Book

Never Tell

📖 Overview

A pregnant woman stands over her husband's dead body with a gun in her hand, insisting she's innocent despite the evidence against her. Detective D.D. Warren recognizes the suspect from a previous case sixteen years ago, when the woman shot her own father in what was ruled an accident. Crime survivor-turned-police informant Flora Dane also has a connection to the current murder victim through her past traumatic experiences. As D.D. Warren investigates, she must untangle the complex web connecting these three women and determine whether the shooting was an act of murder or self-defense. The investigation reveals layers of deception surrounding computer codes, dark web activities, and long-buried secrets that threaten multiple lives. Warren and Dane work to uncover the truth while navigating their own complicated histories with the case. This psychological thriller explores themes of trauma, survival, and the ways past violence can echo through multiple lives and relationships. The narrative raises questions about memory, truth, and how well anyone can truly know those closest to them.

👀 Reviews

Readers highlight the complex character development and intricate plot twists in this D.D. Warren installment. Many note that the three female perspectives (Evie, Flora, and D.D.) create depth and keep the story moving at a fast pace. Readers appreciated: - Connections to previous books while remaining accessible to new readers - The realistic portrayal of trauma and PTSD - Strong technical details about ballistics and police procedure - Development of Flora Dane's character arc Common criticisms: - Too many coincidences in the plot - Some found the ending rushed - Multiple timelines can be confusing - A few readers wanted more D.D. Warren scenes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (31,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (3,800+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Notable reader comment: "The way Gardner weaves three separate cases together is like watching a master class in thriller writing" - Amazon reviewer

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The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen The story of a marriage's collapse unfolds through multiple perspectives that challenge assumptions about victims and perpetrators.

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris The facade of a perfect marriage masks a web of control, secrets, and danger that comes to light through a criminal investigation.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔍 Lisa Gardner conducted extensive research with law enforcement professionals to accurately portray police procedures and investigative techniques in Never Tell. 📚 The character of D.D. Warren, who appears in Never Tell, has starred in ten books in Gardner's successful detective series. 🏆 Never Tell debuted at #3 on The New York Times Best Seller list in February 2019. 💻 The plot incorporates modern cybercrime elements, reflecting Gardner's consultation with tech experts to create an authentic portrayal of digital forensics. 👥 The character of Flora Dane, a survivor-turned-vigilante who appears in Never Tell, was inspired by real-life cases of kidnapping survivors who went on to help other victims.