The Things We Hide: a creepy psychological thriller with a great twist

by Vanessa Garbin

Would you keep a secret from your partner? This one you might…

Nadia is desperate. Her husband, Matt, has been off work with a back injury for six months and if she doesn’t find another job soon, they’ll be out on the street.

So she can’t believe her luck when a chance encounter leads to an interview with Jace, a successful real estate agent. More so when she lands the job.

Not only is Jace kind and considerate, Nadia can’t quite help feeling an attraction when she looks into his gorgeous brown eyes.

And when Jace offers her a share of the commission on a luxury house sale, Nadia thinks her woes might be behind her.

Unfortunately, they have only just started. Dealing with the rich and powerful, her financial salvation is going to come at a heavy price.

And Nadia can ill afford the consequences should her husband discover what she does to earn it…

THE THINGS WE HIDE is a riveting domestic thriller packed with shocking twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is the ninth standalone novel by Australian writing sensation Vanessa Garbin.

The full list of her books, all FREE with Kindle Unlimited and available in paperback, is as

1. WHAT WE DID LAST NIGHT
2. THE LIES I TOLD HIM
3. YOUR EVERY MOVE
4. THE STEPS WE TAKE
5. THEIR LITTLE SECRETS
6. NO FRIENDS OF MINE
7. FOR MY OWN GOOD
8. LIES WITHIN ME
9. THE THINGS WE HIDE

Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Claire McGowan, and Valerie Keogh, and anyone who loves a nail-biting read!

Genres: Thriller

194 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2024

About the author

Vanessa lives with her husband and their three children by the sea in Western Australia.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.

Reviews

[bookworm ꣑ৎ‎ ˚. (more active) · Rating 4 out of 5]

₊‧ ୨୧ 4.25 stars ◞♡ 
⤷ arc via netgalley!!

tysm to netgalley and the book folks for approving my request for the arc <3

wow. just… wow 😭✋🏻

this book was truly a hidden gem!! the pacing was amazing and the characters all had a lot of depth and personality to them.
some of the plot twists were a bit predictable, but a few of the other ones had me jaw-dropped 🤧🫂
the writing was super simple and easy to read as well.

i defs recommend reading this when it comes out if u want a quick mystery/thriller!! 💌



₊‧ ୨୧ pre-read ◞♡ 

🔍 ꒱ guess who got the arc :p
it’s me. i got the arc 🤪

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nadia and Matt are on the brink of losing everything when she gets a job offer that can change it all for the better. There is a catch though, but that’s all you need to know. This was a super quick read, definitely short enough you can read it in one sitting which was exactly what I did. It’s a lighter style of suspense with lots of twisty reveals and secrets and was engaging enough for me to be entertained. My first from the author but next time I want a quick domestic suspense I’m gonna try her backlist for sure!

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read and an absolute page turner!

Nadia is delighted to be offered a new job and hopes that it will be a turning point for her and her husband, Matt, who is unable to work since injuring his back. When her boss, Jace, makes Nadia an offer that will solve all of their financial woes, Nadia doesn’t feel she can say no, but the repercussions will be life changing in ways she could never have imagined.

Sinister and twisty, with loads of suspense!

4.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Vanessa Garbin and The Book Folks for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Kyana Weekes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

It was a quick and fast paced read! I was able to read this in an hour. The plot had a lot of potential but there was lacking character development. Because of this, the twist was predictable.

[Kimberley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner from the start, full of suspense and secrets that are surprising. Highly enjoyable reading!

[Jennalee Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little weird but I didn’t hate it lol 3.5/5⭐️

[Alana Bags · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick read with a good twist!!!

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okkayyyy this was a wild ride, but smooth reading. It was easy to stay in the story, even with all the craziness that happens. My mind was pretty much just on repeat of the *oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no no* sound the whole time. I didn’t like the MMC and it honestly only got worse from there. I wanted to throat punch that douchecanoe pretty much the whole time. The ending was crazy, with some of the twists absolutely stunning me, while some of them were pretty predictable. Imma need a palate cleanser with a healthy relationship in it after this one!

