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Only The Trees Know
Four went in, one came out.
It was meant to be their last hurrah. Four friends spend their senior Spring Break of high school hiking the Yosemite forest. Alone for one week where they can prove that, despite their cracked relationships, they’re still a team. And maybe recapture some of the magic that brought them together in the first place.
But something went wrong.
One by one they’re murdered, until only one survivor emerges from the forest. He says he’s innocent. The evidence says he’s not.
Now he’s on trial for the deaths of his friends, fighting for his life and freedom. It doesn’t matter that he loved them fiercely, one as a friend, one as an ex, and one that still tangles his soul. The only thing that matters is his final words weren’t “I love you,” they were “I’m sorry.”
Told from past/present perspective, ONLY THE TREES KNOW is a story of untangling friendships: lies, misunderstandings, broken promises, and twisted love.
It was meant to be their last hurrah. Four friends spend their senior Spring Break of high school hiking the Yosemite forest. Alone for one week where they can prove that, despite their cracked relationships, they’re still a team. And maybe recapture some of the magic that brought them together in the first place.
But something went wrong.
One by one they’re murdered, until only one survivor emerges from the forest. He says he’s innocent. The evidence says he’s not.
Now he’s on trial for the deaths of his friends, fighting for his life and freedom. It doesn’t matter that he loved them fiercely, one as a friend, one as an ex, and one that still tangles his soul. The only thing that matters is his final words weren’t “I love you,” they were “I’m sorry.”
Told from past/present perspective, ONLY THE TREES KNOW is a story of untangling friendships: lies, misunderstandings, broken promises, and twisted love.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2024
7 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Heather Hansen
3 books97 followersHeather Hansen was born in California, the oldest of five children. She always knew she wanted to be a writer, and she wrote her first book, a murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie, in seventh grade. Unfortunately, she never could figure out who the murderer was, so the book went on for hundreds of pages, introducing new characters only to kill them off in the most gruesome ways her twelve-year-old imagination could invent. Her teacher was equally impressed and horrified.
Heather has a degree in English from California State University Fullerton and has traveled the world with her husband, a retired Marine. Her favorite place they’ve lived is Okinawa, Japan, where she had her choice of ramen, Japanese curry, and sushi every day. She now lives in Las Vegas, where she spends her time working a corporate job, writing and eating Nutella with a spoon.
Heather has a degree in English from California State University Fullerton and has traveled the world with her husband, a retired Marine. Her favorite place they’ve lived is Okinawa, Japan, where she had her choice of ramen, Japanese curry, and sushi every day. She now lives in Las Vegas, where she spends her time working a corporate job, writing and eating Nutella with a spoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 24, 2024
Four friends embark on a hiking trip spring break of their senior year to strengthen their friendship. Tragedy strikes when only one survives sparking unanswered questions and threatening to unearth secrets that long to stay buried. What happened in the woods? Is Josiah lucky to have escaped death, or is something more sinister at play? This character-driven thriller is heartbreaking, unsettling, and unforgettable. Denial and intolerance mixed with abuse are lethal and crippling. This gut-wrenching story could be seen as a cautionary tale of the consequence of unspeakable abuse. This book will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading more from the author. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 15, 2024
Actual rating ⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
Suspense rating 😱😱😱 / 5
Thanks, BookSirens, for the ARC.
If you want to spend some time in a well developed character driven novel about a group of late teens with questionable morals and terrible decision making skills, this is the book for you.
Ultimately, this is an extremely dark tale of 4 people coexisting in the same time space continuum, until they weren't. Because each character is abysmal in their own way, they all were getting their comeuppance through the events in this book. We have one boy who gets out of the woods. Alive. With creativity in the crime investigation community being sparce at best, he is blamed and prosecuted for the deaths of the other 3. He is a teen with anger and substance abuse issues, who gets high on pain inflicted by himself, or, you know, dad, if he's offering. Heed the trigger warnings in this book, which include, but aren't limited to, domestic abuse, homophobia, self harm and substance abuse. The unfortunate teens, Zoe, Parker and Liam, are equally unpalatable.
💀Zoe - an unlikeable girl who just tried to make everyone jealous. She is dead now.💀
💀 Parker - opportunistic drug addict teen. Also dead. 💀
💀Liam - gorgeous queer boy who drove Josiah crazy. You guessed it. Dead. 💀
Their dynamic was so toxic, I'm glad they are either dead or on trial for murder. Throughout the time jumps along the way, i caught myself wondering multiple times, why none of them just left the group. Clearly, none of them enjoyed each others' company and all had ample opportunity to get out of the vortex of communal psychopathy that threatened to and in the end did swallow them up.
Having said that, I actually didn't mind the darkness nor the writing. The pacing was off, with the first chapters being too slow, but picking up nicely after about the 40% mark. Editing could be better, a bunch of mistakes snagged my attention along the way.
All in all, not a bad piece of crime fiction, with queer rep, a small speck of romance, solid plot, and most importantly a satisfying ending, and not in the way you think.
💀
Suspense rating 😱😱😱 / 5
Thanks, BookSirens, for the ARC.
If you want to spend some time in a well developed character driven novel about a group of late teens with questionable morals and terrible decision making skills, this is the book for you.
Ultimately, this is an extremely dark tale of 4 people coexisting in the same time space continuum, until they weren't. Because each character is abysmal in their own way, they all were getting their comeuppance through the events in this book. We have one boy who gets out of the woods. Alive. With creativity in the crime investigation community being sparce at best, he is blamed and prosecuted for the deaths of the other 3. He is a teen with anger and substance abuse issues, who gets high on pain inflicted by himself, or, you know, dad, if he's offering. Heed the trigger warnings in this book, which include, but aren't limited to, domestic abuse, homophobia, self harm and substance abuse. The unfortunate teens, Zoe, Parker and Liam, are equally unpalatable.
💀Zoe - an unlikeable girl who just tried to make everyone jealous. She is dead now.💀
💀 Parker - opportunistic drug addict teen. Also dead. 💀
💀Liam - gorgeous queer boy who drove Josiah crazy. You guessed it. Dead. 💀
Their dynamic was so toxic, I'm glad they are either dead or on trial for murder. Throughout the time jumps along the way, i caught myself wondering multiple times, why none of them just left the group. Clearly, none of them enjoyed each others' company and all had ample opportunity to get out of the vortex of communal psychopathy that threatened to and in the end did swallow them up.
