A review by michelles_book_nook
If You Tell by Gregg Olsen

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

⚠️ TW: parental death, mentions of suicide, physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, drug/substance abuse, domestic violence, graphic violence, graphic content, prolific gaslighting, torture, murder, homophobia ⚠️ This book is a real emotional rollercoaster and I cried so much. This read follows the life of the Knotek family told by the three sisters, Nikki, Sami and Tori, through police interviews and files from the case. It is honestly horrific and vile what this family endured at the hands of their mum, Shelly, but also discusses so many failings by police and various services to allow it to go on for so long. My heart broke not only for the family but also Kathy and Ron who were bought in to help with the growing family. As for the many men in Shelly's life I think the one I equally disliked and felt somewhat sorry for was Dave Knotek. He was abused like the children were even though he also dished out abuse instructed by Shelly but I found him infuriating with how he'd been brainwashed. In short Shelly is a psychopath. This is an extremely hard read but it is a very informative and good read too. If you are interested in reading true crime or abuse memoirs then I do recommend this but please read the TW's.
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