Missing girl thrillers usually pique my interest, but because there’s so many of them it’s difficult to find a memorable one these days. Berry takes a bit of a different approach to this trope by following former journalist Sydney who sets out to help solve the disappearance of an aunt she didn’t even know existed, and she was part of 6 black girls who went missing within the course of a year in the mid-‘60s.
It’s a very solid take on the missing girl trope, especially since it focuses on uncovering a cold case from 60 years ago, and although there are of course some reveals, it’s not a story focused on twists or red herrings and we figure out pretty early who the culprit was. Also I love finally seeing some new black authors in the mystery/thriller space! This deserves to be a buzzy book this summer.

•We Don’t Talk About Carol is Kristen Berry’s debut novel, but it doesn’t read like one. My interest in finding the truth behind Carol’s sudden disappearance never dissipated.

•While cleaning out her grandmother’s house, Sydney finds a photo of a woman who looks eerily similar to her. She soon realizes this photo is of her aunt Carol, one of six local missing Black women from the 1960s. With both her grandmother and father deceased, she takes it upon herself to figure out what happened to these missing women.

•This book was wonderful and heartbreaking all at the same time. It delves deep into family secrets, shame, and lies, but also showcases Sydney’s determination about finding the truth.

•I think it’s also important to read the author’s note in this book. It offers harrowing statistics about the disproportionate rate at which people of different races are reported missing.

•BIG thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Berry, and Bantam books for this ARC. I think it’s one everyone should read. It will become available on June 3, 2025.

When Sydney was young and staying at her Grandma Effie’s house she found a framed photograph of a young woman. When she asked her Grandma who it was, she said “we don’t talk about Carol.”
Now, Grandma Effie has passed away and Sydney can’t stop thinking about who her Aunt Carol was and why no one will talk about her. Her journalist experience kicks in and she does everything in her power to find out what happened to Carol, even if it means jeopardizing her marriage and loyalty to her husband to uncover the secrets that her family has kept hidden for sixty years.

I can see everyone talking about Carol this summer! This book was an emotional rollercoaster that started with a deep dive into the cold case of Carol, then developing into something much bigger. By the end, I was in tears. The heartbreakingly truth about the disappearances of African American women being swept under the rug instead of investigated absolutely broke me. This story will stick with me for years to come, I couldn’t put it down and the ending was breathtaking.

Read if you loved The Act of Disappearing by Nathan Gower. It was one of my absolute favorite books of 2024 and I feel like both Julia and Sydney were similar in the way of investigating cold cases that no one else cared about and uncovering scandalous information that blows the case wide open.

This was such a gripping story about family secrets and unsolved mysteries that affect everyone in the community. There were some parts where the story dragged and it was hard for me to keep reading and stay attentive but all the secrets being revealed throughout, kept me on my toes more than I thought it would. If you don’t mind a bit of a slow burn in your thrillers with family drama, check this one out!

This is a book once you start you can't put it down. It covers a variety of topics that are very relevant today....fertility treatments, family secrets and the treatment of Black women who are missing but generally forgotten. The problem of missing minority women is a national problem that must be addressed. Kristen L. Berry has posed this problem for a small town in North Carolina where six Black girls went missing 60 years ago. One of these girls was the aunt of Sydney and her sister. The 2 girls investigate the disappearance of these girls and push the police to open these cold cases. It brings the 2 sisters closer and they find it really shakes their family tree.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "We Don't Talk About Carol" and all opinions expressed are my own. I thought this was a really good book. This was a debut novel! The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I really felt for Sydney and her family. What was Yvonne's story? I think she knew.

I don’t want to give too much away, but this well written mystery/thriller adds another layer to the story that is thought provoking and real. A well done novel.

WOW! Prepare for a gripping, minute-by-minute unraveling of secrets as Sydney Singleton uncovers a mystery that feels all too real.

After the death of her grandmother, Sydney learns of an aunt she never even knew existed—Aunt Carol, who left home at 17 and was never heard from again. But Carol’s disappearance isn’t the only mystery. In the 1960s, five other young Black women also vanished from the same town. Their stories were never covered, never investigated, never solved.

As Sydney digs deeper into her aunt’s past, she must also confront her own struggles—coping with trauma and the emotional toll of IVF treatments. Krisen L. Berry masterfully weaves these deeply personal challenges into the mystery, adding richness to the narrative rather than distracting from it. The novel also brings to life the family histories and complex community ties that shape Sydney’s journey.

Can Sydney uncover what really happened to Aunt Carol? And will the long-buried truth finally come to light? I loved this story, the people, the mystery and the ability that Berry has to shine a light on a known issue that is so rarely talked about.

