The details…
- Title: I Know About You by Erin Kaste
- Author: Erin Kaste
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
- Publication date: October 10, 2023
- Available formats: paperback, ebook
- File size: 1309 KB
- Print length: 292 pages
- ISBN : 1636795137
- Genre: mystery/suspense/thriller
- Themes: murder, women loving women, Texas school systems, elementary schools, single parents, first loves, lgbtq, friendships, secrets, cover-ups
The blurb from the publisher…
Elementary school teacher Cary Smith thinks she has finally outrun her secrets. She’s avoided attention all her life, but the moment beautiful Tina Flores joins the faculty, Cary wants to be noticed. Although the school has a zero-tolerance policy toward anything “immoral,” Cary dares to pursue Tina, and they begin a relationship nobody can know about—not Cary’s friends, co-workers, or ex-girlfriend.
But then strange things begin to happen, and before long, Cary isn’t sure who she can trust. When someone begins leaving ominous messages and finally breaks into her apartment, Cary fears losing her job or even her life. With her stalker inching closer to the truth, she’s forced to face the past she’s tried desperately to forget.
My thoughts…
It’s very hard to believe that this is Erin Kaste’s first book. She masterfully leverages all the necessary literary elements to not only capture readers’ attention, but make their hair stand on end. There is an unbelievable level of talent on display within these pages; the likes of it are rarely seen in first time authors of this genre. In fact, I haven’t been this impressed with a book in this category since Clare Ashton’s The Tell Tale, a 2022 Golden Crown Literary winner.
Right out of the gate, Kaste sets the tone and grabs readers’ attention. The opening scene is quite gripping and lays the groundwork for the tension and suspense that’s to come. In those very first pages, she offers readers a truly compelling and unique premise, one that sparks curiosity as well as intrigue.
The characters in this cleverly woven tale are beyond compelling. They are multi-dimensional, complex human beings that possess relatable strengths and flaws. Their personal challenges not only add depth to their character arcs but the story arc as well. Their backstories are neatly threaded into the overreacting plot and contribute to the ongoing tension and suspense. Readers are invested in their journey as they navigate the twists and turns that unfold during the story; it ultimately feeds an empathy for the characters that lingers long after the final paragraph has been read.
Mystery and suspense lovers will appreciate the thought that went into the mapping and development of this story. Kaste gradually builds the tension throughout the narrative, using pacing, suspenseful moments and unexpected twists to keep readers engaged. The foreshadowing is spot-on too; Kaste drops subtle hints and clues throughout the storytelling to build anticipation and bring readers closer to solving the mystery. Yet, at the same time, she incorporates a few red herrings to maintain uncertainty. It all plays out so well on the page; there’s no way readers won’t be impressed.
Final remarks…
I Know About You is one rollercoaster ride of suspense and thrills! Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats with Kaste’s well-paced plot and unexpected twists. The jaw-dropping moments are so superbly and intricately executed that they leave readers guessing until the very end. This is a noteworthy debut and Kaste has done a commendable job with it. I can’t wait to read her next one.
Strengths
- Well-written
- Well-developed
- Solid character development
- Solid story world construction
- Engrossing
- Entertaining
- Must read for any suspense lover
This book is available from…
A bit about the author…
Erin Kaste was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she got in trouble at school for writing instead of doing the rest of her work. She began violin lessons at the age of four, went on to earn a degree in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music, and became a professional musician. After a brief public school teaching stint, she settled in Memphis, Tennessee, where she is currently a member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra as well as their personnel manager.
Away from writing and music, she loves running, hiking in the mountains, road trips, and channeling her grandmother as she raises African violets and Christmas cacti. She shares a home with her wife, their two teenagers, two dogs, and two cats.
If you are interested in learning more about Erin Kaste, click on the following links below.
If I Know About You appeals to you, you may also enjoy…
- The Tell Tale by Clare Ashton
- They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
- Testimony by Paula Martinac
- Cold Case Heat by Mary P. Burns
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