Secrets in the Sycamores

by Tyler Mosley

Alex Michaelides meets Riley Sager in this multi-layered, twisty debut about the price of family secrets and how, sometimes, those secrets will change the course of who you thought you’d be forever.

When Tate Daniels takes a job in Lost Grove, Virginia, he thinks he’s found the job of a lifetime—care for the town’s elderly owner in her lavish manor while living on-site in her guest cottage rent-free.

Every town has its secrets, however, and it isn’t long before whispers of Lost Grove’s dark past permeate the air. Children in Lost Grove tend to disappear, and the town thinks Tate’s new boss is to blame.

Determined to learn why, Tate digs into the Woodway family’s past, but what he discovers puts an unexpected target on his back. Someone’s been watching him, and the closer he gets to the truth, the more desperate they become.

With his life on the line, Tate must unravel the tangled threads of the town’s history before he, too, becomes a buried secret beneath the sycamore trees.

Genres: Thriller

560 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[MadaLin Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Secrets in the Sycamores by Tyler Mosley✨

The first 25% - A little draggy -this is a little personal opinion-, a bit repetitive...

The last 75% - Everything paid off, making this an easy 5-star for me!

🍿 Compusivley readable after 25%
👉🏻 Engaging and Well Crafted characters, however, I think some relationships happen too fast.
🟠 Great Storyline and Atmosphere (think Southern Gothic Alex Michaelides)
➡️ Everything has a reason - and that was so satisfying-
🌞 My friend wrote it😂😂
➡️ Care Warnings at the very end of this review if you need them!










CW... DV, Language, Sexual Content, Murder (know that in my brain I said this in a transatlantic accent), Medical Procedures, Child Abuse

[Rachel Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was a wild ride. So many twists and turns! I flew through this book, I didn’t even realize it was 600 pages (read it on kindle). The plot was expertly crafted. This is a must-read for thriller lovers.

[Victoria Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Secrets in the Sycamores" is not just a psychological thriller-it's an emotional gauntlet that refuses to let you go from the very first page. As someone who generally approaches novels with a critical eye, I found myself completely surrendered to Mosley's narrative prowess, unable to put the book down until I had devoured every last secret hidden within its pages. What sets this novel apart is Mosley's exceptional ability to dissolve the barrier between reader and story. The narrative doesn't simply unfold before you, it envelops you. Through masterful prose and atmospheric tension, Mosley creates a world so vividly rendered that you don't just read about the characters' experiences; you feel physically present in their reality. This immersive quality speaks to a rare talent that few contemporary thriller writers possess. The characters populating this novel are gloriously complex--at times lovable, at others utterly frustrating. Much like people in real life, they defy simple categorization. I found myself alternately championing and condemning the same characters as their layers were gradually peeled away, revealing deeper motivations and darker impulses. Mosley has created a cast that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. "Secrets In The Sycamores" doesn't just thrill it provokes the entire spectrum of human emotion. From tender moments that warm the heart to shocking betrayals that leave you breathless, this novel refuses to offer emotional sanctuary. The genius of Mosley's writing is in how these emotional highs and lows feel earned rather than manipulative. Each twist emerges organically from the characters' choices, making the emotional impact all the more devastating. Perhaps most refreshing is the novels commitment to emotional truth over fairy-tale resolutions. Mosely refuses to sanitize the messiness of human experience for the sake of comfort. The story unfolds with a raw authenticity that respects readers' intelligence and emotional maturity. There are no convenient happy endings here...only the complicated, sometimes painful truth of human nature laid bare. The carefully structured mystery at the heart of "Secretes In The Sycamores" unfolds with precision timing. Just when you think you've pieced together the puzzle, Mosley introduces new information that forces you to reevaluate everything you thought you knew. The pacing builds to a fever pitch as the novel approaches its conclusion, creating moments where I found myself racing through paragraphs, desperate to discover what happened next. "Secrets In The Sycamores" is that rare thriller that succeeds on multiple levels....as a page-turning mystery, as a character study, and as an exploration of the darker corners of human psychology. Tyler Mosley has crafted a novel of exceptional depth and emotional resonance that transcends the typical constraints of the genre. For readers seeking a psychological thriller that doesn't sacrifice literary merit for cheap thrills, this book is an absolute must-read. It announces Mosley as a formidable talent with a unique voice that deserves widespread recognition.

[Naveen Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, Book had me hooked — the eerie setting of Lost Grove, Virginia, instantly gave off haunted small-town vibes that sent chills down my spine. Tate Daniels arrives thinking he’s landed a dream job, but Author masterfully flips that illusion into a slow-burning nightmare. The first impression? Cinematic and spine-tingling. The plot thickens fast as Tate uncovers the town’s unsettling past, especially the whispered disappearances of children, all seemingly connected to his new employer. What starts as curiosity spirals into obsession — and danger.

