SYNOPSIS
If You Tell is an astonishing story of survival of three sisters who were raised by a sadistic mother, Michelle “Shelly” Knotek. Much of what happened in the Knotek house will be nearly incomprehensible for those of us raised by nurturing mothers—those who made favorite meals on birthdays or sat beside us when we were sick. No, the opposite is true of Shelly. She was a monster.
Despite their childhood, the women survive, even flourish, after their mother is incarcerated. But the PTSD and triggers abound to this day. For one, a morning shower can be a trigger; for another, it’s the smell of bleach that brings on the bad memories.
New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen is a master of both true crime and domestic suspense, and with If You Tell he has brilliantly combined his talents. The riveting true story told by the three sisters who survived their brutal childhood in the tiny coastal logging town of Raymond, Washington, reads like a fast-paced thriller. But unfortunately, it is all true. Every single excruciating detail.
REVIEW
I don’t know where to start. So many people had the opportunity to stop the abuse but instead it was swept under the rug or ignored all together.
The story is horrifying simply horrifying when you consider the things that human beings can do to each other. Add in codependency and the depravity just gets darker.
When I purchased this ebook I also received the audio recording. I enjoyed having the option to read or listen depending on my mood.
NOTE: This book contains graphic language & descriptions of years of increasing violence.
My Life in Our Father's World 
I just bought a book, on Kindle, that you reviewed. Thank you, Barb!
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Which one?
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The one about dealing with high conflict.
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I look forward to hearing what you think.
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I couldn’t read a book like that but I do enjoy hearing reviews. I was blessed to have wonderful parent’s and my heart just aches for the innocent children that are horribly abused. Its awful and I know God weeps! Glad that the sisters survived but just can’t imagine a life like that.
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Yowza, was it a single mother situation ?
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I just figured that may have been the case, one tends to hear more about abusive mother’s in one parent households.
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Let me clarify, the parents were married but the dad was gone a lot for work.
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Ah ok
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Seems like a hell of a book
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It’s a wild ride, especially when you realize that it’s a true story.
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I like to read bios and such, and like true crime. So, i might consider it.
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I love true crime. I listen to podcasts too!
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Nice. I listen to one about life inside prison called Ear Hustle
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That sounds interesting
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Looked into that further, seems the husband was weak-willed. Sheesh, she wasn’t just abusive,she was a sadistic serial killer.
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Yes she was
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I can’t read a book like that because I try my best to stay positive by listening and reading only positive stories because I tend to take every story to heart and it end up affecting me for days but I appreciate your review. Indeed these are the last days more wickedness is increasing in number
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I’ve always been fascinated with the true-crime genre. I think it is because I then have more incite into how to pray more specific targeted prayers.
Does that make sense.
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I really enjoyed reading your view of Olson’s book. Being unfamiliar with him, your review made me curious to learn more. I will have to head down to the library and check out some of his books. Thanks for sharing this. My wife and I like mystery and suspense and true crime as well. Keep up the blogging. These reviews are great!
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Thank you for your support!
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