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What Stays Unsaid
'A layered, twisty story about toxic friendships...I loved it.’ Sarah Clarke
You are invited to a surprise joint hen-do to celebrate our two brides, Alex and Millie
Remote Dartmoor Farmhouse
Don’t forget to RSVP and remember, watch what you say…
As friends gather for a hen weekend, they are all smiles, but cannot hide the web of tension that bubbles beneath the surface.
The group was forever broken by the devastating loss of their childhood friend, Becca. The prettiest and most powerful of them all, her absence lies at the heart of this fractured friendship.
Now, decades later, someone wants to expose the truth about what happened, and will stop at nothing to reveal the secrets long since buried.
As a dark storm gathers out on the moors, dangerous secrets and accusations threaten to explode between the group.
Will they all survive the fall-out?
This dark, twisty thriller explores the bonds of friendship, the perfect read for fans of Lisa Jewell and Adele Parks.
Praise for What Stays
‘A gripping read-in-one-sitting psychological thriller - brimming with toxic friendships and chilling secrets reminiscent of Pretty Little Liars but in the eerie English countryside. I loved it!’ Meera Shah
‘What Stays Unsaid is a compulsive read-into-the-night book — a gripping tale of wicked secrets and toxic friendships that kept me guessing to the very last page. I can't wait for Sophie’s next book.’ Emily Freud
'An intriguing tale of secrets and lies that can bind friends together - or tear them apart.' Sarah Lawton
‘Sophie Flynn is a master at unravelling secrets with pitch-perfect timing, and she's done it again with What Stays Unsaid. A layered, twisty story about toxic friendships amidst the claustrophobic setting of Dartmoor. I loved it.’ Sarah Clarke
Praise for Sophie
‘An irresistible setting, some truly killer secrets and a complex emotional heart.’ Holly Seddon, author of The Woman on the Bridge
‘A pacy yet heartbreaking thriller…Fabulous read.’ L.V. Matthews, author of The Twins
‘Beautifully written and brimming with secrets. I loved it.’ Louise Jensen, author of All For You
‘I thoroughly enjoyed this novel – Flynn has without a doubt cemented her place in this genre.’ Meera Shah, author of Her
‘A tense, emotional thriller with complex but relatable characters, and an agonising dilemma that grips from the first page.’ Sarah Clarke, author of A Mother Never Lies
‘A splendidly twisty psychological mystery’ Daily Mail
‘Expertly paced and totally compelling…a bruising exploration of motherhood and family secrets.’ Anna Bailey, author of Tall Bones
‘A terrifying, twisty thriller in which seemingly no one can be trusted. Very cleverly written - I raced through this. Highly recommended.
You are invited to a surprise joint hen-do to celebrate our two brides, Alex and Millie
Remote Dartmoor Farmhouse
Don’t forget to RSVP and remember, watch what you say…
As friends gather for a hen weekend, they are all smiles, but cannot hide the web of tension that bubbles beneath the surface.
The group was forever broken by the devastating loss of their childhood friend, Becca. The prettiest and most powerful of them all, her absence lies at the heart of this fractured friendship.
Now, decades later, someone wants to expose the truth about what happened, and will stop at nothing to reveal the secrets long since buried.
As a dark storm gathers out on the moors, dangerous secrets and accusations threaten to explode between the group.
Will they all survive the fall-out?
This dark, twisty thriller explores the bonds of friendship, the perfect read for fans of Lisa Jewell and Adele Parks.
Praise for What Stays
‘A gripping read-in-one-sitting psychological thriller - brimming with toxic friendships and chilling secrets reminiscent of Pretty Little Liars but in the eerie English countryside. I loved it!’ Meera Shah
‘What Stays Unsaid is a compulsive read-into-the-night book — a gripping tale of wicked secrets and toxic friendships that kept me guessing to the very last page. I can't wait for Sophie’s next book.’ Emily Freud
'An intriguing tale of secrets and lies that can bind friends together - or tear them apart.' Sarah Lawton
‘Sophie Flynn is a master at unravelling secrets with pitch-perfect timing, and she's done it again with What Stays Unsaid. A layered, twisty story about toxic friendships amidst the claustrophobic setting of Dartmoor. I loved it.’ Sarah Clarke
Praise for Sophie
‘An irresistible setting, some truly killer secrets and a complex emotional heart.’ Holly Seddon, author of The Woman on the Bridge
‘A pacy yet heartbreaking thriller…Fabulous read.’ L.V. Matthews, author of The Twins
‘Beautifully written and brimming with secrets. I loved it.’ Louise Jensen, author of All For You
‘I thoroughly enjoyed this novel – Flynn has without a doubt cemented her place in this genre.’ Meera Shah, author of Her
‘A tense, emotional thriller with complex but relatable characters, and an agonising dilemma that grips from the first page.’ Sarah Clarke, author of A Mother Never Lies
‘A splendidly twisty psychological mystery’ Daily Mail
‘Expertly paced and totally compelling…a bruising exploration of motherhood and family secrets.’ Anna Bailey, author of Tall Bones
‘A terrifying, twisty thriller in which seemingly no one can be trusted. Very cleverly written - I raced through this. Highly recommended.
