“Never Tell” is a gripping crime thriller by Lisa Gardner that follows the story of Evie Carter, who is found standing over her husband’s dead body with a gun in her hand. Detective D.D. Warren is assigned to investigate the case, but soon discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals that threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew about the case.
The novel starts with Evie Carter, a successful businesswoman, who shoots and kills her husband, Conrad, in their home. When the police arrive at the scene, they find Evie holding the gun and covered in blood. She is immediately taken into custody and charged with murder.
Detective D.D. Warren is assigned to the case, and she quickly discovers that Evie has a troubled past. Her father was a notorious serial killer, and her mother was one of his victims. As a result, Evie has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for most of her life.
As Warren investigates the case, she uncovers a connection between Evie and another murder victim, a teacher named Charlie Grant. Charlie was killed in her classroom, and her student, Flora Dane, was abducted and held captive for 472 days before being rescued.
Warren realizes that Flora might hold the key to the case, as she was the last person to see Charlie alive. As she interviews Flora, she discovers that she has her own secrets and that her captivity has left her with a deep sense of distrust and paranoia.
As Warren and her team dig deeper into the case, they uncover a shocking conspiracy involving a group of wealthy and influential people who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. The investigation takes a dangerous turn as Warren and her team become targets, and Evie’s life is put in jeopardy.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Evie, Warren, and Flora, which adds depth and complexity to the plot. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and motivations are portrayed with nuance and sensitivity.
Chapter 1: Evie Carter walks into her kitchen to find her husband Conrad shot dead. The police are called, and when they arrive, they find Evie holding the gun. Detective D.D. Warren is assigned to investigate the case. The chapter introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the mystery that will unfold throughout the rest of the book.
Chapter 2: Warren visits Evie in jail and begins to question her about the events leading up to Conrad’s death. Evie tells her that Conrad was abusive and that she had no choice but to shoot him in self-defense. Warren is skeptical but starts to dig deeper into Evie’s story.
Chapter 3: Warren visits Conrad’s business partner, Tom Granger, and learns that Conrad had been embezzling money from their company. She begins to suspect that there may be more to Conrad’s death than just a case of domestic violence.
Chapter 4: Warren meets with Evie’s mother, who is in a psychiatric hospital. She learns that Evie’s father was a notorious serial killer, and that Evie has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for most of her life.
Chapter 5: Warren visits the crime scene and finds a bullet casing that doesn’t match Evie’s gun. She begins to suspect that someone else may have been involved in Conrad’s death.
Chapter 6: Warren meets with Flora Dane, a survivor of a previous abduction case that Warren had worked on. Flora tells Warren about her connection to Conrad’s murder and reveals that she has her own secrets.
Chapter 7: Warren interviews Evie’s friend, Bree, who tells her that Evie had been receiving threatening messages. Warren begins to suspect that the threats may be related to Conrad’s death.
Chapter 8: Warren discovers a connection between Evie and another murder victim, a teacher named Charlie Grant. Charlie was killed in her classroom, and Flora was abducted and held captive for 472 days before being rescued.
Chapter 9: Warren interviews Charlie’s husband, who tells her that Charlie had been having an affair with one of her students. He suspects that the student may have been involved in her death.
Chapter 10: Warren discovers that Evie had been receiving threatening messages from an anonymous source. She suspects that the messages may be related to Conrad’s death and starts to investigate the source.
Chapter 11: Warren meets with the anonymous source, who reveals that they know about Evie’s past and that they have evidence that could incriminate her in Conrad’s death.
Chapter 12: Warren discovers that Flora may hold the key to the case and starts to interview her more intensively. Flora reveals that she has her own secrets and that her captivity has left her with a deep sense of distrust and paranoia.
Chapter 13: Warren receives a threatening message from the anonymous source and realizes that she may be in danger. She starts to take precautions to protect herself and her team.
Chapter 14: Warren and her team discover a shocking conspiracy involving a group of wealthy and influential people who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. The investigation takes a dangerous turn as Warren and her team become targets, and Evie’s life is put in jeopardy.
Chapter 15: The final showdown takes place, and the truth about Conrad’s death is finally revealed. The characters must confront their own secrets and vulnerabilities, and Warren must use all of her skills to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The keynotes of “Never Tell” by Lisa Gardner are:
Domestic abuse: The book explores the theme of domestic abuse, and how it can lead to tragic consequences. Evie’s story is a harrowing reminder of the cycle of abuse, and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and families.
Trauma and resilience: The book also highlights the theme of trauma and resilience. The characters in the story have all experienced trauma in their lives, and the book explores how they cope with it and overcome it.
Conspiracy and corruption: The book delves into the theme of conspiracy and corruption, as Warren and her team uncover a shocking conspiracy involving a group of wealthy and influential people who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
Justice: The book also touches on the theme of justice, as Warren and her team work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that Evie is exonerated.
Complex characters: The characters in the book are complex and multidimensional, with their own secrets and vulnerabilities. The book delves into their inner lives and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Multiple plot lines: The book weaves together multiple plot lines, including Evie’s past, the murder of Charlie Grant, and the conspiracy involving wealthy and influential people. These plot lines are skillfully intertwined, creating a complex and satisfying mystery.
“Never Tell” is a page-turning thriller that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The plot is intricate and suspenseful, and the twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the very end. Lisa Gardner’s writing is masterful, and she skillfully weaves together the different threads of the story to create a satisfying and thrilling conclusion.