Nadia is desperate. Her husband hurt his back and needs an expensive operation and can’t work. They were getting by until she was laid off from her job 2 months ago. Neither one of them working, and applying for literally any job available hasn’t resulted in anything. So when a job at a real estate agency falls into her lap, she think her luck is finally changing. But you know what they about things too good to be true…

Thank you to The Book Folks for the copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Lexi Roberts Drummond · Rating 3 out of 5]

What did I just read? 😂😵‍💫

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Things We Hide" by Vanessa Garbin is a spine-chilling psychological thriller that will leave readers breathless with its eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists. Garbin masterfully crafts a story that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, keeping readers captivated.

This novel centers around Emma, a woman who has returned to her hometown after several years away. She hopes for a fresh start, but soon finds herself haunted by secrets from her past. Strange occurrences and unsettling events begin to plague her, making her question her sanity and the intentions of those around her. As Emma digs deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit that leads to a shocking and unforgettable climax.

Garbin's writing is captivating and haunting, creating a sense of unease that permeates this story. Her ability to build suspense is exceptional, with each chapter revealing new layers of intrigue and tension. The characters are complex and well-developed, each hiding their own secrets and contributing to the overall sense of foreboding.

"The Things We Hide" explores the psychological impact of trauma and the ways in which people cope with their darkest fears. Garbin skillfully portrays the fragility of the human mind and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The plot is intricately woven, with numerous twists and turns that keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have figured out the mystery, Garbin surprises you with another revelation that turns everything on its head. The pacing is impeccable, with a perfect balance of suspense, drama, and psychological depth.

"The Things We Hide" is a stellar thriller that showcases Vanessa Garbin's talent for creating suspenseful and emotionally resonant stories. It is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, creepy tale with a great twist. This novel will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew and you will be eager for more from this talented author.

[M Soh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Folks for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Things We Hide was suspenseful and definitely stoked a lot of anger in me but it wasn’t quite to my tastes as a thriller. As I read I was constantly scrutinizing each event and new character to see if they’d be part of any emerging mysteries in this domestic thriller, which was fun until I got to the point where there seemed to be a lot of potential mysteries but nothing that seemed to be fully formed enough to go anywhere.

The plot focuses around Nadia ,who is struggling to make ends meet as she searches for a job while her husband Matt develops alcoholism as he hopes for a back surgery the couple can’t afford. And Nadia has a stalker who sends her lingerie as a little side plot. When Nadia gets a hot tip she starts at a real estate agency where she is invited to help sell a house that would prevent her eviction for missed rent and pay for Matt’s surgery. FYI throughout this portion of the book Matt is evasive about some online buddies he maybe drinks with and has hidden the eviction notice from Nadia. The unthinkable happens for Nadia and she and Matt move away, money in hand. When we next find Nadia out in the country we find her under the controlling thumb of Matt, struggling with PTSD from the events around the real estate deal and in general creeping herself out. Without giving too much away, Nadia’s stalker appears to come back and she is being warned by a mystery person that someone is out to get her.

No spoiler here - Matt sucks. Matt is absolute trash. The rest is just a bit forced as plot twists that didn’t quite land for me. And while I applaud the author for leaving me with still fairly intense anger at deadbeat Matt, I don’t think that a solid thriller makes, though the suspense at what mystery would emerge was fun for a while.

[Supriya K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: The Things We Hide
Author: Vanessa Garbin
Publisher: The Book Folks
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC copy.

Overview:
Would you keep a secret from your partner? This one you might…

Nadia is desperate. Her husband, Matt, has been off work with a back injury for six months, and if she doesn’t find another job soon, they’ll be out on the street. So, she can’t believe her luck when a chance encounter leads to an interview with Jace, a successful real estate agent. More so when she lands the job.