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2024
15 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Flynn
7 books83 followersSophie is a Cotswolds based psychological thriller author with an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes. Her debut novel ALL MY LIES was published by Simon & Schuster in April 2021. She has since had more psychological thrillers published by Hera, including her latest release 'What Stays Unsaid' (May, 2024).
Alongside writing, Sophie is the Managing Director of Jericho Writers. After being awarded a place at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School on the TopWrite scheme for young writers in 2017, Sophie began writing short fiction. She has since had many stories published and placed in competitions with organisations such as Writing Magazine and The Cheltenham Literature Festival.
When not writing, Sophie can be mostly found on muddy walks with her husband and rescue dog or disappearing to Cornwall whenever possible.
Alongside writing, Sophie is the Managing Director of Jericho Writers. After being awarded a place at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School on the TopWrite scheme for young writers in 2017, Sophie began writing short fiction. She has since had many stories published and placed in competitions with organisations such as Writing Magazine and The Cheltenham Literature Festival.
When not writing, Sophie can be mostly found on muddy walks with her husband and rescue dog or disappearing to Cornwall whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 2, 2024
Two new brides are taken away by their two best friends for a hen’s weekend with neither knowing what they will be attending. Each bride thinks she is just going away with one friend but then the surprise group weekend is revealed, and neither is very happy.
The girls have known each other since their school days but events happened back then that have never diminished the tensions between them, especially for Alex and Millie. The thing with teenage girls is that they can be selfish, cruel, and self-absorbed, and unfortunately this is what is happening here. This will now have huge repercussions for all involved.
The story is told from different perspectives and slowly we are drip fed information regarding secrets and lies which occurred in the past as the weekend progresses. These girls have been harboring resentments for over 15 years and soon it is all about to explode. The plot is clever and engaging as tensions rise and home truths are revealed.
I had not read this author before and will now be looking out for more of her books. If you are looking for a twisty thriller that keeps you turning the pages late into the night then this is the book for you, highly enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
The girls have known each other since their school days but events happened back then that have never diminished the tensions between them, especially for Alex and Millie. The thing with teenage girls is that they can be selfish, cruel, and self-absorbed, and unfortunately this is what is happening here. This will now have huge repercussions for all involved.
The story is told from different perspectives and slowly we are drip fed information regarding secrets and lies which occurred in the past as the weekend progresses. These girls have been harboring resentments for over 15 years and soon it is all about to explode. The plot is clever and engaging as tensions rise and home truths are revealed.
I had not read this author before and will now be looking out for more of her books. If you are looking for a twisty thriller that keeps you turning the pages late into the night then this is the book for you, highly enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
May 31, 2024
This "unputdownable, twisty psychological thriller that will have you hooked" was not unputdownable and did not have me hooked.
This tale of a double hen party went fowel/foul.
WHY?
1) TOO MANY CHARACTERS. There were 4 main protagonists and their significant others, plus many, many more.
I prefer fewer well-developed characterizations.
2) TEEN GIRL ANGST. Not a fan of teen girl angst and much of this book's multi-time line riveted back to teen "mean girl" years.
3) SAME OLD, SAME OLD. If I had a nickel for every closed-location, multi-POV, multi-timeline "thriller" that I have read, I would be on the Forbes 500 list.
This book failed to put a "thrilling" spin on a very, very, very overused premise.
4) WAAAY TOO LONG. This 10-hour audiobook should have been a 7-hour audiobook.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook narrated by three of my favorite narrators (Helen Keeley, Tamsin Kennard, and Julie Maisey) and Jessica Preddy, Meg Travers, and Rosalind Steele.
I always love a multi-cast narration and this book's narration was 10-star.
June 15, 2024
I can’t quite put my finger on why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would but it just felt like something was missing
August 29, 2025
4.25⭐️
April 27, 2024
Worst. Hen. Weekend. EVER. Two soon-to-be brides and lifelong BFFs (Alex & Millie) are duped by their two supposed other best friends (Georgia & Jenny) and brought to a remote cottage to have a surprise joint hen party. I mean, a surprise bachelorette party is bad enough (NIGHTMARE), but it’s made even more awkward and uncomfortable because the brides are no longer speaking to each other. A tragic incident from high school (the death of their friend Becca) has never quite been resolved and the backlash continues to haunt everyone at this terrible party.
All of these ladies are the worst (except Jenny, who seems to be in way over her head with these dingdongs), and this entire weekend sounds exhausting and excruciating, even without all of the YOU LIED. SHE DIED. messages and passive aggressive behavior and super weird shit that keeps happening. I’m so happy I’m old and being forced to attend this type of party isn’t anywhere on my radar 🤣 I loved the multiple perspectives and dual timelines and overall liked where things went but wish it had been a tiny bit faster to get there and maybe a bit more mysterious (but maybe I’ve just read too many thrillers and had too many theories early on that panned out as expected). Overall this was an entertaining read that I think a lot of people would enjoy — and the author’s note at the end was really funny — I’d love to read more books by her and/or have a drink with her because she seems super fun.
(3.5 rounded up)
* Thank you to Canelo Crime / Hera for the review copy. What Stays Unsaid publishes May 23, 2024.
All of these ladies are the worst (except Jenny, who seems to be in way over her head with these dingdongs), and this entire weekend sounds exhausting and excruciating, even without all of the YOU LIED. SHE DIED. messages and passive aggressive behavior and super weird shit that keeps happening. I’m so happy I’m old and being forced to attend this type of party isn’t anywhere on my radar 🤣 I loved the multiple perspectives and dual timelines and overall liked where things went but wish it had been a tiny bit faster to get there and maybe a bit more mysterious (but maybe I’ve just read too many thrillers and had too many theories early on that panned out as expected). Overall this was an entertaining read that I think a lot of people would enjoy — and the author’s note at the end was really funny — I’d love to read more books by her and/or have a drink with her because she seems super fun.
(3.5 rounded up)
* Thank you to Canelo Crime / Hera for the review copy. What Stays Unsaid publishes May 23, 2024.
May 25, 2024
Honestly, I loved everything about this book! It was the perfect psychological thriller, jam packed with twists and turns right through from beginning to end! It definitely gave me “Pretty Little Liars” vibes and I was all for it!
I really liked reading all the different friends POV and that each chapters was a different person. I also like the reflection between past and present. I feel this allowed us to really understand each character and their choices/reasoning behind their actions. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, the next chapter had me changing my mind! I honestly didn’t know who to trust and who was behind it all until all was revealed. That last chapter though!? Oooooh.
Highly recommend this book! My first by this author and I can’t wait to get my hands on her other books now!
I really liked reading all the different friends POV and that each chapters was a different person. I also like the reflection between past and present. I feel this allowed us to really understand each character and their choices/reasoning behind their actions. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, the next chapter had me changing my mind! I honestly didn’t know who to trust and who was behind it all until all was revealed. That last chapter though!? Oooooh.
Highly recommend this book! My first by this author and I can’t wait to get my hands on her other books now!
May 1, 2024
There's a surprise joint hen do being thrown for Alex and Millie at a remote Dartmoor farmhouse. Sounds perfect? Think again.
A group of school friends who are only really still linked through the death of their friend Becca years before and they all have so many secrets.
This is one hen weekend I wouldn't want to have gone on. There was so much of a toxic atmosphere and everyone walking on egg shells round one another. There were a few surprises that I didn't really expect and the mystery and secrets around Beccas death had me coming up with loads of different scenarios. I didn't connect with any of the girls really, as they were all so deceptive in their own ways.
I liked how it was written in the different POV's of all the girls and it was a nice, easy read.
A group of school friends who are only really still linked through the death of their friend Becca years before and they all have so many secrets.
This is one hen weekend I wouldn't want to have gone on. There was so much of a toxic atmosphere and everyone walking on egg shells round one another. There were a few surprises that I didn't really expect and the mystery and secrets around Beccas death had me coming up with loads of different scenarios. I didn't connect with any of the girls really, as they were all so deceptive in their own ways.
I liked how it was written in the different POV's of all the girls and it was a nice, easy read.
May 7, 2024
Great, eerie psych thriller set at a remote hen do. Loved the twisting of the girls stories and the crescendo to the end! Kept me guessing until the last page
April 9, 2024
★★★☆☆
Told over one hen-do weekend gone wrong, this is your usual closed-location, multi-POV, multi-timeline easy-to-read thriller.
What I appreciated about this was it wasn't one of those thrillers that just threw red herrings at you for the sake of being shocking - it's not a super twisty plot line, but rather rests on secrecy and withholding information which does the job well, keeps the characters realistic (relatively) and keeps you guessing to the end. There is some...questionable characterisation and thought-processes from some characters, but it's not too distracting.
I also wholeheartedly appreciated the epilogue - I LOVE a good epilogue that puts the book on a completely different perspective and forces you re-think the whole thing.
A good, easy to read thriller, perfect for the upcoming lounges by a pool in summer.
Big thank you to Canelo for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
cw// mentions of suicide, mentions of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, mentions of body dysmorphia/disordered eating
Told over one hen-do weekend gone wrong, this is your usual closed-location, multi-POV, multi-timeline easy-to-read thriller.
What I appreciated about this was it wasn't one of those thrillers that just threw red herrings at you for the sake of being shocking - it's not a super twisty plot line, but rather rests on secrecy and withholding information which does the job well, keeps the characters realistic (relatively) and keeps you guessing to the end. There is some...questionable characterisation and thought-processes from some characters, but it's not too distracting.
I also wholeheartedly appreciated the epilogue - I LOVE a good epilogue that puts the book on a completely different perspective and forces you re-think the whole thing.
A good, easy to read thriller, perfect for the upcoming lounges by a pool in summer.
Big thank you to Canelo for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
cw// mentions of suicide, mentions of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, mentions of body dysmorphia/disordered eating
August 24, 2025
4.25⭐️
April 20, 2024
"What Stays Unsaid" by Sophie Flynn is a twisty psychological thriller revolving around a joint hen-do, secrets, and toxic friendships. I'm drawn to the getaway-gone-wrong trope, so the blurb immediately appealed to me.
