What do you think?
Rate this book
A Guilty Secret
2003: Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at boarding school, and their nights sneaking out to the woods. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. They agree never to reveal the truth about what happened. But someone won’t keep that promise…
2019: Finn receives a shocking call from his ex-wife, Mhairi, informing him of their friend Kate’s death. The pair have a complicated past, but psychotherapist Kate was always the one who solved their problems, so neither is prepared for what they uncover. Kate had secrets, leading Finn and Mhairi to unearth a history that others would do anything to keep buried.
2019: Finn receives a shocking call from his ex-wife, Mhairi, informing him of their friend Kate’s death. The pair have a complicated past, but psychotherapist Kate was always the one who solved their problems, so neither is prepared for what they uncover. Kate had secrets, leading Finn and Mhairi to unearth a history that others would do anything to keep buried.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2024
61 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Philippa East
8 books194 followersPhilippa East is a fiction writer with HQ/HarperCollins and she also works as a clinical psychologist.
Philippa East grew up in Scotland before moving to Oxford and then London to train as a Clinical Psychologist. In 2015, she left the NHS to work in private practice and dedicate more hours to writing. The result was her debut LITTLE WHITE LIES, which was longlisted for The Guardian's Not-The-Booker Prize and shortlisted for the CWA "New Blood" Award for best debut of 2020.
Philippa’s has since released three further psychological thrillers: SAFE AND SOUND, I’LL NEVER TELL and A GUILTY SECRET. If you’ve read all of those, don’t worry! Philippa is already busy working on her next.
Philippa lives in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside with her spouse and cat. She loves reading (of course!) and long country walks, and she also performs in a local folk duo called The Miracle Cure. Alongside her writing, Philippa continues to work as a psychologist and therapist.
You can find Philippa on Bluesky: @philippaeast.bluesky.social and on Facebook: @philippa_east_author. Also, don’t forget to click the “Follow” button on her Amazon Author page to keep up to date with Philippa’s book news and brand new releases.
Philippa East grew up in Scotland before moving to Oxford and then London to train as a Clinical Psychologist. In 2015, she left the NHS to work in private practice and dedicate more hours to writing. The result was her debut LITTLE WHITE LIES, which was longlisted for The Guardian's Not-The-Booker Prize and shortlisted for the CWA "New Blood" Award for best debut of 2020.
Philippa’s has since released three further psychological thrillers: SAFE AND SOUND, I’LL NEVER TELL and A GUILTY SECRET. If you’ve read all of those, don’t worry! Philippa is already busy working on her next.
Philippa lives in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside with her spouse and cat. She loves reading (of course!) and long country walks, and she also performs in a local folk duo called The Miracle Cure. Alongside her writing, Philippa continues to work as a psychologist and therapist.
You can find Philippa on Bluesky: @philippaeast.bluesky.social and on Facebook: @philippa_east_author. Also, don’t forget to click the “Follow” button on her Amazon Author page to keep up to date with Philippa’s book news and brand new releases.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 16, 2023
4.5 rounded down
Finn and his ex-wife Mhairi are grieving the sudden and unexpected death of their friend, Kate. However, the foundations of their loss are firmly rooted in the past to school days at exclusive St Michaels, in the highlands of Scotland. Then, the recklessness of individuals leads to a bond of secrecy, which appears to be ready to shatter apart in the present day. The story is told in dual narratives (2019, 2003) by Finn, and two ex- students of St Michaels, which works well as the tangled web reveals itself piece by piece.
I love Philippa East’s books as she never fails to deliver intriguing, immersive psychological thrillers and she’s done it yet again in her latest novel which has made a vice like grip from the startling beginning through to the unexpected end. This is so well written as it becomes clear there are multiple layers to the storyline, as the past is on a collision course with the present. It’s an addictive read as the author has my mind racing at 100 miles an hour, trying to figure out the puzzle pieces, especially in the 2003 story line. There are some enticing cliffhangers at the end of several narratives which further adds to the intrigue.
The characterisation of all the key characters in 2019 and 2003 are extremely well done. They’re all complex and flawed but feel real with Finn and Mhairi being especially relatable with their relationship a source of fascination. The vibes between the teens of 2003 and the “game playing” grows in intensity, and the strange, unsettling atmosphere of the school comes across strongly. Secrets and guilt infuses the plot heightened by a conspiracy of silence, which deeply affects and haunts lives and showing outward appearances can be very deceptive. It builds very well with elements of dark unpredictability, but which helps to explain so much. The ending is partly dramatic and partly laying of ghosts to rest and I like tone it finishes on.
Overall, this is another winner for me from this very talented author.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Finn and his ex-wife Mhairi are grieving the sudden and unexpected death of their friend, Kate. However, the foundations of their loss are firmly rooted in the past to school days at exclusive St Michaels, in the highlands of Scotland. Then, the recklessness of individuals leads to a bond of secrecy, which appears to be ready to shatter apart in the present day. The story is told in dual narratives (2019, 2003) by Finn, and two ex- students of St Michaels, which works well as the tangled web reveals itself piece by piece.
