If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood

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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Published Dec 1, 2019

429 pages

Average rating: 7.3

887 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

McCalLinz
Jan 09, 2025
8/10 stars
Well written, but difficult to read because of the horrific and devastating truth of the subject and its reality. I almost stopped reading a few times because of how horrific the subject matter was, but kept telling myself if the victims lived through this situation the least I can do is read their story as they didn’t have the choice to put the book down when it became too much for them.
KikiStoneCreek
Jun 03, 2023
6/10 stars
A rough read, due to the incredible torture described. But I was disappointed that the book wasn't as well written as Mr. Olsen's fiction novels. It almost seemed as though someone else had written the book. If you want the truth about how abusive parents can be, I'll recommend this book. If you want a taut, superbly written mystery, I'll happily recommend any of his other books!
Anonymous
May 18, 2025
10/10 stars
"Sisters forever. Victims no more."

This book was very well written, but incredibly devastating. I was constantly in shock at the atrocities committed by the Knotek parents. Dave's cognitive dissonance was exemplified by this writing style, holding both the truth of what Dave said and believed to be true in stark contrast with the actual truth. It was a consistent reminder of the duality of ideas people can hold in their minds to keep the peace when experiencing abuse.

*I have not checked for accuracy so my review does not have to do with that element*

**After reading other reviews, I fully stand by my 5 stars. I felt it was matter of fact which is a plus to me (but not to others apparently) when dealing with subject like this. I don't want to be woven a tale, I want to hear about the lies and what actually happened, personally. That's part of the complexity of manipulation and abuse. And the focus wasn't meant to be the arrest or trial, it was about the experience of those in the household who were abused. The jacket cover blurb makes that kind of obvious.**
Qui09
May 01, 2025
8/10 stars
Had me on the edge of my seat mother was so evil couldn’t stand it but good book horrible story
A.rub.reads
Apr 14, 2025
7/10 stars
Tragic story, told in a formal investigative order that will pull your heart strings and make you wonder how anyone could have endured.

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