Deeply buried secrets make for a disturbing family reunion in bestselling author Catherine McKenzie’s tantalizing novel of psychological suspense, named one of the Hottest Books of Summer by Goodreads.What happened to Amanda Holmes?Twenty years ago, she was found bludgeoned in a rowboat at the MacAllister family’s Camp Macaw. No one was ever charged with the crime.Now, after their parents’ sudden … crime.
Now, after their parents’ sudden deaths, the MacAllister siblings return to camp to read the will and decide what to do with the prime real estate the camp occupies. Ryan needs to sell. Margaux hasn’t made up her mind. Mary believes in leaving well enough alone. Kate and Liddie—the twins—have opposing views. And Sean Booth, the groundskeeper, just hopes he still has a home when all is said and done.
But it’s more complicated than a simple vote. The will stipulates that until they unravel the mystery of what happened to Amanda, they can’t settle the estate. Any one of them could have done it, and each one is holding a piece of the puzzle. Will they work together to finally discover the truth, or will their secrets finally tear the family apart?
more
I’ve been reading Catherine McKenzie’s novels for years and I have always marveled at how unique each story is. I eagerly look forward to her next novel as soon as I finish her last. I was especially looking forward to I’ll Never Tell after absolutely loving The Good Liar last year. Could her new one live up to her last (which was an instant bestseller, btw)? The short answer is: hell, yes.
This isn’t the first novel that features a dysfunctional family and a surprise in a will, and it won’t be the last. But it’s definitely going to be one that sticks with me for awhile. The MacAllisters are likeable enough (way more palatable than some families), they’re just a bit messed up. And who isn’t? It’s hard to say if they really deserved to be dealing with their father’s bizarre conditions even though it’s pretty clear one of them is a murderer.
Speaking of murder and whodunnit – I had no idea. Every time the perspective changed with a new chapter (not as jarring as you might think), I changed my mind. Every sibling had motive and opportunity, though a few of them were immediately ruled out. Or were they? Yep. It’s a twisted mystery and I loved it.
There’s one thing that’s been niggling at me since I finished the novel and it has to do with some choices Pete MacAllister made. I can’t really say anything more because it’s a hell of a spoiler if I do but his reasoning never made clear (not for the surprise in the will, that part was pretty clear). I guess I’m always just looking for more of an “everything wrapped up in a bow” situation than McKenzie was going for, especially for a character who is dead, but I feel like there’s way more to him and his motivations than we got to see.
I loved that this books was set at a summer camp. I never went to overnight camp growing up so I don’t have the kinds of memories that the campers at Macaw would but McKenzie does have that experience and, through that background and her great writing, I was able to understand what it was like and why the characters may have acted the way they did.
Also, I always thought the cover was so well suited to this novel – and I was very happy that McKenzie wasn’t given an obviously feminine cover – but it wasn’t until I inserted it into my blog review that I realized how perfect (and perfectly creepy) it really is.
I’ll Never Tell is an amazing follow up to Catherine McKenzie’s success with The Good Liar. It’s an intriguing, complex, twisted story that she tells so, so well. I may have started reading her books because they were contemporary, fun, and relateable but I’m so happy with the direction she’s taken because she’s so good at writing thrillers. Pick this one up for your summer vacation!
Who wouldn’t want their parents to own a summer camp on a lake? Apparently the Macaws. After their parents sudden death, they are told to keep it open one more year and then meet to hear what’s next. The family is divided on what they want to be done with it, and that is before the will, and its strange conditions, is read.
It’s not just the family to consider. Sean has lived there most of his life and wants to stay. And there is Amanda on everyone’s mind. Who killed Amanda 20 years ago and left her in a boat? Dad had his ideas. Was he right?
This was a fun, summer read. There were parts in which the family drama and remembering seemed irrelevant and I just wanted to get back to the present day story, but I still read it in two sittings. I’d recommend for anyone who likes a little mystery.
A fantastic, thrilling, suspenseful novel with twists and turns to leave you on edge! Intense and well plotted! I loved it!
Catherine McKenzie’s books always contain some sort of mystery in the center of them. I’LL NEVER TELL really IS a mystery, centered around what happened to one teen camper decades ago, at a camp run by a very dysfunctional family.
Now, twenty years later, the mystery has to be solved, once and for all. And as with any situation where deeply buried secrets get dug up, not everyone wants the truth to be told.