I love Philippa East’s books as she never fails to deliver intriguing, immersive psychological thrillers and she’s done it yet again in her latest novel which has made a vice like grip from the startling beginning through to the unexpected end. This is so well written as it becomes clear there are multiple layers to the storyline, as the past is on a collision course with the present. It’s an addictive read as the author has my mind racing at 100 miles an hour, trying to figure out the puzzle pieces, especially in the 2003 story line. There are some enticing cliffhangers at the end of several narratives which further adds to the intrigue.
The characterisation of all the key characters in 2019 and 2003 are extremely well done. They’re all complex and flawed but feel real with Finn and Mhairi being especially relatable with their relationship a source of fascination. The vibes between the teens of 2003 and the “game playing” grows in intensity, and the strange, unsettling atmosphere of the school comes across strongly. Secrets and guilt infuses the plot heightened by a conspiracy of silence, which deeply affects and haunts lives and showing outward appearances can be very deceptive. It builds very well with elements of dark unpredictability, but which helps to explain so much. The ending is partly dramatic and partly laying of ghosts to rest and I like tone it finishes on.
Overall, this is another winner for me from this very talented author.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 26, 2024
mesmerizing, intense,
creatively written, full of
engaging characters: this
gets as dark as its rather
scooby-doo vibes go. ;)
creatively written, full of
engaging characters: this
gets as dark as its rather
scooby-doo vibes go. ;)
January 18, 2024
This was a brilliant read, such a great way to kick off 2024. The more I read, the more absorbed I became by the story. It was definitely unputdownable.
The story moves between 2019 and 2003. In the present, Finn and Mhairi are reeling after the unexpected death of their best friend, Kate. They cannot believe she has gone and each secretly feels guilty towards how they were not there for Kate towards the end. This encourages the characters to start seeking answers behind Kate’s death, trying to understand what she was experiencing at the end.
However, moving to 2003 is far more sinister where readers are taken to St Michael’s, an exclusive boarding school in the Scottish highlands. New girl, Carrie, is adapting to these strange surroundings and is desperate to fit in with friends Mae and Serena. But, events take place that push Carrie in to a new way of behaving and readers see a metaphorical darkness shroud the school. Coupled with the Fainting Girls, it is clear there is more to this establishment rather than just getting an education.
There are many twists and turns in the narrative and I loved how East moves seamlessly between the two time periods. Indeed, it takes a while before there is any apparent connection between the two timeframes and I relished in how the range of characters eventually came together. With frequent surprising plot developments, I loved how unpredictable the narrative became and I don’t think I was more invested in either timeline – both were just as exciting.
The theme of mental health runs throughout this novel and I think the writer handled this in a sensitive manner. Even the strongest of characters suffer, despite appearing untouchable to the rest of the world. Dominated by secrets that ensure self-preservation, the emotional journey that the characters experience is like a car-crashing roller-coaster. There is so much suffering but I could not decide whether some of this was deserved because of guilt, or a result of blame that was misdirected. I liked this aspect of the plot because it meant that East was giving readers the opportunity to consider who the real victims of the story were.
Building in intensity, the story finishes on a gripping climax that switches between all the characters rather quickly. I flew through the pages, never quite sure on what closure would be accepted. The setting of the spooky school added to the intrigue of the story, especially as quite a lot of the scenes take place at night. This heightened the deception and the feeling of guilt that builds in the story.
This was a fantastic, thrilling read from East that had me pulled in from the very beginning.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story moves between 2019 and 2003. In the present, Finn and Mhairi are reeling after the unexpected death of their best friend, Kate. They cannot believe she has gone and each secretly feels guilty towards how they were not there for Kate towards the end. This encourages the characters to start seeking answers behind Kate’s death, trying to understand what she was experiencing at the end.
However, moving to 2003 is far more sinister where readers are taken to St Michael’s, an exclusive boarding school in the Scottish highlands. New girl, Carrie, is adapting to these strange surroundings and is desperate to fit in with friends Mae and Serena. But, events take place that push Carrie in to a new way of behaving and readers see a metaphorical darkness shroud the school. Coupled with the Fainting Girls, it is clear there is more to this establishment rather than just getting an education.
There are many twists and turns in the narrative and I loved how East moves seamlessly between the two time periods. Indeed, it takes a while before there is any apparent connection between the two timeframes and I relished in how the range of characters eventually came together. With frequent surprising plot developments, I loved how unpredictable the narrative became and I don’t think I was more invested in either timeline – both were just as exciting.
The theme of mental health runs throughout this novel and I think the writer handled this in a sensitive manner. Even the strongest of characters suffer, despite appearing untouchable to the rest of the world. Dominated by secrets that ensure self-preservation, the emotional journey that the characters experience is like a car-crashing roller-coaster. There is so much suffering but I could not decide whether some of this was deserved because of guilt, or a result of blame that was misdirected. I liked this aspect of the plot because it meant that East was giving readers the opportunity to consider who the real victims of the story were.
Building in intensity, the story finishes on a gripping climax that switches between all the characters rather quickly. I flew through the pages, never quite sure on what closure would be accepted. The setting of the spooky school added to the intrigue of the story, especially as quite a lot of the scenes take place at night. This heightened the deception and the feeling of guilt that builds in the story.
