I was impressed since this is the first time that I read anything by this author. Loved that it was the mother's character that narrated the book. Even though it was slow in the beginning for me once I go into the book I couldn't put down. Family drama gets me every time. Good job.

#SomebodyKnows #NetGalley
SOMEBODY KNOWS: a harrowing, emotional story of abuse and retaliation.
A dysfunctional family is a rather common subject matter for fiction nowadays ,and can be depicted in a wide variety of manners, from comical and downright farcical ones like „Married with Children” or „Family Guy”, to horror-tinged portrayals akin to those from novels like „The Shining” or „The Book of Accidents.”
This historical thriller, the debut novel by Pamela Ungashick, tells the harrowing tale of Audrey Mae Scott, a teenager living in the 1940s in a family marked by poverty and insanity. Audrey is horribly abused by her mentally ill mother, Edith, who blames her for the misfortune of marrying Clarence, her husband and Audrey's father, who is down on his luck. And the only manner in which Audrey feels like she can escape the horrid abuse she is experiencing is by writing in diaries. When one is discovered by her mother, all hell breaks loose.
The amount of physical and psychological torture this young woman endures is staggering. Readers will need all the inner strength they can muster to see the story through, but those who find it within them will be rewarded greatly. A dark, intense, yet heartfelt read! Solid ten out of five!

Wow, just wow. This book was amazingly written. In a small town where everybody knows what’s going on, but no one will do anything about it. The scenes in here were a bit hard to stomach, so would definitely be sure to check triggers. I’m usually okay, but this was a hard read for me. Overall I think author did an amazing job with the imagery of the story and I would definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys complicated family dynamics and isn’t easily triggered by in depth depictions of abuse.

Audrey writes in her diary things that have happened. Her mum, Edith discovers her diaries and has an extreme reaction. Mind games start to ensue which leads Edith into madness.

This book was a suspenseful read set in a small town where everyone seems to know everyone else's business, but kept their distance. This book identified themes of abuse, narcissism and mental health. The book does keep you on your toes and explores some darker themes throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy

I enjoyed Somebody Knows alot. I read it quickly. In fact, the night I finished it, I stayed up later than I should have. It isn't the subject matter I usually read. It tells us of a poor family in the 40s and 50s. Unfortunately, the sad state of this family is made worse by the deteriorating mental health of one of the members. This person is bitter and vindictive and blames every else for their situation. Rather than trying to make the best of things, this person tries to manipulate everyone in an attempt to give what this person thinks is owed them. No thought is given to the well being of others. I don't want to give too much away, but in the end, some of the family and people close to them come out okay. Others, not so much. In some way, I think its a matter of reaping what you sow. One thing happened at the very end that I thought was a bit unnecessary, but I understand why the author included it. I would recommend the book to others, though some scenes are somewhat disturbing, in more ways than one.

Audrey is young woman who never felt any love from her mother Edith. Unlike her brother Harry who’s being pampered and never gets punished with a whip like Audrey does. Edith seems to be obsessed with some sort of destiny she has in mind for Audrey and she is determined to reach her goal..

This is a splendid book! The writing is wild and exciting and I truly loved the authors style and her choice of words. And the characters.. Oh my! One in particular scared the dickens out of me! This novel is insanely good for a debut! It isn’t a fast paced read or a pageturner, but it’s a book you want to read very consciously and soak up every sentence and emotion from. I enjoyed reading it tremendously and will definitely recommend it to everyone.

Thanks @netgalley and @redadeptpublishing for the given chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻💖

This had everything that I wanted from this type of book, it had that historical setting that I was looking for. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from the concept. Pamela Ungashick has a great writing style and worked with everything that I was looking for. It was realistic and thought the mystery had everything that I wanted.

The way this book is written had me completely immersed in the writer's world.
It was elegant and nostalgic, I am absolutely dying for more!!

I really enjoyed Somebody Knows. It kept me guessing as to what secret the mom was keeping from her everyone . I felt so bad for Audrey & her brother. Audrey went through so much, I admired her strength..the ending I didn’t see coming,..I call it sweet justice & fitting lol. I will definitely read more by this author.

Loved this book! Kept me interested the entire time so I read it in one sitting. Highly recommend!

Somebody Knows by Pamela Ungashick struck so many chords with me it was a symphony. Likewise, the writing was so lyrical and elegant, it added an extra poignancy to the narrative

Audrey Mae Scott s the oldest of two children, two children who were treated as differently as chalk and cheese by their mother. Their mother is Edith Scott, a widow who is a cruel and nefarious woman whose grip on sanity is tenuous at best. Audrey bears the brunt of her mother's daily ire and projection of resentment about her lot in life while giving Audrey's little brother Harry the best in life and love

Audrey has only one respite and that is to confide in her diary, until even this is compromised when her mother finds it. Her mothers anity is deteriorating and at the same time, her ire increases and behaviour against Audrey becomes more and more brutal.

However, Audrey's fortitude and tenacity will not allow her mother to dictate her life's path any more.

A brilliant book, written with great eloquence and a wry wit, a no holds barred journey with a very satisfactory ending


Thank you to Netgalley, Red Adept Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and the author Pamela Ungashick for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinins are my own