#Ballantine #Bantam #RandomHouse #KrisenLBerry #WeDontTalkAboutCarol. #blackandmissingfoundation

Sydney Singleton abandoned her dreams and passion for a career in journalism for a more “sensible” career and she’s going along to get along in life until she uncovers a dark family secret.

After learning about her Aunt Carol who went missing nearly 60 years ago Sydney is determined to find out what happened to her. Alarmed that she spent her entire life unaware Carol existed she soon finds that she, along with a handful of other Black girls went missing in the 1960’s with no public outcry, media spotlight, or police interest.

As she desperately tries to solve the mystery she’s also juggling to fulfill her husband's wishes, considering her family’s reputation, chasing leads, and trying to bring attention to the missing girls.

This had an unlikely and excellent plot twist and addressed the very real issue of the lack of public interest regarding Black Girls and Women who go missing.

As a Black Woman so much of this story resonated with me - the family secrets and respectability as well as the Black Mother and daughter dynamics. I also live in LA and have ties to Raleigh [the primary setting] so the familiarity made this even more enjoyable.

What impacted my rating?
There were 2 story gaps that I didn’t think were completed. I wanted completion with Lawrence [her Dad] - I don’t know why he was the way he was.
Yvonne [Micheal’s sister]: What did she know? What was she hiding? She did all of that and for what?
I think it could have been about 75 pages shorter

Overall, excellent debut and I think it’s worth reading and adding to your mystery collection.

read if you like:
👯 missing children
🥶 cold cases
🏡 family dramas

summary:
WOW this book. It follows Sydney Singleton, a 30-something year old Black woman who finds a photograph of a girl she doesn’t recognize while cleaning out her grandmothers house. She finds out that it’s her father’s sister, her Aunt Carol, who disappeared in the 1960’s, along with several other Black girls. No one investigated their disappearances, and the cases were left cold. With her photo in hand and a desire to better understand her family, Sydney goes on a quest to learn more about her aunt and why she disappeared.

This book starts slow, but really picks up about halfway through. It sheds light on the systemic issues with missing Black people in America in a way that balances reality and fiction, with a stark focus on the lack of resources available to look into these cases. Sydney is deeply flawed, struggling with her focus, marriage and family dynamics, but is incredibly relatable and vulnerable. Her relationship with her mother and sister is also so familiar, and you deeply feel for her relentless quest to find answers in a world where others seem to be content. The plot itself is gripping, and balances her search for answers with her personal challenges around fertility and motherhood. The network of other missing persons families is also so nice to see, because it sheds a broader light on the families impacted.

The ending is stunning and unexpected in a good way, and leaves you with a satisfaction you don’t always get in cold case books! Thank you to Random House/Ballantine/Bantam Books for the advanced copy, and make sure you preorder this for its release on June 2!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"We Don't Talk About Carol" by Kristen L. Berry is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, buried secrets, and the enduring impact of the past. Berry's adept storytelling and keen understanding of human nature shine through in this compelling narrative, making it a standout read.

The story follows the lives of the Henderson family, who have long lived under the shadow of a forbidden topic: Carol. When a series of events forces the family to confront their unspoken history, long-buried emotions and truths come to the surface. At the heart of the narrative is Julia, who must navigate the turbulent waters of family secrets and uncover the reality behind the silence surrounding Carol.

Berry's writing is evocative and incisive, painting a vivid picture of the emotional landscape of her characters. The plot is intricately woven, with each revelation adding depth and complexity to the story. The pacing is expertly handled, keeping readers engaged as they uncover the layers of mystery that have shaped the Henderson family's lives.

Julia is a compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and resilience resonates deeply. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each character adding nuance and richness to the narrative. Berry skillfully portrays the complexities of family relationships, capturing both the tension and the love that bind the characters together.

"We Don't Talk About Carol" also explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of facing one's past. Berry delves into the psychological and emotional impact of keeping secrets, making the novel both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The setting, with its small-town charm and underlying tensions, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.

"We Don't Talk About Carol" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally gripping novel that showcases Kristen L. Berry's talent for storytelling and character development. It is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-told, thought-provoking narrative.

This novel will leave readers reflecting on the power of family, the weight of secrets, and the possibility of healing through truth and understanding.