Not only is Jace kind and considerate, but Nadia can’t quite help feeling an attraction when she looks into his gorgeous brown eyes. And when Jace offers her a share of the commission on a luxury house sale, Nadia thinks her financial woes might be over.

Unfortunately, they have only just begun. Dealing with the rich and powerful, her financial salvation is going to come at a heavy price. And Nadia can ill afford the consequences if her husband discovers what she does to earn it…

My Thoughts:
This book is a short and solid thriller. The storyline is strong, and the characters are well-written. The ending twist caught me off guard and was quite satisfying. Honestly, I truly disliked the protagonist – people like him exist in real life too, which made it even more frustrating. From the beginning, I saw all the red flags, but Nadia seemed either too naïve or too blinded by love to notice. It was aggravating to read, knowing where things were headed and who was playing the villain.

It’s definitely a domestic thriller with a fresh story. However, I felt it needed more gripping moments and a bit of extra punch to really capture hearts. The story lacked something, and I found myself getting bored at times. But, overall, it’s a good domestic thriller you can finish in one sitting.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What was this? It was all over the place in terms of mystery tropes.

We have the:
* down-on-their-luck-and-desperate newly married couple (Nadia and Matt),
* out of work husband drinking to excess (and I kept yelling at Nadia - "hey Matt is trash! He's a bad dude and not worth sticking with and letting him control you!)
* the wife (beautiful of course) job hunting in run-down clothes and accepting free food from restaurant owner taking pity on her,
* which sets up the mysterious job offer for real estate even though she has no experience,
* the very handsome realtor/owner (Jace) with whom she feels a spark of attraction(!),
* oh and toss in a stalker for the wife.

And then Nadia is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to help Jace sell a high priced mansion and she gets half the commission. Oh, but it's not really a buy/sell transaction for the mansion that occurs that weekend. Should she say yes? It's enough money to get Matt his back surgery so gee whiz, what will she do?

I don't know why but I somehow stuck with this book, though I will admit that at the end when things were being detailed like a Murder She Wrote dénouement, gathering everyone together to explain what happened, I was still confused about who did what and why. Lots of head scratchers and motives that left me feeling 🤷‍♀️.

I've been in a reading rut for a while and unfortunately this book didn't help me begin to climb out of it. *sigh*

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with The Book Folks.

This is a standalone domestic thriller set in Australia. I haven't read anything by this author before, but after reading this, I think I would be interested in reading more.

I was taken in by the prologue alone, as I found that quite chilling to read. The protagonist, Nadia, seemed kind and compassionate, and I found her an easy character to empathise with.

As I carried on reading, I had a feeling of uncertainty. I found that there were some characters in particular who intrigued me, mostly because I questioned their intentions. I found myself, in some ways, comparing one character with another, questioning who was trustworthy, and considering what I myself might have chosen, in Nadia's place.

I began to question the choices made by some of the characters, and that only added to my uncertainty. I was emotionally invested, and I was hooked.

This was a gripping thriller with some surprising twists, and very easy to read in one sitting too.

Thank you to The Book Folks, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[mommy_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

" [...] Her time will come.
I’ll take her down slowly. Cruelly.
Put her back in her place, where she belongs. [...]"

I didn't know that when I picked up Vanessa Garbin's novel "The Things We Hide" I would get such an engaging story. Additionally, there are so many great plot twists that your jaw just drops, and your eyes pop out of your head. The ending totally broke me. I still can't get over it.
"The Things We Hide" is a great psychological thriller that will stay in my memory for a long time.
I met Nadia and her husband Matt here. They are in a difficult financial situation. He injured his back and needs surgery to live a decent life and be able to work. Because of this situation, they have debts and are facing eviction. Nadia takes over and goes to work. Will this be her dream job and will her new boss be like in a fairy tale? In addition to her husband's problems, Nadia is struggling with a stalker. Will she ever get rid of him?

