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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!!!! 😘
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!
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 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!
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.
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!
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!
“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.
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. 🖤
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!!
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!!!!!