No One Knows: A Book Club Recommendation!

I was really into this novel until the end when I became disappointed in all the unanswered questions. I feel like there should be a second book of confessions. It was obvious that Chase Boden was the real Josh Hamilton. Who was the fake, maybe the pharmacist at Vandy. Who really knows? The novel felt uncompleted.

I don’t even know where to start with this one and I am torn on my exact feelings for this story as well. My feelings towards the main character, Aubrey, changed many times during the unfolding of this tale and even now that I am finished….still not sure what to think.

We first meet Aubrey five years after her husband, Josh’s disappearance when he has just been declared dead. I feel badly for her at this point because her mother-in-law, who never really liked her, told her about the declaration is a very rude and unfeeling way and is now trying to protest the life insurance policy pay out.

As the story progresses we jump back and forth between Aubrey’s childhood, the beginnings of her relationship with Josh, and with what happened five years ago on the day he disappeared-from both of their perspectives. The author did a very good job of separating all of this and I was never once confused by the time jumps. That being said and without giving out any spoilers, my feelings for Aubrey began to change about halfway through because she wasn’t as distraught or as innocent as I originally thought. No one is as they seem except maybe the nasty mother-in-law.

I finished the book about 24 hours ago and I am still ruminating on it and trying to figure out my feelings! It definitely got me thinking but I feel like the ending was rather confusing and I am not one hundred percent sure that I understand what happened. I might have to go back a reread the last chapter just to make sure I didn’t miss something. I like a nice tidy ending so this is messing with my head a bit!

3.5/5 stars
[...]

Truth be told I'm having difficulty finding the words I want to use in this review. First, let me say that I'm a huge fan of Ms. Ellison and her writing. Unfortunately, of the books she has written, this is one of my least favorites. I will do my best to try and explain my thoughts without giving any of the story away.

Seven, seventeen and five are how Aubrey describes her life. Seven years before she met Josh, seventeen years she had with Josh, and five years without Josh. Josh disappears at the hotel where friends are having their bachelor/bachelorette parties. Aubrey is suspected in her husband's diappearance and is ultimately put on trial for first-degree murder even though there is no body.

Josh's mom, Daisy, wants closure and his life insurance money. Daisy petitions the courts to have Josh declaired dead early. This seems to set in motion a series of events that lead the reader down a path with many twists and turns to reach the anti-climactic and unbelievable ending.

I really wanted to love this book as I do Ms. Ellison's other writings but this just didn't do it for me. Ms. Ellison knows how to build up the suspense and leave you holding your breath waiting for the next piece of the puzzle to be put in place. This story is told from multiple view points as well as going from past to present and back again. This is done deftly with a clear view point. I think there were a few flashbacks that could have been left out or expanded upon if they were going to stay in the story. Overall, Ms. Ellison knows how to weave a story and I for one am looking forward to reading what comes next!

I received an advanced digital copy of this manuscript from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure how I would like this stand alone thriller by JT Ellison, but I loved it! I'm a huge fan of Ms Elliott's previous books but I always worry when my favorite author writes a stand alone thriller. This book did not disappoint! Suffice to say, I had to retread the epilogue to just make sure I understood what I had read. Man oh man.......I did not see that ending coming at all! Great job Ms. Eliott!!!!

I am an avid reader and was already a fan of JT Ellison's work. I have to say that this book far exceeded my expectations. I read a lot of books and it is rare to find a gem like this one. It is a Great read, with complex complicated characters and a plot that twists and turns in ways that are truly thrilling. I almost never write reviews, because the books re as advertised, but WOW this book is beyond execeptional

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's one you can't put down because you have to know what's coming to happen next. Even with the many solutions my mind kept guessing, I still never figured it out. I'm not sure if the ending is what I wanted but it was another twist I wasn't expecting. If you liked the twists and turns of Gone Girl, you need to read this

No One Knows opens with Joshua Hamilton being declared dead by the state of Tennessee. Exactly one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five days since he went missing. Aubrey his wife, receives the letter at the school were she is teaching.

We learn that Josh disappeared at a wedding that they were attending. He headed off to the bachelor party at the hotel, never to be heard from again.

The chapters of the book seem to skip around, with no set pattern that I could see. There would be a couple of chapters in a row that were now and then a chapter from the past. But even so, the story was easy to follow.

Soon after Aubrey receives the letter declaring her husband dead, she receives an email showing a photo of him, with words saying that he’s alive. She then meets a man named Chase, who reminds her so much of Josh, that she is immediately attracted to him.