Having said that, I actually didn't mind the darkness nor the writing. The pacing was off, with the first chapters being too slow, but picking up nicely after about the 40% mark. Editing could be better, a bunch of mistakes snagged my attention along the way.
All in all, not a bad piece of crime fiction, with queer rep, a small speck of romance, solid plot, and most importantly a satisfying ending, and not in the way you think.
💀
February 5, 2024
A quick and easy to read story about a group of “friends” who end up on a spring break trip to hike in Yosemite. (I say friends…..just read the book and you’ll see what I mean).
Definitely on the shorter side it still gave us everything we needed to know. The characters are all pretty morally gray leaning toward morally corrupt. Definitely don’t expect to fall in love with these characters.
Definitely worth the read if you are looking for a short horror/mystery book.
TW: Abuse (physical), violence, murder
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Definitely on the shorter side it still gave us everything we needed to know. The characters are all pretty morally gray leaning toward morally corrupt. Definitely don’t expect to fall in love with these characters.
Definitely worth the read if you are looking for a short horror/mystery book.
TW: Abuse (physical), violence, murder
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2024
A quick and easy read about four 'friends' spending their final spring break together hiking in Yosemite... except only one of them makes it out alive.
I found this pretty enjoyable, although I did guess the plot twist fairly early on I was looking forward to seeing how it played out. However, the ending was a little disappointing, with everything only being revealed in the final 5%. It was definitely quite a rushed ending, which I felt was slightly unsatisfatory.
I was fairly hooked from the start, though once the court scenes started up I did feel that the structure was almost a little too jumpy. Nevertheless, and enjoyable read if you like a little mystery and a lot of suspense.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this pretty enjoyable, although I did guess the plot twist fairly early on I was looking forward to seeing how it played out. However, the ending was a little disappointing, with everything only being revealed in the final 5%. It was definitely quite a rushed ending, which I felt was slightly unsatisfatory.
I was fairly hooked from the start, though once the court scenes started up I did feel that the structure was almost a little too jumpy. Nevertheless, and enjoyable read if you like a little mystery and a lot of suspense.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2024
Four friends go into the woods on a vacation before parting ways and heading off to college. But after being faced by a mad man at a convenient store on their way in it seems like things take a turn for the worst and only one of them will make it out of the woods alive.
This Young Adult Thriller was a quick read that kept you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I personally suffer with anxiety and always fear the very worst possible scenario and man was this book just that.
PLEASE read the trigger warnings as this book touches on a lot of triggering topics such as drug use/addiction, suicidal thoughts, abuse, toxic relations, and much more.
I did think the book was a bit slow at times but after getting to the end i can understand the reasoning of why i felt these things because I don't think I would have felt as big of an impact if the character building wasn't as strong as it was.
Overall this book brought all my irrational fears to life and needless to say camping without a plan, preparation, and others knowing where we will be is not in my near future. Maybe backpacking in the woods isn't in my future at all now really.
I want to thank BookSprout and Heather Hansen for the opportunity to receive a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Young Adult Thriller was a quick read that kept you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I personally suffer with anxiety and always fear the very worst possible scenario and man was this book just that.
PLEASE read the trigger warnings as this book touches on a lot of triggering topics such as drug use/addiction, suicidal thoughts, abuse, toxic relations, and much more.
I did think the book was a bit slow at times but after getting to the end i can understand the reasoning of why i felt these things because I don't think I would have felt as big of an impact if the character building wasn't as strong as it was.
Overall this book brought all my irrational fears to life and needless to say camping without a plan, preparation, and others knowing where we will be is not in my near future. Maybe backpacking in the woods isn't in my future at all now really.
I want to thank BookSprout and Heather Hansen for the opportunity to receive a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2024
I really liked the concept of four go in, one goes out, and only one is alive to tell their story but can you believe him when there's no one to back him up and he has a history of violent aggressions?
I felt that the bouncing back and fourth between each chapter, especially when some of the chapters are considerably short, made the book feel slightly disorienting as I wanted to see more of the trial especially. I feel that the trial was such a great scene that could have been built out so much more than it was.
Especially with all the testimonies, I wanted to get more than just a few paragraphs of each. I also wanted to see more of the conversations of the DA and Josiah's attorney when questioning people and their opening and closing remarks. I needed those scenes to give me more information. We also don't have a lot of evidence for or against Josiah making it hard for me to believe that a jury would even indict him.
The more we found out about the death and how it happened the more I knew he had done it. I didn't think that the twist that he was the killer was very shocking and I feel like throughout the whole book all the little clues just pointed more and more to him.
As a character I didn't have any connection with him and at some points, especially in the scenes with Josiah and Liam, I wanted to just skip ahead because I didn't like either of them as characters or their personalities. I think the only character that I enjoyed learning more about was Parker. He wasn't a good person, but I found him the most intriguing and I felt like his dialogue was the most realistic and the most appealing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt that the bouncing back and fourth between each chapter, especially when some of the chapters are considerably short, made the book feel slightly disorienting as I wanted to see more of the trial especially. I feel that the trial was such a great scene that could have been built out so much more than it was.
Especially with all the testimonies, I wanted to get more than just a few paragraphs of each. I also wanted to see more of the conversations of the DA and Josiah's attorney when questioning people and their opening and closing remarks. I needed those scenes to give me more information. We also don't have a lot of evidence for or against Josiah making it hard for me to believe that a jury would even indict him.
The more we found out about the death and how it happened the more I knew he had done it. I didn't think that the twist that he was the killer was very shocking and I feel like throughout the whole book all the little clues just pointed more and more to him.
As a character I didn't have any connection with him and at some points, especially in the scenes with Josiah and Liam, I wanted to just skip ahead because I didn't like either of them as characters or their personalities. I think the only character that I enjoyed learning more about was Parker. He wasn't a good person, but I found him the most intriguing and I felt like his dialogue was the most realistic and the most appealing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
I liked the premise of Only The Trees Know. 4 friends go into the woods to spend Spring Break hiking but only 1 comes out alive.
This was easy enough to read though it did take me longer than expected because I kept setting it aside in favor of other things.
The book alternates between "Now" and "Then" in telling the story which I actually found annoying because I didn't think either ever got into a good flow. The story is very slow at times and I did find myself wanting to skim several parts especially where the "friends" were communicating.