This was a fantastic, thrilling read from East that had me pulled in from the very beginning.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2025
This was an okay book, made even better by Kristin Atherton's narration. So I would definitely recommend the audiobook!
May 2, 2024
So good. So gripping and twisty and exciting all the way through. And real, fleshed out and clever.
I have no idea how this isn’t on the TV yet. I loved it.
I have no idea how this isn’t on the TV yet. I loved it.
December 27, 2023
A tense, original and well plotted thriller that kept on the edge and turning pages.
Well plotted, good storytelling and character development
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, good storytelling and character development
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 24, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy to read and review.
What can I say about this book? It was an unputdownable book!!! The story is told over two different timelines, 2003 & 2019, and through different characters. It begins with Finn and Mhairi meeting for the first time since their divorce for the loss of their friend, Dr Kate Fallon. They go on a rollercoaster whistle-stop trip to solve a mystery that Kate had started when she took on a client called Carrie G! They are led down through their adventures by following leads that ends up with an explosive finish at St Michael's in Scotland. The characters were well written and the locations were so descriptive. I will be recommending this book to my book friends.
What can I say about this book? It was an unputdownable book!!! The story is told over two different timelines, 2003 & 2019, and through different characters. It begins with Finn and Mhairi meeting for the first time since their divorce for the loss of their friend, Dr Kate Fallon. They go on a rollercoaster whistle-stop trip to solve a mystery that Kate had started when she took on a client called Carrie G! They are led down through their adventures by following leads that ends up with an explosive finish at St Michael's in Scotland. The characters were well written and the locations were so descriptive. I will be recommending this book to my book friends.
January 31, 2024
**Listened to the audiobook**
Overall I was disappointed with this book - there was nothing original about this book. The plot felt just so similar to so many other thriller/mystery books I have read over the years. Because of that fact, I struggled to keep up and stay focussed on this particular plot line, purely as I felt like I had read so much of it already.
On the plus side, I really enjoyed the narrators. It really helped to bring the plot to life with the different actors as well as the multiple accents.
This book was just OK. I think you would probably enjoy it if you don't read many thrillers (and haven't come across many of these generic plot lines before)
Overall I was disappointed with this book - there was nothing original about this book. The plot felt just so similar to so many other thriller/mystery books I have read over the years. Because of that fact, I struggled to keep up and stay focussed on this particular plot line, purely as I felt like I had read so much of it already.
On the plus side, I really enjoyed the narrators. It really helped to bring the plot to life with the different actors as well as the multiple accents.
This book was just OK. I think you would probably enjoy it if you don't read many thrillers (and haven't come across many of these generic plot lines before)
March 15, 2024
I was intrigued by the premise of this audiobook but, unfortunately, it wasn’t what I thought it would be. It was quite long and there were a lot of characters. I enjoyed the perspectives of Carrie, Finn and Mhairi but I didn’t enjoy Victor’s. I enjoyed the various timelines and the narration. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers.
January 8, 2024
This was a nice easy read and I finished it in one afternoon as I wanted to know how the strands came together. It is told in two timelines with the additions of texts on a different timeline. It all came together in the end and worked, for me it wasn't this author's strongest work - I have enjoyed the others so much more but it was still an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon and I will still always prioritise this author.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
November 9, 2025
Best book I’ve read so far, would definitely recommend!
December 22, 2023
I am sure that many of us have memories of Enid Blyton's Famous Five. Well, imagine them all a little more grown up and attending a private college in remote Scotland and all that is happening in the 21st Century with all the current issues of social media, etc, The comparison is a bit of a strange one but that it what came into my head as I read the book.
The book interchanges between two timelines, 2003 and 2019, and it did take me a while to understand the characters and where the book was leading. You may find the storyline familiar but there are a number of twists and turns along the way which get you thinking.
I felt that I did not connect with some of the characters as a reader/character relationship was not really explored for some of them and extra character development in the early stages may have helped but once you get reading the book you will continue so that you know exactly what happens.
Many thanks to HQ Books, NetGalley and the author for providing me with and advanced, electronic, copy of the the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The book is published in Kindle, audiobook, and paperback formats on the 18th January 2024
July 13, 2024
This was a thrilling and twisty read. I found once I got into this book I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive. I really didn't guess what would happen in the end.
November 20, 2023
My next read is one of the 2024 proofs I have been lucky to receive, it’s another one that has been all over my social media feeds recently so I bumped it up the TBR list!
‘A Guilty Secret’ sees us delving into two different timelines of events, the first one back in 2003 at a boarding school in Edinburgh. Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at boarding school and their nights sneaking out to the woods, which is all fun and games until someone gets hurt. The friends make a pact to never reveal the truth about what happened that night but in years to come will this secret remain hidden? Fast forward to 2019 and Finn & his ex-wife Mhairi who have been reunited through news of a close friend’s death. They are convinced there is more to her death and begin to delve into her past, leading them to unearth a history that others will do anything to keep buried…
This was the first book I have read by Philippa East and it won’t be the last after this one! I devoured this book in just a few days, each chapter building the suspense perfectly. I really enjoyed all the different character perspective angles through the chapters, even though there is a few each character links seamlessly to the next, each element dropping clues along the way without any confusion.