From there the story takes off. Plenty of twists and turns. Characters who turn out to be not who you think they are.

A good, solid mystery. Enough twists and turns.

I received an ARC of this book, opinions are my own.

Aubrey Hamilton is dealing with the loss of her husband Josh. She wants to move on with her life, but even after five years, she has many unanswered questions. The reader will also have questions and will not want to put the book down until the truth is revealed.

This suspenseful story is a quick, entertaining read and the twists and turns kept me interested throughout the book to find out what would happen next. It was obvious there was more to the story of Josh's disappearance than met the eye, but the author keeps you guessing about the what really happened. I like the overall story, but there are some downsides. I felt Aubrey's mother-in-law Daisy was too over-the-top and much of the storyline involving Aubrey's potential love interest Chase unbelievable. In spite of the flaws, I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller and its unexpected ending.

I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Gallery Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Story was engaging enough - if you are willing to swallow some highly improbable events and unexplained 'coincidences' - but the ending ruined this book. Cheating the reader does not constitute a twist.

An interesting thriller and quick read. The author will keep you guessing, and it's hard to put this book down. That said, I expected more at the end. Overall, a really good mystery/thriller. I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What is it that no one knows? So many questions MIGHT be it...There's so many ups and downs in the emotions here that the suspense is killer! Can you predict what it is that no one knows? I loved this book. I am a new convert to T.J. Ellison. Now I can't wait for more!

I would have given this 5 stars, it was very good, it just seemed to go on too long. I liked all the characters, the plot, and the twists and turns. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

​In No One Knows Ms Ellison takes us back and forth in time. In each sequence she makes us aware of how many years previously it happened and where we are in time. Likeable characters. Interesting story that keeps you guessing and has surprises ahead for the reader. I was given an early copy to review.

It is true that were some "twists" in this story, but not a single one made me, the reader, anymore interested, or even made any sense to the story. In fact nothing about this book made any sense at all. Not a single character was likable, relate-able, understandable or sympathetic. Why the ridiculous comparisons to "Gone Girl", and "Girl On The Train"?? The only reason would be to make potential readers that are seeking good dialogue, intriguing plot lines and interesting complex characters found in these "comparables" consider purchasing "No One Knows." Don't do it, no one should, there is nothing comparable in "No One Knows" to either of the other stories, other than that they are all mysteries. It ends there.

You will NOT see the end coming. Ellison will keep you guessing through then entire book and you will put it down and not be sure what just hit you. Fans of Suspense better grab this one. Carve out some time, because you will not be able to put it down. WOW!!

I enjoyed the story. I like how the story is laid out and the characters where we'll developed. Nice twist, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I wanted more closure at the end. Overall good read, recommended for those who like a good thriller.

This is a suspenseful mystery involving a doctor, Josh, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances and presumed dead. His widow Aubrey, the main character, has been grieving for five years when we are introduced to her. The chapters alternate between the time when Josh and Aubrey were together five years ago and current day. I’m not always fond of this approach but the premise worked so well here. Hunting for clues in past and present behaviors was part of what I liked best, the red herrings well placed. Am conflicted by the ending, will have to think about it for a while longer but well worth the read either way. It was a psychological page-turner. Looking forward to hearing what others have to say, as I believe the ending is debatable.

I dont want to give anything away.... so wow!! If you like twists and turns... maybe a little mental whiplash from all of them then this book is for you. Sharp objects, Gone Girl and In a dark dark wood fans will love this.

This book is quite a change from the author's usual books. I thought the beginning was a little slow but then there was too many twists. Just when you got comfortable with one story line and thought you knew what was happening, it changed to something else. All the characters were a little wierd and had too many problems. While the book did hold my interest, I felt there was too much going on. I have read most of J.T. Ellison's books and this one was not one of my favorites . I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

The entire book was good and filled with anticipation. Right up until the last 3-4 chapters. If the author had ended it then, I would have been satisfied. I felt like she threw in those last chapters to make a "surprise" ending. It was unbelievable and disjointed.

Well written and will definitely keep the pages turning. Ending is pretty far fetched and a few things never end up making sense. Not mind blowing, wouldn't recommend it to a friend, but reading it wasn't a total waste of my time.

I enjoyed the book, but the end left me hanging and confused. Thinking back, things did not add up and I went searching the Internet for the answers, and I only found that others were also confused. I felt it was a fitting title...in the end, still, no one knows.