In many ways I think the story would have benefitted from being longer or the author taking the time to flesh out the characters and the case against the one surviving friend. It was hard to decide whether a jury should or should not convict because we were given very little information about the deaths or the apparent evidence. After the story plods on at a slowish pace the ending feels rushed.
None of the characters are likeable. Literally no one! So if that is something you need to engage with a story definitely skip this one. There was lots of opportunity for the author to more fully develop the plot around some of the trigger issues including abuse and addiction.
Overall, I'd rate this 2.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Also published - https://staceyannsays.com/only-the-tr...
This was easy enough to read though it did take me longer than expected because I kept setting it aside in favor of other things.
The book alternates between "Now" and "Then" in telling the story which I actually found annoying because I didn't think either ever got into a good flow. The story is very slow at times and I did find myself wanting to skim several parts especially where the "friends" were communicating.
In many ways I think the story would have benefitted from being longer or the author taking the time to flesh out the characters and the case against the one surviving friend. It was hard to decide whether a jury should or should not convict because we were given very little information about the deaths or the apparent evidence. After the story plods on at a slowish pace the ending feels rushed.
None of the characters are likeable. Literally no one! So if that is something you need to engage with a story definitely skip this one. There was lots of opportunity for the author to more fully develop the plot around some of the trigger issues including abuse and addiction.
Overall, I'd rate this 2.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Also published - https://staceyannsays.com/only-the-tr...
February 14, 2024
I was intrigued from the first paragraph of Only The Trees Know. This is definitely a bingeworthy book. Heather Hansen knows how to write a suspenseful and thrilling book. She keeps the reader engaged and gripping onto every word as the writer switches between present and past events.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I sympathized with Josiah and his mother through their familial struggles, and I could feel their fear. It made me want to rescue them. I was angry at Josiah's dad for the part he played in their struggles. I fell in love with Josiah's character.
I could feel the constant tension between Josiah and his friends Zoe, Liam, and Parker, while on their camping trip to Yosemite.
The author does a good job of using descriptive language, which, allows the reader to visualize the scenes as you read them. The suspense caused me anxiety at times, I even started biting my nails lol. I was so nervous for the fate of my favorite character, Josiah.
Just when I thought the suspense was over, the writer left me with shock and disbelief at the end. I honestly loved this book. My favorite read so far, in 2024.
The are somethings that might be triggers for people, like alcohol, drugs, abuse, foul language, and sexual content. This book is not for young children.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you #BookSirens for this amazing book!
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I sympathized with Josiah and his mother through their familial struggles, and I could feel their fear. It made me want to rescue them. I was angry at Josiah's dad for the part he played in their struggles. I fell in love with Josiah's character.
I could feel the constant tension between Josiah and his friends Zoe, Liam, and Parker, while on their camping trip to Yosemite.
The author does a good job of using descriptive language, which, allows the reader to visualize the scenes as you read them. The suspense caused me anxiety at times, I even started biting my nails lol. I was so nervous for the fate of my favorite character, Josiah.
Just when I thought the suspense was over, the writer left me with shock and disbelief at the end. I honestly loved this book. My favorite read so far, in 2024.
The are somethings that might be triggers for people, like alcohol, drugs, abuse, foul language, and sexual content. This book is not for young children.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you #BookSirens for this amazing book!
February 21, 2024
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC 🫶🏻
I'd never have expected to care this much for such an odious cast of characters. No, honestly, every single one of them is absolutely detestable. And yet I was super involved in their story. I enjoyed seeing their immensely f*cked up relationships unfold. Definitely look at the list of trigger warnings for that one. But for 90% of the book, I was hooked.
But then came the last 10%. The ending was predictable, which might have been intentional and doesn't necessarily bother me in and of itself. I've loved plenty of stories with obvious but brilliantly executed endings. Sadly, here it was extremely rushed and I was frustrated after all this buildup to have it end so easily and abruptly. It really felt like the author got bored writing and just wanted to get it over with.
So, mixed feelings but still an entertaining read and a quick one too!
I'd never have expected to care this much for such an odious cast of characters. No, honestly, every single one of them is absolutely detestable. And yet I was super involved in their story. I enjoyed seeing their immensely f*cked up relationships unfold. Definitely look at the list of trigger warnings for that one. But for 90% of the book, I was hooked.
But then came the last 10%. The ending was predictable, which might have been intentional and doesn't necessarily bother me in and of itself. I've loved plenty of stories with obvious but brilliantly executed endings. Sadly, here it was extremely rushed and I was frustrated after all this buildup to have it end so easily and abruptly. It really felt like the author got bored writing and just wanted to get it over with.
So, mixed feelings but still an entertaining read and a quick one too!
February 21, 2024
The concept of this book sounded fantastic and I was very excited to have the opportunity to read it. It was an enjoyable and fast-paced read, although I felt the book took maybe 40-50% to really pick up the pace. I could see the ending coming, although I had my doubts at some points, but regardless it still felt like a satisfying ending which was well worth the build.
Don't read this book expecting to like the characters, their backgrounds, or their actions. Each person was awful in their own right, with few redeeming characteristics. At times I felt disgusted by them, shocked at how far they'd fall, and at the same time satisfied at their outcome.
I gave this book 3 stars overall, mainly due to the slow build-up. The story was well written with developed characters, but I did notice a few grammatical errors or run-on sentences that could be changed for ease of reading.
Altogether, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend, just make sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings in advance!
I received an advance reader review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don't read this book expecting to like the characters, their backgrounds, or their actions. Each person was awful in their own right, with few redeeming characteristics. At times I felt disgusted by them, shocked at how far they'd fall, and at the same time satisfied at their outcome.
I gave this book 3 stars overall, mainly due to the slow build-up. The story was well written with developed characters, but I did notice a few grammatical errors or run-on sentences that could be changed for ease of reading.
Altogether, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend, just make sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings in advance!
I received an advance reader review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2024
Trigger Warnings:
~ domestic violence
~ drug use
~ murder
A quick and detailed read about 4 teens who go hiking / camping for a week over spring break trying to leave their lives behind for a few days.
The chapters alternate between present day and flashbacks. It took a few chapters for me to fully grasp what exactly was going on but then it was very easy to keep on track and jump from one scene to the other. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix between the court case and the incidents as they took place.
Personally I thought it was quite easy to figure out what was going on and I did so quite early on but that didnt take anything away from the storyline. I cannot say I particularly felt a certain way towards any of the characters and I don't really feel there was any character growth, but for a 270page read it gave me everything I wanted.
A solid 4⭐ to anyone who loves YA murder / mystery / suspense.
Thanks to BookSirens and publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
~ domestic violence
~ drug use
~ murder
A quick and detailed read about 4 teens who go hiking / camping for a week over spring break trying to leave their lives behind for a few days.
The chapters alternate between present day and flashbacks. It took a few chapters for me to fully grasp what exactly was going on but then it was very easy to keep on track and jump from one scene to the other. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix between the court case and the incidents as they took place.
Personally I thought it was quite easy to figure out what was going on and I did so quite early on but that didnt take anything away from the storyline. I cannot say I particularly felt a certain way towards any of the characters and I don't really feel there was any character growth, but for a 270page read it gave me everything I wanted.
A solid 4⭐ to anyone who loves YA murder / mystery / suspense.
Thanks to BookSirens and publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
February 20, 2024
This is a quick read about 4 friends going hiking during spring break and only one survives. That caught my attention right away because you know it's about to be good. Unfortunately, I thought the book kind of fell flat. It was really slow through the majority of the book. It would build up to some suspense but then go to the present so you lost that feeling of suspense and the "oh it's about to get good" feeling. There are some errors in the book like missing words and a few misspelled words but that doesn't stop you from reading it. I did not see the ending coming so that was really nice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
You know how some books feel like movies ? This is one of them. I could see and feel everything with Josiah; the fears, the conflicts, the anger. The contrast between THEN and NOW from chapter to chapter had me on the edge of my seat throughout this read. At no point did I know what would happen, and I was gasping at every twist and turn. The final twist shocked me so much and YET it makes total sense ! Rereading this thriller would make it completely different....
Josiah you're traumatised sweetie, please actually do therapy.
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Josiah you're traumatised sweetie, please actually do therapy.
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2024
A super easy reads filled with lies,love, promises kept and broken promises. It was a little to YA ish for my taste, my almost 15 year old would probably of enjoyed it more then I did, but I still liked the book alot and will read another Heather Hansen book for sure!!
February 26, 2024
"I want to know the ending." That's the line I always whisper every time I finish every chapter. It was a satisfying ending for me, but I find the story short. Please look for trigger warnings because they are screaming loudly in this book.
Four people with different personalities bond over an adventure they will never forget. Four went in, and one came out. Who are these people, and why did those things happen to them? Do they deserve it? What do trees know about them?
If I'm one of the trees in that forest, I'll shake on the ground like an earthquake.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Four people with different personalities bond over an adventure they will never forget. Four went in, and one came out. Who are these people, and why did those things happen to them? Do they deserve it? What do trees know about them?
If I'm one of the trees in that forest, I'll shake on the ground like an earthquake.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2024
Dark. Twisty. So much fun. Fans of Holly Jackson and darker YA/NA will appreciate it.
May 29, 2024
Just because anyone can write a thriller doesn't mean they should.
February 22, 2024
This book was quick-paced from the start. I’ve read many stories with this plot, but not many of them were as gripping as this one. However, it did take me a while to read because it was fast and I felt like I didn’t know a lot of what was going on because it kept jumping between timelines and the odd pacing and lack of flow. So maybe I did lose interest. The present day timeline with the court appealed more to me and I wish we focused more on that.
Thank you, BookSirens, for the ARC!
Thank you, BookSirens, for the ARC!
February 14, 2024
"Only The Trees Know" unravels the haunting tale of a high school group's ill-fated Spring Break in Yosemite. As four friends venture into the wilderness, tragedy strikes, leaving one survivor accused of their murders. The book delves into the pressure and fear faced by the survivor during police questioning, emphasizing themes of justice, anxiety, and untangling complex friendships. Through past and present perspectives, the narrative unfolds, exposing lies, broken promises, and twisted love. The survivor fights for freedom, challenging the evidence that paints him guilty. The story poignantly captures the fragility of relationships amid a backdrop of mystery and survival.
While the content of the book is undeniably intriguing, there are several areas that could be enhanced to elevate its overall quality and impact. To begin with, improving clarity is essential. For instance, consider simplifying sentences for better comprehension, such as transforming convoluted passages into more straightforward expressions. Next, introducing engaging language can significantly enhance the reader's experience. Utilizing descriptive and vivid language can replace mundane phrases, adding a layer of interest and depth to the narrative. Another crucial aspect is refining the organization of the content. Clear transitions between topics will contribute to a smoother and more coherent reading experience. Additionally, increasing the depth of content can be achieved by incorporating more details and information. For example, providing additional insights into the detective's investigation and the gathered evidence can elevate the narrative's informativeness and engagement. In summary, focusing on clarity, engaging language, organization, and depth of content would undoubtedly improve the overall quality and impact of the book.
This book was a delightful discovery for me. Its succinct yet engaging storyline made it an enjoyable and quick read, perfectly fitting my literary preferences. The narrative captivated my interest, providing a pleasant escape into its world. Overall, it was my cup of tea, offering a satisfying and refreshing reading experience.
I received the Advance Review Copy of this book for free from BookSirens. Thank you, and I'm reviewing this book voluntarily.
While the content of the book is undeniably intriguing, there are several areas that could be enhanced to elevate its overall quality and impact. To begin with, improving clarity is essential. For instance, consider simplifying sentences for better comprehension, such as transforming convoluted passages into more straightforward expressions. Next, introducing engaging language can significantly enhance the reader's experience. Utilizing descriptive and vivid language can replace mundane phrases, adding a layer of interest and depth to the narrative. Another crucial aspect is refining the organization of the content. Clear transitions between topics will contribute to a smoother and more coherent reading experience. Additionally, increasing the depth of content can be achieved by incorporating more details and information. For example, providing additional insights into the detective's investigation and the gathered evidence can elevate the narrative's informativeness and engagement. In summary, focusing on clarity, engaging language, organization, and depth of content would undoubtedly improve the overall quality and impact of the book.
This book was a delightful discovery for me. Its succinct yet engaging storyline made it an enjoyable and quick read, perfectly fitting my literary preferences. The narrative captivated my interest, providing a pleasant escape into its world. Overall, it was my cup of tea, offering a satisfying and refreshing reading experience.
