Would you kill your rapist? That's exactly what Nikki wanted to do, except.........
The book started moving fast, then it kinda fizzled, with a few sparks in-between. I didn't like the characters. I like the narrator, but for me it needed more substance.

A fast-paced and intriguing serial killer mystery with an interesting detective named Nikki Mayeaux and a fascinating primary suspect named Emma. I liked the deep layer of secrets that Nikki and her partner/ex-boyfriend Keith had to dig through to get to the truth and find the elusive teenager, Emma. Fans of crime fiction and police procedurals will really enjoy this book.

I loved the setting - gritty New Orleans. I enjoyed how the authors described NOLA, the locations and residents.

There were so many unsavory characters in this book I didn’t like any of them. The seedy side of life is the focus of the book - murder, homeless teenagers, human trafficking, bribery, blackmail, corrupt officials, and more.

This is my first book by J.D. Barker and E.J. Findorff. Piper Goodeve did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & RBmedia for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When a serial killer goes free due to a technicality, Detective Nikki Mayeaux reaches her breaking point and decides to take matters into her own hands. However, before she can act, the killer is found dead with his throat slit. The prime suspect is his final victim, a sixteen-year-old girl who has disappeared in the dangerous French Quarter. The question arises: when is cold-blooded murder justified? In this case, it may be necessary to end a killer and a corrupt cop, even if it means resorting to extreme measures.

I am a huge fan of the talented JD Barker, so when I came across a collaboration between him and another author, I was intrigued. I received this audiobook as a gift and was pleasantly surprised by the narrator's ability to bring the story to life. Despite some slow moments in the plot, the narrator kept me engaged throughout.

However, this book was not what I expected from a collaboration with JD Barker. While it started off strong, the pace slowed down, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged due to the overly detailed chapters. I am unfamiliar with the other author, EJ Findorff, but now I am curious to explore their work.

The protagonist, Emma, is a young character who gradually reveals more about herself as the story progresses. Her struggles evoked sympathy, and I found myself hoping for a satisfying resolution. The characters in the book were all flawed and difficult to like; however, the detective, Nikki, was likable, and her sense of duty was admirable.

I must caution readers with specific triggers to approach this book with care, as it contains scandalous events that may not be suitable for everyone. The ending was unpredictable and twisted, adding to the story's suspense. While the book did feel lengthy at times, I was able to finish it in a day.

If you enjoy dark, twisted, and suspenseful stories, this book is worth a listen. Despite its length, I found it to be a compelling read. Just be aware of potential triggers before diving in.

Thank you, RBmedia | Recorded Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was my first experience with these authors and narrator and it was an interesting, intense thriller. The best parts were when we learned about people's motivations and back stories. The violence was pretty serious, and it was dark. The narration was the best part and held my interest at every part.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook

J.D. Barker and E.J. Findorff deliver a chilling and deeply unsettling thriller with We Don’t Talk About Emma, a novel that burrows into the darkest corners of human nature. This haunting tale is layered with psychological depth, raw emotion, and disturbing realism, making it an unforgettable and gripping read.

At its core, the story is a harrowing exploration of trauma, secrets, and the consequences of buried pain. Emma’s journey is both tragic and gripping, filled with twists that make the reader question the fine line between justice and vengeance. Barker and Findorff craft a narrative so immersive and eerily plausible that it lingers long after the final page. Given the shocking realities of the world today, We Don’t Talk About Emma resonates as more than just fiction—it’s a stark reflection of the horrors that can exist behind closed doors.

The novel’s multi-layered storytelling is one of its greatest strengths. As the plot unfolds, the complexity of Emma’s past and the tangled web of those around her become increasingly compelling. The writing is crisp, the pacing relentless, and the emotional weight undeniable. It’s dark, heart-wrenching, and at times difficult to digest, but it never loses its grip on the reader.

For fans of psychological thrillers that push boundaries, We Don’t Talk About Emma is a must-read. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to dive into its depths, it’s a novel that delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience.

We Don’t Talk About Emma is a police procedural set in New Orleans. Nikki is a detective that finds herself too close to a case involving a 16 year old girl, Emma. There are bad men that are being killed and Emma is the prime suspect. And who could blame her with what they put her through?

This felt like it was part of a series. The reader is introduced to Nikki and there is already baggage with Emma and Nikki’s ex, Keith. This made the characters feel more realistic and more of a snapshot in time. I feel JD Barker collaborations always seem to be clear on who the main writer is. In this case I think it’s written mostly by EJ Findorff, who sets his books in New Orleans. If you’re looking for a stronger JD Barker read, this isn’t it, but it was still entertaining and a good listen.

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date Feb 04 2025

A detective decides to cross the line when a serial rapist is set free; she decides to take matters in her own hands and murder him. Imagine her surprise when someone else beats her to it. She suspects the killer may have been the first victim and she sets out to find her. Does she want to find the girl to arrest her or commend her? An enjoyable, if not overly original story

The narrator was excellent. However, the book was just okay. Set in. New Orleans and follows a detective

3.5 stars

This book is about a detective who goes to avenge her young victim Emma's rape. When she arrives she discovers the perpetrator deceased. This starts a tangle web she has to unravel to solve the crime. Her own past comes up and intermingles into the mystery. The middle dragged on a little and pacing could have been a tiny bit faster but I really enjoyed the mystery of it

I really enjoyed this detective crime thriller, set in the dark side of New Orleans.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the ARC.

#WeDontTalkAboutEmma #NetGalley

3.5 ⭐️ | J.D. Barker delivers a great read in this crime thriller. Narration was also great in this audiobook. The story follows Nikki, a detective that decides to take matters into her own hands when a serial rapist is set free. When she arrives to confront him, someone has beat her to the punch and he has already became someone’s victim. While investigating this crime, she also trying to keep the other suspect safe, Emma who was one of his victims. They soon untangle a web of deceit that goes deeper than anyone could have ever imagined. With so many suspects, will Nikki be able to hide her involvement and intentions while trying to find the killer?

Thank you RBMedia for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.