A #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon Charts, USA Today, and Washington Post bestseller. #1 New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen's shocking and empowering true-crime story of three sisters determined to survive their mother's house of horrors. After more than a decade, when sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek hear the word mom, it claws like an eagle's talons, triggering memories that have been their secret since childhood. Until now. For years, behind the closed doors of their farmhouse in Raymond, Washington, their sadistic mother, Shelly, subjected her girls to unimaginable abuse, degradation, torture, and psychic terrors. Through it all, Nikki, Sami, and Tori developed a defiant bond that made them far less vulnerable than Shelly imagined. Even as others were drawn into their mother's dark and perverse web, the sisters found the strength and courage to escape an escalating nightmare that culminated in multiple murders. Harrowing and heartrending, If You Tell is a survivor's story of absolute evil--and the freedom and justice that Nikki, Sami, and Tori risked their lives to fight for. Sisters forever, victims no more, they found a light in the darkness that made them the resilient women they are today--loving, loved, and moving on.
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About the author
Gregg Olsen
Author
Gregg Olsen is a New York Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal bestselling author of nonfiction books and novels, most of which are crime-related. The subjects of his true crime books include convicted child rapist and school teacher Mary Kay Letourneau, product tampering killer Stella Nickell, fasting specialist Linda Burfield Hazzard, and former Amishman and convicted murderer Eli Stutzman.
If You Tell
by Gregg Olsen
Books Like If You Tell
If you're looking for books similar to If You Tell, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
In Cold Blood
Truman Capote
A groundbreaking true crime narrative about a brutal family murder in Kansas. Capote provides a deep psychological exploration of criminals and their motivations. The book revolutionized the true crime genre with its narrative approach. Like 'If You Tell', it examines the darkest aspects of human behavior within family contexts.
Killers of the Flower Moon
David Grann
A true crime narrative about the systematic murder of Osage Native Americans in the 1920s. Grann meticulously investigates a complex criminal conspiracy. The book reveals systemic violence and hidden societal corruption. Like 'If You Tell', it demonstrates how persistent investigation can ultimately expose deeply hidden crimes.
Educated
Tara Westover
A memoir about a woman who escapes an abusive, isolated family through education. Westover describes her journey from a survivalist family to academic achievement. The book highlights personal transformation and breaking free from generational trauma. Like the Knotek sisters, she finds strength in self-determination and breaking destructive family cycles.
Helter Skelter
Vincent Bugliosi
A true crime account of the Charles Manson murders written by the prosecuting attorney. Bugliosi provides an insider's perspective on one of the most notorious criminal cases in American history. The book explores psychological manipulation and extreme family dysfunction. Like 'If You Tell', it reveals the potential for profound familial and social breakdown.
The Stranger Beside Me
Ann Rule
A true crime book about serial killer Ted Bundy, written by someone who knew him personally. Rule provides a unique perspective on a notorious criminal's psychology. The book explores how evil can exist alongside apparent normalcy. Similar to 'If You Tell', it reveals the potential for hidden darkness within seemingly ordinary relationships.
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls
A memoir of a dysfunctional family where children survive parental neglect and abuse. Walls chronicles her challenging childhood with alcoholic and mentally unstable parents. The book reveals how siblings can support each other through extreme family trauma. Similar to 'If You Tell', it explores survival, resilience, and overcoming a toxic family environment.
Devil in the White City
Erik Larson
A true crime narrative blending historical events with a chilling serial killer story. Larson explores the dark underbelly of human nature during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The book reveals how seemingly normal individuals can harbor extreme darkness. Like 'If You Tell', it demonstrates the potential for hidden evil within seemingly ordinary settings.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark
Michelle McNamara
An investigative true crime book about the Golden State Killer. McNamara meticulously researches a serial killer's decades-long crime spree. The book demonstrates persistent pursuit of justice against seemingly insurmountable odds. Similar to 'If You Tell', it reveals how determination can ultimately expose hidden crimes.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Khaled Hosseini
A powerful story of two Afghan women who endure unimaginable abuse and oppression. The novel explores themes of survival, sisterhood, and resilience in the face of extreme domestic violence. It reveals the strength of women who support each other through horrific circumstances. Like 'If You Tell', it demonstrates how women can overcome traumatic family dynamics.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
John Berendt
A true crime narrative exploring a murder in Savannah, Georgia. Berendt provides a complex portrait of a small community and its dark secrets. The book reveals how personal relationships can conceal significant psychological complexity. Similar to 'If You Tell', it explores the hidden dynamics of family and community.
Columbine
Dave Cullen
A comprehensive investigation of the Columbine High School shooting. Cullen provides deep psychological analysis of the perpetrators and their family backgrounds. The book explores how family dynamics can contribute to extreme behavioral outcomes. Like 'If You Tell', it reveals the complex psychological underpinnings of traumatic events.
Small Sacrifices
Ann Rule
A true crime account of a mother who murdered her children. Rule meticulously details the psychological profile of a disturbed parent and the impact on family members. The book explores themes of maternal abuse and family dysfunction. Similar to 'If You Tell', it reveals the dark potential of familial relationships gone terribly wrong.
The Poisoner's Handbook
Deborah Blum
A true crime narrative exploring forensic science's development through murder investigations. Blum provides a fascinating look at early criminal investigations. The book reveals how scientific methods can expose hidden crimes. Similar to 'If You Tell', it demonstrates the power of persistent investigation in revealing truth.
Lucky
Alice Sebold
A memoir detailing Sebold's experience as a rape survivor and her journey to healing. The book confronts trauma, survival, and personal resilience. Sebold explores how victims can reclaim their power after experiencing extreme violence. Similar to 'If You Tell', it emphasizes survival and overcoming profound personal challenges.
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