I received the Advance Review Copy of this book for free from BookSirens. Thank you, and I'm reviewing this book voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑. 𝑴𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍."
In "Only The Trees Know”, readers are met with Josiah, a troubled teen living with an abusive father and emotionally-absent mother. He is part of a toxic friendship group that decide to hike the Yosemite forest during their spring break, a decision that is proved fatal as Josiah is the only one to emerge from this forest alive.
Falling under suspicion for their murders, Josiah narrates his experiences immediately after these tragic events whilst also revisiting the turmoil of this friendship group and the moments leading up to their deaths.
In this novel, Heather Hansen has created four very complex characters who each struggle with issues that lead to this group having toxic and unhealthy relationships with one another. Told from Josiah’s perspective, the book flits between “then” and “now” in this fast-paced plot with both building tension and suspense alongside each other.
Hansen explores some heavy themes that make for a gruelling and hard -hitting read. These include child abuse, heavy drug use, self-harm and homophobia, with a trigger warning preceding the story. I was gripped with the mystery of the three murders but Hansen pulled me in further with these darker depictions.
Josiah is an interesting character to read. I couldn’t help but sympathise with him struggling under the weight of his family’s expectations but also found some of his decisions odd and frustrating, which helped with understanding the turmoil in his life.
With his three friends, they seemed to get into petty and childish disagreements, as teenagers can do, which seemed a bit over-dramatic but this provided a stark contrast with the suspicion and murder trial featured in the “now” sections and evoked a sense of fragility and vulnerability.
I couldn’t figure out how this book was going to end but found myself not overly shocked (in a good way) once revelations were made. The character development throughout made the conclusion seem inevitable.
“Only The Trees Know” makes for a quick but cosy read, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑. 𝑴𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍."
In "Only The Trees Know”, readers are met with Josiah, a troubled teen living with an abusive father and emotionally-absent mother. He is part of a toxic friendship group that decide to hike the Yosemite forest during their spring break, a decision that is proved fatal as Josiah is the only one to emerge from this forest alive.
Falling under suspicion for their murders, Josiah narrates his experiences immediately after these tragic events whilst also revisiting the turmoil of this friendship group and the moments leading up to their deaths.
In this novel, Heather Hansen has created four very complex characters who each struggle with issues that lead to this group having toxic and unhealthy relationships with one another. Told from Josiah’s perspective, the book flits between “then” and “now” in this fast-paced plot with both building tension and suspense alongside each other.
Hansen explores some heavy themes that make for a gruelling and hard -hitting read. These include child abuse, heavy drug use, self-harm and homophobia, with a trigger warning preceding the story. I was gripped with the mystery of the three murders but Hansen pulled me in further with these darker depictions.
Josiah is an interesting character to read. I couldn’t help but sympathise with him struggling under the weight of his family’s expectations but also found some of his decisions odd and frustrating, which helped with understanding the turmoil in his life.
With his three friends, they seemed to get into petty and childish disagreements, as teenagers can do, which seemed a bit over-dramatic but this provided a stark contrast with the suspicion and murder trial featured in the “now” sections and evoked a sense of fragility and vulnerability.
I couldn’t figure out how this book was going to end but found myself not overly shocked (in a good way) once revelations were made. The character development throughout made the conclusion seem inevitable.
“Only The Trees Know” makes for a quick but cosy read, perfect for a sunny afternoon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2024
*Thank you to Heather Hansen and Booksirens for giving me an ARC for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is why I don't go camping; instead, I stay in my room and read books about people getting murdered when camping.
Four friends head to the Yosemite forest for one last trip together. Their friend group had been falling apart slowly, this was their chance to glue the group back together-except it goes horribly wrong when three of them end up dead. Now the only survivor is on trial for the murder of his friends, with strong evidence against him, his fate lies in the hands of the court.
I was so immersed in the story I did what I hadn't done in months-I stayed up all night sacrificing my sleep and sanity to finish it, which means that the author did an amazing job. I am writing this at 6:18 AM and I haven't slept in 30 hours, I think. The beginning was a little weak and kinda repetitive, but the book got really good really quickly and uh here I am.
The writing is simple, the characters were...they weren't loveable but I think that's the point. They all had bad qualities, you do kinda root for the main character but he's not a hero by any means. I loved the plot and premise, and the skipping between present-day at his trial and the past in the forest. Usually, I don't love jumping between timelines but this really captured my attention so I didn't mind it as much (not sure if it's because of a lack of sleep or what idk atp)
A mystery/thriller that will make you want to drop everything and keep reading, I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a quick few-hour read that will have you on the edge of your seat!
PS. thanks again for the ARC :D
This book is why I don't go camping; instead, I stay in my room and read books about people getting murdered when camping.
Four friends head to the Yosemite forest for one last trip together. Their friend group had been falling apart slowly, this was their chance to glue the group back together-except it goes horribly wrong when three of them end up dead. Now the only survivor is on trial for the murder of his friends, with strong evidence against him, his fate lies in the hands of the court.
I was so immersed in the story I did what I hadn't done in months-I stayed up all night sacrificing my sleep and sanity to finish it, which means that the author did an amazing job. I am writing this at 6:18 AM and I haven't slept in 30 hours, I think. The beginning was a little weak and kinda repetitive, but the book got really good really quickly and uh here I am.
The writing is simple, the characters were...they weren't loveable but I think that's the point. They all had bad qualities, you do kinda root for the main character but he's not a hero by any means. I loved the plot and premise, and the skipping between present-day at his trial and the past in the forest. Usually, I don't love jumping between timelines but this really captured my attention so I didn't mind it as much (not sure if it's because of a lack of sleep or what idk atp)
A mystery/thriller that will make you want to drop everything and keep reading, I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a quick few-hour read that will have you on the edge of your seat!
PS. thanks again for the ARC :D
February 18, 2024
ARC review
Only the Trees Know takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the haunting wilderness of Yosemite, where a seemingly innocent Spring Break hiking trip turns into a chilling tale of murder, betrayal, and the unraveling of complex relationships. The narrative skillfully weaves between the past and present, creating an engaging and mysterious atmosphere.
The story revolves around four friends seeking to mend their fractured bonds during a solitary week in the Yosemite forest. The author brilliantly captures the tension and nostalgia of their past camaraderie while foreshadowing the impending doom that awaits them.
