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.

I cannot believe this is a debut novel!!!
I started reading this and could not stop! Stayed up way too late, but had to finish it! This book has so many layers. It begins with the discovery of a photograph while visiting her grandmother. The response from her grandmother when Sydney asks who this is, "We don't talk about Carol." Sydney used to be an investigative reporter, so of course she wants to know more about this aunt. When she begins to look into her aunt's life, she discovers that 6 black girls went missing at the same time. However, there was no real investigation done at the time (this was in the 1960's). Thus, Sydney's passion to discover what happened to her aunt and the other girls is fueled.

While this happens, Sydney is in the midst of IVF with her husband, Malik (whom I loved!!!). She is also struggling in her relationship with her sister, Sasha, and her mother. Her father- Carol's brother, was killed in a car accident years ago. Growing up, their family life was traumatic and stressful. Their family motto, "We don't talk about what goes on in the family, outside of the family".

There is so much to unpack in this story. I felt so much outrage as Sydney kept hitting roadblocks when investigating the 6 girls deaths. She meets family members of the girls, and starts piecing together characters, actions and clues that begin to point her in the direction of solving the case. While this is going on, she is struggling with she might be a questionable mother, guilt at missing being a reporter, supporting her husband mentally as he continues to build his business, and repairing relationships with her sister and mother.

I loved the characters! Sydney and her sister are so well developed! I understood why they were the way they were, and was rooting the whole time for them to connect again. Malik was always supportive of Sydney, and when he had doubts they were able to come together. Stanley, Eloise and Barbara added so much dimension as the remaining family members of the missing girls.

The investigation was solid. It was also frustrating, heartbreaking. Every step was tightly woven, and the way the personal lives were interweaved in the narrative was flawless.

And the twist at the end!!!!

I also appreciated the research and resources that the author provided on missing African Americans. This book, and my devotion to the podcast Crime Junkies show the statistics are shocking that even in this day, the disappearance of African Americans and also Indigenous People make up a large percentage, but have the lowest investigation/Solve rate.

I highly recommend this book. The story is mesmerizing- the investigation, characters, plot and pace!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

"We Don’t Talk About Carol" was a read that I enjoyed a great deal. The characters are well done, and the plot was unique and interesting.

When their grandma passes, a mystery is discovered. You learn a lot though about so many different issues, including families, mental health and secrets.

There was a twist at the end, which surprised me. And isn't that what twists are supposed to do?

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.All opinions are my own.

"We Don’t Talk About Carol" is a masterfully crafted novel that deserves a solid four-star rating. While it revolves around a long-standing mystery waiting to be unraveled, this is merely one facet of a much broader narrative. The story delves into themes of family trauma, mental health, PTSD, and hidden family secrets. As I progressed through the pages, I felt increasingly immersed in the world of the book. An unexpected twist at the conclusion adds to its allure. I sincerely hope this work receives the recognition it merits—make sure to add it to your reading list!

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for the ARC. I saw the description for this book and instantly thought this was going to be the book. I enjoyed the plot and character development. The story felt original and was engaging. I will read more by the author.

This was such a surprise in the best way. The way the author beautifully wove this family's story from the 60s and the 2020s so flawlessly was such a treat. The common thread of mental illness, social issues, and familial drama was portrayed in such a way that it hits you at the core.

A great read! I was so invested from the start. I loved all of the characters, and I felt that the story played out perfectly.

If you like books that make you ugly cry, then this one is for you!
After her grandmother dies, Sydney, finds a photograph of a little girl that shares a striking resemblance to her. Sydney finds out the little girl in the picture is actually her aunt that she never knew she had. Her aunt was one of six black girls who had gone missing in the 60's. Determined to find out what happened to her Aunt and using her experience as a Journalist, Sydney strikes out on her own to uncover the truth. This journey we follow her on is a heartbreaking one filled with lies, and family secrets that have contributed to generational trauma. Kristen Berry does an amazing job at calling out communities that keep harmful secrets as well as the authorities that are meant to serve and protect our communities but neglect to do so.
While the plot was intriguing and held my interest my favorite part of this book were the characters. They felt real, I could hear my family saying the dialogue written and making facial expressions described on the page. I loved this book so much and look forward to more from this author.

We Don't Talk About Carol

I believe it will be an underrated gem. The story delves deep into mental health, family problems, secrets, and, most notably, the lack of police involvement and care when it was needed.
Bell drags up emotions and memories so well described. I thought I was there at times. Building a story that moves back and forth from the 1960s to the 2020s while also including great character development that wasn't easily ignored.
I really liked it, I enjoyed reading the clues and where they might connect, while also learning that what happens at home doesn't always have to stay there. It's ok to build yourself a community that you can thrive in.

Thank you to Kristen L. Bell, Random House Publishing, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Now this is how you write a book! I was shouting and in disbelief when things started to come together. 5 ⭐️

The description does not do it justice. Yes, it’s about missing black girls and the main character potentially losing herself in the investigation but it is so much more. I got lost in this book like Sydney got lost in the case.

I can’t believe this is a debut novel. Kristen Berry, get back in the lab. We need you!

This was emotional, complex, and well written. It is a “family secret” type suspense novel with aspects that read like a thriller. Every detail was important and I loved how deliberate she was in chasing after justice for these missing Black girls. Berry handles childhood trauma and C-PTSD so well.

It’s also not just about a missing aunt. It’s the family ties, secrets, lies, shame, and the “keep this in the family” mentality that plagues so many families.

If you like true crime podcasts, family secrets, and a focus on underreported stories, this is for you. So good. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for providing this advanced reader copy! Will be buying a copy of my own 💙