I’ll Never Tell is a mixed bag of reading. It is difficult to write a review when there are good points but also clear issues. I’ll give it a try
On the plus side, the premise is good. It is no spoiler to say that Alessia and her friend Sarah did a bad thing when they were younger, but only Alessia paid the price. As a result, she has to rebuild her life under a new identity – just to obtain a sense of normalcy.
But that peace is shattered (literally and figuratively) early in the book. From there, the story is twisty and has some good moments.
The author does a good job of highlighting Alessia’s stress as she struggles to maintain her current (almost perfect) life with her guilt and the secrets she hides. That is very clear and adds to making Alessia a sympathetic character.
It is also apparent from the beginning that Sarah is no good, a bad influence, and everything that goes along with those cliches. But is she really the one who is out to destroy Alessia’s peaceful life?
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This is where I think the author falters a bit. While the premise remains good, there is a lot of exposition. The reader is told things instead of being able to experience them along with the characters.
The method of storytelling results in a sense of removal from the action. This makes it difficult to get remain “in the story” as the pace picks up.
As a result, it is easy for an astute reader to figure out who is responsible for what. It is a shame because there is a lot of promise in the beginning.
I will also identify the obligatory triggers of abuse and how trauma shapes a person’s mental health. These are present as plot points – thoughtfully and not with sensationalism or shock value. But they are present.
Wrapping up, I think I’ll Never Tell is a great story that could have been told in a more enjoyable manner. I still recommend it, as the storyline saves the day.
Also by this author: No Escape
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Twitter: @caseykelleher
Author Bio:
Born in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Casey Kelleher grew up as an avid reader and a huge fan of author Martina Cole.
Whilst working as a beauty therapist and bringing up her three children together with her husband, Casey penned her debut novel Rotten to the Core. Its success meant that she could give up her day job and concentrate on writing full time.
