WOW!

This book is being advertised as a thriller (it’s printed right on the cover), and while I do take issue with that categorization, it’s still an easy 5-star read. This is a captivating, heart-wrenching piece of historical fiction that covers the true story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre—an event I knew absolutely nothing about until reading this book. In some ways, I’m actually glad it "tricked" me into picking it up by calling it a thriller, since I don’t usually gravitate toward historical fiction.

The author starts with a personal note, sharing that she has a connection to this story. As the book progressed, I found myself hoping to learn more about what that connection was, and the afterword more than delivered in that area.

Told through multiple points of view from the different (and opposing) groups involved, the narrative really highlights the complexity of the events. While there are clear wrongdoers, the author skillfully manages to create empathy for all of the characters, showing just how complicated this history is.

Highly recommend this one!

I would like to thank NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I was not familiar with the Mountain Meadows Massacre and wasn’t certain it was something I wanted to learn about. However, from the first chapter I couldn’t put this down.
The story told from the perspectives of Lucy, Katrina and Sally kept the story flowing at a fast pace.
Raw and heartbreaking. I have no doubt I will be thinking about this for some time.

I will never ever recover from this book. Ever.

This was so good but it was also too close for me. I study Mormon History. I am the vice president of the Weber County Heritage Foundation. So I know about the story but reading it from the perspective of the women who experienced it feels too close.
I loved it! I just needed a break after the first half.
This is clearly an extensively researched book. I was blown away. And she nailed the culture too. I mean of course she did. We are probably cousins. We are descended from the same type of people anyway.
I was over here looking up Kanosh and his wives and children, just because I could and I loved it. Now I know all sorts of Fillmore Utah History I didn't know I needed to know.
Thanks for the emotional devastation. I feel like this is a book that needed to exist and I am so glad it does. But I will be sobbing for a bit.

I do not think of this book as a thriller. More of a mix of historical fiction and true crime. Crazy that this is a real story.

I would recommend this book for anyone who thinks they would like it from the description. I just saw the author and went in blind, thinking it was another thriller. It was not. The writing was good, and again, completely crazy, awful story.

This book was so hard to read not in a bad way.
I felt so depressed by how sad this book was.
I don't know if I would recommend it just because of the content.

⚠️⚠️triggers / possible spoilers⚠️⚠️
Violence, murder, masaccre

"We're safe. We're together. We're almost there."
I forced all three phrases through my head again and again, willing them to be true.'

"Every so often, one of the children in the trench would start to cry, overwhelmed by the heat and the crush of bodies packed together, but by now I welcomed the sound. If they had the energy and tears to cry, it meant they were still alive. Still fighting."

"Any second, I just knew that one of the painted men was going to leap on top of us and bash our heads with a club like they did everyone else." 🤕


"Seventeen children, the oldest just six and the youngest infants, survived the massacre. They were chosen based on their age, being 'too young to tell tales.'"
-😔 ( I'm glad that cousins Nancy and Tri got reunited 3 years later )


This is my second book I've read by the author. I liked 'Ask for Andrea' so I did not hesitate to request this.
Gave this one a shot though I typically deviate from reading historical fiction most especially if the topic is about any sect or particular religion. A heavy read esp knowing it is inspired by true events (Mountain Meadows Massacre) and is personal to the author. Heart-wrenching, gripping, bleak, captivating and poignant. Beautifully-written and well-researched.

📘if you like:
✔️Strong female characters
✔️ Thriller / historical fiction /true events
✔️Political or conflicts between belief systems
✔️Multiple POVs / dual timelines


Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the arc 🖤

4.5✨

Thank you Net Galley, Dynamite Books and Noelle Ihli for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.

I am typically not the type of person that would pick up a historical fiction novel, however, Noelle Ihli is one of my favorite thriller authors so I knew I had to read this! I do think that if you love thrillers and are not generally into the historical fiction side of things, you may not enjoy this book. It was also a little more show than I prefer, but because I enjoy thrillers, this may just be because of the genre.

