[Review] Don't Tell Anyone - Eleanor Gray

Summary: Art historian Grace Neville watches Jordan Dukes sentenced for the murder of her teenage daughter, Tara. A few days later, as she attempts to come to terms with her loss, she receives a visit from Jordan’s father, Alan, who claims that his son is innocent and that a grave miscarriage of justice has taken place. Jordan’s violent history in a notorious gang, plus the fact that he doesn’t have an alibi, makes Alan’s story a hard sell . . . until someone breaks into Grace’s home and goes through Tara’s belongings.

In Don’t Tell Anyone, Eleanor Gray explores the relationship between a mother and her daughter, and the secrets that drive Grace to start asking questions before it’s too late. (Pub Date: Dec 8, 2016)

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

What if the police got the wrong person for murdering your daughter and they were now out to get you but you have no idea who it could be?

Grace could finally hear the verdict on her teenage daughter's murder, condemning the girl's boyfriend to a minimum of 18 years. But his father shows up on her doorstep with arguments far more convincing than those used by the defense. She is surprisingly the only person who believes in him and his son. But who did it then?

I believe this was a good story. It had all the elements: a good twist—oh this the book had to spare—, kept me guessing until the final reveal and the answer to all wasn't unbelievable. However, I was still warm about it.

First, the narration dragged. Too much analyzing on the main character's part had me skipping every longer bit—it's amazing how I could still get into the character but Grace was nice. Also for a book with so much contemplation, the romance was too forced. I don't want to spoil anyone but the couple seemed fixed and no chemistry between them. To be honest, I was a little grossed out when I first noticed the author's intention of getting them together—I did get used to them eventually while cheering against them until the end. Also the secrets revealed made me feel the same. It's like the author had that great idea for a twist but not substance in it. And I can't blame her for any of those points, I think this was lack of editing and a third-person's (honest) opinion. It is a pity because if better finalized, this book could be gold. As it is, it fell flat.

On the other hand, it's not hard to read and the back story was very well thought. I won't say I was surprised by the big secret but in no moment I felt it to be too predictable. I actually enjoyed a lot the journey until we got to the real culprit.

This may a good book for group reading... It does have several interesting themes even if they are not that developed. And I really wanted to list them but again, it would need a spoiler alert. The main one, of course, is mistrial, as well as how bias can influence and blind a police investigation.

To be honest, this is a story I will remember for a long while despite the rating I'm giving. So don't give up reading if you can be prepared for those flaws above.

Rating: 3 out of 5.