The title of this book couldn’t be more apt, ‘the guilty secret’ being prominent throughout the whole book BUT cleverly never revealed away until the very end, keeping you guessing all the way through. A great thriller that you won’t want to put down!
‘A Guilty Secret’ sees us delving into two different timelines of events, the first one back in 2003 at a boarding school in Edinburgh. Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at boarding school and their nights sneaking out to the woods, which is all fun and games until someone gets hurt. The friends make a pact to never reveal the truth about what happened that night but in years to come will this secret remain hidden? Fast forward to 2019 and Finn & his ex-wife Mhairi who have been reunited through news of a close friend’s death. They are convinced there is more to her death and begin to delve into her past, leading them to unearth a history that others will do anything to keep buried…
This was the first book I have read by Philippa East and it won’t be the last after this one! I devoured this book in just a few days, each chapter building the suspense perfectly. I really enjoyed all the different character perspective angles through the chapters, even though there is a few each character links seamlessly to the next, each element dropping clues along the way without any confusion.
The title of this book couldn’t be more apt, ‘the guilty secret’ being prominent throughout the whole book BUT cleverly never revealed away until the very end, keeping you guessing all the way through. A great thriller that you won’t want to put down!
November 22, 2023
Ooft, and what a guilty secret it is!! This is a SPECTACULAR psychological thriller!
Lots of distinct story/time lines feature in this novel - there are Finn and Mhari, an estranged couple who are brought together following the tragic suicide of their psychologist friend, Kate. We gradually learn of the history of the couple in one timeline, while in another we learn of the couple's dogged determination to uncover the truth behind the suicide of their mutual friend.
In another timeline we learn of 5 friends, enjoying some unadulterated, and most definitely off-curricular, pleasure in their exclusive private school boarding education. Several further distinct timelines of these friends in the present day (some 16 years after their boarding school day, combine, and lately intersect, to tell the full story in this unputdownable thriller.
This is a truly genius work of fiction, great writing, plot and character development make this a truly remarkable read, and one I would 100% recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
Lots of distinct story/time lines feature in this novel - there are Finn and Mhari, an estranged couple who are brought together following the tragic suicide of their psychologist friend, Kate. We gradually learn of the history of the couple in one timeline, while in another we learn of the couple's dogged determination to uncover the truth behind the suicide of their mutual friend.
In another timeline we learn of 5 friends, enjoying some unadulterated, and most definitely off-curricular, pleasure in their exclusive private school boarding education. Several further distinct timelines of these friends in the present day (some 16 years after their boarding school day, combine, and lately intersect, to tell the full story in this unputdownable thriller.
This is a truly genius work of fiction, great writing, plot and character development make this a truly remarkable read, and one I would 100% recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
February 1, 2024
I really enjoy dual timeline stories, but this one didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
It felt like two completely different stories and the pace was very slow, so by the time they did link, I was almost past caring.
I did like the main characters in the 2019 element of the story, Finn and Mhairi, and enjoyed learning about their past and present relationship.
The narrators were fantastic, giving each character a uniqueness which could otherwise have been confusing.
I think this book would be well suited to someone who doesn’t read a lot of thrillers as it lacked originality for me.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Philippa East and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.
It felt like two completely different stories and the pace was very slow, so by the time they did link, I was almost past caring.
I did like the main characters in the 2019 element of the story, Finn and Mhairi, and enjoyed learning about their past and present relationship.
The narrators were fantastic, giving each character a uniqueness which could otherwise have been confusing.
I think this book would be well suited to someone who doesn’t read a lot of thrillers as it lacked originality for me.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Philippa East and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
Unfortunately, I couldn't finish it. Was really slow.
January 30, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Guilty Secret by Philippa East, an audiobook narrated by Kristin Atherton and Ben Morton was busy and suspenseful. In some way, it felt like I was listening to 2 or 3 different books at the same time. Jumping through the timelines was a bit confusing time from to time but once I picked up, was good.
The narrators did a great job and it's always nice to listen when there is a dual narration. Kristin Atherton has done fantastic work by making different accents, I could not believe that there was just one female narrator!
Mhairi and Finn are devastated about their friend's Kate death and want to understand why Kate would choose to do something like that. So in this story, readers will learn about Mhairi and Finn and their past together, about the traumas and other secrets.
Carry and her friends in boarding school sneak out at nighttime to use some drugs in the woods until one night things go terribly wrong. Now they will have a massive secret to keep. 16 years later Carry breaks down and is ready to talk...
For a while is hard to understand how these 2 stories are connected but it all came together in the end. Even though there is a connection between stories it still felt that they could be two separate books! The first book could be about Carry and her friends and a sequel about Mhairi, Finn, and Kate.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for this copy!
A Guilty Secret by Philippa East, an audiobook narrated by Kristin Atherton and Ben Morton was busy and suspenseful. In some way, it felt like I was listening to 2 or 3 different books at the same time. Jumping through the timelines was a bit confusing time from to time but once I picked up, was good.
The narrators did a great job and it's always nice to listen when there is a dual narration. Kristin Atherton has done fantastic work by making different accents, I could not believe that there was just one female narrator!