The novel opens with a death and then shifts to the present. Four friends gather for a hen weekend to celebrate the impending marriages of two brides, Alex and Millie. Organized by their best friends, Georgia and Jenny, the getaway quickly goes awry. A tragic event from their shared past — the loss of childhood friend Becca — still haunts them. Someone is determined to expose the truth of what happened and will go to any length to do so. An unexpected guest adds to the mystery, and it becomes clear that some secrets can't stay buried for long. Sometimes, what remains unsaid should stay that way, or there's no turning back.
Keep your wits about you because this is a twisty story where everyone has secrets. Told from multiple points of view in the first person, the narrative flows back and forth through time, tracking the tangled chain of the narrators' relationships. The characters are the heart of the story, their intertwining dynamics driving the plot forward.
Initially, I found the protagonists likable. They are morally gray characters with complex motivations and distinct personalities. Becca was the bold leader, Alex the clever one, Millie the naive, and Georgia the shy girl turned sharp-tongued. Jenny, a later addition to the group, remained true to her sweet nature. However, as the story progressed and their layers were peeled back, they became less relatable to me. Jenny and maybe Millie were the only ones I liked. I appreciated Jenny's interactions with her female partner and the discussion of motherhood in the tale.
I loved how the layers built upon secrets slowly unraveled until the truth was revealed. The curiosity sparked in the opening scenes gradually escalated into nerve-wracking tension. The Dartmoor setting and stormy weather enhanced the chilling atmosphere. The writing effortlessly transitioned between timelines and narrators.
This is a thought-provoking thriller that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the lengths we go to protect our friends. While I disliked seeing characters evade consequences, it's a minor criticism. With its exploration of toxic friendships, lies, abuse, and human fallibility, the author crafts a gripping tale that kept me engrossed.
The plot was original, and while I anticipated some twists, others caught me off guard. The author skillfully weaves an engaging, unique narrative filled with enough twists and turns to captivate any reader. Despite my qualms about characters escaping accountability, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of the genre who appreciate stories exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
The novel opens with a death and then shifts to the present. Four friends gather for a hen weekend to celebrate the impending marriages of two brides, Alex and Millie. Organized by their best friends, Georgia and Jenny, the getaway quickly goes awry. A tragic event from their shared past — the loss of childhood friend Becca — still haunts them. Someone is determined to expose the truth of what happened and will go to any length to do so. An unexpected guest adds to the mystery, and it becomes clear that some secrets can't stay buried for long. Sometimes, what remains unsaid should stay that way, or there's no turning back.
Keep your wits about you because this is a twisty story where everyone has secrets. Told from multiple points of view in the first person, the narrative flows back and forth through time, tracking the tangled chain of the narrators' relationships. The characters are the heart of the story, their intertwining dynamics driving the plot forward.
Initially, I found the protagonists likable. They are morally gray characters with complex motivations and distinct personalities. Becca was the bold leader, Alex the clever one, Millie the naive, and Georgia the shy girl turned sharp-tongued. Jenny, a later addition to the group, remained true to her sweet nature. However, as the story progressed and their layers were peeled back, they became less relatable to me. Jenny and maybe Millie were the only ones I liked. I appreciated Jenny's interactions with her female partner and the discussion of motherhood in the tale.
I loved how the layers built upon secrets slowly unraveled until the truth was revealed. The curiosity sparked in the opening scenes gradually escalated into nerve-wracking tension. The Dartmoor setting and stormy weather enhanced the chilling atmosphere. The writing effortlessly transitioned between timelines and narrators.
This is a thought-provoking thriller that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the lengths we go to protect our friends. While I disliked seeing characters evade consequences, it's a minor criticism. With its exploration of toxic friendships, lies, abuse, and human fallibility, the author crafts a gripping tale that kept me engrossed.
The plot was original, and while I anticipated some twists, others caught me off guard. The author skillfully weaves an engaging, unique narrative filled with enough twists and turns to captivate any reader. Despite my qualms about characters escaping accountability, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of the genre who appreciate stories exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
May 24, 2024
" [...] I can’t actually believe how quickly everything has fallen to pieces around me. But I’m stuck here now, and the only way I’m going to get through it is to put on a bloody good show for everyone. [...]"
"What Stays Unsaid" is an amazing psychological thriller that brought me to tears. Well done Sophie Flynn, you managed to evoke a lot of different emotions in me. I love novels like this. After reading this book, I must read the author's previous works. Sophie Flynn is my discovery this year. I am glad that I got to know the content of the book "What stays unsaid". What did I find here? Four friends who seriously messed up their past. One of them died? What did they do to end up like this? Did their friendship survive? One more will join the three remaining friends. Two of them are getting married. One of their friends is organizing a bachelorette party weekend for them. Will all secrets come to light? Will the truth come to light? Will all the ladies survive this? I encourage you to learn this truth. I can honestly tell you that the ending surprised me and I literally cried like a beaver. Our main characters are: Millie, Jenny, Alex, Georgia, Becca and Katie. You will discover who is who while reading. The action of this novel takes place in two times: present and past. The time skipping didn't stop me from understanding this novel. The author described everything so well that I felt like I was actively participating in those events. Great feeling. If you like psychological thrillers that keep you in suspense, read "What Stays Unsaid". I will also add that you do not expect such an ending. And I forgot to add that I really liked the plot twists. A mega novel that cannot be missed.
