I will start by saying that there are trigger warnings for child molestation/sexual abuse, pedophilia, rape, and murder. These are all on-going themes within the entire novel. Although Olsen does not go into detail about any of these activities, they are discussed by multiple characters throughout the whole book, so if these are topics that you are not comfortable with, then I suggest not reading this one.

Having said that, I did enjoy the novel. We open with Violet's wedding, and her grandfather collapsing at the reception, leading to a series of events that no one could have seen coming. Violet hadn't wanted him there, and now he's dead...but how did he die? Was it natural causes? An accident? A murder? We see certain events before and after the wedding, shedding light on why Violet hadn't wanted her own grandfather at her wedding, and how his unexpected death has far-reaching consequences.

This is told in multiple points of view with a non-linear timeline, and although the chapters started with a date and location, I didn't pay too much attention to the date and realized late into the book that events weren't happening in a straight line. If I had paid attention to the dates shown, I probably could have saved myself a little bit of the confusion I felt while reading this. Confusion aside, it was a relatively gripping novel. I was never really sure what the end was going to be, or how we were going to get there. There was a lot going on between the different characters, and each person just kept dropping breadcrumb hints as to where we were heading.

The characters aren't necessarily likeable, although you do feel sorry for them, having to deal with certain situations that no one should have to deal with. Violet seems to be the strongest one, although that sometimes doesn't mean a whole lot. Rose just seems to be a huge pushover, letting everyone, including her daughters, walk all over her. Lily has just checked out completely, I'm not even sure how she ended up where she did.

I know none of this makes this novel sound great, that it really sounds like a bunch of negativity. That's not what this was. This was a gripping novel about family drama and secrets, people coming to terms with their pasts, taking charge and making changes. We do see changes in the characters as they go along, although who's to say if they're good or bad changes. You have empathy for what all three women have gone through, although how they handled their situations may not always have been the best.

All in all, a great novel if you're looking for something a little more gritty, with family drama, and a lot of secrets. Take your time piecing everything together, and even then you won't see the end coming. If you enjoy family drama, a take-charge female protagonist, and a little bit of murder, then this is for you. I would recommend for fans of Karin Slaughter or Riley Sager. ( )

I Know Where You Live by Gregg Olsen is an intense family drama involving a search for closure and revenge.

Violet told her mother, Rose, what Papa, her grandfather did to her when she was a child and she wasn't believed. Rose told her to forget about it, to let it go. Violet's younger sister Lily didn't know what happened, but she knew her sister was experiencing some emotional trauma. Now Violet is getting married and she does not want Papa there, but he shows up with Nana anyway. At the reception he experiences a severe allergic reaction to shellfish, collapses, is hospitalized, and then unexpectedly dies in the hospital.

At the same time Violet, who has been attending a support group for survivors of sexual abuse is trying to take back her power. She believes the best course of action is to eliminate the perpetrators permanently. If the monsters are removed, the survivors can experience healing and reclaim their power.

Chapters alternate between the point-of-view of Violet, Lily, and Rose. All three women are fully realized characters. Their relationships with each other are complicated. Violet calls Rose by her given name and not mom. She talks to her, but gives a measured amount of time to her. Lily will not speak to her mother at all. Roses mother, Nana, has been in denial over what her husband has done too. It is truly a family legacy of abuse and denial which may be difficult for some readers.

The writing is quite good and the pace moves along quickly. Along with the multiple characters there are also multiple timelines, all of which is easy to keep track of as the narrative continues. The interaction and drama between the family members is compelling and realistic. The surprises aren't really twists or shocking reveals as they are easy to guess. The vigilante behavior is a shocking surprise, but also sadly understandable as a form of justice. This is a family trying to heal a deep wound and overcome a devastating legacy.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/11/i-know-where-you-live.html ( )