Mhairi and Finn are devastated about their friend's Kate death and want to understand why Kate would choose to do something like that. So in this story, readers will learn about Mhairi and Finn and their past together, about the traumas and other secrets.
Carry and her friends in boarding school sneak out at nighttime to use some drugs in the woods until one night things go terribly wrong. Now they will have a massive secret to keep. 16 years later Carry breaks down and is ready to talk...
For a while is hard to understand how these 2 stories are connected but it all came together in the end. Even though there is a connection between stories it still felt that they could be two separate books! The first book could be about Carry and her friends and a sequel about Mhairi, Finn, and Kate.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for this copy!
January 21, 2024
In 2003 when Carrie joins St. Michael's boarding school in the Highlands of Scotland she meets and makes friends with Mae and Serena, they spend their days learning and their nights escaping to the woods to have some fun, but that fun soon turns to horror when tragedy strikes and they swear to never speak of that time again, nobody can know their secret.
Sixteen years later we meet Finn and his ex wife Mhairi, when she calls him to say their best friend Kate has died, but Mhairi insists there's more to her death and persuades Finn to go along with her to uncover the truth, nothing prepares them for the secrets that are revealed when they discover it leads back to something that happened sixteen years earlier. Will the truth come out or is someone determined it stays buried forever?
A Guilty Secret is the latest thriller by East and the fourth book I've read by this author. Her writing style, once again, brings us another slow burner which is steeped in mystery and intrigue and I hadn't got a clue where it was heading but slowly through the story, the two timelines, told from multiple perspectives, come together and the links are revealed. This is another great read by this author, with some very unreliable characters, and kept me guessing till the end.
I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Sixteen years later we meet Finn and his ex wife Mhairi, when she calls him to say their best friend Kate has died, but Mhairi insists there's more to her death and persuades Finn to go along with her to uncover the truth, nothing prepares them for the secrets that are revealed when they discover it leads back to something that happened sixteen years earlier. Will the truth come out or is someone determined it stays buried forever?
A Guilty Secret is the latest thriller by East and the fourth book I've read by this author. Her writing style, once again, brings us another slow burner which is steeped in mystery and intrigue and I hadn't got a clue where it was heading but slowly through the story, the two timelines, told from multiple perspectives, come together and the links are revealed. This is another great read by this author, with some very unreliable characters, and kept me guessing till the end.
I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
February 7, 2024
4.5-4.75⭐️
I had the audiobook read by Kristin Atherton and Ben Morton, the narrators are excellent.
There’s quite a few characters which makes it harder to keep track while listening as I usually make a list but not as easy to do when listening as I’m usually multitasking plus there are time line changes to add in and different POV.
In the past there’s a thread at a remote Scottish boarding school St Michael’s with a group of spoilt rich teenagers.
In the present the group of friends receive a threatening email about their actions at the boarding school. Ex couple Finn and Mhairi are pulled together again after the sudden death of their friend Kate.
The author builds a good level of anxiety with the characters behaviour, reactions and paranoia, the tension builds with hints at wrong doing at the school which is revealed gradually there’s a very good mix of revelations between the time frames which works really well.
It’s a great dark story that once I settled into it had me enthralled. This one is my favourite of the three books that I’ve read.
It’s one I’d definitely recommend, the only question is the format. I’d recommend the audiobook if you can concentrate well while listening as the narrators are great. If you are multi tasking it might be better to read the book so that you can fully concentrate.
I had the audiobook read by Kristin Atherton and Ben Morton, the narrators are excellent.
There’s quite a few characters which makes it harder to keep track while listening as I usually make a list but not as easy to do when listening as I’m usually multitasking plus there are time line changes to add in and different POV.
In the past there’s a thread at a remote Scottish boarding school St Michael’s with a group of spoilt rich teenagers.
In the present the group of friends receive a threatening email about their actions at the boarding school. Ex couple Finn and Mhairi are pulled together again after the sudden death of their friend Kate.
The author builds a good level of anxiety with the characters behaviour, reactions and paranoia, the tension builds with hints at wrong doing at the school which is revealed gradually there’s a very good mix of revelations between the time frames which works really well.
It’s a great dark story that once I settled into it had me enthralled. This one is my favourite of the three books that I’ve read.
It’s one I’d definitely recommend, the only question is the format. I’d recommend the audiobook if you can concentrate well while listening as the narrators are great. If you are multi tasking it might be better to read the book so that you can fully concentrate.
October 8, 2023
Reading the anxiety-fuelled classic Safe And Sound a few years back made Philippa East a must read author for me. I've read all of her books and read each new one asap.
A Guilty Secret is a cracker. It's also rather unconventional as ex-husband and wife Finn and Mhairi are drawn together in grief and to investigate the sudden death of their old friend Kate. Mix in a remote Scottish boarding school where something happened in the past and you can start to see the potential.
Told in multiple perspectives and timelines, including Finn in 2019, one of the girls at the school in 2003 and that another of another ex-pupil in 2019, Philippa East expertly weaves an intricate and unpredictable plot. The characters are well crafted, the scenes are well-set and you are never left confused. It keeps you alert and thinking but never leaves you puzzled.