The character development is a standout feature, with each member of the group harboring secrets, insecurities, and unresolved conflicts. The protagonist, a reclusive individual haunted by a traumatic past, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The exploration of triangle relationships within the group, with elements of bisexuality and homosexuality, adds depth and authenticity to the characters' experiences.
The theme of abuse by parents is sensitively addressed, providing a poignant backdrop to the characters' struggles and motivations. The author tackles issues of lies, misunderstandings, broken promises, and twisted love, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The courtroom scenes add a gripping layer to the story, as the lone survivor fights for his life and freedom. The constant interplay between the past and present perspectives adds an intriguing dynamic, gradually unraveling the mystery behind the murders. The only survivor's poignant final words, "I'm sorry," leave readers questioning the true nature of the friendships and the events that transpired in the forest.
Only the Trees Know is a compelling psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendships, guilt, and the consequences of untangling the web of lies. The author skillfully navigates through the intricacies of human relationships, delivering a story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.
Only the Trees Know takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the haunting wilderness of Yosemite, where a seemingly innocent Spring Break hiking trip turns into a chilling tale of murder, betrayal, and the unraveling of complex relationships. The narrative skillfully weaves between the past and present, creating an engaging and mysterious atmosphere.
The story revolves around four friends seeking to mend their fractured bonds during a solitary week in the Yosemite forest. The author brilliantly captures the tension and nostalgia of their past camaraderie while foreshadowing the impending doom that awaits them.
The character development is a standout feature, with each member of the group harboring secrets, insecurities, and unresolved conflicts. The protagonist, a reclusive individual haunted by a traumatic past, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The exploration of triangle relationships within the group, with elements of bisexuality and homosexuality, adds depth and authenticity to the characters' experiences.
The theme of abuse by parents is sensitively addressed, providing a poignant backdrop to the characters' struggles and motivations. The author tackles issues of lies, misunderstandings, broken promises, and twisted love, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The courtroom scenes add a gripping layer to the story, as the lone survivor fights for his life and freedom. The constant interplay between the past and present perspectives adds an intriguing dynamic, gradually unraveling the mystery behind the murders. The only survivor's poignant final words, "I'm sorry," leave readers questioning the true nature of the friendships and the events that transpired in the forest.
Only the Trees Know is a compelling psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendships, guilt, and the consequences of untangling the web of lies. The author skillfully navigates through the intricacies of human relationships, delivering a story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.
March 3, 2024
When Josiah Liam Zoe and Parker went on a camping trip for spring break their friendship was already fraught with problems especially since Zoe Liam and Josiah played sex tag and all swapped with each other, two at a time however not all together. Parker was just another drug attic loser who hung around with the group. The only one we get to know really well is Josiah and that is because he is the only one to survive the trip. He is very unlikable for many reasons for one he just used Zoe for sex and claimed to be in love with Liam but because Liam wanted him to be out that was something Josiah couldn’t do because his father who was already abusive would probably disown him. Josiah says a crazy man attacked him and his friends in their camp and they spent days fearing for their life as one by one the crazy man pick them off but unfortunately the police don’t believe him and he has soon arrested and put on trial for the murder of his friends. As we read about the trial we also threw out here about their gruesome camping trip but is Josiah telling the truth? Throughout the book it is easy despite Josiah‘s drug addiction Sexcapades and lies to flip-flop between him being guilty or The victim of a crazed lunatic. After reading the summary I thought I would absolutely love this book the these people are not the kind of characters you love the hate at least I didn’t I just hated them or rather totally dislike them. Out of the four none of them had redeeming qualities at all Josiah liked pain and didn’t mind hurting others he wanted his needs met but didn’t care if his friends who were also unredeemable characters needed him. I don’t likea book with no one to root for it sometimes makes me lose interest but that wasn’t the case with Only The Trees Know by Heather Hansen I definitely wanted to see how it ended and although it was an OK ending I am still only rating the book 3 stars it is interesting and I did like the trial portion of the book but wish they would have been at least one person to root for. I want to thank Book Sirens and the author for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 1, 2024
Only the Trees Know definitely made me feel some things!
It was easily to read and the plot moved well, two qualities that I greatly appreciate in a book.
The book is classified under mystery and thriller, which made me want to read it. However, I would say the book is 70% romance/complicated relationship drama and 30% suspense. There was no indication that it is anything other than a mystery/thriller, so reader beware. Although I understand their intent toward character development, I was personally not interested in all the romance aspects and skimmed those passages.
Additionally, one chapter in particular regarding the main character and his abusive father made me feel beyond disgusting to read. It was not graphic, but the implication was disturbing to read.
I came across probably a dozen typos or punctuation errors, which I reported as content errors through Kindle.
As for the actual mystery, the author did a great job keeping me in suspense and making me question what really happened until the very end.
However, after finishing the story and digesting it, I have some major qualms about the ending. I was left believing it was unrealistic and feeling unfulfilled.
Spoiler version:
Josiah, the main character, is found not guilty in court. He then reveals to the reader conclusively that he is, in fact, the murderer. Then the book ends. We do somewhat understand his motives and are left with a strong impression that Josiah has severe mental disturbances. But his therapist testifies in court that though he is violent and unstable, he is not capable of murder. There is no inkling of who may actually be found guilty of the three murders. This hole leaves me feeling wholly unfulfilled.
I’ve decided on a three star rating due to the disproportionate romance to thriller ratio and the questionable ending.
Only the Trees Know was fine overall and not quite what I expected.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for this advance reader copy!
It was easily to read and the plot moved well, two qualities that I greatly appreciate in a book.
The book is classified under mystery and thriller, which made me want to read it. However, I would say the book is 70% romance/complicated relationship drama and 30% suspense. There was no indication that it is anything other than a mystery/thriller, so reader beware. Although I understand their intent toward character development, I was personally not interested in all the romance aspects and skimmed those passages.
Additionally, one chapter in particular regarding the main character and his abusive father made me feel beyond disgusting to read. It was not graphic, but the implication was disturbing to read.
I came across probably a dozen typos or punctuation errors, which I reported as content errors through Kindle.
As for the actual mystery, the author did a great job keeping me in suspense and making me question what really happened until the very end.
However, after finishing the story and digesting it, I have some major qualms about the ending. I was left believing it was unrealistic and feeling unfulfilled.
Spoiler version:
Josiah, the main character, is found not guilty in court. He then reveals to the reader conclusively that he is, in fact, the murderer. Then the book ends. We do somewhat understand his motives and are left with a strong impression that Josiah has severe mental disturbances. But his therapist testifies in court that though he is violent and unstable, he is not capable of murder. There is no inkling of who may actually be found guilty of the three murders. This hole leaves me feeling wholly unfulfilled.
I’ve decided on a three star rating due to the disproportionate romance to thriller ratio and the questionable ending.
Only the Trees Know was fine overall and not quite what I expected.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for this advance reader copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
This book messed with my head in the best (and worst) ways. What starts as a spring break camping trip quickly spirals into a full-blown nightmare, and by the end, I was questioning why anyone ever willingly goes off-grid. The story flips between past and present as one survivor is left to piece together what actually happened in the woods and whether anyone will believe them.
I’m not gonna lie, this book hit a nerve. As someone who already overthinks worst-case scenarios, this had my anxiety flaring up. It dives into some heavy stuff: abuse, addiction, suicidal thoughts, toxic relationships, so make sure to check those trigger warnings first. That said, the slow build in the beginning actually paid off once things started unraveling. The character development made the impact of it all hit harder, even if I didn’t love any of the characters themselves (they’re all pretty morally messy, but that’s kind of the point).
The pacing took a minute to settle into, and I figured out the twist earlier than I expected, but it still kept me locked in. It was less about being surprised and more about seeing how it would all fall apart. The courtroom scenes mixed in with the flashbacks added an extra layer that kept things interesting, and honestly, it gave me The Society meets I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes.
Bottom line: This book was unsettling in all the right ways. It’s fast, emotional, and dark, but if you like thrillers with flawed characters and messy consequences, it’s worth the read. Big thanks to BookSprout and Heather Hansen for the free copy, I’ll definitely be picking up more from her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not gonna lie, this book hit a nerve. As someone who already overthinks worst-case scenarios, this had my anxiety flaring up. It dives into some heavy stuff: abuse, addiction, suicidal thoughts, toxic relationships, so make sure to check those trigger warnings first. That said, the slow build in the beginning actually paid off once things started unraveling. The character development made the impact of it all hit harder, even if I didn’t love any of the characters themselves (they’re all pretty morally messy, but that’s kind of the point).
The pacing took a minute to settle into, and I figured out the twist earlier than I expected, but it still kept me locked in. It was less about being surprised and more about seeing how it would all fall apart. The courtroom scenes mixed in with the flashbacks added an extra layer that kept things interesting, and honestly, it gave me The Society meets I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes.
Bottom line: This book was unsettling in all the right ways. It’s fast, emotional, and dark, but if you like thrillers with flawed characters and messy consequences, it’s worth the read. Big thanks to BookSprout and Heather Hansen for the free copy, I’ll definitely be picking up more from her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2024
Set off with the gripping promise of a group of high school friends embarking on a farewell camping trip where three of the four friends end up dead in mysterious circumstances. The only one who survived the tragedy could tell the story, but how credible is his story? Did anyone go there, and what happened to them in the great dark woods?
As the plot develops, we understand the intricate relations that make up the four friends and how these relations, at first holding them together and then slowly breaking apart. So much love, desire, and spiritual connection also lay beneath all the brewing tension, betrayal, and pain. This turns the mystery into the question of what happened on the trip.
How the narrative alternates between the friend's murder trial that is going on later on and the flashbacks that reveal more about each character and the group's shared past makes the pacing very tight and tense. From the moment we realize that there are present dangers in that remote forest, the mood becomes more and more unnerving before the deathly turn we are waiting for.
By the end, the truth comes out quite shockingly in witty revelations and surprises up to the final pages. This book will appeal to mystery and thriller enthusiasts looking for a character-driven psychological read discussing the various nuances of friendship and the tragedy it brings when the ties come apart. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author, and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
As the plot develops, we understand the intricate relations that make up the four friends and how these relations, at first holding them together and then slowly breaking apart. So much love, desire, and spiritual connection also lay beneath all the brewing tension, betrayal, and pain. This turns the mystery into the question of what happened on the trip.
How the narrative alternates between the friend's murder trial that is going on later on and the flashbacks that reveal more about each character and the group's shared past makes the pacing very tight and tense. From the moment we realize that there are present dangers in that remote forest, the mood becomes more and more unnerving before the deathly turn we are waiting for.
By the end, the truth comes out quite shockingly in witty revelations and surprises up to the final pages. This book will appeal to mystery and thriller enthusiasts looking for a character-driven psychological read discussing the various nuances of friendship and the tragedy it brings when the ties come apart. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author, and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
March 21, 2024
This book starts with an appealing premise: a hiking trip that goes horribly wrong.
Four friends go on a hiking trip, for a last hurrah before their high school senior year ends, yet only one of them comes out alive.
The story jumps between the "Then" and "Now", told in Josiah's (MC) point of view. But how trustworthy is his testimony?
Throughout the story, the "Then" bits allow us to have a better grasp of the past, of Josiah's connection to these three people (Liam, Zoe, Parker), and how those relationships started to deteriorate to a point of no return. They also show us how his relationship to his family is extremely strained and painful and his personal relationships, torment him.
The wood's parts, started to dynamize the story, increasing the stakes and pace of it all, as danger kept getting closer and closer.
The "Now" bits focus on the aftermath of it all, him coming out alive, being charged with their murder and going on trial for it. It is here that the pace started to fasten up until it gave us a predictable outcome.
Overall is a great premise, good development of the plot, morally grey characters that are not at all likeable (not a complaint, just a mere statement about their erratic, dangerous and criminal behaviours); a plot that exposes sensitive topics, such as domestic and drug abuse, extreme violence, blackmail, secret relationships...
It's a book appropriate for those that love thrillers, suspense, mystery with a dash of horror.
I have received a free copy of this book by BookSirens, and this is my honest review
Four friends go on a hiking trip, for a last hurrah before their high school senior year ends, yet only one of them comes out alive.
The story jumps between the "Then" and "Now", told in Josiah's (MC) point of view. But how trustworthy is his testimony?
