Stories Untold Paperback – July 5, 2021

Stories Untold was an awesome read that was put together by a promising author, Leslie Wolfe. This is my first foray into Wolfe's writing but it won't be my last.There are too many good things about this novel to write a thorough review, but I will summarize why I found it impossible to put down. 1. The premise of the novel is unique, a psychologist, Dr. Blackwell (Angela) is going through a grieving process of her own while trying to help save an angry man from damaging himself and his family and friends. Why is she so determined to save him and can she? 2. The twists and turns of the plot will leave you astonished, angry, sad and hopeful, but you'll be guessing how it is that Angela can help and beat the self imposed deadline of DJ, her client--who does not want her help. 3. The ending will leave you in tears and you'll never see it coming. 4. Not only does her work with DJ help him, it quite possibly saves her life as well. (There's a moral in there!) 5. Angela will amaze you with her creativity in working with a client quite unlike any she's had before and I was quite impressed with her ability to see through to the heart of the matter as she weaved her magic solutions and requirements from so little information supplied by DJ. 6. Probably the greatest triumph is how this novel sheds light on suicide and our veterans and allows us a glimpse inside a population subset that we often overlook through our own ignorance.The main characters are well fleshed out and you will be able to identify with Angela, Taylor, and even DJ. There is such a feeling of reality and regret and hopelessness to much of the storyline that, at times, its hard to like DJ, as he appears so self absorbed, angry, and unapproachable. You'll want to shake him, but that, of course, is the wrong response and only a well trained thoughtful caring therapist like Angela would comprehend that. Most of us don't understand how veterans land on the street, homeless, trapped in their reality and quite often we don't seem to care--this novel will pull back the curtain on some of this. The greed of corporate America shines through, allowing us to see how eliminating jobs for profit only, affects the line worker who is living paycheck to paycheck. America has lost the "safe" haven that jobs once provided to its workers as we lose the concept of caring for our employees as we would our own family. Its all about the bottom line and this is an increasing problem in America that will eventually topple us all.The only negative comment I have is that it appeared that DJ was drawn so tight, so angry, so seemingly unaware of his actions and their impact on those around him; especially his loving faithful wife Taylor, that while trying to relate to him and his situation, I often found myself disliking him, even deploring him. Perhaps this construct was necessary, in order to bring it all together in the final session between Angela and DJ. I actually bought this novel because of the cover and the title. I was expecting a different kind of psychological thriller, but was pleasantly surprised by this wonderful honest portrayal of a slice of Americana.Highly recommended. Don't miss this one.

I was happy about the ending but was disappointed in the way it ended. The sole individual who put herself out there needed to know if it was worth her time. If her knowledge was valuable enough to change the course of a person.

Another wonderful book by Leslie Wolfe. A perfect read for me since by son took his own life and I couldn’t reach him or stop his depression. He wasn’t able to keep his dog due to living arrangements. After reading this book I wish I would have pushed him more .

"Stories Untold" is one of the best novels I've read on PTSD of a veteran. Leslie Wolfe told it in a stunning way, both when DJ was in the office of Dr. Angela Blackwell, the psychiatrist/psychologist he purposefully went to week after week so that when he killed himself, it would help his wife get his insurance, and when he was alone, reliving the nightmare of Afghanistan and what happened there to change his life forever. Week by week, the doctor and the reader learn a little more about DJ and why he plans to commit suicide in November. I won't spoil the story for you, but I will say that I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few hours. Both as an RN who once worked in a VA Medical Center and now, as a writer, I appreciate Wolfe's thorough research into the subject of PTSD and veteran suicide and the very intelligent, sensitive and provocative way she wove the story up to the end. I loved the characters - DJ, his childhood and Marine friend Nickel, his wife Taylor, whom he loves deeply, despite planning to leave her for what he believes is her sake, Angie and her father, an addiction psychiatrist, who has always been her mentor, and the dogs who were very important to both DJ and the story. And, I especially loved the surprising ending, which had me crying. A wonderful tale and I highly recommend it!

Great plot, exposing the multiple layers of the story one at the time and moving across times, places and events - all in a very well written manner.I do think the end came too abruptly as compared to the pace of story up to a point.

This is a phenomenal book! I absolutely loved the story concept! I've never read a book like it. Hands down, the best book I've read in a while! ❤️

As I started reading this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it. It doesn't have the edge of your seat episodes. I was drawn in as the story progressed. I really wanted to know what Dylan was going to do. If you feel unsure about this book as you start reading, please stay with it. You will not be disappointed. This is the story of a guy wanting to kill himself because of a lot of guilt he carries. Really heart wrenching.

This book was amazing. I could not stop reading and hoping it would have an ending with hope and comfort. It did not disappoint. This story brought out the best in human beings from the ex-Marine to the doctor trying to save his life. Dr. Blackwell`s drive to find the key to unlock DJ`s past was amazing. It wasn't just not wanting to lose a patient but a heart driven desire to bring him back to a life with his wife that he would be glad he had.

I recently discovered and read three of Leslie Wolfe’s crime novels and absolutely loved them - as always when I find a new author whose work I’m excited to read, I look for everything by that author. Nothing prepared me for the impact of this novel - it will stay with me for a long time to come. I honestly cannot recall when a story has moved me as much as this one - while the novel is fiction, the story of the former marine with PTSD vividly brings home the sacrifices our veterans make - my father was a WWII vet who survived the trenches of the front as well as being a POW. The impact of those experiences remained at the forefront of his being to the end of his life. Leslie Wolfe’s novel brought back all of those stories, overlaid with the quiet desperation of all who have physically survived combat. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I've been reading all the books written by Leslie Wolfe and this story particulary touched my heart. I will miss these charaters!

I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by the talented Andrew Tell, who really brought it to life. It's an excellent story and really highlights the issues surrounding mental health, suicide and PTSD, without being preachy - it's just a good story that also happens to have a message, not a lecture disguised as a story like some I've read. I enjoyed it very much, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different to read or listen to.NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

Gut wrenching. I am concerned by the portrayal of the psychologist, but the story itself is deeply touching.Thank you.

Trigger warning: This book may pull down anyone already depressed, traumatized, and/or wondering about leaving.This was not an uplifting book. That said, it was real. It outlines the state of our world—the struggle for survival that so many people endure every single day.Anyone wanting to better understand what it feels like to be a combat vet or a tired soul might benefit from reading this story.Spoiler alert (for those who need it): he’s okay.