Synopses & Reviews
Even a perfect family has its secrets.
Sixteen-year-old Julia Whitmire appeared to have everything: a famous father, a luxurious Manhattan town house, a coveted spot at the elite Casden prep school. When she is found dead in her bathtub, a handwritten suicide note left on her bed, her parents insist that their daughter would never take her own life. But Julia's enviable world was more complicated than it seemed. The pressure to excel at Casden was enormous. Abuse of prescription drugs ran rampant among students. And a search of Julia's computer reveals that she'd been engaged in a dangerous game of cyberbullying against an unlikely victim.
NYPD detective Ellie Hatcher is convinced the case is a suicide, but she knows from personal experience that a loving family can be the last to accept the truth. As she is pressured to pursue a case she doesn't believe in, she is pulled into Julia's inner circle—an eclectic mix of precocious teenagers from Manhattan's most privileged families as well as street kids from Greenwich Village. But when the target of Julia's harassment continues to receive death threats, Ellie is forced to acknowledge that Julia may have learned the hard way that some secrets should never be told.
Review
“[Burke] has delivered another winner….Two seemingly different storylines converge in a shocking way, demonstrating Burkes remarkable abilities as a writer….Hatcher is a complex character, and her journey both personally and professionally will have even the most jaded suspense aficionado rapidly turning the pages.” < b=""> J < k=""> eff <> A < k=""> yers <> <> , < i=""> Associated Press <>
Review
“Burke has a good eye for the many faces of New York….Burkes story is complex, but her pace is fast, her prose is crisp and her duplicitous characters ring true in the Darwinian world she creates.” < b=""> P < k=""> atrick <> A < k=""> nderson <> <> , < i=""> Washington Post <>
Review
“Burkes last book was a stand-alone, but in Never Tell shes returned to the character her readers know best, the fierce and gutsy NYPD detective Ellie Hatcher - now investigating the apparent suicide of a privileged Manhattan teen.” < b=""> < i=""> Entertainment Weekly <> <>
Review
“The meticulous plotting, coupled with Ellies complicated evolution as a heroine, make this Burkes strongest work to date.” < b=""> < i=""> Publishers Weekly <> <> , starred review
Review
“Once in a while, a book comes along and makes you sit up and notice. A supremely intelligent novel, masterfully created with a telling hand and unique voice, Never Tell is one of those books. Crime writing doesnt get much better than this.” < b=""> < i=""> New York Journal of Books <> <>
Review
“Never Tell is perhaps Burkes most ambitious and complex novel to date, yet its also her most readable….will leave the reader thinking about this book long after the last page as been turned.” < b=""> J < k=""> oe <> H < k=""> artlaub <> <> , < i=""> Bookreporter.com <>
Review
“One of Burkes trademarks is connecting disparate plotlines, which she does here in spades….Skillfully structured…” < b=""> M < k=""> ichele <> L < k=""> eber <> <> , < i=""> Booklist <>
Review
“What initially appears to be a simple story quickly becomes more intricate and compelling, making the pages fly. Highly recommended, especially for Lisa Gardner or Laura Lippman fans.” < b=""> S < k=""> tacy <> A < k=""> lesi <> <> , < i=""> Library Journal <>
Review
“In Ellie, Burke has built a likable, flawed heroine….her plotting rarely disappoints. A smooth, compelling read that is proof positive that Burke continues to mature as a writer; this entry in the Ellie Hatcher series sings.” < b=""> < i=""> Kirkus Reviews <> <>
Review
“Author Alafair Burke takes her mystery fans on another wild ride in Never Tell.” < b=""> < i=""> The Sun Newspaper <> <>
Review
“Never Tell is a great read. Alafair Burke writes a riveting story with a strong female protagonist.” < b=""> < i=""> Suspense Magazine <> <>
Review
“Burkes writing is brisk and sharp, and her glimpse into the world of Manhattans super-rich teenaged elite makes for a diverting read.” < b=""> < i=""> Portland Mercury <> <>
Review
“In Never Tell, Alafair Burke keeps a tight hold on each of the many strings of a very complicated plot while also expanding the character of her protagonist, Ellie Hatcher.” < b=""> < i=""> The Examiner <> <>
Review
“Burkes sharp portrayal of characters, both recurring and otherwise, defies stereotype and predictability….Never Tell is perhaps Burkes most ambitious and complex novel to date, yet its also her most readable….will leave the reader thinking about this book long after the last page as been turned.” < b=""> J < k=""> oe <> H < k=""> artlaub <> <> , < i=""> Bookreporter.com <>
Synopsis
This addictive thriller from acclaimed suspense writer Alafair Burke draws its details from the author's own experiences as a criminal law professor and deputy district attorney, creating an exhilarating, true-to-life tale of crime and its consequences.
Sixteen-year-old Julia Whitmire appeared to have everything: a famous father, a luxurious Manhattan townhouse, a coveted spot at the elite Casden prep school. When she is found dead in her bathtub, a handwritten suicide note left on her bed, her parents insists that their daughter would never take her own life.
Detective Ellie Hatcher will be forced to uncover the truth behind this apparent suicide, navigating Julia's intriguing connections to both New York's wealthiest--and its most dispossessed.
Synopsis
Detective Ellie Hatcher will be forced to uncover the truth behind the apparent suicide of a teenaged girl with intriguing connections to both New Yorks wealthiest—and its most dispossessed.
This addictive thriller from acclaimed suspense writer Alafair Burke draws its details from the authors own experiences as a criminal law professor and deputy district attorney, creating an exhilarating, true-to-life tale of crime and its consequences that is perfect for fans of Laura Lippman, Harlan Coben, and Burkes breakout standalone thriller Long Gone.
About the Author
Alafair Burke is the bestselling author of nine previous novels, including the stand-alones Long Gone and If You Were Here, as well as the Ellie Hatcher series: Dead Connection, Angel's Tip, 212, and Never Tell. A former prosecutor, she now teaches criminal law and lives in Manhattan.