It's One of Us
by J.T. Ellison
Published February 21, 2023 by MIRA
Everybody lies. Even the ones you think you know best of all . . .
Olivia Bender designs exquisite home interiors that satisfy the most demanding clients. But her own deepest desire can’t be fulfilled by marble counters or the perfect rug. She desperately wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver shocking news to Olivia and her husband, Park.
DNA results show that the prime suspect in a murder investigation is Park’s son. Olivia is relieved, knowing this is a mistake. Despite their desire, the Benders don’t have any children. Then comes the confession. Many years ago, Park donated sperm to a clinic. He has no idea how many times it was sold—or how many children he has sired.
As the murder investigation goes deeper, more terrible truths come to light. With every revelation, Olivia must face the unthinkable. The man she married has fathered a killer. But can she hold that against him when she keeps such dark secrets of her own?
This twisting, emotionally layered thriller explores the lies we tell to keep a marriage together--or break each other apart . . .
Review4 Stars
TW: Infertility, miscarriage
A stunning, original, and twisted tale that follows Olivia as her curated, perfect life is unraveled by the revelation that her husband once donated sperm and one of his donor children is the suspect in a murder case. J.T. Ellison takes readers on a journey that is unpredictable and overwhelmingly realistic with It's One of Us. Olivia has struggled with fertility for years, it's tearing she and her husband apart, but the secrets that her husband holds just might be their undoing.
With masterful skill, Ellison introduces readers to Olivia and her husband Park, taking us on a sympathetic journey into their love story and their infertility journey. We are compassionate to them, hopeful for them, even as the cops knock at their door, but with every chapter and every new character perspective, Ellison pulls us away. The secrets are insurmountable, each worse than the previous, and their impacts cause shockwaves. It is impossible to read this book and not be shocked, to not feel betrayed in some way. We get glimpses into Park's perspective, his brother's, Park's donor children, their parents, and more. We know more than Olivia will ever know, but she has secrets too. It's dark, sad, and completely impossible to put down. I truly enjoyed this real, I loved not being able to guess what would happen next, and despite the sad topic, I enjoyed the unique story. It's One of Us is a standout thriller.
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