We Don't Talk About Carol

A Novel

De: Kristen L. Berry

Narrado por: Nicole Cash

A dedicated journalist unearths a generations-old family secret—and a connection to a string of missing girls that hits way too close to home—in this “nail-biting debut” (Booklist).

“A well-written, emotionally wrenching tale.”—Associated Press

In the wake of her grandmother's passing, Sydney Singleton finds a hidden photograph of a little girl who looks more like Sydney than her own sister or mother. She soon discovers the mystery girl in the photograph is her aunt, Carol, who was one of six North Carolina Black girls to go missing in the 1960s. For the last several decades, not a soul has talked about Carol or what really happened to her. But now, with her grandmother gone and Sydney looking to start a family of her own, she is determined to unravel the truth behind her long-lost aunt’s disappearance, and the sinister silence that surrounds her.

Unfortunately, this is familiar territory for Sydney: Years earlier, while she worked the crime beat as a journalist, her obsession with the case of another missing girl led to a psychotic break. And now, in the suffocating grip of fertility treatments and a marriage that's beginning to crumble, Sydney’s relentless pursuit for answers might just lead her down the same path of self-destruction. As she delves deeper into Carol's fate, her own troubled past reemerges, clawing its way to the surface with a vengeance. The web of secrets and lies entangling her family leaves Sydney questioning everything—her fixation on the missing girls, her future as a mom, and her trust in those she knows and loves.

Delving into family, community, secrets, and motherhood, We Don’t Talk About Carol is a gripping and deeply emotional story about overcoming the rot at the roots of our family trees—and what we’ll do for those we love.

©2025 Kristen L. Berry (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“So much more than your typical missing person story, We Don’t Talk About Carol is a twisting mystery spanning six decades, as well as a stark reminder of the disproportionate treatment given to missing Black girls by the media. Kristen L. Berry has managed to weave such an elaborate web of thematic threads that when you take a step back to admire the full picture, it’s a pretty wondrous thing to behold. A fantastic debut.”—Stacy Willingham, New York Times bestselling author of Forget Me Not

“[A] nail-biting debut thriller.”—Booklist

“A riveting page-turner by a powerful new voice. I couldn’t put it down.”—Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of With My Little Eye

Riveting and emotional!

Nicole Cash brings this compelling and twisty family mystery to LIFE with her skillful and nuanced narration! Perfect for fans of slow burn mysteries and true crime! Loved it!!!

The interesting end!

I loved We Don’t Talk About Carol. I can’t wait for Kristen L Berry’s next book. This book is a real page turner! Excellent.

Family dynamics and unexpected twists

I loved this story with all its complex family dynamics and unexpected twists. This is a great first novel, looking forward to what she writes next!

Great read for 2025

story kept me engaged and couldn't put it down. great read, it also educated readers on how Black Americans missing don't get a lot of police attention

Excitement and drama from start to finish!

This book was incredible! I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish sizing up possible suspects and outcomes. The author does an amazing job breathing life into each character—making the reader instantly feel invested in their outcome(s). I was drawn in from the very first chapter in eager anticipation of the things to come. This book is a masterpiece with an ending that will leave you speechless and begging for a sequel. And a movie!