It gets dark, and rather anxious, there are secrets to reveal and truths to be told.
I've read plenty of 'old school friends, now adults, trying to keep the past hidden' thrillers and this is definitely one of the better ones. It's the way you tell 'em...
A Guilty Secret is very skilfully layered and structured and held me in wrapped in tense curiosity from start to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ
A Guilty Secret is a cracker. It's also rather unconventional as ex-husband and wife Finn and Mhairi are drawn together in grief and to investigate the sudden death of their old friend Kate. Mix in a remote Scottish boarding school where something happened in the past and you can start to see the potential.
Told in multiple perspectives and timelines, including Finn in 2019, one of the girls at the school in 2003 and that another of another ex-pupil in 2019, Philippa East expertly weaves an intricate and unpredictable plot. The characters are well crafted, the scenes are well-set and you are never left confused. It keeps you alert and thinking but never leaves you puzzled.
It gets dark, and rather anxious, there are secrets to reveal and truths to be told.
I've read plenty of 'old school friends, now adults, trying to keep the past hidden' thrillers and this is definitely one of the better ones. It's the way you tell 'em...
A Guilty Secret is very skilfully layered and structured and held me in wrapped in tense curiosity from start to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ
December 16, 2023
It was meant to be a game. At exclusive boarding school St. Michael's. Carrie and her friends are used to getting away with anything. Until one night, their recklessness goes too far. They swore to keep what happened a secret. They swore to protect each other. But sixteen years on, someone is about to break that promise.
This story has a dual timeline - 2003 is set at a boarding school in Edinburgh. 2019 is when Finn and his estranged wife Mhairi are reunited by the death of their close friend Kate. They are convinced that there is more to her death, so they have a closer look into her past and unearth a secret that other people would have been happier if it remained buried.
The suspense builds throughout. The story is told from multiple points of view. This is a cleverly crafted story that's chapters end on a cliffhanger, so you just have to keep reading. A story of secrets, lies and friendships. The pace is on the slow side. There are some good twists and red herrings. The two timelines eventually come together, the secret is finally revealed, and all the loose ends are tied up.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #PhillipaEast for my ARC of #AGuiltySecret in exchange for an honest review.
This story has a dual timeline - 2003 is set at a boarding school in Edinburgh. 2019 is when Finn and his estranged wife Mhairi are reunited by the death of their close friend Kate. They are convinced that there is more to her death, so they have a closer look into her past and unearth a secret that other people would have been happier if it remained buried.
The suspense builds throughout. The story is told from multiple points of view. This is a cleverly crafted story that's chapters end on a cliffhanger, so you just have to keep reading. A story of secrets, lies and friendships. The pace is on the slow side. There are some good twists and red herrings. The two timelines eventually come together, the secret is finally revealed, and all the loose ends are tied up.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #PhillipaEast for my ARC of #AGuiltySecret in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2023
A great story with two timelines, one in 2003 and the other in 2019.
Back in 2003, Serena, Mae and Carrie all attend a boarding school in Scotland. They like nothing better than to sneak out late at night, into the grounds and take drugs. They eventually bring in their friends, Victor and Alex, and we start to learn about that time in their lives.
In 2019, Mhairi phones her ex husband, Finn, to say that their best friend, Kate has died. Knowing there is more to Kate’s death, they embark on a mission to find out all they can, meaning they have to spend time together for the first time in years.
The story is a slow burner that has you guessing at what has gone on. What I really liked was that you didn’t get any answers until near the end.
It is a complex read that I found to be full of tension and suspense.
The characters were believable, I wasn’t a fan of Mae’s, I found her dislikable. I felt for Finn, I could feel his pain.
A tale of friendships, secrets and lies.
This is my first book by the author and it won’t be my last.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Back in 2003, Serena, Mae and Carrie all attend a boarding school in Scotland. They like nothing better than to sneak out late at night, into the grounds and take drugs. They eventually bring in their friends, Victor and Alex, and we start to learn about that time in their lives.
In 2019, Mhairi phones her ex husband, Finn, to say that their best friend, Kate has died. Knowing there is more to Kate’s death, they embark on a mission to find out all they can, meaning they have to spend time together for the first time in years.
The story is a slow burner that has you guessing at what has gone on. What I really liked was that you didn’t get any answers until near the end.
It is a complex read that I found to be full of tension and suspense.
The characters were believable, I wasn’t a fan of Mae’s, I found her dislikable. I felt for Finn, I could feel his pain.
A tale of friendships, secrets and lies.
This is my first book by the author and it won’t be my last.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 20, 2024
This is the first Philippa East novel that I've read, and I'm certain it won't be the last!
2019: Finn receives a shocking call from his ex-wife, Mhairi informing him of their mutual friend Kate's death.
It is sudden, unexpected and tragic.
Their past has always been complicated but Kate was usually the one who solved the problems, not caused them...
It's almost inconceivable that she had secrets.
2003: Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at a remote boarding school, and their nights sneaking out in to the woods
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
They agree to never reveal the truth of what happened.
But sometimes the past comes back to haunt us.
What happens when the truth can't stay buried?
But what possible connection could there be between these Kate's death, and a boarding school?
Well, it's a little complicated... and I don't want to give anything away, as I really think you need to read this one for yourself...
Told from multiple perspectives, and time lines, this novel requires an element of concentration, but it is well worth it when the complexities all start coming together.
2019: Finn receives a shocking call from his ex-wife, Mhairi informing him of their mutual friend Kate's death.
It is sudden, unexpected and tragic.
Their past has always been complicated but Kate was usually the one who solved the problems, not caused them...
It's almost inconceivable that she had secrets.
2003: Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at a remote boarding school, and their nights sneaking out in to the woods
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
They agree to never reveal the truth of what happened.
But sometimes the past comes back to haunt us.
What happens when the truth can't stay buried?
But what possible connection could there be between these Kate's death, and a boarding school?
Well, it's a little complicated... and I don't want to give anything away, as I really think you need to read this one for yourself...
Told from multiple perspectives, and time lines, this novel requires an element of concentration, but it is well worth it when the complexities all start coming together.
December 7, 2023
This book involves dual timelines and the stories of what appears to be a disparate group of characters.
In 2003, in a boarding school in Scotland, the familiar trope of a group of friends bonding over shared guilt of some kind and swearing each other secrecy emerges.
In 2019, where the bulk of the story is set, an estranged couple named Mhairi and Finn meet after long time at the funeral of their friend Kate, a psychologist who has apparently died by suicide. Rattled by their encounter, they are both nevertheless convinced that there is more to the story, and decide to try and find out what that might be.
As this slow-burning novel unfolds through a series of twists and turns and false leads, the two stories begin to circle each other, coming closer with each turn, to dovetail into something quite unexpected.
Compelling and well-written, this is definitely worth checking out if you have the patience for a very gradual denouement. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
In 2003, in a boarding school in Scotland, the familiar trope of a group of friends bonding over shared guilt of some kind and swearing each other secrecy emerges.
In 2019, where the bulk of the story is set, an estranged couple named Mhairi and Finn meet after long time at the funeral of their friend Kate, a psychologist who has apparently died by suicide. Rattled by their encounter, they are both nevertheless convinced that there is more to the story, and decide to try and find out what that might be.
As this slow-burning novel unfolds through a series of twists and turns and false leads, the two stories begin to circle each other, coming closer with each turn, to dovetail into something quite unexpected.
Compelling and well-written, this is definitely worth checking out if you have the patience for a very gradual denouement. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 22, 2024
Published 18th Jan 2024.
A truly gripping thriller filled with teenage nostalgia and vividly rendered toxic friendships. It had me turning pages late into the night’ Heather Darwent
2003: Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at boarding school, and their nights sneaking out to the woods. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
2019: When Finn receives a shocking call from his estranged wife, Mhairi, informing him of their friend Kate’s death, neither is prepared for the secrets they will uncover. The trail leads them to the events at a boarding school many years before.
They are on the verge of unearthing the whole story – but someone will do anything to keep it buried.
This is a 4 star from me. I like the 2 timeline concept and found it very well written and clear to keep up. It was interesting following the relationship/ friendship between Finn & Mhairi, especially after Kate. They felt guilt for different reasons.
Thanks for letting me read this ARC
https://www.instagram.com/Bookstagram...
https://www.facebook.com/Bookstagramshaz
A truly gripping thriller filled with teenage nostalgia and vividly rendered toxic friendships. It had me turning pages late into the night’ Heather Darwent
2003: Carrie and her friends spend their days studying at boarding school, and their nights sneaking out to the woods. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
2019: When Finn receives a shocking call from his estranged wife, Mhairi, informing him of their friend Kate’s death, neither is prepared for the secrets they will uncover. The trail leads them to the events at a boarding school many years before.
They are on the verge of unearthing the whole story – but someone will do anything to keep it buried.
This is a 4 star from me. I like the 2 timeline concept and found it very well written and clear to keep up. It was interesting following the relationship/ friendship between Finn & Mhairi, especially after Kate. They felt guilt for different reasons.
Thanks for letting me read this ARC
https://www.instagram.com/Bookstagram...
https://www.facebook.com/Bookstagramshaz
January 15, 2024
In 2019 Finn & his ex-wife Mhairi are totally blindsided by the suicide of their friend Kate. The three have been friends since University days. They can't believe that level- headed, clever psychologist would take her own life. It is not something they can accept so they attempt to find out about who she might have seen that resulted in this. The only clue they can find is an appointment with Carrie G.
Flashback to 2003. Carrie attends the exclusive isolated boarding school in the Highlands. Coming into a place when friendships are already formed can be difficult but her two room mates soon take her under their wing & soon she is involved with their night-time adventures, sneaking out to the clearing in the woods to smoke weed & drink. It is all good fun until something bad happens!
This was quite a convoluted tale with a variety of characters that, although not particularly likeable held the attention. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Flashback to 2003. Carrie attends the exclusive isolated boarding school in the Highlands. Coming into a place when friendships are already formed can be difficult but her two room mates soon take her under their wing & soon she is involved with their night-time adventures, sneaking out to the clearing in the woods to smoke weed & drink. It is all good fun until something bad happens!