The storyline is layered like a classic mystery-thriller but with psychological suspense that reminds me of Alex Michaelides and Riley Sager’s best works. Author’s writing style is rich with atmosphere, tension, and clever pacing. You’ll find yourself double-checking locks and questioning every shadow by the time you’re halfway through. Beneath the thriller, though, lies a powerful message: family secrets can either define us or destroy us — and sometimes both. The themes of identity, trust, and buried trauma resonate deeply as Tate’s search for answers turns inward.

Personally, I couldn’t put this one down. It’s the kind of book that haunts you after the last page — and I mean that in the best way. The twists kept coming, each more chilling than the last. If you love gothic suspense, unsettling towns, and flawed heroes chasing truth through tangled lies, Secrets in the Sycamores is a must-read. In conclusion, Mosley delivers a debut that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking — a dark gem under the sycamore trees. Don’t sleep on this one!

[Amanda Dollar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I want out of a thriller. It was like watching a horror movie where you’re yelling at the protagonist the whole time to make smarter decisions, but glad they’re sticking around for the drama. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time and stayed up way past my bedtime each night having to read just a few more chapters to find out what was next. Every time I thought I had figured something out, there was a twist that proved me wrong and constantly kept me guessing, and finally when everything comes to light and you think it’s all been solved, it gets even crazier.
As this is a debut novel for this author, the prose in the first few chapters did seem bit repetitive, but you can feel the author really fall into his style and get into the flow as the story continues, and everything falls into place seamlessly pretty quickly. A very fun and exciting read.

[Andrea Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📱
Wow! This is not my normal genre, but the author is a friend-of-a-friend and I am always going to support a local author!
I read. A LOT. And this is a really strong book. The “family tree” was quite confusing and I thought he did a great job adding cues to help the reader remember who was who…although I did actually end up writing out the character’s relationships to help my forgetful mind. The whole plot was INSANE and I have no idea how he created all the twists and turns. I am very sensitive to any books that involve the harm or death of children, so please take note of that if that os a hardline for you. For such a dark, suspenseful book, it still ended on a high note of love and healing.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fabulous! Lost Grove has tea to spill and has come to the table, y’all!! The way the characters all intertwined was masterful, the never ending supply of family secrets will keep you turning pages way past your bedtime! Very well written for this first time author, and I am patiently waiting for his next release!

[Sarah McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for thriller fans! With an eerie Southern setting, a gripping mystery, and twists that keep you guessing, this book had me hooked from start to finish. If you love suspenseful page-turners, add this one to your list!

[Morgan Colson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!! If you want a page turning thriller, this is the book for you! There is a cliff hanger at the end of every single chapter that makes this book impossible to put down! Clever story with relatable characters. This definitely needs to be a tv series. 5 stars!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent page turner!

I really liked the main character and the house/cottage setting. I had NO IDEA where the story was heading and was shocked that I could read a 600 page book in 24 hours.

[Brandy Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the stars! I went in thinking this would be a quick and breezy read. I honestly couldn’t put this book down once I started. When I went to sleep, I dreamt of the characters. I haven’t felt this vested in a thriller in such a long time. Bravo to this debut author!

[Katisa Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the time

This was a long one, but kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book! Tyler recommended this book as a Friday the 13th read in the Psychological Thriller book group on Facebook and I must say, it was worth it. I will be looking for more work from this author!!

[Kayleigh Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is GOOD FOR HER.

For real though. If you’re looking for a book about
*Dark Family Secrets
*Unraveling Family Mysteries
* Small town
*Flowers in the attic vibes


Please read this!!

[MISTY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book hands down!!! Full of suspense, twists, and turns - wish there were more books like this bc this was honestly the best one I have read in a very very long time.

[Dyani Jacobo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A happily ever after ending and a little draggy with the reveal of secrets that are over explained.

[Alyssa Heuerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery had me guessing the entire time! Every time I thought I knew what was happening, there was another twist. Super gripping and impossible to put down — definitely recommend if you love a good page-turner!

[Jessica Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing from start to finish!! By the end, the characters felt like my family and I was sad it ended. There are unexpected twists and turns, so it keeps you guessing! I’ve always been a non-fiction reader, but this one made me a fan of fiction again. I hope to watch it on the screen one day because it’s truly that good 💗

[Morgan Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this! It was slammed full of twists and surprises. I loved getting to know each of the characters and I honestly felt like I was a part of their family! This book had me going through every emotion. I wasn’t ready for it to end!

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book Ever

This book was PHENOMENAL!!! I could not put it down and absolutely LOVED it. By far the best book I have read in a while. I absolutely love the mystery and suspense of it all but that it was mixed with some romance. Highly recommend!!!!

[Holly Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! So many twists and turns that are all wrapped up perfectly at the end. It was so descriptive that I felt like I was right in the middle of everything. This is a MUST read!

[Sandra Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

Secret in the Sycamores will keep you guessing until the very end about the time you think you have it figured out here comes more. A definite page turner.

[Thrillerswineandchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 F I V E S T A R F R I D A Y review 🌟 featuring “Secrets in the Sycamores” by Tyler Mosley!

MY RATING: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5

Tate Daniels has dedicated his life to caring for others as a caregiver after growing up with a struggling single mom and an alcoholic dad. His closes the chapter on living in Atlanta to pursue an incredible opportunity in a small town called Lost Grove, Virginia. The town’s elderly owner Berta Woodway is in need of care in exchange for him living in a cottage on the property rent free. This is the change that Tate has been looking for and he packs up his life and makes his way to Lost Grove.

But what Tate doesn’t know is that Lost Grove has a sinister reputation. Children have gone missing over the years and the locals believe that Berta Woodway is to blame for all the disappearances. Tate is warned to turn around and stay far away from Woodway Manor.

Rumours won’t keep Tate away, but his curiosity gets the best of him as he starts to dig deeper into the family history of the Woodways. Tate has NO idea just how dark, convoluted and twisted the history is behind Lost Grove AND the Woodway family. He finds himself in the middle as he desperately seeks out the truth … while putting a target on his own back.

🤯 THIS BOOK!! WTH did I just read?? I can’t even fully put into words how WILD this book is … and I loved every second of it! The Silent Patient meets Norman Bates in this shocking and turbulent dual timeline story! Pay close attention to the family tree and take your time following the bread crumbs of intricate details throughout! What a masterful debut novel and one that I will be thinking about for a long time!

Thank you kindly to @authortylermosley for reaching out to me to read and review his novel! This book is out NOW!

[Adele Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Hatfields and McCoys” meets “Romeo and Juliet,” with a sprinkling of “Succession” thrown in.

Tyler Mosley’s debut novel delivers a fast pace right out of the gate, kaleidoscopic twists and turns, and a fearless portrayal of societal ills—and still manages to illuminate everyman’s mundane self-fears and doubts, cracks in humanity’s integrity, and the eternal nature of love in all its forms. An addictive read.

Secrets in the Sycamores is technically a southern gothic because of the southern setting in a decaying town, the role weather/nature plays, a touch of magical realism, and dealing with the grotesque—in this case serial abductions of children (I won’t tell anymore here so as to not spoil the plot)—and macabre.

Tate Daniel searches for his place in the world, set against the backdrop of a concomitantly told backstory—the saga of a 1920’s high-rolling community as it crumbles into a mysterious ghost town. Berta, the last matron of the founding Woodway family, clandestinely hermits herself in the gated grounds of Woodway’s mansion, concealing secrets. Or is she protecting someone or something else? And can Tate free himself of the magnetic attraction he feels for the place, or will he find courage to brave the storm that’s obviously brewing?

The denouement is one you’ll not want to miss.

[Jessica Spuhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say—what a ride! I’m usually pretty good at figuring things out early in a book, but this one kept me in shock with every reveal. There was so much packed into the story of the Woodway family, and it was written so well that I felt like I had become a part of their world.

I absolutely loved how detailed everything was—enough to paint a vivid picture but not so much that it took away from my own imagination (which I love to lean on while reading). I have a bad habit of skimming books just to catch the important parts, but with this one? I couldn’t skim. And on the rare occasion I did, I found myself going back to reread because I didn’t want to miss anything!

The ending was perfect, even though I didn’t want it to end. I truly hope we get to hear more about the Woodway family and Lost Grove—because I have a feeling there are still more secrets hiding in the sycamores.

Thank you for such an incredible read!

[Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a binge-worthy TV series, Secrets in the Sycamores is nothing short of riveting. The narrative encapsulates you with a plot that unravels in ways unexpected, conjuring up every emotion as you venture into the mystery. It’s an incredible story written from a fresh perspective that you will love.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because of all the 5 star reviews. It seems that I was catfished.. Good luck to you if you decide to read this. That's all I'm going to say because the author did manage to write a book and that's more than I have ever done.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece!!! This book is a must read!

[Amanda Chamblin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a DNF for me, unfortunately. I’ve tried hard multiple times to get through it but the character development is nonexistent, the character dialogue is remedial, and it’s extremely slow moving.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a masterpiece! I absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down! I need more books by Mr. Mosley! 🧡

[Lanie Kins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyler Mosley really brought this story to life in this dark and twisted journey! This book was really well written, very detailed, and full of twists and turns that keep you hooked as the story goes on. At one point I lost sleep because I NEEDED to know what happened next! This story has likeable characters, a southern gothic setting, mystery, and murder. If you're into that kind of thing then this book is definitely for you! There are twists in this story you definitely won't see coming, and I highly recommend taking a chance on this book, this story and this author!