I loved the characters in this book and the development and I could tell that Noelle is very passionate about this topic, the genre just isn't one of my favorites.

None Left to Tell
by Noelle W. Ihli (Goodreads Author)
129247543
Katie Gregory's reviewOct 03, 2024 · edit
really liked it

I just discovered Noelle W. Ihli this year and I LOVE her work. She has become an auto read author for me. None Left to Tell is very different from her typical writing and had historical fiction vibes while being a thriller. The story is based on the true events of the Mountain Meadow Massacre (I had never heard of this and found myself in a deep dive on the internet and it is truly heartbreaking). This story was beautifully done and shines a light on America's tragic past.

This book was extremely well written and it follows the POVS of three very different women who have been through such horrific experiences. There is Lucy, who was driven from her home by an anti-Mormon mob and is tired of running. Then, there's Katrina, a young mother of four who just lost her husband and cannot escape the chaos but will be anything to protect her family. Lastly, there is Sally. Sally was "gifted" to be a FOURTH wife for a utter stranger who is lonely, trapped and forced to make the best out of her situation and do what she must to survive.
I definitely was not expecting this book but I still really loved it. The pacing was slow and the storylines jump a lot with the characters but I think it was so so SO well done and I truly felt for all the girls whose story Noelle told.

Thank you Netgalley, Dynamite Books, and Noelle Ihli for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you Net Galley, Dynamite Books, and Noelle Ihli for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.

A novel based on true events, None Left To Tell is based on the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. The story is told through the perspectives of three women: Sally, a woman “gifted” to the chief of the Paiute tribe that has been converted to Mormonism by the Mormon populace of the area and who lives a lonely existence wishing she was anywhere else; Lucy, a woman who escaped an anti-Mormon mob that burned her home and ran her family out of town in Illinois who is now trying to live in the barren desert in Utah; and Katrina, a woman who is in a wagon train from Arkansas to California trying to seek a better life for her family. All three women are faced with violence and a fight for survival when a battle between the religious zealots and the wagon train group comes to a head.

Truth be told, this is not the type of book that I would have sought after on my own if it were not written by Noelle Ihli. I am a thriller lover, but not generally on the historical fiction side, and this book feels a lot more like a historical fiction than what is my cup of tea.

I do highly suggest that anyone that wishes to read this book reviews the trigger warnings beforehand. Though I do feel that this book contains quite a bit of violence, I do feel that the necessary emotion and devastation of this story could not be properly delivered without it.

Positives: The three main characters were well defined and had clearly different personalities. The author was able to write each one in such a way that as a reader, you were able to get to know the character through each woman’s experiences. She was also able to link the three characters by their strong care for their family/loved ones and their willingness to fight for what they felt was right. The author was also very detailed and descriptive consistently throughout the novel.

Negatives: The pacing of this book was very slow. I am accustomed to thriller novels being a bit more edge-of-your-seat and hard to put down, when this one was not like that for me. I do feel that this book being more of a historical fiction was probably some of the reason, so I do not feel that this changes the worth of this book as a whole. It took me quite some time to get through this book, whether because I just was not interested enough at the time or because some of the scenes were just incredibly brutal.

It is clear that the author poured her heart into this story and that there was a lot of work and care that went into being as authentic as possible with the characters and with the experience of each character as the book progressed. I feel that the author was able to illustrate the great tragedy of this place in history, and bring to light a massacre that many people (including myself) were completely unaware of. If you are a fan of historical fiction or American history, than this book is probably something you will enjoy.

I give this one 3 out of 5 stars.

