IF YOU TELL A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood

Karen Peakes narrates this true-crime story of Shelly Knotek, a woman who knew no bounds. Peakes's performance sucks the listener into the scenes of abuse, torture, sadism, and, eventually, murder committed by Shelly. Her victims were her three daughters, Nikki, Sami, and Tori; her husband's nephew, Shane; and her friends, Kathy and Ron. Peakes delivers the narrative in an appropriately unemotional tone as the horrendous actions are committed. The dialogue of the psychopathic, shrew-voiced Shelly is sharply contrasted with that of her soft-voiced, abused husband, Dave, and her brainwashed helper, Ron. Peakes shifts to lighter, younger-sounding vocalizations to differentiate the meek and degraded daughters. This true story, gleaned from the daughters and relatives, is disturbing. Peakes's narration is compelling. M.B.K. 2021 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]