No One Knew

Noelle Marshall #2

by Kendra Elliot

For a detective and an FBI agent, two seemingly disparate murder investigations collide with a twist in an explosive novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

In the crisp mountain air of central Oregon, a teenage girl’s search for discarded cans leads to a horrifying a body, brutally murdered and abandoned in the woods. The case falls to Deschutes County Detective Noelle Marshall, who finds herself navigating a community steeped in secrets, suspicion, and distrust of outsiders—especially law enforcement.

Miles away, FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes investigates a different kind of darkness—chatter about a violent uprising from a shadowy militia group preparing for war. The two cases seem worlds apart. But as Noelle digs into the murdered man’s past and Max closes in on the source of the terror plot, their paths begin to converge in a terrifying way. This was no random killing. It was a message. A merciless killer and a hidden army are operating in the same shadows, and finding the link between them is the only thing standing between a single murder and a full-blown massacre.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

307 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2026

About the author

An Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.

She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle and Max work well together, and clearly there’s more to their “professional” relationship, while their budding romance grows. I loved these two.

A body is found by an 18 year old girl, and once people start to take notice of her, something is not right at home. The biggest shine of this book is how these people rally to support this girl, Emma. I might add, Cornbread (the cat) stole a bit of the show.

There is a lot going on in this book, terrorism cult end of the world type stuff. Some intense moments, but not many that made my heart race. I think the story pulled me in more than the mystery thriller aspect but I still enjoyed it.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendra Elliot books build the relationship, and I have come to love how the characters, Max and Noelle, have their hot attraction, but it doesn't detract from a great mystery/suspense. Each have their own baggage and some issues that prevent them from being fully immersed in each other. But, for Max, solving the case may require reveling things that he may not be ready for Noelle to know. This growing relationship between Max and Noelle takes a back seat to the fantastic mystery/suspense plot. This book joins a rare selection of books that I just couldn't put down and turn off when I turned off the lights. Yep, I reached that sweet point in the book where you just have to finish it because you just have to know how it ends. Well, I found out at 2:00 am this morning, but I'm not going to tell you. I'll let you discover that for yourself. I will say this much - this book is more suspense than romance, but the romance was wonderful to see unfold.

Deschutes County Detective Noelle Marshall and FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes are in a new, budding relationship and now they have cases that cross. When a nude man is discovered by a young woman at a teen party spot deep in the forest, Noelle catches the case. She knows that there is more to Emma Chambers's story, but Noelle has a dead body with no ID, and he has to come first.

Max and the Bend FBI office have been alerted to chatter regarding a possible attack by an elusive militia group, then the car of a judge is blown up in the courthouse parking lot. A dead, nude man is discovered in the trunk. Turns out the cause of death in both cases is the same, linking them. With little to go on, Max and Noelle, with help from Mercy and Truman, start their investigation. The path glances off the elusive Emma and her life. They have no idea how she is involved, they just know she is.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[WHL (Bill) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

No One Knew (Noelle Marshall #2) by Kendra Elliot is another near-perfect crime thriller. Elliot packs the story with everything that works—terrorism, mystery, suspense, likable characters, and just enough romance to keep it grounded. The narration by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker is well done and adds real polish, keeping the tension sharp throughout. The story moves with confidence and never loses focus. I’m genuinely glad there are two more books coming in this series—this one earns that anticipation.

[Corinne Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Kendra Elliot’s books starting with the Columbia River series where Noelle Marshall made her appearance. This is the 2nd book dedicated to Noelle and in it, we get to know her a little better.

This story starts out with a young girl out in the woods looking for cans when she happens to stumble upon a dead body. Within the next couple of days, 2 more dead bodies turn up. Local authorities, along with the FBI, are tasked with these investigations and to determine if these deaths are related. Kendra Elliot is a master of creating the perfect amount of tension & pacing. Her books bring me back to my days of watching “Criminal Minds.” I will read anything she puts out.

Many thanks to NetGalley & Montlake for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Sophia]

Noelle Marshall leaped to the eye as soon as she was introduced in the Columbia River series and the first book in her series blew me away. To say I was anticipating No One Knew is an understatement. Kendra Elliot captivates me from the first page every single time.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this action packed book

book two in this series and boy does it start with a action action action

when the first dead body is discovered in the woods near a favourite spot that kids hang out nobody could identify him... the poor girl that found him would have nightmares for days

but her home life wasnt stable either with her dad missing and she not telling anyone her life was full of angst.... she avoided most people as they gave her a hard time so her finding this body was huge...especially if her dad ever found out... luckily for her he hadnt been around for months....

but when the second body turned up in a car after a bomb exploded what were the connections... if any.... a puzzle ....

and with hints of something big about to happen everyone was twitched....

a great storyline that keeps you hooked right to the end... cant wait to read more from this author

[Carla Black]

This book was a great murder mystery. Three dead bodies killed execution style show up at the same time, one an informant to the FBI. The deaths are leading back to a domestic terrorists group. Somehow a dirt poor teenager named Emma is tied into the middle of it all. Emma's father has been missing for 6 months as well. When Emma is suddenly missing along with the whole judicial branch of the county, Detective Noelle Marshall is very worried for the young girl. Can the FBI and the ATF save them all before it's to late? A great read, you should check it out.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Danger, murder, mystery, intrigue, this was a suspenseful fast read for me. Great team of players here, Noelle & Max, of course, but I also enjoyed the authors inclusion of Mercy & Truman from another series. The last part book was edge of my seat intense. The ending, absolutely perfect. Glad to know at least 2 more books in the series are coming.

[Stacey Reads It All · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a suspenseful, emotional story that kept me invested from start to finish. The mystery unfolded gradually, with strong character development and tension that built as secrets from the past began to surface. Elliot did a great job exploring how long-buried truths could ripple through the present in unexpected ways.

The pacing was on the slower side, especially in the beginning, and the presence of multiple story lines meant it took some time for everything to fully connect. That said, once the pieces started falling into place, the story became increasingly compelling and rewarding.

The audiobook experience was enhanced by Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration. She delivered a clear, engaging performance that helped distinguish between characters and maintain emotional depth, even during the more deliberate sections of the story.

Overall, this was a solid, well-crafted suspense novel that fans of character-driven mysteries would appreciate.

Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a bit to get into this book but the ending was good! I would say 3.5 rounded up

[Carla Toenjes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one kept me guessing right up until almost the end! I love the character development and can’t wait for more from Marshall and Rhodes.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a teenager discovers a dead body, police search to figure out who it may be. When more bodies turn up and public figures are targeted, the FBI, ATF, and local police officers team up to find the truth. In the end, finding answers to these individuals deaths leads to more questions than answers!

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by the great Kendra! This book has so many layers, as do all of her books, but this one in particular really kept me guessing at every chapter. The development of Noelle’s character has me anxiously awaiting (hoping!) that we get more of her and Max’s story in future books! Add it to your list! You won’t regret it!

Disclaimer: a NetGalley reviewer

[Marly Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Thriller, Suspense
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Once again, Elliot does a crossover with Mercy and Chief Truman Daly in order to deal with murder and possible terrorism.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely FANTASTIC!

This follow up did not disappoint. I’m loving this series so much. It fast paced…like whiplash fast. Noelle is such a great character…fierce, flawed and so smart. I am going to say that I did tear up at a part near the end.

Noelle has a big heart and this town does too. I’m looking forward to more on this series. If you love authors like Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Charly Cox…Kendra Elliot is a must read.

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra Elliott made a main character out of Noelle Marshall in “Her First Mistake” and we have more Noelle (and her budding romance with FBI agent Max Rhodes in “No One Knew.” Elliott already has plans for #3 and #4 to be published in September 2026 and April 2027.

Central Oregon is still the star of Elliott’s thrillers and this police procedural also feels like an offshoot of the Mercy Kilpatrick/Bone Secrets/FBI agent series: Noelle, of the Deschutes County detective division, is assisting Mercy’s husband, the small town police chief, Truman Daly, of Eagle’s Nest; and Mercy’s co-FBI agent in the Bend office is Max Rhodes, Noelle’s love interest. Also, Detective Evan Bolton from the Columbia River series appears as well. Three jurisdictions: town, county, and federal all get involved in a series of murders, which keep on multiplying.

Central to the story is that there are rumors of possible domestic terrorism threats from “sovereign citizens” in central Oregon, but to what extent is unknown. Elliott slowly unveils the plot, also involving a teenage girl, Emma, who Noelle takes under her wing. It takes awhile to understand that Emma is closer to her investigation than Noelle knows.

In any case, there’s a believable murder investigation that branches out as more contacts are made, eventually building to an action-packed climax that Elliott superbly orchestrates. These books are like popcorn to me and I love the law enforcement characters even more each time as their backgrounds are revealed. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Emma has pale green eyes, and Eleanor has green eyes, too.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I learned that a completely dead tree is called a snag.

Thank you to Montlake/Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Lori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

No One Knew is a book so gripping that you will have a hard time putting it down! I finished this book in 2 days and It was a very busy 2 days! Every free moment I had was spent reading this book. No One Knew is book 2 in the Noelle Marshall series by Kendra Elliot and it has quickly become one of my favorite series to read. Emma Chambers is out riding her bike looking to add cans to her bag. She's heading for a high school party spot in the woods where she knows she'll find lots of beer cans. What Emma doesn't anticipate finding is a dead body and it freaks her out. She calls the police and has to stay and answer way too many questions for her liking. Emma has been drilled day in day out by her father not to trust the police. Detective Noelle Marshall is the one questioning Emma and feels for the young girl.

Noelle's boyfriend and FBI Agent, Max Rhodes. is across town and investigating a rumor about a violent event that's being planned. There's chatter online about a militia group planning something, but no details on who is involved and what their plan is. As both Noelle and Max investigate their respective cases it starts to look as if they could be connected. As the danger gets close to home, Noelle and Max must make sure their families are safe and take precautions themselves. Will Noelle and Max be able to find the people in the militia before they do something horrific? Who are they targeting? This book is high octane and will have your heart racing as you read. I love the characters in the book and you'll find yourself rooting for them throughout. I rate No One Knew 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Montlake for an advanced copy of No One Knew in exchange for a fair review. #NoOneKnew

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment in the Noelle Marshall series continues to follow the detective and FBI Special Agent Max and their blossoming relationship. They both have their own issues that they're working on and I love how they were able to bond over some of that trauma together. I really love how Max is patient and sweet with Noelle. I truly enjoyed seeing their character growth in this book. This one pulled at my heart strings for poor Emma. It’s a teenager that you will meet and she plays a big role in this book. This story follows a dangerous militia group and other killings that both Max and Noelle are working on. As the story progresses, the cases collide.
This was an addicting read that kept me engaged till the very end. I’m sure I held my breath several times at certain intense moments. The narrator, Stephanie Németh-Parker did a wonderful job portraying Noelle, Max, and Emma throughout the story. I was surprised with how well she also portrayed some of the men in the militia group. The variety of tones and inflections were great.
This is great for readers who enjoy high stakes, police procedural, small town, and domestic terrorism thrillers.

A very special thanks to Brilliance Audio + Netgalley for the gifted ALC. No One Knew by Kendra Elliot is now available.

[Kelly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this one a lot more than the first book, which I also enjoyed! With a relationship and familiarity with the characters it was much easier to jump into this book and the storyline, which is centered around a group of men who are non-conformist terrorists looking to seek revenge on their local judicial system, leaving dead bodies and taking hostages in their wake. Noelle Marshall, a detective for her county, and the FBI are on a race to find the men responsible and put an end to their terroristic plans before they can act on them. A gripping thriller from beginning to end, No One Knew is an entertaining installment in Elliott’s new series and I can’t wait to read the next two she’s got planned!

[Dwon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
This book was ok. I think maybe because I went into it thinking it was going to be a psychological thriller like the other books I've read by this author and it was definitely not. This book is more along the lines of a mystery with little clues popping up throughout the story. The narrator did a fine job, but when the characters have so much internal dialog it makes it kind of hard to follow the story and stay in the moment of what's going on. I liked the basic plot of the story and I enjoyed most of the characters (especially cornbread!) I think i was just hoping for more action. Overall a decent read, especially if you love a mystery.

[Christopher Tizzard · Rating 2 out of 5]

No One Knew is a disappointing follow-up that never quite justifies its place after the first book. While it opens with a solid crime premise involving a murder and a wider investigation, the story quickly drifts away from the FMC, who felt far more central and emotionally engaging in the earlier instalment. Instead of developing her character or continuing her personal arc, the novel spends much of its time focused on broader procedural elements and secondary threads that dilute the impact. As a result, the FMC often feels sidelined in her own story, making it harder to stay invested. The pacing is serviceable and the writing competent, but the lack of focus and emotional depth makes this feel more like a generic crime novel. An okay read, but ultimately underwhelming if you were hoping for character-driven progression.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second Noelle Marshall thriller begins with a young woman discovering a body while she is searching for cans to recycle. Noelle is called in to investigate and also befriends the young woman who has been living on her own since her father disappeared.

Meanwhile, Noelle's boyfriend FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes is investigating the rumors that a shadow militia group is preparing for some sort of attack.

As more bodies appear, including one in a judge's car trunk, Noelle and Max's cases come together. Events from Max's past look like they are also part of these new cases.

This was an engaging thriller. I liked the way Noelle and Max are getting closer. I liked the way the suspense built to a startling terror event.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and while I had not read the first, I was still able to follow the story without too much difficulty. There were a few moments where it felt like I was missing some background, mostly around the relationship aspects, which did not add much for me personally.

The pacing is fast and the story is packed with action, with a strong cast of supporting characters that really helped move everything along. Overall, this was an engaging and high energy read and a series I would definitely like to continue.

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an advanced copy of No One Knew.

Detective Noelle Marshall feels as recovered as possible from her previous traumatic ordeal. She has also begun a romantic relationship with Max the FBI agent she met during her ordeal. Noelle is called to the scene of a teenage girl who found a dead body. When more bodies start turning up she realizes that it is no coincidence.

This is the second book in this series and I will say it was a little too slow moving for me. I did a combo of audio and physical reading and I just felt like this one just had too many different things going on.

[Kim McFall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I loved it! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. This was quick paced, I don’t want to stop listening and I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen on the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for letting me listen to this advanced copy!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started off fairly benign, a dead body being found. But man...did things really explode from there. It was interesting to see the crew investigate and all that they found as more bodies piled up. At times things got very dicey and force a few characters to look at what was important to them. I liked how one person, how really went through somethings, was in such a better place by the end. Finally has people around that care about them and now their future looks great! I also think that Noelle and Max are moving closer to more too, both deserve it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There was some cross over with characters from another series that I absolutely loved. It was fun to see Mercy and Truman again. I like Noelle & Max together and want to see more of them. I think Emma is a good fit with them. I hope she stays. It would be fun to see a spin off of a series about Emma. Lots of suspense which I love- this was an enjoyable read for me

[Tamie Hegwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a fast paced suspense story and Kendra Elliott is one of my favorites. The pace makes you not want to put the book down and her characters are real. I love her crossover of characters from other series, I’ve never gotten bored with her crime stories.

[Stressca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better…
Not a fan of the audiobook narrator though…