I can't tell you the rest of the plot. I will tell you one thing, it will be more dangerous and shocking.
It's worth reading this author's novels.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and The Book Folks for this eCopy to review

"The Things We Hide" is a gripping domestic thriller that delves into the dark secrets and hidden truths of its characters. The story revolves around Nadia, who is struggling to make ends meet when she meets Jace, a kind and considerate real estate agent. She lands a job with him, and things seem to be looking up. However, Jace’s job involves dealing with the rich and powerful, and Nadia soon finds herself in a dangerous situation. As she tries to keep her new job a secret from Matt, the tension builds, and Nadia realizes that her financial salvation comes at a heavy price. The plot twists and turns, revealing shocking secrets and put Nadia and her family in danger.

The Things We Hide explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of hiding the truth. The psychological tension is palpable, and the suspense keeps you guessing until the very end. Garbin’s take on the domestic thriller genre is fresh and engaging, adding layers of meaning to the story.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nadia has nearly given up on finding a job until she is offered a role as a real estate agent. But Nadia is about to learn that if something is too good to be true it normally is.

This was a really short read coming in at just under 200 pages. For a short read it was action packed. The storyline was intriguing, filled with mystery and included some plot twists that I didn’t see coming. When I had an idea of where I thought the story was heading there would be a major plot twist and it would take the story in a completely different direction.

Essentially this is a story about Nadia and the choices she makes that change her life forever. Nadia is struggling and has been for a while. She can't seem to find a job despite applying for whatever role she can. Her husband has been off work for six months due to a back injury which means that Nadia is not only his sole carer but is now the only person that can bring in any income not only for their day to day living but also to pay for an operation which will help her husband. Nadia is really surprised when the real estate role is offered to her especially because she has no experience. It did feel like it was a little too easy because the job just seemed to land in Nadia’s lap and then her boss Jace offers to share his commission. But then things take a sinister turn when she is offered a large sum of money to make a choice which she decides to take. In some ways Nadia was a little naïve when she made the decision because it was a choice that could impact the rest of her life and would mean that she would have to keep a secret from her husband. In some ways when Nadia made the decision she was thinking more about how the end result would help her husband rather than herself. But like many secrets they never stay hidden for long and it’s not only Nadia’s marriage in jeopardy but also her life. In addition to this Nadia is also being stalked by an unknown person. I had a few ideas as to who I thought the stalker was but when all was revealed I was completely wrong.

I have not read any books by this author but I've added their books to my list as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

If you enjoy domestic thrillers then this is one to add to your list.

[Leigh's Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you were on the brink of bankruptcy and homelessness?

I suppose one will only ever find out if they are ever put in that position.

That's what Nadia has to decide when she's offered an opportunity to earn enough money to set her and her husband, Matthew, into a fresh start.

A one-time event causes a chain reaction of tense encounters, which has Nadia uncovering secrets while trying to figure out who is out to get her.

This book is a short page turner that keeps you guessing the whole way through.

I like Nadia. All she wanted to do was do what she could for her husband. To help him get better. Little does she know that things are not what they seem when she gets a new job and has to do something that could ruin her marriage.

The set up to the finale kept me hooked. I really wanted to find out who was behind everything. I kind of figured out who it was, but I didn't figure out their plan.

If you like short page turning thrillers then you'll enjoy this one.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Things We Hide is a short and fast paced thriller. The pacing is constant from beginning to end, keeping me intrigued throughout it all. It was a super easy read that easily grabbed me, I binged it in one sitting as the writing was just super easy flowing. The plot was definitely interesting and unraveled nicely.

The characters were well developed, well written and felt real. They had a lot of personality, they each brought something different to the table. I definitely kept questioning everyone and their intentions. There were a lot of secrets, twists and turns that kept me flipping the pages. Some might have been a little predictable but others left me shocked.

A great palate cleanser short thriller that kept me hooked with a satisfying conclusion. Will definitely be checking out more by this author!