This was quite a convoluted tale with a variety of characters that, although not particularly likeable held the attention. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
February 7, 2024
A Guilty Secret by Philippa East
Narrated by Kristin Atherton; Ben Morton
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
It was meant to be a game. At exclusive boarding school St Michael’s, Carrie and her friends are used to getting away with anything. Until one night, their recklessness goes too far. They swore to keep what happened a secret. They swore to protect each other. But sixteen years on, someone is about to break that promise.
My Opinion
This was a thriller, that really held my attention. There was so much going on that in places I was sure I was confusing two different books in my head - which as I am always reading more than one book at a time is always a possibility. There are multiple timelines and viewpoints but for me I found it very easy to follow. Whilst I listened to it as an audiobook I feel that with all that is going on, this would work better as a book.
Rating 4/5
Narrated by Kristin Atherton; Ben Morton
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
It was meant to be a game. At exclusive boarding school St Michael’s, Carrie and her friends are used to getting away with anything. Until one night, their recklessness goes too far. They swore to keep what happened a secret. They swore to protect each other. But sixteen years on, someone is about to break that promise.
My Opinion
This was a thriller, that really held my attention. There was so much going on that in places I was sure I was confusing two different books in my head - which as I am always reading more than one book at a time is always a possibility. There are multiple timelines and viewpoints but for me I found it very easy to follow. Whilst I listened to it as an audiobook I feel that with all that is going on, this would work better as a book.
Rating 4/5
February 23, 2024
When Finn and Mhairi are thrown back together again following the unexpected death of their best friend, they set out to understand why the tragedy took place. As they start digging around in their friend’s life, they uncover a lead directing them to an old boarding school based in Scotland.
This boarding school is the central part of the flashbacks following a group of friend’s decades earlier, that experienced odd incidents and the coping mechanisms they then developed.
The narratives move between Finn, Mhairi, and the group of friends in the present day. All these characters paths eventually cross, as long buried secrets are revealed.
A good, enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns. The finale was fast paced and addressed all the unanswered questions well, and in the end each of the characters did get closure.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HQ for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.
4 Stars.
This boarding school is the central part of the flashbacks following a group of friend’s decades earlier, that experienced odd incidents and the coping mechanisms they then developed.
The narratives move between Finn, Mhairi, and the group of friends in the present day. All these characters paths eventually cross, as long buried secrets are revealed.
A good, enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns. The finale was fast paced and addressed all the unanswered questions well, and in the end each of the characters did get closure.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HQ for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.
4 Stars.
April 23, 2024
I love a well-handled multiple-timeline story, and A Guilty Secret weaves a full story with scenes cutting back and forth between the present and the past. (Although I have to admit to having unhappy feelings about 2003 being considered "the past".)
When divorced couple Finn and Mhairi learn their friend Kate, a therapist, has committed suicide with apparently no warning, they refuse to accept there could be no reason and begin digging into the one clue they have; Carrie, a new client of Kate's with whom he had only one session. As they dig deeper, they begin to uncover a mystery that has been hidden for sixteen years.
I always enjoy East's stories. But as I've mentioned in my reviews of her previous books, that doesn't mean pure realism. When you pull apart the plot with a fine-toothed comb, it doesn't perfectly add up. You start to wonder why characters act in a certain way or how they are precisely where they need to be when the plot requires it.
But that's not why I always come back to East's writing. Her strength is her ability to craft a situation where the way the characters react and begin to unravel. We don't so much care about the characters themselves but about how they react to what's happening around them. That's where East, with her background in psychology, shines. I've not read many writers who have her skill in showing us how much of our lives are carefully constructed to ignore all the parts we don't want to acknowledge simply by throwing in a single event that sends everything crashing down around us.
I think this is refreshing. There are all too many thrillers out there where the plot is tight but ruined by uninteresting characters that are little more than props. I much prefer a story where the plot serves the character development.
Content warnings: suicide, suicidal intent, drug use, mental health
When divorced couple Finn and Mhairi learn their friend Kate, a therapist, has committed suicide with apparently no warning, they refuse to accept there could be no reason and begin digging into the one clue they have; Carrie, a new client of Kate's with whom he had only one session. As they dig deeper, they begin to uncover a mystery that has been hidden for sixteen years.
I always enjoy East's stories. But as I've mentioned in my reviews of her previous books, that doesn't mean pure realism. When you pull apart the plot with a fine-toothed comb, it doesn't perfectly add up. You start to wonder why characters act in a certain way or how they are precisely where they need to be when the plot requires it.
But that's not why I always come back to East's writing. Her strength is her ability to craft a situation where the way the characters react and begin to unravel. We don't so much care about the characters themselves but about how they react to what's happening around them. That's where East, with her background in psychology, shines. I've not read many writers who have her skill in showing us how much of our lives are carefully constructed to ignore all the parts we don't want to acknowledge simply by throwing in a single event that sends everything crashing down around us.
I think this is refreshing. There are all too many thrillers out there where the plot is tight but ruined by uninteresting characters that are little more than props. I much prefer a story where the plot serves the character development.
Content warnings: suicide, suicidal intent, drug use, mental health
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews