Wow – Engrossing!

I’ll Never Tell by Philippa East is a totally engrossing contemporary psychological thriller that grabbed me from the start.

The tale is cleverly constructed as we hear two different distinct voices and there are two alternating time periods as we move backwards and forwards in time.

We follow a rather rich suburban family with a gifted daughter. On the surface they have it all together but underneath, cracks are appearing. Stiff upper lips begin to wobble. Once the cracks appear, the dam is in danger of bursting.

There is the theme of trust. We should be able to trust our nearest and dearest but everyone seems to be holding onto secrets. Secrets imprison lives in grand isolation.

We see the damage that parental pressure exerts on a young life. Living life under a magnifying glass is sure to take its toll. Perfection comes at a cost that is just too high to pay. Sometimes we need to just sit back and let our children take the driving seat of their lives. If they crash, we need to be there to pick up the pieces.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The reader is immersed in lives as the action is in the first person.

As the novel reaches its crescendo, the action is heightened by a raging storm. Inner turmoil is mirrored by the weather.

I’ll Never Tell was another fabulous offering from Philippa East. It engaged my attention from the start as I strapped myself in for a roller coaster read.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON