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Keeping Secrets
2025 Global Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner Thriller- Crime category
The long-awaited standalone sequel to The Lyons Garden Trilogy.
I spent the summer on our family's private island—a place wrapped in beauty, secrets, and silence. The adults acted as if everything was fine, as if the past hadn't touched us. But I knew better. Something did happen. None of us was supposed to talk about it, especially to our parents. Cousin Jimmy told us to keep quiet about what we knew. In return, he broke a silence of his own. Finally, telling us why our parents refuse to go back there. One summer, it changed all of us. Not because of what we said.
But because of what we didn't.
The long-awaited standalone sequel to The Lyons Garden Trilogy.
I spent the summer on our family's private island—a place wrapped in beauty, secrets, and silence. The adults acted as if everything was fine, as if the past hadn't touched us. But I knew better. Something did happen. None of us was supposed to talk about it, especially to our parents. Cousin Jimmy told us to keep quiet about what we knew. In return, he broke a silence of his own. Finally, telling us why our parents refuse to go back there. One summer, it changed all of us. Not because of what we said.
But because of what we didn't.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 6, 2025
Wow! That sums it up. But seriously, page 1, and I knew this would be a thriller I would love.
First book I have read by D.M. Foley and won't be the last.
Secrets always come out, maybe not today or tomorrow, but they do. I normally don't like books with multiple narrators like this one, but the way it's written, I loved it.
6 cousins spending time together, they've never been able to an a family island and found themselves in a situation where they had to come together be there for each other.
In the beginning, the parents have their secrets to keep and
in the end, the younger generation has their own.
First book I have read by D.M. Foley and won't be the last.
Secrets always come out, maybe not today or tomorrow, but they do. I normally don't like books with multiple narrators like this one, but the way it's written, I loved it.
6 cousins spending time together, they've never been able to an a family island and found themselves in a situation where they had to come together be there for each other.
In the beginning, the parents have their secrets to keep and
in the end, the younger generation has their own.
September 8, 2025
I was beyond ecstatic when I found out DM Foley had written a fourth book tied to one of my all-time favorite trilogies. Even better—it’s a stand-alone, so new readers can dive right in, but long-time fans like me get the thrill of returning to Gardiners Island, a place that’s not just fictional… it’s real!!!
*Nestled off the coast of Long Island, New York, Gardiners Island has been privately owned for nearly 400 years, and DM Foley uses its rich, mysterious history as the perfect backdrop for this chilling series.
For the past fifteen going on sixteen years, Gardiners Island’s big 'Welcome to Summer' bash has had a teenage girl go missing, and no one knows who’s behind it. What should be a fun, carefree party turns into something way more sinister.
Her characters feel so real, like you’re right there with them, panicked, confused, and trying to figure out what’s going on while everything around them starts to unravel. DM Foley doesn’t just write about turmoil, she says 'good luck' and throws you right into the middle of it, lol.
“It changed all of us. Not because of what we said. But because of what we didn’t.” That line from the story alone gave me goosebumps—and the book delivers on every ounce of that haunting promise.
DM Foley is a phenomenal writer. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, darkly layered, and utterly addictive.
Keeping Secrets is everything I hoped for and more, a gripping thriller with heart, history, and haunting beauty. It's a reminder of why I fell in love with her storytelling in the first place.
*Wikipedia
*Nestled off the coast of Long Island, New York, Gardiners Island has been privately owned for nearly 400 years, and DM Foley uses its rich, mysterious history as the perfect backdrop for this chilling series.
For the past fifteen going on sixteen years, Gardiners Island’s big 'Welcome to Summer' bash has had a teenage girl go missing, and no one knows who’s behind it. What should be a fun, carefree party turns into something way more sinister.
Her characters feel so real, like you’re right there with them, panicked, confused, and trying to figure out what’s going on while everything around them starts to unravel. DM Foley doesn’t just write about turmoil, she says 'good luck' and throws you right into the middle of it, lol.
“It changed all of us. Not because of what we said. But because of what we didn’t.” That line from the story alone gave me goosebumps—and the book delivers on every ounce of that haunting promise.
DM Foley is a phenomenal writer. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, darkly layered, and utterly addictive.
Keeping Secrets is everything I hoped for and more, a gripping thriller with heart, history, and haunting beauty. It's a reminder of why I fell in love with her storytelling in the first place.
*Wikipedia
April 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I liked all the different characters and the twist at the end about the secret. I have an idea but I want to know more. I didn't know this was a sequel so now I need to go read the first three.
January 30, 2026
This standalone sequel returns to the world of The Lyons Garden Trilogy with a quieter, more unsettling kind of tension. Set against the backdrop of a secluded family island, the story unfolds through memory, silence, and the things left deliberately unspoken. From the start, there’s a strong sense that the real damage wasn’t caused by a single event, but by the collective decision to bury it.
What works especially well is the restrained storytelling. The adults’ refusal to acknowledge the past and the children’s unspoken understanding create an atmosphere thick with unease. Cousin Jimmy’s role as both gatekeeper and truth-teller adds depth, slowly revealing why the island, and what happened there, has been erased from family conversation.
This isn’t a fast or loud story; it’s one that lingers. The emotional impact comes from implication rather than explanation, and from the realization that silence can shape lives just as powerfully as words. A thoughtful, haunting read for anyone drawn to character-driven fiction about memory, family, and the long shadow of unresolved secrets.
What works especially well is the restrained storytelling. The adults’ refusal to acknowledge the past and the children’s unspoken understanding create an atmosphere thick with unease. Cousin Jimmy’s role as both gatekeeper and truth-teller adds depth, slowly revealing why the island, and what happened there, has been erased from family conversation.
This isn’t a fast or loud story; it’s one that lingers. The emotional impact comes from implication rather than explanation, and from the realization that silence can shape lives just as powerfully as words. A thoughtful, haunting read for anyone drawn to character-driven fiction about memory, family, and the long shadow of unresolved secrets.
September 30, 2025
This standalone sequel to The Lyons Garden Triology was everything! And that is coming from someone who just discovered this author and has not read the trilogy. You dont need to read the trilogy first in order to read this one but I promise once you finish it, you will be running to read it lol. As im doing now. The author was able to describe everything so well. There is multiple POV but the flow is great and its easy to follow along through the POV switch. Secrets of the past will never stay buried forever. Thrilling, suspenseful and had me holding my breath right along with the characters!
April 28, 2026
A beautiful Secluded Island owned by a very prominent family. The once a year gala party Every one wants to be invited too.
So does a Killer. Over a dozen bodies missing, one young girl a year.
Family secrets taint these pages and the chapters flow in action as young cousins ride the island in quads, explore, fish and have a summer of their lives they will never, ever forget.
Sammy questions the past, photos missing, why her parents refuse to set back foot on this island that speaks of lavish and beautiful living…
Layers of questions weave with the twists and turns of this intriguing and exceptional read.
Highly recommended for suspense and darkness.
So does a Killer. Over a dozen bodies missing, one young girl a year.
Family secrets taint these pages and the chapters flow in action as young cousins ride the island in quads, explore, fish and have a summer of their lives they will never, ever forget.
Sammy questions the past, photos missing, why her parents refuse to set back foot on this island that speaks of lavish and beautiful living…
Layers of questions weave with the twists and turns of this intriguing and exceptional read.
Highly recommended for suspense and darkness.
September 12, 2025
I can say I don’t leave many 5 star reviews - but I think this one deserves it. I loved this book. A family of secrets, island of secrets, and a party, this book hand about of intrigue, mystery, and a few guesses who the bad guy was. It should be noted, even if you do figure it out - keep reading there is more!
I will note I did not read The Lyon’s Garden Trilogy first, and maybe I should have but I can say: I will now.
I will note I did not read The Lyon’s Garden Trilogy first, and maybe I should have but I can say: I will now.
September 11, 2025
Really good!!!!!!! I didn’t guess the twist at all which is what I want from the books I read. This was the first book from this author and it was an ARC to boot. Plus, my name made it in her thanks to her readers!!!! 🤯 I LOVED THAT!!!!! Took screenshots for proof! 😜 Looking forward to reading more from this author!! Thanks for choosing me to read your book!!!!! 😘
August 25, 2025
Loved this book! Great characters! I got to them quite well. I could not put this book down, I was hooked from page 1! It was a fantastic journey from Ireland to the US and Gardiners Island, one I think you should take! Sammy and her siblings are finally going to spend the summer with their cousins on the island they never thought they would get to see! Everyone is excited! After they arrive they start to dig into the secrets of the family! Join them you won’t be disappointed! 4 1/2 stars!
September 13, 2025
This book was a great read. I haven't read any of the other books by this author yet but I plan to due to this book!
I felt like I was on the island with them trying to figure things out. I recommend it
I felt like I was on the island with them trying to figure things out. I recommend it
September 14, 2025
This book was so good! From the first chapter, I was left in suspense throughout the entire book. Three teens get the opportunity to visit their cousins on family property; property that their parents have never allowed them to visit before due to some secret that happened in the past. When the stars align, the three teens get to visit this property and their family....only to find danger is lurking nearby.
This book had many narrators and was still such a cohesive story and well told. It was actually really impressive. There was so much suspense throughout the book and it's one of those that you want to read in one sitting because it's so good. My only complaint is there were a lot of errors, otherwise this would have been 5 stars.
The ending was pretty unexpected. I knew the culprit because there was one sentence that gave it away but even knowing, the ending was still different than I expected. The characters are dynamic and each had their own piece to add to the story. A really good read. So many back stories and current storylines that kept me entertained the entire time. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had many narrators and was still such a cohesive story and well told. It was actually really impressive. There was so much suspense throughout the book and it's one of those that you want to read in one sitting because it's so good. My only complaint is there were a lot of errors, otherwise this would have been 5 stars.
The ending was pretty unexpected. I knew the culprit because there was one sentence that gave it away but even knowing, the ending was still different than I expected. The characters are dynamic and each had their own piece to add to the story. A really good read. So many back stories and current storylines that kept me entertained the entire time. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
This book had me hooked. I didn't know that it was a sequel to a series. I wish that I had read the others.
The only thing that threw me is that I was hanging on trying to figure out what the parents were hiding through the whole book and I was so disappointed to never find out what it was! I felt like I was drooling over a steak and then dropped it on the ground. I'm too nosey!
The only thing that threw me is that I was hanging on trying to figure out what the parents were hiding through the whole book and I was so disappointed to never find out what it was! I felt like I was drooling over a steak and then dropped it on the ground. I'm too nosey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
This is beautifully written and hauntingly atmospheric. The private island setting pulled me right in, and the layers of mystery and silence kept me turning the pages. A story about family, secrets, and the weight of what’s left unsaid—this one lingers long after you finish!
September 1, 2025
Wonderful read! The story line was intriguing and kept me reading the book all day. Finished within a few hours! Many references from previous books that make me want to reread them again.
April 23, 2026
This book sucked me in right from the start. I read the first half on the first day. Sometimes books with lots of characters narrating are hard to follow, but not this one. I read as a standalone and it was great. Now excuse me as I rewind and get book 1.
April 28, 2026
Really well written. Thoroughly enjoyable
Finished ✅
Keeping Secrets by D.M Foley is one of the 32 books 📚 of this fabulous 2026 melee that is taking place over on Psychological Thrillers Book Club facebook page.
When three siblings from Dublin are sent to Gardiners Island in America, they try to find out why their own parents kept secrets about the place, and never wanted to step foot on it again.
Staying with their cousin Jimmy, his wife and children, Samantha, Davina and Richard explore their family’s private island, discovering a few things that do not make sense and events that happen which they too, have to keep secret.
The book is very fast paced, always making you wonder what secrets are hidden from years ago, and who the person is responsible for kidnapping teenage girls every year when Jimmy’s family hold a festival on the Island.
It’s gripping, a whodunnit story, and brilliantly written from every characters POV.
Definitely a 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟from me.
This competition is so intense and I know D.M. Foley - Author Page’s book is a hard one to beat 🤓
Finished ✅
Keeping Secrets by D.M Foley is one of the 32 books 📚 of this fabulous 2026 melee that is taking place over on Psychological Thrillers Book Club facebook page.
When three siblings from Dublin are sent to Gardiners Island in America, they try to find out why their own parents kept secrets about the place, and never wanted to step foot on it again.
Staying with their cousin Jimmy, his wife and children, Samantha, Davina and Richard explore their family’s private island, discovering a few things that do not make sense and events that happen which they too, have to keep secret.
The book is very fast paced, always making you wonder what secrets are hidden from years ago, and who the person is responsible for kidnapping teenage girls every year when Jimmy’s family hold a festival on the Island.
It’s gripping, a whodunnit story, and brilliantly written from every characters POV.
Definitely a 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟from me.
This competition is so intense and I know D.M. Foley - Author Page’s book is a hard one to beat 🤓
April 12, 2026
Haunting atmosphere with deep family secrets. Kept turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what happened. Definitely will be reading the rest of this series.
May 17, 2026
Wow! I cannot wait to read more
September 7, 2025
Great book! I enjoyed getting to know the characters through their POV. The suspense kept me reading and I was able to finish in two sittings. The Lyons Garden Series is a must read for me now!
March 31, 2026
This book begins with a warning, that if you havn't read the Lyon's Garden trilogy beforehand, you don't need to, but it will make you want to.
I did not realise just how accurate that warning would be.
Foley has a way of dragging you right into the story and tension, hooking you from page one and keeping you going till the very end.
This is an Indie Melee contender, and honestly, if it doesn't go far, I will be shocked!
Read it, love it, review it!
I did not realise just how accurate that warning would be.
Foley has a way of dragging you right into the story and tension, hooking you from page one and keeping you going till the very end.
This is an Indie Melee contender, and honestly, if it doesn't go far, I will be shocked!
Read it, love it, review it!
September 30, 2025
I like that this book was in first person, even though there were multiple POVs. It made each person's story feel more authentic and made the story flow so well.
Samantha's chapter at the very beginning drew me right in and was a great start for the book. I also loved Reed's story and "Captive's" story. I was excited to see how their story lines would join with the main story line.
Such a good, well-written book. Highly recommend. A solid 5 stars from me!
Samantha's chapter at the very beginning drew me right in and was a great start for the book. I also loved Reed's story and "Captive's" story. I was excited to see how their story lines would join with the main story line.
Such a good, well-written book. Highly recommend. A solid 5 stars from me!
September 30, 2025
“Keeping Secrets” by D.M. Foley is a gripping sequel to the Lyons Garden Trilogy that had me on edge from start to finish. The tension and suspense were unreal—I caught myself holding my breath more than once. Packed with secrets and lies that refuse to stay buried, the story shows how new secrets come about when old ones come to light. Foley delivers an addictive read that proves the past never stays hidden for long.
October 6, 2025
Y’all… D.M. Foley delivered big time with this standalone sequel to The Lyons Garden Trilogy. A private island wrapped in sunshine and secrets? Yes, please—and also no thanks, I’ll pass on the nightmares. 😳
The plot simmers with what’s unsaid—kids shouldering truths their parents refuse to face, Cousin Jimmy finally breaking his silence, and dread thick enough to taste. Foley’s characters are raw, layered, and unforgettable, every pause louder than a scream.
And the writing? Lush, razor-sharp, and soaked in atmosphere. You can feel the sticky summer air, hear the creak of the dock, and smell the danger seeping through every page. 👻
Smart, spooky, and impossible to shake—this book doesn’t whisper, it haunts. 🖤
The plot simmers with what’s unsaid—kids shouldering truths their parents refuse to face, Cousin Jimmy finally breaking his silence, and dread thick enough to taste. Foley’s characters are raw, layered, and unforgettable, every pause louder than a scream.
And the writing? Lush, razor-sharp, and soaked in atmosphere. You can feel the sticky summer air, hear the creak of the dock, and smell the danger seeping through every page. 👻
Smart, spooky, and impossible to shake—this book doesn’t whisper, it haunts. 🖤
March 24, 2026
A family of secrets, ones you don't speak because sometimes things are better left unsaid.
This story draws you in digging for the truth. Hoping that the quiet will clue you in to the dark that lingers in the shadows. The island may be beautiful but there is something waiting to be unearthed. It takes just one single second for everything to change. A moment you can't take back. A nightmare that clings to generations before and to come.
This story draws you in digging for the truth. Hoping that the quiet will clue you in to the dark that lingers in the shadows. The island may be beautiful but there is something waiting to be unearthed. It takes just one single second for everything to change. A moment you can't take back. A nightmare that clings to generations before and to come.
September 2, 2025
Once again I had to finish this book in a day !! The need to know always grips me with this author. I definitely recommend this book, and although you don’t need to read the previous 3 to this stand alone sequel, it really makes a great story when you combine them all!! I would love to see this series in movie format!!
September 29, 2025
This is my absolute favorite book by D.M. Foley!!! I couldn’t put it down, but I also didn’t want the book to end. I love multi POV books and this one was executed perfectly! The suspense and not knowing what was going to happen next had me hooked the whole way through. Highly recommend reading this book!!!!!
December 23, 2025
Quite a lovely read.
April 29, 2026
Rounding up from a 3.5 star. I didn't realize this was a sequel to a series so I felt a little left in the dark in the end, like the author was keeping secrets. This is not fault of the author so I will be reading the original series to see if I can clear up some of my questions on the past.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews