Over the top but still held my attention

This is one of those stories where at times you say "give me a break" however I was interested in it till the end so I would give it a 3.7. I would say most will figure out the culprit(s) fairly quickly but like watching a train wreck in slo-mo you can't stop listening. Maybe one too many plot twists especially at the very end. Narration was good.

76 people found this helpful

definitely holds your interest, but abrupt ending

This was a good mystery/suspense/thriller as it remained consistently interesting and placing the right amount of clues and hints throughout the story. However, though the end was "shocking", the reasons for the actions of the characters didn't really make sense and were literally revealed as "just because" (for example the reason someone made an elaborate life altering plan was "because someone didn't like another person" without any justification) The beyond drastic measures taken were not justified or even rational. As a whole the book really did hold down my interest but there were many side stories and other information that were never explained.

35 people found this helpful

Slow Build to Bang-Up Finish!

What did you love best about Everything You Told Me?

This book was like starting out on a hilltop, parachuting on down to the bottom, then climbing up a thirty-degree incline until you're back up to the hilltop, with an unexpected present having been waiting for you there the whole time!

What other book might you compare Everything You Told Me to and why?

I can't think of another book that really compares to this one, and I've read many in this genre. It could be described as a family drama with a mystery twist and mind-bending suspense to boot. There are many characters to familiarize yourself with, which I think adds to the story well. I enjoyed the dynamics between Sally and her husband Matthew and the rest of their extended families. Even the children were interesting.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Sally invites herself over to her brother and future sis-in-law's Kelly's flat to get to know her a little better...

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A detective who does her own sleuthing has a fool for a client.

Any additional comments?

Great story. The opening scene sets the stage for a slow build of a mystery with many intertwining parts. Don't expect explosions around every corner, it's more like a flame that sparks hotter and brighter as it burns. I urge readers to stick with it, it's worth it. Lucy Dawson had another book called 'You Sent Me a Letter," and I am on to that one next. I enjoyed this book and would recommend!

66 people found this helpful

Waste of time

I kept on hoping this book would get good. It didn't even get mediocre. The main character constantly focused on how demanding child care is and bent over backwards to indulge her children. Think about over 9 hours of this. I hardly ever do reviews but I have to send out this warning. Don't listen to this.

12 people found this helpful

Enjoyable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if they are into the genre and authors I am. I feel like this author was very similar to Liane Moriarity, but maybe slightly better. I really enjoyed this book, it was just the right amount of suspense. The ending was sad- in so many ways. It is something that is unexpected. This book left me thinking about the many different layers for a couple days after. I may go back and listen to it, just because I know so much more now and it is worth it.

Which character – as performed by Jessica Ball – was your favorite?

The main character. But the main characters are always my favorite.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. every chance I got from the beginning, it was frustrating when I couldn't listen more.

30 people found this helpful

Do You Finish A Book When You Dislike the Protagonist?

Early on I knew I disliked the main character. "Oh, woe is me. I am the victim. Nobody knows how hard I have it."
By the middle of the book I wanted to slug her myself. "Hey, don't be such an idiot!" And yet I kept reading. I think it was because I wanted to see all of the REALLY obvious turns and twists dawn on her.
Everything is handed to the reader, there's very little to figure out for yourself.
The ending was a waste. SPOILER...nobody gets their comeuppance. Well, almost nobody. I don't like to stop reading books in the middle, but I think I wasted much of my time. The writer feels like the potential is there and the book could be so much better. Bummer.

5 people found this helpful

These people are nuts.

I've got an hour left in this book but I just can't take it. This family is the most unlikable people I've ever read in a book. My God. The way these ass clowns treat the protagonist is borderline mental abuse and unbelievable. For then to continually not believe her and treat her like a 5 year old had me furious. It's worth a read. It's not a bad book. It's just the lady's family.

85 people found this helpful

Villian is too obvious

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, simple plot although the ending was surprising. Some of the items mentioned were so British that they were not understandable nor was the narrator completely understandable.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was very surprised about all the characters involved.

What aspect of Jessica Ball’s performance would you have changed?

She didn’t enunciate some words clearly.

Was Everything You Told Me worth the listening time?

Yes

4 people found this helpful

Predictable but still very enjoyable

I like the characters of the book the every day life is very relatable... I will say for a seasoned thriller listener the selection may be a little predictable although it will keep you guessing for quite sometime before the lightbulb goes off but I do feel for most it may be mid book. Totally worth the listen however

14 people found this helpful

Great and tension filled story!

This story kept me focused on it throughout the entire reading/listening!
If you are looking for a story to entertain you after, say, a bad book experience, it will renew your faith!!

23 people found this helpful