious views can lead to people committing absolutely unthinkable acts. Being based on true events, I also appreciated the additional information she provided in the afterward about her sources of information that she spent 3 years researching and what parts of the story were true/actual events vs the details she added to make a more cohesive narrative. Overall, I was very impressed by this book! Thank you to NetGalley, Noelle Ihli, and Dynamite Books for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Noelle W. Ihli, and Dynamite Books for this arc of None Left to Tell, out October 10, 2024.

📜Quick Summary: This novel follows the events known as the Mountain Meadow Massacre. The three main women in this novel are all connected by one singular event. We have Katrina who is a young mother of four. Sally who has been gifted as a wife to a man she doesn’t really know. And the third woman is Lucy who had to run away from her life due to an anti-Mormon attack. As the story unravels, you learn more about the ways of the United States back in the 1800’s and what fueled the decisions that were made.

❣️Initial Feels: This is going to get deep…truly worried about how I’m going to feel after.

👀Trigger Warnings: violence/violence against children, descriptions about Native people, racism, murder

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: Gosh, each of the three main women in this novel touched me in different ways. They each were experiencing life in such different ways, but also were suffering similarly. I don’t know if I can pinpoint a specific character that moved me the most but Sally got to me.

📖Read if you want: book based on real events (the Mountain Meadows Massacre), changing of point of views, mix of historical fiction/thriller, more slow paced “thriller” read

💡Final Sentiments: Wow. Just wow. The research Noelle puts into her novels is incredible. Make sure to read all of her author’s notes and trigger warnings prior to reading. Her note at the end of the book also made me feel the need to learn more about this devastating event in our history. This is the fourth book I have read by her, and they are SO well written and executed. It’s also extremely scary and eye opening that many of the events she writes about, are not mentioned or talked about enough in the public eye. This read is heartfelt, deep, thought provoking, and will have you googling this period of time to learn more about this. I am in awe of how she put this novel together. (My only downfall would be that it took a little for me to line up all the characters/families/situations and the many point of view changes and time jumps could be confusing.)

🌟Overall Rating: 5 stars

This novel was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Noelle Ihli has done it again! While I do not consider this as the usual thriller, I really enjoyed the suspense that this book has. I have heard of Mountain Meadow massacre in the past, but not to this extent. The research she has done to put this book together is incredible. I enjoyed reading from different POVs and seeing how they were seeing one another during that time. The events that took place were heartbreaking to read. Noelle Ihli did a great job of describing everything that was taking place. It made me feel like I was in it. I couldn't stop reading and I wanted to know what happens to the characters in this book.

Book review : None left to tell by Noelle Ihli.

This is a very different story to Noelle’s usual thrillers. The sad fact that is mostly based on factual events makes it all the more harrowing. Not many books bring out an actual physical emotion in me but this one had me in tears.

No one left to tell is a historical fiction based on the Mountain Meadows massacre where a wagon train of families migrating from Arkansas to California were massacred by a group of Mormons who had settled in Utah in the 1800’s. Told in multiple POV’s and multiple time lines it is a heart wrenching tale that is a definite must read.

I did google the massacre and I don’t think that detracts from the story by knowing what actually happened however I encourage you to read the Afterward as Noelle explains where she sourced her information and what parts were actual events and where she melded information to create a more cohesive story.

Those of you are already familiar with Noelle’s other books will find this is very different to her usual edge of the seat thrillers but it is definitely up there with the best of them. One of the things I like about Noelle’s writing style is how she weaves the title Into the book, where it’s almost a light bulb moment. Ask for Andrea was one of the first books of hers I read and I still remember the tingle I felt when I saw how the title was used within the book. I felt the same with this book.

Although a very different story from Noelle, and definitely a slower burn than her usual stuff, I highly recommend this book and I would be very surprised if your eyes were dry by the end of it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review of this book.

None Left to Tell by Noelle Ihli will release on October 10th 2024.

#thriller #historicalfiction #noelleihliauthor #bookreview

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I did not realize that this is a work of fiction based upon true crime events: The Mountain Meadow Massacre that happened in Utah in the 1850's. I had no knowledge of this event but learned a lot about it in this well written story. The setting is the early days of Utah, pre-statehood when the Mormon church was establishing itself in that region.

Told with alternating points of view, this is a fairly fast paced retelling using likely characters in the events. The author clearly did her research! I really enjoyed this!