A review by rchellelynn
We Don't Talk About Carol: A Novel by Kristen L. Berry

emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

*I received the ARC of this book courtesy of NetGally. All opinions expressed are my own*

Sydney Singleton abandoned her dreams and passion for a career in journalism for a more “sensible” career and she’s going along to get along in life until she uncovers a dark family secret. 

After learning about her Aunt Carol who went missing nearly 60 years ago Sydney is determined to find out what happened to her.  Alarmed that she spent her entire life unaware Carol existed she soon finds that she, along with a handful of other Black girls went missing in the 1960’s with no public outcry, media spotlight, or police interest. 

As she desperately tries to solve the mystery she’s also juggling to fulfill her husband's wishes, considering her family’s reputation, chasing leads, and trying to bring attention to the missing girls. 

This had an unlikely and excellent plot twist and addressed the very real issue of the lack of public interest regarding Black Girls and Women who go missing. 

As a Black Woman so much of this story resonated with me - the family secrets and respectability as well as the Black Mother and daughter dynamics. I also live in LA and have ties to Raleigh [the primary setting] so the familiarity made this even more enjoyable. 

What impacted my rating?
  1. There were 2 story gaps that I didn’t think were completed. I wanted completion with Lawrence [her Dad] - I don’t know why he was the way he was.
  2. Yvonne [Micheal’s sister]: What did she know? What was she hiding? She did all of that and for what?
  3. I think it could have been about 75 pages shorter

Overall, excellent debut and I think it’s worth reading and adding to your mystery collection.