I was excited for this as I've read other books by the author and loved them. When I started reading, I was a bit disappointed it wasn't giving me 100% thriller vibes but more historical fiction. I thought I wouldn't really enjoy it hut gave it a go. I was so wrong. This book is so well written and it is clear the author put a lot of time into research to be accurate to the actual event. The 3 women you follow - Lucy, Katrina and Sally - are different from one another in their life circumstances but all connected by the massacre, and I couldn't wait to find out more about each of them. you could feel their pain and fear through the writing. I had never heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre before reading this book, and it was an emotional and gripping story to read about.

I really enjoyed Ask for Andrea by this author so I was really excited to read this one. It was soooo sloooow for me. I could not get into the book. I like the one character who was married off into a poly marriage but this book just wasn’t for me. I won’t leave a review on my other profiles but wanted my voice heard here that I really tried with this book.

*Inhales deeply, exhales deeply.*

What an absolutely heartbreaking and eye-opening story that I had absolutely no idea ever occurred in actual history.

In true Noelle Ihli fashion, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat from the middle to absolute end.

Having read and enjoyed many of Ihli’s books, I went into this expecting a thriller and instead, received more suspense and historical fiction. I, personally, have no qualms with that, other than when recommending this book to friends, I wouldn’t call it a “thriller.”

The part I struggled with was the religious background and keeping track of all the terminology and people involved in the church. I personally come from a background with no religious upbringing to and through adulthood, which is why I assume I struggled with this. I feel I will not be in the majority with this opinion, but as if it’s worth mentioning for those that are like me and went into this with a very, very basic understanding of the Mormon culture and religion.

There were certain lines in this book that tore me to shreds, that were treated so eloquently, which is what Noelle is best at — making you feel things when you least expect it, and building suspense so quietly that if you’re not paying attention, you may miss it.

“I already knew death didn’t take anyone gently by the hand. It ripped from the roots,”

“I’d always thought safety lay in numbers. But maybe sometimes, it just made you easier to hunt,”

Overall, this was a very compelling and unexpected read.

This was a great read; although I feel like it read more like a historical fiction, not a thriller. There were some really good thrilling parts, but I don’t think enough to classify this as a thriller read. The attention to details in this story is so impressive; you can tell the author really enjoyed writing this piece. So much American history that I think deserves more credit! While the story is a slower one; the depth of emotion makes up for that and makes it a must-read. This book left me with a lot to think about and I LOVE that!

This poignant narrative highlights a crucial yet frequently overlooked aspect of American history. It’s a truly heartbreaking part of our past that has been neglected or minimized. Being from this region, I believed I had a grasp on the events surrounding the Mountain Meadows Massacre, but the author’s thorough research and storytelling, presented almost like a daily journal from each woman, is extraordinary. It stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me; I experienced a blend of anger, sadness, and a profound sense of betrayal.
I have a deep passion for exploring American history and hold great admiration for both the early settlers and Native Americans. In today’s context, it’s difficult to comprehend the immense strength and resilience they exhibited.
Regardless of your familiarity with this tragedy, this book is essential reading.

ARC REVIEW

None Left to Tell
By @noelleihliauthor

Heartbreaking. Riveting. Emotional. Gut-Wrenching. Shocking.

Three women, connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history. Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Let me preface this review by saying, I have never liked history. I have never read a historical fiction book either. But I think the reason I have never liked history was because I felt like important parts of history were constantly skimmed over. The true events is behind None Left to Tell was one of those stories in history that should have always been told.

Noelle Ihli’s writing in this book spoke to me and kept me engaged. The fact that she’s a thriller writer, she was able to put in elements of suspense and page turning plots while folding in important facts in history and character development.

“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell; a hell of heaven.”

The afterword gave me consistent goosebumps and chills. Knowing that Noelle had a family background into this story, makes it that more meaningful. Her ancestors have tried to cover up this story and she was able to tell it. This story will truly live on in my head forever.

“So full to me the parting glass and gather as the evening falls. And gently rise and softly call goodnight and joy be to you all.”