I’LL NEVER TELL is an enjoyable read and an intriguing mystery. It did not make me nostalgic for summer camp though!
A mystery that takes place in a summer camp–as a life-long camp person, this book had me at hello. Kept me guessing all along.
3.5 rounded up to 4.
Love books that take place in summer camp. In present day, the five McAllister children along with a long time camp employee reunite at the family camp to hold a memorial service for their departed parents and for the reading of the father’s will. What they believe will be a simple family fight over whether to keep or sell the camp becomes more complicated when it is revealed that the son was believed by the father to be responsible for a heinous crime towards a camper back in 1998. Told from the perspective of each of the characters in the present and the past, this mystery of who done it keeps you guessing as family secrets and lies are revealed. I received an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway.
As always, Catherine McKenzie brings us an excellent mystery filled with family and secrets and life. Each of her novels evolves from an insular world of mystery and personalities that shift with the winds of fact and time. Set in the wilds of Canada, I’ll Never Tell features the MacAllister children – Margaux the competent; quiet, horse-loving Mary who considers herself the forgotten child; livewire identical twins Kate and Liddie of the conflicting, mirrored personalities; and self-indulgent handsome son Ryan, along with their contemporary returning camp-staffers Sean Booth and Amanda Bean.
The mystery actually takes place on July 22, 1998, when the seven staffers are in their teens. They are the third generation to run the summer camp, Camp Mccaw, which was founded and built up by their Grandfather MacAllister, Pete’s father. During summer camp of 1998, Amanda is found crumpled in the bottom of a boat on Secret Beach, struck down with an oar. There is never enough evidence for the police to make an arrest though Ryan and Sean are initially considered persons of interest. The timeline is ambiguous and marred with secrets not shared with anyone by the kids. The following summer there is an accident with a vehicle being used by Ryan, where female camp staffer Stacy is killed. Again, Ryan is cleared by the skin of his teeth. Strike Two.
We return to contemporary time, twenty years later. The MacAllister parents, Ingrid and Pete, are killed in a train wreck during the winter on the first vacation they have taken in years. Pete was a very micromanaging man, who has to know everything about everybody. The extent of his sins of invasion come to light after his death.
Pete’s father left him Camp Mccaw and the priceless 200 riverfront acres it entailed with the stipulation that it could not be sold for any reason during Pete’s lifetime, a restriction that kept him frustrated his whole life. Ingrid, though the mother of five, was not maternal nor personally involved with her children. Her unemotional handling of the children coupled with Pete’s parsimony and need for complete command of every situation made the children feel like they were just around to man the camp and entertain themselves at school in Montreal in the winter. Sean, orphaned as a child, spends all year at the camp handling maintenance and security, even after Pete and Ingrid moved to the camp full time.
The MacAllister children, one at a time, were weaned off into city life as they finished high school and began college or career in the city, with the exception of twin Kate, who managed the camp for her parents until her 27th birthday, when her father announced that she wasn’t emotionally strong enough to actually manage the camp in their absence. And Mary, who bought her own small farm near Camp Mccaw, where she lives her quiet life, houses her horse Cinnamon, and winters the horses of the camp.
Pete’s will is ambiguous, and their old family lawyer, Swift, is reluctant to share it with the children. Pete’s first demand was that the camp must be run through the summer following his death. He leaves everything to wife Ingrid, but because they die together, the land will go to the children. With many stipulations. They are all to gather at the camp on Labor Day weekend after the closing of summer camp for a memorial including all the old repeat campers, that to be followed by the complete reading of the will. And all six of the third generation of Camp Mccaw come with different expectations, conflicting needs, long hidden secrets. Though not one of them expects the monkey wrench father Pete tosses into the mix. Even from the grave, he must control the family and the camp.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Catherine McKenzie, and Lake Union Publishing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this mystery of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Emotional Drama Built on Exposing a Web of Lies and Misperceptions
I’ll Never Tell finds the five MacAllister siblings (Margaux, Ryan, Mary, Kate, and Liddie) and a groundskeeper (Sean Booth) trying to solve a 20-year-old, cold case – the bludgeoning of Amanda Holmes on the grounds of the family’s camp, Camp Macaw. Why? Because their father’s will stipulated that until they unravel the mystery of what happened to Amanda, they can’t settle the estate. That sentence alone should tell you one of the concerns I have about this book – the plot is contrived. What kind of man would saddle his five children with solving a case that the police couldn’t? What kind of man would task his children with something he never did when he was alive? Of course, every author gets one gimme and this could be it, except the pattern repeats quite often. For example, in a backstory, Ryan takes the blame for “killing” a young woman when, in fact, it was an accident. There is no blame to be taken, no one to protect in an accident, and so, the whole scene ends up feeling convenient – a way for the author to increase drama and little more.
But even with the contrived feel of the main plot and many of the scenes, it’s easy to see why the book is popular – the twists and character development. The latter is facilitated by the chapters’ different points of view. Each one takes the perspective of one of the seven figures mentioned above. Yes, there are seven different POVs. And from them, we learn that these people are not a particularly likable bunch. They are the kind who would fake a bad phone connection rather than have an uncomfortable conversation with a significant other (to pick one simple example). But while they have largely withdrawn from each other and in some cases, from the world, they have steadfastly hidden what they believe are secrets about Amanda to protect one another. Or maybe that’s why they’ve withdrawn?
Twists in the story are the second driver of this tale and most revolve around omissions or lies about the assault on Amanda. But the author takes it a step further because often the lies are only hiding a misperception of events rather than the truth. So, a secret revealed means little until its verified and you’re left guessing what really happened until the next secret, and so on. Unfortunately, even an excellent writing hook can be overused and this one is. I found myself fascinated by how the author would spin each incident but at the same time, numbed to the drama. And until you’re on the last page, why give any reveal much credence?
Overall, the plot is contrived and the drama somewhat overplayed, but character development and the twists make I’ll Never Tell a worthwhile read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine McKenzie for the digital ARC I received. I elected to write a review.
Five siblings reliving their experience at camp. The camp was owned by their parents who are now deceased and they reunite there for the reading of the will. The story reveals they’re adventures and their secrets.
What an amazing book! I could not put it down. The characters were all so interesting, lots of twists and turns. The ending had me in shock. I need to read it again to see if I missed a hint or a clue. Highly recommend! Thanks to Catherine McKenzie and Netgalley for the ARC.
Catherine McKenzie always write a compelling story that keeps you engaged. Part mystery and part family drama. A page turner that keeps you totally engaged.
The MacAllister family has owned Camp Macaw for generations. A number of horrific events over the years have the MacAllister siblings contemplating the sale of this land. The mystery must be solved before the strange terms of their father’s will can be carried out. Secrets which have been buried about what happened to Amanda Holmes begin to unravel.
This book is written from the point of view of each of the siblings and the maintenance man, Sean. While that may seem confusing, Ms. McKenzie makes it work. By understanding the thoughts and actions of each, we are provided with pieces of the puzzle that may not have been shared with others.
The author has written characters that all have good points and flaws. None of the characters are particularly likeable, nor are they inherently evil. Yet, all are interesting and complicated.
The story line twists and has a number of intricate issues that are peeled away slowly. The answer does not become apparent until the very end. It is an easy read and one which the reader will not want to put down.
I recommend this book. Like Catherine McKenzie’s other books, it is a well-written, exciting book that has strong characters and a compelling mystery.
I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.
I’ll Never Tell
By Catherine McKenzie
Wow! In most who dunits, somewhere along the line you figure out who did it. Not so in Catherine McKenzie’s I’ll Never Tell. About halfway through I was convinced I had it figured out. Not so!
This is not the first book I have read by Catherine McKenzie, nor will it be my last. I like her writing style. I like the way she introduces you to all her characters and them keeps them evolving. She makes you want more.
In I’ll Never Tell you meet the MacAllister family who own a summer camp. 20 years ago, a young Amanda Holmes had been murdered. No one was arrested for the crime. Now Mr. and Mrs. MacAllister have died and their children have returned to the camp to hear the reading of the will. The siblings must decide what do with the camp. But…and it is a big “but”, the will stipulates they must first solve Amanda’s murder. While they work on the case, we learn quite a bit about each sibling and one additional person: Sean, the groundskeeper who Mr. MacAlllister brought to the camp all those years ago.
So who had a motive to kill Amanda? You have to read I’ll Never Tell to find out who did it, why they did it, and how this affects everyone involved.
My main comment to Ms. McKenzie is: Keep Writing!