Wow! We Don't Talk About Carol was an excellent debut novel! I can relate to alot of things in this book which made it very easy for me to fall in love with it. I look forward to reading more by the and I'm so happy Syd finally got her sweet little girl! Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

“We Don’t Talk About Carol” by Kristen L. Berry is a stunning debut that is impossible to put down. It begins with a granddaughters discovery of a photograph while visiting her grandmother. The resemblance to herself is remarkable and when she asks her grandmother who it is she responds by saying “We don’t talk about Carol!” As a past investigative journalist she is drawn to find out who the woman is and discovers it is her Aunt who she has never heard mentioned. As she begins to look into her Aunts life, she discovers that 6 other black girls went missing at the same time as her Aunt's disappearance, but no real investigation ever took place to find them or their bodies. This is a story of the 1960s south and the traumatic aftermath the friends & families of the victims suffered by their disappearance.
This story is so very powerful. The heartbreaking and highly emotional plot, the characters and the twist at the end are exceptional. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

From the very first page, I was completely captivated. The mysterious photograph and the eerie silence surrounding Sydney's aunt pulled me in immediately, and I couldn’t put the book down. The story unfolds in such a gripping way, weaving family secrets, long-held trauma, and the haunting past of a community. Sydney’s journey to uncover the truth about her aunt is not just a quest for answers, but a deep dive into her own personal struggles—her troubled past and her doubts on starting a family.
What makes this story so powerful is how it balances mystery with emotional depth. The author does a fantastic job of portraying Sydney’s inner turmoil, making her pursuit of the truth feel both urgent and heartbreaking. As secrets are uncovered, I found myself questioning not only the past but also what we’re willing to sacrifice for those we love. It’s a profound look at the ties that bind us and the shadows that can hold us captive.
This book is a riveting, emotional journey that will stay with me long after reading it. The narrative is sharp, the characters are deeply real, and the mystery at the heart of it all is impossible to forget.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

wow, i cant believe this is a debut novel. im so impressed.

this story was exceptional. a lot of mystery books where the main character is investigating an event from the past have a problem where that main character doesnt have much of a story or personality, and overall dont feel real; but this is NOT the case for this book. sydney is an amazing character.

i was on so invested in this. im looking forward to kristen berry's future work

I had the goosebumps with this one! I could not put it down. My husband even wanted to know what was happening. I was on the edge of my seat. Loved this book!

Kristen L. Berry wrote a strong storyline and characters that I cared about in this universe. I was invested in what was happening and enjoyed the overall feel in the genre. The characters were realistic and had that overall feel that I was hoping for. It was everything that I hoped for and was glad I read this.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

"We Don't Talk About Carol" by Kristen L. Berry is a gripping exploration of family secrets and the haunting legacy of unsolved mysteries. Following Sydney Singleton, a determined journalist, discovers an old photograph of a beautiful teenage girl tucked away in a drawer at her grandmother's home. When her grandmother is questioned, Syd learns it's her deceased father's sister. Her grandmother quickly shuts down Syd's questioning, saying, "We don't talk about Carol."

From there, the narrative unravels this unsettling connection Syd develops to her aunt Carol, a Black girl who she learns went missing decades ago in the 1960s along with five other unsolved Black teenage girls - who all happened to vanish in the same neighborhood around the same time frame. Berry’s writing effectively captures Sydney's obsession and anger, drawing readers into the dark history that has plagued her family for generations.

Sydney’s struggles with her mental health and her marriage add layers to the story, making her quest for the truth both deeply personal and universally relatable. The intertwining themes of motherhood, struggles with miscarriage, fertility treatments, and the weight of family expectations resonate throughout, compelling readers to reflect on their own legacies. The historical backdrop of the 1960s in North Carolina adds depth and poignancy to Sydney’s journey. Berry paints a vivid picture of the societal silence not only within families surrounding these tragic disappearances but also when it comes to missing Black children in the news and the lack of resources allotted to their cases.

While the pacing occasionally lags, especially in the middle sections, the emotional payoff and the unraveling of family secrets make it shocking and worthwhile. Overall, this debut novel is a powerful testament to the lengths one will keep the truth hidden and how far one will go to seek the truth. Berry’s intricate storytelling leaves a lasting impact, earning this book a well-deserved four stars.

Thank you, #NetGalley, #KristenLBerry, and #RandomHousePublishingGroup, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review of #WeDontTalkAboutCarol .

We Don’t Talk About Carol is a brilliant, haunting mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, unraveling secrets with every page. The writing is sharp, evocative, and atmospheric. The parallels between Sydney’s present struggles with motherhood and her investigation into Carol’s disappearance provide a rich, emotional backdrop to the mystery unfolding. It’s impossible not to feel for Sydney as she unravels the tangled web of lies, even as it leads her to a breaking point. It’s deeply emotional, thought-provoking read about the destructive power of secrets, and what we’re willing to do to protect those we love, even when it means confronting painful truths.