Being a resident of Nashville, I usually enjoy reading JT Ellison's books and knowing exactly where the action takes place. I loved the Traylor Jackson series until the last one got strange and unbelievable. There is always a suspension of belief when it comes to reading fiction, but too much of it can make a good story turn bad.

The first good bit of this book was great... and then it wasn't. The ending just really didn't match the pacing of the rest of the book, and felt rushed on top of that. Also, there was really no protagonist to root for... everyone was awful, and that just doesn't make for great reading.

No One Knows by J. T. Ellison is a recommended mystery with an unreliable narrator.

Aubrey Hamilton's husband, Josh, disappeared five years ago under mysterious circumstances and has now been officially declared legally dead by the state of Tennessee. Aubrey was the main suspect, but after she was acquitted, the investigation seemed to stall, leaving Aubrey with many questions and no answers about where Josh is and what happened to him. He disappeared the night they were attending friends' bachelor and bachelorette parties at a hotel - leaving few clues and a large amount of blood at their home. They were childhood sweethearts and adored each other, so perhaps that is why Aubrey holds out hope that he is alive and believes she has saw Josh from time to time over the years.

Josh's mother, Daisy, always hated Aubrey. She is the one who pushed the state to declare him legally dead. Then Daisy is planning to fight Aubrey for the 5 million dollar insurance policy payoff. Aubrey says she doesn't want the money; she just wants Josh back.

When Aubrey meets Chase Boden the day Josh is declared dead, something about Chase's walk and mannerisms makes her think of Josh and she falls for him. Aubrey has believed Josh is still alive for years, but perhaps it is time to let go of that hope and start anew. But, when new information comes to light about Josh, Aubrey doesn't know what or who to believe.

Ellison tells the story from multiple points of view and different time periods in the characters' lives, jumping back and forth from the present day to some point in the past. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Aubrey is not a reliable narrator and the truth lies in the clues she provides.

The writing is very good and the character of Aubrey is well developed. All of the flashbacks were, perhaps not necessary and made sections of the novel seem overly long. The story drew me in at the opening, but then I'll have to admit that I had several niggling questions and doubts that kept creeping in about the plot. To be honest, I figured out or suspected the plot twists ahead of time and will admit to some eye rolling over the convenience of some of the details and coincidences.

These doubts were set in place early on for me. Chase's appearance and Aubrey's immediate attachment to him was too convenient and I found it hard to believe that a woman who is pining away for her husband would suddenly jump into bed, drunk or not, with a stranger on the day her beloved missing husband is declared legally dead. Future events make this even less likely. Then there were times I'd be saying to myself, "Wait, didn't she say xyz before and now it's abc." Sure Aubrey's an unreliable narrator, but I still want firm details while you make the context fluid for your unreliable narrator.

I did read the novel to the end, though, which counts for something. If you just want to read a well written suspense novel and not follow facts or details too closely, this will fit the bill.

Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Gallery Books via Netgalley for review purposes.

Comparing this book to Gone Girl or Girl on a Train does a great disservice to those books. The "twist" at the end pays zero attention to anything you read up until that point. In fact, it almost feels as if the author could't finish the last couple of chapters so some random person wrote an ending without bothering to read chapters 1-69. What makes a twist enjoyable is being able to think back to the story line and seeing how the plot came together...as opposed to feeling like the entire book was essentially irrelevant to the ending.

What a big fat waste of time. You can't write a book from the main character's partial perspective, then decide that we weren't really privy to what she was actually thinking the whole time. Just awful! The writing isn't bad throughout, but then to put a completely implausible "twist," and think that makes it clever??? Sooo bad.

I would rate this up there with Gillian Flynn novels. I loved, loved this book except for the last 20 pages which made no sense and seemed like the author was rushing to meet a deadline. I considered giving this 4 stars for this reason, but overall, I still loved it. One of the best books I've read in a while, couldn't put it down.

Not a terrible book. But at the final confrontation where Josh and Derrick have their guns trained on one another and Aubrey is like, 'I'm leaving, boys,' and she walks away, and then Derrick fires a warning shot over her hear...that's when Josh should have shot him and ended the story.

Too bad Josh didn't shoot Derrick when he should have.

I wanted to like this book, and I like the idea of the story, but not the long delivery. Lisa Gardner praised it, and I enjoy Lisa's books. If this truly is listed as a thriller, there are about 100 extra pages that should have been edited out. Pages repeating the same thing. Pages saying the same thing over and over. (Notice what I did there? Annoying isn't it?) Yes, she misses her missing husband. No, we don't need to hear her go on and on about it.