Throughout the story, the "Then" bits allow us to have a better grasp of the past, of Josiah's connection to these three people (Liam, Zoe, Parker), and how those relationships started to deteriorate to a point of no return. They also show us how his relationship to his family is extremely strained and painful and his personal relationships, torment him.
The wood's parts, started to dynamize the story, increasing the stakes and pace of it all, as danger kept getting closer and closer.
The "Now" bits focus on the aftermath of it all, him coming out alive, being charged with their murder and going on trial for it. It is here that the pace started to fasten up until it gave us a predictable outcome.
Overall is a great premise, good development of the plot, morally grey characters that are not at all likeable (not a complaint, just a mere statement about their erratic, dangerous and criminal behaviours); a plot that exposes sensitive topics, such as domestic and drug abuse, extreme violence, blackmail, secret relationships...
It's a book appropriate for those that love thrillers, suspense, mystery with a dash of horror.
I have received a free copy of this book by BookSirens, and this is my honest review
January 30, 2024
Only The Trees Know is a psychological thriller like no other. Four seniors choose to spend their spring break hiking in the Yosemite forest—a last hoorah before life takes them in different directions after graduation. But, the idyllic week-long hike quickly turns treacherous; a homeless man seems to be stalking them, ranting and raving that they shouldn't be in "his" woods. When things turn deadly, who can they trust? Even the bond of friendship has its limits, right? Told in past and present perspectives from the character Josiah, the reader is left wondering what happened in the woods and whether we can trust Josiah's words; after all, he is the only one who made it out.
This novel is a heavy hitter. This novel covers intense topics like drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation, implied sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, homophobia, murder, and more. While the main characters are seniors in high school, this novel was written for a more mature audience. With a complex set of characters struggling with their own demons, you can't help but feel sorry for them even when they aren't the most loving individuals. I loved the novel's suspense and was trying to figure out the ending, well before I reached the conclusion. What happened? Who did it? Where questions that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Disclaimer: Although I received an advance review copy for free, this review is 100% honest and my own opinion, and I wrote it voluntarily.
This novel is a heavy hitter. This novel covers intense topics like drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation, implied sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, homophobia, murder, and more. While the main characters are seniors in high school, this novel was written for a more mature audience. With a complex set of characters struggling with their own demons, you can't help but feel sorry for them even when they aren't the most loving individuals. I loved the novel's suspense and was trying to figure out the ending, well before I reached the conclusion. What happened? Who did it? Where questions that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Disclaimer: Although I received an advance review copy for free, this review is 100% honest and my own opinion, and I wrote it voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
What was meant to be one last trip before they graduated high school turned into Josiah having to fight for his freedom. Josiah was the only one to make it out of Yosemite forest after his friends were murdered one by one on their hiking trip.
The story is told from a gripping past/present perspective that unravels more and more about the foursome’s friendship while Josiah is getting ready for trial. These friends have a lot in common, and while their relationships have a few cracks, their bond is apparent.
It is a quick and easy read that is full of darkness and twists. I found myself shifting around as the suspense continued to build. I finished reading in a day, constantly thinking about who could have murdered Josiah’s three friends and why? Don’t get me wrong, Hansen’s characters weren’t extremely likable, but the way she wrote the scenes in the forest, I was still hoping for their well-being. I did guess the ending, but it didn’t take anything away from the book being enjoyable. I’d recommend this book if you are interested in psychological thrillers or suspense.
Only The Trees Know covers some heavy topics such as murder, domestic abuse, child abuse, implied sexual assault, drug and alcohol addiction, homophobia, mental illness, and self-harm. The author notes that even though the story is about teenagers, it is meant for mature audiences.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is told from a gripping past/present perspective that unravels more and more about the foursome’s friendship while Josiah is getting ready for trial. These friends have a lot in common, and while their relationships have a few cracks, their bond is apparent.
It is a quick and easy read that is full of darkness and twists. I found myself shifting around as the suspense continued to build. I finished reading in a day, constantly thinking about who could have murdered Josiah’s three friends and why? Don’t get me wrong, Hansen’s characters weren’t extremely likable, but the way she wrote the scenes in the forest, I was still hoping for their well-being. I did guess the ending, but it didn’t take anything away from the book being enjoyable. I’d recommend this book if you are interested in psychological thrillers or suspense.
Only The Trees Know covers some heavy topics such as murder, domestic abuse, child abuse, implied sexual assault, drug and alcohol addiction, homophobia, mental illness, and self-harm. The author notes that even though the story is about teenagers, it is meant for mature audiences.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2024
Four high school seniors go hiking for Spring break, but only one walks out alive. Josiah Harrison escapes the horrors of the forest only to suffer the ridicule and accusation of the public as he awaits his trial.
Only The Trees Know is told from both the past and present perspective of Josiah, making us question how reliable of a narrator he actually is while also slowly feeding us clues and information as to what really happened in the woods.
With such complex characters and relationship dynamics, not only does everyone have something to hide, but they also have ulterior motives. This keeps you guessing and doubting yourself all the way up to the very last page.
I absolutely loved the suspense and how the story was told from past and present perspectives.
Although I found every single character to, at some point, be unlikeable and toxic, Hansen balances this with context that still made me sympathetic towards them - which is such a unique and complex way to write characters.
CW/TW: Child abuse, implied SA, self-harm, violence, murder, mental illness, drug use, alcohol abuse, suicide ideations and homophobia. Although the characters are teenagers, this was written for a mature audience.
Disclaimer: Although I received an advance review copy for free, this review is 100% honest and my own opinion, and I wrote it voluntarily.
Only The Trees Know is told from both the past and present perspective of Josiah, making us question how reliable of a narrator he actually is while also slowly feeding us clues and information as to what really happened in the woods.
With such complex characters and relationship dynamics, not only does everyone have something to hide, but they also have ulterior motives. This keeps you guessing and doubting yourself all the way up to the very last page.
I absolutely loved the suspense and how the story was told from past and present perspectives.
Although I found every single character to, at some point, be unlikeable and toxic, Hansen balances this with context that still made me sympathetic towards them - which is such a unique and complex way to write characters.
CW/TW: Child abuse, implied SA, self-harm, violence, murder, mental illness, drug use, alcohol abuse, suicide ideations and homophobia. Although the characters are teenagers, this was written for a mature audience.
Disclaimer: Although I received an advance review copy for free, this review is 100% honest and my own opinion, and I wrote it voluntarily.
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