Thank you @netgalley and @xpressotours for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#noelleihli #netgalley #arcreader #historicalfictionthriller

I’m still trying to process this book as I write this review. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions right now. Sadness, anger, outrage, you name it, I’m feeling it. Kudos to Noelle Ihli for taking on the challenge of writing this book. I had never heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre until this novel and I think that’s one of the best things about this book. It will educate readers on a true event that most had probably never heard of before.

Onto the actual review. I’m giving this 4.5 stars. It’s an incredible read and you get to a point where you can’t put it down. I found myself to the very end of the book hoping the outcome of the protagonist would somehow be different. The only criticism is the beginning is a bit slow and drawn out. But once it picks up, boy does it pick up. Highly recommend this novel but it’s not for the faint of heart. Thank you to Net Gallery for the early access to this novel.

Based on the tragic true story of the Mountain Meadow Massacre, this book explores the lives of three woman involved. This books starts in a very gruesome part of the story and you can definitely see Noelle West Ihli's tense and gory style on full display. While it was difficult to read knowing it is based on true events, it was a really strong start. After that it goes into Part 1 and set ups the whole story. All of the story is important and I completely understand that the setting and the timeline necessitate a slower pace than is normal for this author, it was a huge let down for me. Since this book was written by Noelle West Ihli and listed as a thriller and because I've read all of her other books, I had a certain style in mind and Part One was definitely not in that style. I also found it hard to keep the characters straight because (again for reason I understand are necessary), That being said, the back half of the book picked up and all of the set up was definitely important so I understand why it went the way it went.

Overall, I think this was an EXTREMELY strong historical fiction novel that really brought the story of a largely unknown event to a much wider audience..... it just really, really needs to be marketed as such because setting Noelle West Ihli fans ups for one of her thrillers sets insanely high standards that I don't think historical fiction (even when written by a masterful author) can achieve. This is best marketed to fans of 'The Four Winds' or 'The Great Alone' rather than thriller fans.

I had never heard of the mountain meadows massacre before reading this book. In 1857 hundreds of people were on a wagon train going through Utah. This book is based on real people and events that happened and it was horrific! You get three perspectives: the story of the families on the wagon train, the Indians and the Mormons. A must read! None left to tell by Noelle W. Ihli should be required reading in high school. 5 stars. Comes out October 10.

I had never heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre before reading this book. I enjoyed reading this book and learning about this event. The book is told from the perspective of three different women all connected to the massacre. It is sad and gripping, and will keep you hooked from the first page.

‘Three women, connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history. Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.’.

I walked into this one completely blind and I gotta say, it was so far from what I was expecting from Ihli that I had to go back to the cover to make sure I opened the book I’d intended to.

Genre is dubbed as ‘thriller’ on GoodReads, but None Left to Tell felt like anything but. This is solid historical fiction through and through, taking place in the mid-1800’s, (especially in comparison to her previous works). No comparison should even be made in this regard, but I couldn’t help it. And I’m sure I won’t be the only one.

I don’t read a ton of hisfic and never anything western-ish. Is that even a term or genre? Idk. But that’s what this felt like to me.

We have war. A horrific cattle raid, resulting in a senseless and bloody massacre. Injustices abound. Heady on religion and polygamy, politics and racism, lies and deceit. Yea, all that plus some. And absolutely not something I’d normally request or be excited to read.

And that’s exactly why I’m okay with having been ignorant this one time. Ignorant enough to go in with assumptions on what I was about to read, when I actually knew NOTHING at all. I don’t know if I’d have committed otherwise. I’ve requested arcs blindly before and wanted to kick my own ass after realizing too late, that I committed myself to a book that I had no interest in reading.

But requesting this one worked out in my favor, because Ihli wrote the hell out of this story. I was invested from start to finish.

To her fans: if you’re expecting to read something similar to Run on Red or Ask for Andrea, this is NOT it. But trust me, you’ll want to tuck in anyway.

Thank you NetGalley and Dynamite Books for this arc in exchange for review.

Pub date: 10.10.2024.