Bought this book on a whim and am glad I did. Well written and suspenseful. The author never used the old tricks to mislead the reader but still managed to keep the twists and turns hidden. Truly enjoyed it, am off to buy more J.T. Ellison books.

Comparing this book to Gone Girl or Girl on a Train does a great disservice to those books. The "twist" at the end pays zero attention to anything you read up until that point. In fact, it almost feels as if the author could't finish the last couple of chapters so some random person wrote an ending without bothering to read chapters 1-69. What makes a twist enjoyable is being able to think back to the story line and seeing how the plot came together...as opposed to feeling like the entire book was essentially irrelevant to the ending.

What a big fat waste of time. You can't write a book from the main character's partial perspective, then decide that we weren't really privy to what she was actually thinking the whole time. Just awful! The writing isn't bad throughout, but then to put a completely implausible "twist," and think that makes it clever??? Sooo bad.

I would rate this up there with Gillian Flynn novels. I loved, loved this book except for the last 20 pages which made no sense and seemed like the author was rushing to meet a deadline. I considered giving this 4 stars for this reason, but overall, I still loved it. One of the best books I've read in a while, couldn't put it down.

Not a terrible book. But at the final confrontation where Josh and Derrick have their guns trained on one another and Aubrey is like, 'I'm leaving, boys,' and she walks away, and then Derrick fires a warning shot over her hear...that's when Josh should have shot him and ended the story.

Too bad Josh didn't shoot Derrick when he should have.

I wanted to like this book, and I like the idea of the story, but not the long delivery. Lisa Gardner praised it, and I enjoy Lisa's books. If this truly is listed as a thriller, there are about 100 extra pages that should have been edited out. Pages repeating the same thing. Pages saying the same thing over and over. (Notice what I did there? Annoying isn't it?) Yes, she misses her missing husband. No, we don't need to hear her go on and on about it.

Bought this book on a whim and am glad I did. Well written and suspenseful. The author never used the old tricks to mislead the reader but still managed to keep the twists and turns hidden. Truly enjoyed it, am off to buy more J.T. Ellison books.

This book is horrible. I have enjoyed books by this author in the past but this one was a real disappointment. I enjoy a twist at the end of a book as much as the next reader but this one made no sense. Once the full story was revealed there was no way to reconcile the ending with the story I read. Too many things that happened in the "five years ago" parts of the book suddenly made no sense given the actual way things happened. I wouldn't waste my time on this one.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Definitely some twists that I didn't see coming. A few holes were still left in regards to a couple minor characters, but this is a must read for fans of "Gone Girl," and those types of books!

Love, loved, so much! I thought this was a great book considering it's J.T.'s first stand alone novel and a completely new genre for her. I think it had just the right amount of suspense and twists. I read it in about 2 sittings!

Stopped reading at the point where the characters had a car accident, pulled over, the husband gave the wife a couple stitches on her lip and then they kept going to a bucks/hens party. So ridiculous I couldn't continue.

There are so many better books to read. I listened to this book for ten hours on discs and while the recitation was good, the plot was unrealistic and the dialogue often stilted and also unrealistic. In addition, the product placement was annoying. I'm sorry I wasted my time with the book but fortunately listened while doing other more pleasurable tasks so it did not take time ordinarily set aside for reading a book. The only reason I remained with it was because, for some reason, I expected it to improve and frankly was curious to see how J.T. Ellison was going to unravel it all. This was not a satisfying "read".

This book was quite good until the ending which tornadoes the whole thing. I wouldn't have even minded the ending had she followed through with "the plan" but her change of heart made the book senseless.

This is another book that is supposed to be a thriller, one that wraps you up in suspense and surprises you at the end with a shocking, heart pounding ending. This book is none of these things. Once again, we have an author that is into flashbacks with different characters - 5 years ago, 3 years ago, today, 5 years ago, etc. I'm getting really tired these types of books. No One Knows has very little suspense, it just plods along; in fact plods so much that there are no heart pounding, OMG!'s anywhere in the book. The ending was abysmal, and by the time I got there, I didn't care. Forewarned: This is not a thriller, not a good book, don't waste your money.

Thank you J. T. Ellison, Netgally and Pocket books for giving me the chance to give an honest review....

OMG! This book had so many twist, turns and just darkness...one minuet I THOUGHT I knew what was going on an than the next BAM another twist. Near the end I didn't know if I was coming or going!! It had sort of a Gone Girl vibe to it but with the characters reversed.

