What Never Happened Review
This book was slow for me and it seemed drawn out. The book kept my attention and wanting more but I was ready to give up on it.
🏘️BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Coco, an obituary writer who moves back to the house where her family was murdered years ago. While she's there caring for her aunt, she notices a string of accidental deaths among the local seniors, and then she receives her own obituary in the mail. 😳🤯
It’s a lot of old trauma and small town secrets coming to a head right as the 2020 lockdown is starting.
#books #BookReview #booksoflemon8 #bookrecommendations #thrillerbooks
Having recently finished "What Never Happened" by Rachel Howzell Hall, I found the novel to be an intriguing blend of suspense and emotional depth, though its pacing can feel slow at times. The story unfolds in a small town shadowed by deep-rooted trauma and hidden secrets, which adds a haunting atmosphere especially relevant amidst the backdrop of the 2020 lockdown. What stood out to me was the protagonist, Coco, an obituary writer who returns to her childhood home, only to confront the disturbing history of her family’s past and a new wave of mysterious deaths targeting local seniors. Receiving her own obituary in the mail adds a chilling twist, intensifying the suspense and personal stakes. The book skillfully explores themes of grief, memory, and the impact of longstanding trauma on a tight-knit community. While some chapters felt drawn out, the tension built toward a compelling climax that kept me engaged. Hall’s writing evokes a real sense of place and emotional resonance, which I appreciated deeply. If you enjoy thrillers with a strong psychological component and family drama, this novel offers a valuable read. It reminded me how powerful small-town secrets can be in shaping a character’s life and the ripple effects of unresolved pasts. Despite moments where pacing lagged, the emotional payoff and intricate plotting made it worthwhile. It’s definitely a book I’d recommend to fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers looking for something that goes beyond just surface scares.