Reviews for J.T. Ellison's ARC: It's One Of Us

It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison got me. I love reading thrillers, and part of that is that, in the privacy of my own home where I can't possibly annoy anyone else, I like being smug. I like 'calling' what the twist will be, or who might have actually committed the crime, or guessing what happens next. 

And at first, I thought I was doing that with this book. We get the 'killer perspective' right away, which I always enjoy (those killer perspective chapters have to be so much fun for authors to write, and it certainly feels like Ellison had fun with them in this book). Very quickly, I figured out who the killer was (enter smug face), and I thought I knew how the book was going to go. That is, until Ellison made it clear we were supposed to have figured out who the killer was, as she reveals them pretty early (exit smug face). I was delighted to be surprised by the twists in the book. I should have seen it coming, for sure, and yet, I didn't at all.

Ellison manages to fit quite a bit into her book, too, and it left me wanting more from some of the characters, especially a character's other, unknown children alluded to in the book. Certainly, if Ellison had indulged that want, the book would have been far too convoluted to enjoy, and I suspect again, Ellison just really knows how to keep readers hanging on, wanting more, and in suspense. 

If you have been having infertility issues, be aware that this book may be one you can relate to in some ways, and be triggered by in other ways. Ellison handles this well, in my opinion, and I encourage you to read the afterword about Ellison's own experience with this.

Jessie T.

J.T. is an author that has a very special place in my book club Shelf Indulgences heart, from the moment she joined us for our first meeting with her. She’s one we adore having back. Receiving this ARC was such a treat. Reading her sorry at the end and her ability to share and be that vulnerable, made the story that much more. 

From the very first page I was captivated by Olivia’s story. I could see her step off the page and come to life. The way we jump from multiple characters heads, the killer, the wife, the husband and more as the story unfolds just keeps you wanting to turn the pages. And you are never as right as you think you are. It will literally keep you guessing until the very last page. This book is truly one of her best yet and it’s one you do not want to miss when it’s released in February.

Brittany P

Was not able to put down ‘It’s One of Us’ by J.T. Ellison. As soon as you think you have something from the book figured out, there is another layer from the author. Another twist in the plot. 

From dealing with another miscarriage, to finding out that your husband might be a father to many children die to donating sperm. The mental agony that Olivia must endure. To keeping her own secrets from her husband.

This book makes you ask the question, ‘How well do I really know the people in my life?’ Also, ‘What secrets am I keeping from others?’

Heather P.

Okay, I’m just going to start this off by saying that I love this author.  I’ve read most of her books, and I don’t think there have been any that I thought were just mediocre, so I knew going in that this one would be no different. She just has an amazing way of writing that captivates her audience and keeps them hooked throughout the story, giving just enough details about the characters without being overwhelming.  

This book had me hooked from the beginning.  The first line in the prologue, how that whole scene is described, that first line of Chapter 1, those first looks into the killer’s head.  If it had been any other author, I would have been a little more skeptical about the storyline being a little too hard to believe, but with JT I had no doubt that it would play out flawlessly.  The characters were completely believable and relatable, and it was easy to imagine them as your own neighbors or co-workers.  Any woman who has ever had the misfortune of losing a child or suffering with infertility feels the deep sense of loss and heartbreak with those 4 words in the first chapter.  And with those, you’re instantly sucked in, wanting to know if she had success at all or just suffered more loss.  The infertility aspect, which does play a large part in the story, is written in such a blunt way that it could have only been done by someone that has shared in the experience, writing how you truly feel, what you want to say to people rather than how society expects you to act, which is so refreshing and appreciated.

This book had so many twists and turns, so many little details eluding to various events that just kept me hooked.  What happened in North Carolina?  What happened to the missing girl? How many children are there, really?  I LOVE that we are never handed any of the information until the very end, and even then it just trickles out in smalls details and ends of stories. All the little ends of the tales that are weaved throughout the story are seamlessly connected, leaving the reader equally bewildered and satisfied.  The ending was never one that I quite had all the details figured out on, and there are so many things that took me by complete surprise.

She has done it again, written an amazing thriller, and I cannot wait for the next one!

-Brooke T.

Thank you to JT Ellison for allowing my book club to read It’s One of Us early. Park and Olivia are married and have been struggling with infertility. Olivia is shocked to discover that Park donated sperm years ago and has not only fathered 20 plus children, but one of their DNA samples has been found at a murder scene. 

As the murder investigation unfolds more dark secrets come to light. Overall a good story. 

- Bailey S.

This book was a thrill-ride that I would genuinely love to see made into a movie or series. The plot being built through the viewpoints of multiple characters creates an engrossing world that challenges the reader to decide what to take at face value and what to question. The pace of the writing propels you through the story, and the end of every chapter leaves you wanted to know more. This book kept me guessing at every turn....it's the kind of book that you truly can't put down and keep thinking "just one more chapter." Absolutely loved the layered narrative, not only as a psychological thriller, but also for very real, human struggles that are woven into the plot.  

- Jen B