I would have liked to see it a little more in depth instead of just flash backs but that is what also made it intriguing. It was a definite page turner and shocker near the end, which left the possibility for another book maybe...The one thing that drove me absolutely MAD was I couldn't for the life of me understand Daisy and WHY she hated Aubrey and her mom so much. that bugged me until the very end.

I really was enjoying this story until about the 80% point where it seemed to take off in so many different ways I still have no idea where the characters actually ended up! The ending isn't a cliffhanger. It isn't a resolution. I am not actually sure how it ended. Didn't any of the author's beta readers bring any of this up? It ruined the whole book for me which is sad because before that it was a good story. I won't read anymore by this author because I feel I wasted my time.

This book is like a jigsaw puzzle as pieces of the story are added bit by bit jumping forward and backward in time. The net effect is to keep the reader engrossed and anxious to put together the pieces and determine what happened and why when Aubrey's husband, Josh, mysteriously vanishes. Some of the characters are likeable and some are truly evil. Aubrey, the main character, is hurt in many ways, but has the strength and fortitude to seize life and live. I was ready to not like this book because it started a little too much like a romantic novel, but I came around as it is so much more to read and enjoy.

​In No One Knows Ms Ellison takes us back and forth in time. In each sequence she makes us aware of how many years previously it happened and where we are in time. Likeable characters. Interesting story that keeps you guessing and has surprises ahead for the reader. I was given an early copy to review.

This is a suspenseful mystery involving a doctor, Josh, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances and presumed dead. His widow Aubrey, the main character, has been grieving for five years when we are introduced to her. The chapters alternate between the time when Josh and Aubrey were together five years ago and current day. I’m not always fond of this approach but the premise worked so well here. Hunting for clues in past and present behaviors was part of what I liked best, the red herrings well placed. Am conflicted by the ending, will have to think about it for a while longer but well worth the read either way. It was a psychological page-turner. Looking forward to hearing what others have to say, as I believe the ending is debatable.

4.25 – 4.5 STARS

Five years after Joshua Hamilton went missing, the authorities officially declare him dead. Bloody evidence at the time of his disappearance led investigators to believe that Joshua had been murdered. And their prime suspect? His wife Aubrey. Despite being found not guilty, Joshua’s mother (Daisy) believes wholeheartedly that Aubrey is indeed responsible for her only son’s death.

The story of J.T. Ellison’s “No One Knows” is told in alternating points of view, switching between past and present. Glimpses from the past give the reader some much-needed insight into Joshua and Aubrey’s relationship, while also allowing us the opportunity to get inside of Joshua’s head. It also exposes Daisy’s intense dislike for Aubrey, which was apparent right from the very start.

Upon reading the synopsis for “No One Knows” my attention was immediately captured. From the get go, I was intrigued. As the story began to unfold, I couldn’t wait to “discover the truth.” But the closer I came to unearthing that truth, the more the story began to drag and the more my disappointment grew.

While I appreciated the author’s clever plot twist, the story’s conclusion ultimately left me unsatisfied. Many of my questions remained unanswered. And I had difficulty reconciling the Joshua of the past with the Joshua who went missing—his later behavior a complete contradiction to his actions in the past. In addition, information revealed about secondary characters (such as Meghan & Daisy), was never fully explored. For example, why was Meghan’s past shrouded in mystery? And did Daisy’s attitude towards Aubrey somehow stem from her past dislike of Aubrey’s mom?

Some elements of the story definitely straddled the line of believability—especially as they pertained to Chase. Still, I suspended rational thought and allowed myself to get swept away in the mystery of it all. And for 85% of the story, that was truly enough. But somewhere during the last 15% of the book, my disbelief returned, and my interest waned.

While “No One Knows” didn’t quite make the cut as a 5-star read, it definitely has a suspenseful and intriguing plotline, with an ending that will have you re-evaluating all that you had previously thought to be true. So, regardless of the story’s aforementioned “flaws,” it’s still an above-average read that’s well worth exploring.

**ARC FROM NETGALLEY**

For the most part, I enjoyed the book, but the last few chapters took the book in an entirely different direction. There was no happy ending. The characters shifted to an extreme. Josh goes to jail and Aubrey goes to a hospital for the criminally insane after all is said and done. It seems like to much information was left out between the last chapter and the epilogue. For one second, it looked like Daisy and Chase were in on it from the beginning to set Aubrey and Josh up for the money. How did it come to Chase and Aubrey getting married? The last paragraph ended to abruptly.