"What Stays Unsaid" is an amazing psychological thriller that brought me to tears. Well done Sophie Flynn, you managed to evoke a lot of different emotions in me. I love novels like this. After reading this book, I must read the author's previous works. Sophie Flynn is my discovery this year. I am glad that I got to know the content of the book "What stays unsaid". What did I find here? Four friends who seriously messed up their past. One of them died? What did they do to end up like this? Did their friendship survive? One more will join the three remaining friends. Two of them are getting married. One of their friends is organizing a bachelorette party weekend for them. Will all secrets come to light? Will the truth come to light? Will all the ladies survive this? I encourage you to learn this truth. I can honestly tell you that the ending surprised me and I literally cried like a beaver. Our main characters are: Millie, Jenny, Alex, Georgia, Becca and Katie. You will discover who is who while reading. The action of this novel takes place in two times: present and past. The time skipping didn't stop me from understanding this novel. The author described everything so well that I felt like I was actively participating in those events. Great feeling. If you like psychological thrillers that keep you in suspense, read "What Stays Unsaid". I will also add that you do not expect such an ending. And I forgot to add that I really liked the plot twists. A mega novel that cannot be missed.
May 28, 2024
This was bonkers in the best kind of way and had me hooked from prologue to epilogue.
A group of friends come together for a surprise double hen-do weekend for two of their friends. Little do they know that it’s a weekend where many secrets will be revealed, a weekend that will change their lives forever.
This one surprised me several times. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going or what the twists would be, the story would take a turn and go in a totally different, unexpected direction. I eventually stopped guessing and trying to figure things out and just let the story take me where it wanted me to go.
The story is told from multiple POVs (five narrators) as well as dual timelines (then and now). This style can sometimes get messy and bog the story down, but Flynn does a nice job giving each narrator a unique voice, as well as keeping the timelines clearly delineated so there’s no confusion or murkiness surrounding the events of the story.
Using the five narrators the author allows us to peek into their minds to get a glimpse of what they’re thinking and what their motivations are. The only problem is that they’re five unreliable narrators, so we can never be sure what they’re hiding and we can never trust what they’re thinking. We never know who to believe.
This was a fun read with some unexpected twists and turns. It’s my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more.
Thanks NetGally and Hera for the advanced copy.
A group of friends come together for a surprise double hen-do weekend for two of their friends. Little do they know that it’s a weekend where many secrets will be revealed, a weekend that will change their lives forever.
This one surprised me several times. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going or what the twists would be, the story would take a turn and go in a totally different, unexpected direction. I eventually stopped guessing and trying to figure things out and just let the story take me where it wanted me to go.
The story is told from multiple POVs (five narrators) as well as dual timelines (then and now). This style can sometimes get messy and bog the story down, but Flynn does a nice job giving each narrator a unique voice, as well as keeping the timelines clearly delineated so there’s no confusion or murkiness surrounding the events of the story.
Using the five narrators the author allows us to peek into their minds to get a glimpse of what they’re thinking and what their motivations are. The only problem is that they’re five unreliable narrators, so we can never be sure what they’re hiding and we can never trust what they’re thinking. We never know who to believe.
This was a fun read with some unexpected twists and turns. It’s my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more.
Thanks NetGally and Hera for the advanced copy.
July 9, 2024
I raced through this book about a joint hen weekend where two brides will be celebrating their forthcoming nuptials, together with their two closest friends. They travel to a remote property on Dartmoor for the festivities. Three of them, Millie, Alex and Georgia have been friends since school and Jenny is a later addition to their friendship group. When they were just 15 years old one of their group, Becca, died and none of them have recovered from their loss. Well written and well plotted mystery told from multiple POV’s and in dual timelines, then and now.
Briefly, as the weekend progressed and they all took part in various planned activities the composure of all them them began to fracture. Hidden secrets start to emerge and the tension is palpable. One of the group has an agenda. She wants to reveal the truth of what happened in the then, but beware of what you wish for…
This is definitely not your normal hen-do type book! Everyone is hiding something and you soon begin to see the cracks showing. Apart from Jenny the woman are not the nicest people and I do wonder how they ever became such close friends. A late addition to the party further ups the tension. Good twists and turns kept me guessing, I changed my mind repeatedly, until the shocking end. Good psychological thriller.
Briefly, as the weekend progressed and they all took part in various planned activities the composure of all them them began to fracture. Hidden secrets start to emerge and the tension is palpable. One of the group has an agenda. She wants to reveal the truth of what happened in the then, but beware of what you wish for…
This is definitely not your normal hen-do type book! Everyone is hiding something and you soon begin to see the cracks showing. Apart from Jenny the woman are not the nicest people and I do wonder how they ever became such close friends. A late addition to the party further ups the tension. Good twists and turns kept me guessing, I changed my mind repeatedly, until the shocking end. Good psychological thriller.
May 28, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I really enjoyed everything about it!
I love a great psychological thriller and this has all the elements that I think make up a great read - secrets and lies - remote setting - multiple pov's and timelines and lots of twists and layers.
When the girls meet up for a dual hen weekend, it looks like they're going to have a ball - but we soon see tensions rising as the past starts to creep up on them and long busied secrets are forced to surface again.
I really think that the setting here added to the tension of the storyline - the cottage on Dartmoor conjures up a foreboding and desolate image, but as the weather worsens, we realise that they are somewhat trapped and this adds to an already claustrophobic atmosphere.
We follow the story over a "then" and "now" timeline which means that the past reveals itself to us gradually - just enough to get my brain working through theories, bug not enough for me to grasp the truths before the reveal.
We also hear from several different pov's which allows us to view events from different sides and delve into how each of them feels about what happened back then - but this increases the mistrust and we see the friendship spiral and become more toxic over the course of the book.
The writing style was immersive and I was transported to this little cottage along with the girls. I raced through this on the edge of my seat, needing to know what had happened in the last bit also how this would manifest into the friendship group now - would they bond again, or would things go downhill.
A great read and an author I'd love to read again.
I love a great psychological thriller and this has all the elements that I think make up a great read - secrets and lies - remote setting - multiple pov's and timelines and lots of twists and layers.
When the girls meet up for a dual hen weekend, it looks like they're going to have a ball - but we soon see tensions rising as the past starts to creep up on them and long busied secrets are forced to surface again.
I really think that the setting here added to the tension of the storyline - the cottage on Dartmoor conjures up a foreboding and desolate image, but as the weather worsens, we realise that they are somewhat trapped and this adds to an already claustrophobic atmosphere.
We follow the story over a "then" and "now" timeline which means that the past reveals itself to us gradually - just enough to get my brain working through theories, bug not enough for me to grasp the truths before the reveal.
We also hear from several different pov's which allows us to view events from different sides and delve into how each of them feels about what happened back then - but this increases the mistrust and we see the friendship spiral and become more toxic over the course of the book.
The writing style was immersive and I was transported to this little cottage along with the girls. I raced through this on the edge of my seat, needing to know what had happened in the last bit also how this would manifest into the friendship group now - would they bond again, or would things go downhill.
A great read and an author I'd love to read again.
April 21, 2024
This is a great holiday thriller - you know one of those books that is interesting, not too taxing on the brain and thoroughly enjoyable. A perfect read for beside the pool.
I think this book was well written - the pacing was spot on and the author was good at throwing in twists and turns to keep it interesting. This was a really character driven thriller where the plot relied heavily on the narratives and secrets of the characters for us to learn what had really happened. I think this was done really well and I enjoyed it. It gave enough to keep me guessing without being too taxing on my brain.
The characters are what makes this book - there are no clear likeable ones who are telling the truth but all of them have a morally grey side to them which makes them so interesting to read. The group dynamics are fascinating and I really enjoyed reading the book through this lens.
I think the plot was original, the pacing was great and it was well written - what more could you ask ford. This would be a great one for a tv dramatisation.
I think this book was well written - the pacing was spot on and the author was good at throwing in twists and turns to keep it interesting. This was a really character driven thriller where the plot relied heavily on the narratives and secrets of the characters for us to learn what had really happened. I think this was done really well and I enjoyed it. It gave enough to keep me guessing without being too taxing on my brain.
The characters are what makes this book - there are no clear likeable ones who are telling the truth but all of them have a morally grey side to them which makes them so interesting to read. The group dynamics are fascinating and I really enjoyed reading the book through this lens.
I think the plot was original, the pacing was great and it was well written - what more could you ask ford. This would be a great one for a tv dramatisation.
October 19, 2024
Honestly, what could be a better setting for a twisty domestic thriller than the sort of hen-weekend I have fortunately never been on.
This is horribly tense and full of moderately unpleasant people (no offence to them!) telling lies and concealing secrets from each other.
Millie and Alex have been best friends for years. Not so much recently though. And they both have different views as to why that is. They're both getting married, and their other friends, Georgia and Jenny, have arranged a lovely weekend on Dartmoor with a spreadsheet of 'activities'. Everyone's having the worst time possible. All it needs is for Katie to arrive - little sister of Millie's fiance and also, coincidentally, of Becca, who used to have the fourth place in the friendship group now taken by Jenny, a much more recent arrival. A lot happened when they were all at school. It looks like some of that is likely to come out and it's not going to be much fun for any of them.
Flynn is so good at this sort of book, and this is tense and page-turny and probably the best one yet.
This is horribly tense and full of moderately unpleasant people (no offence to them!) telling lies and concealing secrets from each other.
Millie and Alex have been best friends for years. Not so much recently though. And they both have different views as to why that is. They're both getting married, and their other friends, Georgia and Jenny, have arranged a lovely weekend on Dartmoor with a spreadsheet of 'activities'. Everyone's having the worst time possible. All it needs is for Katie to arrive - little sister of Millie's fiance and also, coincidentally, of Becca, who used to have the fourth place in the friendship group now taken by Jenny, a much more recent arrival. A lot happened when they were all at school. It looks like some of that is likely to come out and it's not going to be much fun for any of them.
Flynn is so good at this sort of book, and this is tense and page-turny and probably the best one yet.
May 23, 2024
Four friends at a double hen-do. Throw in a mystery guest and carefully layered secrets will come tumbling down.
Told from the POV of all the main characters, who all had secrets that affected their lives and friendship.
There were so many twists and turns. I had a go at one based on one of the character’s musings but that was how far I could go because of the author’s brilliance in keeping us entranced. I had a hard time predicting the events accurately.
The story unfolded through past and present events and showcased toxic friendships, lies and backstabbing.
All of the characters were down to earth and dare I say relatable and morally grey. If you love a good psychological thriller with a very twisty plot then you should pick this up.
I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.
April 28, 2024
(Maybe some spoilers)
Worst Hen Weekend.
After the initial getting used to the characters and the different POV’ of all the women I was hooked. (Alex, Millie, Georgie and Jenny)
After their childhood friend died years ago and them out on this weekend away tensions are running high. As I’m writing this I’m only slightly into it and my guesses and presumptions I have will probably be completely wrong.
The twists and turns are amazing. Definitely one to look out for.
“Never have I ever…. Ruined someone’s life”
I would love to say more but I will literally give this book away. This will be so worth it on 23rd May
Thank you for Kate Canelo for sending me a pre copy to review. Can’t wait to read more from Sophie as I am now converted
Worst Hen Weekend.
After the initial getting used to the characters and the different POV’ of all the women I was hooked. (Alex, Millie, Georgie and Jenny)
After their childhood friend died years ago and them out on this weekend away tensions are running high. As I’m writing this I’m only slightly into it and my guesses and presumptions I have will probably be completely wrong.
The twists and turns are amazing. Definitely one to look out for.
“Never have I ever…. Ruined someone’s life”
I would love to say more but I will literally give this book away. This will be so worth it on 23rd May
Thank you for Kate Canelo for sending me a pre copy to review. Can’t wait to read more from Sophie as I am now converted
May 14, 2024
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Kate Shepherd from Canelo, who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review…
What Stays Unsaid is a brilliant, unputdownable, twisty, psychological thriller that will have you hooked - and it certainly did that!!
Right from the very beginning the story pulled me in and kept me turning page after page until i had devoured it all! It was a gripping read and i just didn’t want it to end!
The story unfolds very slowly and we are gradually fed bits of information as the weekend goes on, which adds perfectly to the tension.
It was the perfect, twisty, turny thriller that had me engrossed all the way through…..
What Stays Unsaid is a brilliant, unputdownable, twisty, psychological thriller that will have you hooked - and it certainly did that!!
Right from the very beginning the story pulled me in and kept me turning page after page until i had devoured it all! It was a gripping read and i just didn’t want it to end!
The story unfolds very slowly and we are gradually fed bits of information as the weekend goes on, which adds perfectly to the tension.
It was the perfect, twisty, turny thriller that had me engrossed all the way through…..
July 16, 2024
#WhatStaysUnsaid #NetGalley
A fun read.
As friends gather for a hen weekend, they are all smiles, but cannot hide the web of tension that bubbles beneath the surface.
The group was forever broken by the devastating loss of their childhood friend, Becca. The prettiest and most powerful of them all, her absence lies at the heart of this fractured friendship. Now, decades later, someone wants to expose the truth about what happened, and will stop at nothing to reveal the secrets long since buried. As a dark storm gathers out on the moors, dangerous secrets and accusations threaten to explode between the group. Will they all survive the fall-out?
Although the middle part was a bit stretched but it's a fun read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera for giving me an advance copy.
A fun read.
As friends gather for a hen weekend, they are all smiles, but cannot hide the web of tension that bubbles beneath the surface.
The group was forever broken by the devastating loss of their childhood friend, Becca. The prettiest and most powerful of them all, her absence lies at the heart of this fractured friendship. Now, decades later, someone wants to expose the truth about what happened, and will stop at nothing to reveal the secrets long since buried. As a dark storm gathers out on the moors, dangerous secrets and accusations threaten to explode between the group. Will they all survive the fall-out?
Although the middle part was a bit stretched but it's a fun read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hera for giving me an advance copy.
June 1, 2024
When Alex and Millie to brides to be are whisked away by two best friends for a hen do, neither of them have any clue what is planned for the weekend. Each bride is taken separately by their friends so it’s not until they all arrive at their destination a remote cottage that they realise they have been tricked
It turns out that Alex and Millie who used to be very close have fallen out at some stage, so this is the hen do from hell as they are brought together. Georgia and Jenny think it’s great that they are all together again for a whole weekend. Things had never been the same for Alex and Millie after one of their group Becca had died.
The story is told from multiple points of view, and a dual timeline, but who is pushing the death of Becca? Was there more to her death than was ever realised. With messages of you lied, she died, the atmosphere becomes dark. Not what you would expect at a hen party.
As you are reading it is very difficult to know who to trust, the only one who seemed out of her depth was Jennie. You think you have all the answers and then another twist comes along and throws a spanner in the works.
This is a well plotted psychological thriller, with great characters that you will love to hate. With secrets that have been kept. But who is behind everything? Can you guess? I wish the pace had just been a little bit faster. But overall this was a good read.
It turns out that Alex and Millie who used to be very close have fallen out at some stage, so this is the hen do from hell as they are brought together. Georgia and Jenny think it’s great that they are all together again for a whole weekend. Things had never been the same for Alex and Millie after one of their group Becca had died.
The story is told from multiple points of view, and a dual timeline, but who is pushing the death of Becca? Was there more to her death than was ever realised. With messages of you lied, she died, the atmosphere becomes dark. Not what you would expect at a hen party.
As you are reading it is very difficult to know who to trust, the only one who seemed out of her depth was Jennie. You think you have all the answers and then another twist comes along and throws a spanner in the works.
This is a well plotted psychological thriller, with great characters that you will love to hate. With secrets that have been kept. But who is behind everything? Can you guess? I wish the pace had just been a little bit faster. But overall this was a good read.
April 14, 2024
What Stays Unsaid is a suspenseful thriller that dips into a group of friends past's secrets and the lengths they will go to keep them hidden. Georgia and Jenny, combine the hen parties for their friends Millie and Alex, without the latter two knowing. This decision sets the stage for a reunion that is anything but celebratory.
The backdrop of the story is shadowed by a tragic event: the death of their friend Becca. As Millie prepares to marry Luke, Becca’s brother, unresolved tensions and hidden truths begin to surface.
What really happened to Becca?
The backdrop of the story is shadowed by a tragic event: the death of their friend Becca. As Millie prepares to marry Luke, Becca’s brother, unresolved tensions and hidden truths begin to surface.
What really happened to Becca?
April 28, 2024
my first read from this Author it was an amazing. Addictive read. Millie Georgia Alex Jenny. have been the best of friends since primary school. Sadley one of their friends died. Millie has got engaged. But it has caused a rift between. Her and Alex. Georgia has done a Suprise weekend getaway. When Millie gets there, she has a shock seeing Alex there. And the bigger Suprise is seeing her sister-in-law to be there. this story is about the past. The secrets and lies that someone wants to stop anything coming out a very twisty read. so, recommend.
May 22, 2024
When Georgie plans a surprise joint hen-do for Alex and Millie it sounds like a wonderful occasion but soon things will turn sinister and your friend may not be who they seem.
Someone wants the truth about the past and they're willing to do anything to get it.
This was a really fast-paced novel, with short chapters, that left me suspecting everyone and changing my mind several times.
Flynn writes this novel with multiple points of view and chapters which reflect on the past.
This was a great novel filled with suspense and characters that you don't know who to trust.
Someone wants the truth about the past and they're willing to do anything to get it.
This was a really fast-paced novel, with short chapters, that left me suspecting everyone and changing my mind several times.
Flynn writes this novel with multiple points of view and chapters which reflect on the past.
This was a great novel filled with suspense and characters that you don't know who to trust.
April 22, 2024
Four friends gather for a hen-do weekend at a rented cottage on Dartmoor. The friendships have become strained and fractured over the years so it's no surprise when old rivalries resurface. Three of the group share a tragic past and someone is determined to expose the truth about what really happened all those years ago. As the weather takes a turn for the worse, the friends find themselves trapped with nowhere to hide. . .
Told from multiple viewpoints and a dual timeline of 'then' and 'now', What Stays Unsaid is a twisty psychological thriller. Although I would imagine the target audience to be younger than myself, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Each character has a hidden secret and over the course of a weekend truths begin to emerge. The plot relies heavily on the reader's ability to suspend disbelief. You're never quite sure of the direction it's going to take. The atmosphere is tense and claustrophobic; the isolated rural location ramping up the uneasiness. With its multifaceted plot and excellent characterisation I thought it was an immersive read.
Told from multiple viewpoints and a dual timeline of 'then' and 'now', What Stays Unsaid is a twisty psychological thriller. Although I would imagine the target audience to be younger than myself, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Each character has a hidden secret and over the course of a weekend truths begin to emerge. The plot relies heavily on the reader's ability to suspend disbelief. You're never quite sure of the direction it's going to take. The atmosphere is tense and claustrophobic; the isolated rural location ramping up the uneasiness. With its multifaceted plot and excellent characterisation I thought it was an immersive read.
May 5, 2024
I love a slightly deranged old friends with secrets on holiday trope, and this one was fun! Other than Jenny, pretty much all the characters were mostly unlikable though I have a soft spot for Alex and Millie. One star off only because it dragged quite a bit through the middle, there's only so much ominous weather and vague threats and hints of secrets I can take.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy!
Thank you NetGalley for the copy!
May 20, 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Hera for the book #WhatStaysUnsaid by SophieFlynn. It all starts with a surprise double hen-do, but the two brides haven’t talked in months. Years ago, one of their best friends committed suicide. They all have been dealing with this and now, it seems, the truth just might come out. Who is responsible for all that drama back then and the tragic death? I loved this book, the back story, current story and the lies and secrets threatening to be exposed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
A pulse pounding, fast paced, race to the finish line read!
This is a story of secrets and complex characters that also explores toxic friendships. The closed proximity setting added to the tension tenfold.
I kept on thinking I knew what was going on, only to repeatedly be pulled through the wringer. This is most definitely an author I'll be keeping up with. So excited to read more books by Sophie Flynn.
Highly recommend.
This is a story of secrets and complex characters that also explores toxic friendships. The closed proximity setting added to the tension tenfold.
I kept on thinking I knew what was going on, only to repeatedly be pulled through the wringer. This is most definitely an author I'll be keeping up with. So excited to read more books by Sophie Flynn.
Highly recommend.
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