✨️Thank you to @thebookfolks & @vanessagarbin for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short fast paced domestic thriller, I flew through this in one sitting it had me hooked.

Nadia and her husband Matt are struggling to make ends meet when Nadia’s luck suddenly changes and she lands an interview at an estate agents.

Things soon take a dark turn and secrets and being kept. I didn’t know who to trust I was finding everyone suspicious. The tension kept on rising and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen.

The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. If you are looking for a quick and easy read I recommend this one. I’ll certainly be checking out other books by this author.

Thank you to The Book Folks for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.

[Sarai Mulvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, finished in just a few hours.

Nadia is offered a new job that seems to be too good to be true, but hopes that it will be a turning point for her and her husband, Matt, who is unable to work since injuring his back. When her boss, Jace, makes Nadia an offer that she can't say no to financially, it changes her life in many ways.

Very suspenseful but I also found it very predictable. The story also felt very rushed. The character development was lacking and fell flat in my opinion. Still, it was a good, entertaining read.

Thanks to Netgalley, Vanessa Garbin and The Book Folks for an ARC in return for an honest review

[McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Would you keep a secret from your partner? This one you might…”

This was a quick popcorn domestic thriller! It is full of secrets and betrayal and the consequences those bring. You will question everyone.

It is super suspenseful throughout. I did guess a handful of the twists, but that didn’t take away from still being able to enjoy the story. I did wish for more character development. And at times it felt like a lot was going on that wasn’t related; however the ending was very satisfying and tied everything together nicely!

Overall an easy and quick read!

Thank you @the_book_folks for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼

[Amanda D Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. A slow burn, but definitely worth reading. This is my first read of Vanessa Garbin, but it won't be my last.

Writer does a wonderful job at character development and imagery. Plot is engaging and keeps your interest. It's a fairly fast read.

The only reason I gave it 4 stars was some misspelled words and grammatical errors.

Nadia and Matt are on the brink of financial failure when she lands a job at a real estate office. But what started as a simple new job ended up costing Nadia more than she'd bargained for. That's really all I can say without giving the entire book away. It is great! Give it a read.

[Jamie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest surprise for me in this book is that they are not in America. Needing to do sketchy and weird stuff for health care is very much an American thing. Of course here $200,000 would not cover the surgery. No one would ever make that much doing what they all did either. Anyway, wow. I did enjoy this. I just wish our protagonist had enjoyed her um experience a bit more. She deserved to have a good time.

[LoveBooks2119 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short, quick read. There is a story with a subplot and the ending ties both together. However, it was lacking in some character development which affected my ability to be fully engrossed in the story.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Immediately, Matt is a yuck- toxic accuser who makes my skin crawl. I've dated people like this and they're the worst.
Without giving anything away, the twists and turns this book takes you through are wild !
Matt continues to be the unwavering douche until the very end.
This was a great fast-paced read that I finished quickly.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great introduction to Garbin's writing style, The Things We Hide turned out to be. My interest has definitely been piqued in catching up with her back catalogue.

It's a pacey, twisty read and was so easy to devour over several settings. There's a great cast of characters and a banger of a twist that I didn't see coming!

An enjoyable and most entertaining read.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Things We Hide by Vanessa Garbin is a gripping read with secrets, tension, and tough choices. Nadia’s struggles feel real, and her desperation pulls you in. The story starts strong, though some parts slow down, but it keeps you hooked with unexpected twists. Jace adds mystery, and the stakes get higher with each page. The ending is satisfying, making it a great thriller.

[Carol Ueland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty quick read! A wife is being stalked so she and her husband move to his inherited grandmother’s house in the country. Since he’s disabled, the wife finds a job as a realtor in an office run by an extremely handsome man. The story proceeds from here and IMO easy to figure out what happens next.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Things We Hide is an easy read, with lots of action but the plot is too predictable and lacked more work. It felt like the story had bits and pieces from other thrillers I've read and an obvious ending.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.