06.05.19
The is an excellent book! I really enjoyed it. I was pulled into the story of the McAllister family and the goings of Camp Macaw. The writing style of this Arthur made this book very engrossing to read Loved the incidents in their memories being shown from different angles by the others involved made you second guess the whole way through. Plenty of twists you felt the emotions in this story I had a hard time putting it down to get my daily chores done!! I’m looking forward to buying her other books to read as well this was my first one by Catherine McKenzie and I’m very happy I decided to read this.
Three simple words. Her family’s motto. I’ll never tell.
This book will leave you speechless. That ending!! WOW! I did not see that coming at all. Never even got close. Catherine McKenzie did one terrific job of capturing the readers and pulling them in to such a dramatic story of love, loss and uncertainty. There was so much going on that you had many ways of thinking about who did what and who was innocent. This family definitely had lots of secrets. Some to protect themselves and others to protect family. They were definitely a mixed up bunch but also loved each other to the end.
This book will take you to a lake in a campground and you will feel like you are right there. I could picture all the places it described. I could feel the water on my skin. Cold and invigorating. The rocks and trees. The cabins and the MacAllister family.
What happened to Amanda was tragic. She was just a young girl looking for something. You will feel her pain in so many ways. Her fears and loss. Her youthful wanting. She was just a young girl who should have had her whole life ahead of her. This whole story is based on what happened to her and you will not see it coming.
Told from each of the siblings and the family friend’s point it will draw you in like you won’t believe.
A tearful ending to a very emotional story.
Thank you to #NetGalley #Lake Union Publisher’s for this ARC.
Another 5 star book. I highly recommend this book!
This recent novel of Catherine McKenzie’s had me turning the pages right up until the end. I wanted to know the truth, who killed Amanda and how exactly did she die? This novel takes you to Camp Macaw in the present day and 20 years prior. As someone who has been to sleepaway camp (and spent summers at a day camp as well – similar atmosphere without the sleeping part) I was able to relate to the camp scenes, which I enjoyed reading about and reminiscing about my past experiences. The McAllister family who runs the camp, have their 5 children come together at present day to figure out their parents estate and have a decision to make regarding the camp future. No one ever knew what happened to Amanda Holmes who was found dead in a rowboat. The truth about this accident (or murder?) is how the family needs to decide if they keep the camp, sell the camp and if they sell, do all 5 children receive to profits from the sale or does one of them get left out due to their involvement in the death of Amanda? The story is pieced together and it kept me flipping the pages curious as to what happened next. Their secrets come to light and the twists and turns in this story were great. I recommend this novel.
I’ve long been a fan of Catherine McKenzie. She has a way of adding twists and turns that keep me guessing until the end! I’ll Never Tell is a fast paced whodunit!
What happened to Amanda Holmes all those years ago? When McAllister siblings return to Camp Macaw after their parent’s death, they are there to hear the reading of the will and unanimously decide what to do with the property. Family dysfunction and secrets are the name of the game as each sibling comes to terms with the past, their secrets, and their relationship with each other. Told in alternating timelines, with the addition of Amanda’s point of view, the siblings have to unravel what happened in the past while coming to terms with family secrets, past and present.
The characters are interesting with their own secrets and quirks, and McKenzie keeps it interesting by alternating between the different points of view. Full of twists that will keep you guessing; this one will have you turning pages trying to figure out what is going to happen. This is a good one to add to your summer (or anytime) reading list.
#LakeUnionPublishers
Thank you to the author and publisher for giving me the privilege of reading an ARC of this book.
I am a big fan of Catherine McKenzie and this book does not disappoint.
I enjoyed the setting at the summer camp and how the siblings were so different. Their parents brought them together under odd circumstances and it gave us a mystery to solve. Each time I thought that I had it figured out, I was wrong!
I don’t know how she keeps coming up with these crazy ideas but I’ll keep reading!
I’ve always said that secrets are the biggest part of most books. This one is no exception. HUGE family secrets. Everyone has one. Strange family dynamics.
I read for entertainment and relaxation. It does not bother me if a storyline does not seem realistic. That’s why it is a “story”. But I had to deduct one star this time because I had a couple of eye rolling moments with this book. Still very entertaining and enjoyable. It kept me guessing as each secret was revealed.
Thank you to Catherine McKenzie and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!