Review: "If You Tell" - Gregg Olsen: A True Tale of Murder, Family Secrets, & Sisterhood

“If You Tell” was one of the most gruesome stories I ever read — even more so because it was real.

If You Tell by Gregg Olsen covers.Photo bythe author using PowerPoint Design Creations

The author’s description goes like this: “A true story of murder, family secrets, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.”

I would not feel right if I did not warn readers about the severe triggers in this book.

If you are prone to triggers from childhood, violence, and manipulation, choose another book! This is not for you.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and buy the product, I make a small commission, which does not change your price.

Introduction

“If You Tell” by Gregg Olsen dives deep into the harrowing tale of survival, courage, and the horrifying secrets held behind closed doors. Olsen meticulously unravels the true story, revealing the dark underbelly of a seemingly typical family.

Summary

The book chronicles the chilling account of three sisters who endured the unthinkable but, together, found the strength to expose the horrifying truths about their sadistic mother. Through their journey, Olsen showcases the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

"We were trapped, imprisoned by our own mother, but our spirits remained unbroken."

Narration

The story is narrated from a third-person perspective, offering an omniscient view into the traumatic lives of the victims.

Setting

Set against the backdrop of a modern-day American suburb, the location underscores the stark contrast between the tranquil exterior and the nightmarish life within the family home.

The ordinary setting amplifies the horror, reminding readers that such atrocities can lurk anywhere, even in places that seem entirely normal.

"It was a house like any other on the block, yet what lay inside was a world no one could imagine."

Theme

The book's prevailing theme is resilience in the face of unspeakable adversity and the power of truth to bring justice and healing.

Genre

This book is a true-crime narrative.

When compared to other works in this genre, Olsen’s detailed storytelling and deep emotional dive into the victims’ psyche set it apart, offering a more intimate understanding of the impact of trauma — especially that visited on you by a loved one, particularly a parent or parents.

Author

A renowned author, Gregg Olsen has penned numerous novels and non-fiction books, diving into true crime stories with compassion and diligence.

While many of his works delve into the dark recesses of human nature, “If You Tell” stands out because of its relentless focus on the strength of the human spirit to overcome even the harshest of adversities.

Plot

“If You Tell” revolves around the three sisters — Nikki, Sami, and Tori — who grew up enduring the sadistic torture of their mother, Michelle (Shelly) Knotek. This torture wasn't just physical; it was an intricate web of emotional and psychological abuse and manipulation that lasted for years.

The sisters’ story is about their survival and bravery in confronting their traumatic past and ensuring their tormentors faced justice. As readers journey through the narrative, they are given glimpses into the psyche of a disturbed woman and the lengths to which her children went to escape her grasp.

Many who read the book will be completely shocked that Michelle Knotek, “America’s most evil mother,” was released from prison in 2022.

Book Recommendation

“If You Tell” is best suited for adults, particularly those who appreciate true crime and are able to handle the intense and often disturbing content.

The book is an eye-opener into the strength of the human spirit and serves as a chilling reminder that monsters can be real and closer than you think.

If you are prone to triggers from childhood, violence, and manipulation, choose another book! This is not for you.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and buy the product, I make a small commission, which does not change your price.

#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.

Of the 133,796 verified Amazon buyers who rated the book, 81% gave it four or five stars, with an overall rating of 4.3 stars.

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Many of the ratings of less than 4 stars were directed at the material, not the writing.

For instance:

1 out of 5 stars. “Don't waste your money. Sick book about sick people, protected by more sick, irresponsible people.”

1 out of 5 stars. “This story is so disturbing, I stopped reading about 44% in. EVERYONE failed Kathy. Especially Dave - who is a grown spineless, worthless man who watched, and at times helped torture that woman to death.”

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.