The Bookish Ashley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)

Lisa Matlin delivers a dark, atmospheric thriller that kept me turning pages well into the night. The Only One Who Knows combines small-town secrets, psychological suspense, and the ever-present fear of what might be lurking beneath the water’s surface to create a story that is both unsettling and addictive.

Minnow Greenwood is a compelling protagonist—flawed, guarded, and carrying enough emotional baggage to make her return to Kangaroo Bay feel as dangerous as the shark attacks terrorizing the town. As the mystery unfolds, the novel explores themes of generational trauma, violence, and the ways people become trapped by their pasts.

The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Kangaroo Bay feels gritty, isolated, and full of menace, with the coastal atmosphere adding a constant sense of dread. The shark attacks provide plenty of tension, but the real horror comes from the town’s buried secrets and the darkness within its residents.

The pacing starts a bit slowly as the characters and history are established, but once the investigation gains momentum, the story becomes difficult to put down. While I guessed a few twists before they were revealed, the journey was engaging enough that it didn’t diminish my enjoyment.

Overall, The Only One Who Knows is a gripping coastal noir with strong atmosphere, complex characters, and plenty of suspense. If you enjoy mysteries that blend psychological depth with small-town secrets and a touch of gothic unease, this one is worth picking up.

Recommended for fans of: Karin Slaughter, Jane Harper, and dark, character-driven thrillers with a strong sense of place.