Review of ‘Nobody Knows But You'

Synopsis

The nail-bitingly intense story of a summer at camp that ends in a disturbing death--and depicts a powerful friendship that won't ever be forgotten. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Broken Things.

Maybe a killer only looks like a killer in the moment just before, during, or after.

Maybe a liar, a good one, never shows it.

Kayla is still holding on to Lainie's secrets.

After all, Lainie is Kayla's best friend. And despite Lainie's painful obsession with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, and the ways he has tried to come between them, friends don't spill each other's secrets. They don't betray each other's trust.

The murder at the end of the summer doesn't change all that.

Besides--Kayla knows that the truth is not the whole story.

Review

Nobody Knows But You is an excellent thriller that is reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s work, keeping the reader on edge and guessing until the very end.

Interesting Storytelling

The most astounding aspect of this novel was how Rissi tells the story. Rissi structures the story in the form of letters from Kayla to her friend Lainie. Now what is excellent is Rissi’s use of misdirection. The tone of the story, the way Kayla begins makes it feel as though Lainie is dead. Rissi uses language to her advantage to continuously catch the reader off guard, making the story compelling.

With the revelation that Lainie is in prison completely shifts the narrative, throwing the reader through a loop. It is intense how language works bring to life this story.

The story then moves forward with press releases, articles, and interviews with fellow camp goers, bringing to life a story and vision outside of Kayla’s. It gives the story depth and gives the reader both an objective and biased look at the relationship between Lainie, Kayla, and Lainie’s boyfriend.

Movement & Dynamics

What is essential for a novel such as this is pacing and Rissi nails it. There is very little to no dialogue with this novel and yet, the pacing never falters. It shows how strong a talent Rissi has with her storytelling, how she can keep the momentum up and moving.

There is so much going on in the story, how it moves, in the way the story is told, and yet Rissi does not lose the reader. Nothing is confusing here, but a whole lot of mystery to keep the reader engaged in the story.

Moreover, the construction of the dynamics, it was genius. Once again, there is the objective look and the biased look that gives the dynamics their strength. The reader does not know whom to believe, whose perception is correct, and it does give the story this unique edge at storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Nobody Knows But You is an incredible thriller. It tells a captivating story through different mediums, keeping the reader on their toes until the end.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Key Selling Points:

TWISTS AND UNPREDICTABLE TURNS

This well-written and commercial thriller unfolds new information at a perfect pace—the friendship between Kayla and Lainie, the romances that sparked that summer, and the strange circumstances of the death that sets off the novel. Readers will savor the masterful storytelling that keeps them wondering what really happened that summer.

FASCINATING FRIENDSHIP DYNAMIC

As in Anica’s previous teen novel, Nobody Knows But You shines the spotlight on a fierce friendship between two teenage girls.

TALENTED AND VERSATILE AUTHOR

Anica Mrose Rissi is a remarkable writer who captures teenage voices and emotions in a way that is immediately relatable to young readers. Her debut YA novel, Always Forever Maybe, delicately portrayed an abusive relationship and an indestructible friendship; this new novel takes a different direction and tone that show off her psychological writing chops. She is also a prolific and successful writer of chapter books and picture books!

MULTIMEDIA STORYTELLING

Kayla’s story is revealed through snippets of news stories, text messages, interviews, and Kayla’s unsent letters to Lainie—telling the story of what happened through clues that readers will enjoy piecing together.

ICONIC SUMMER CAMP—WITH A DARK SIDE

Any reader who has attended summer camp will immediately recognize the idyllic scenery, the in-jokes and fast friendships—and the drama that can bubble up in a short amount of time. A twisted version of summer paradise, this is the perfect setting for the mystery that begins the story.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.