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Burning Secrets
Not yet published
Expected 3 Jun 26The BRAND NEW creepy, gripping, twist-filled read from Michelle Dunne 'A compelling page turner... what a rollercoaster read.' bestselling author Liz Nugent
'Fresh and original with an unforgettable voice and a propulsive plot' Sunday Times bestselling author Andrea Mara
‘Wow. From the first page to the last. Wow.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘This fast-paced, emotional novel had me in its grips from the beginning. I couldn't put it down!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wowza! This book was like driving a race car you were careening along super fast and banking corners going way too fast. I loved every second of it.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I could not put this book down! I was hooked after the first paragraph… It is suspenseful and tragic. My heart broke multiple times for so many reasons.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wow I don't even know where to begin with this book! It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. The twists were crazy, I wasn't expecting the ending. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions being a mother myself.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'Fresh and original with an unforgettable voice and a propulsive plot' Sunday Times bestselling author Andrea Mara
‘Wow. From the first page to the last. Wow.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘This fast-paced, emotional novel had me in its grips from the beginning. I couldn't put it down!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wowza! This book was like driving a race car you were careening along super fast and banking corners going way too fast. I loved every second of it.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I could not put this book down! I was hooked after the first paragraph… It is suspenseful and tragic. My heart broke multiple times for so many reasons.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wow I don't even know where to begin with this book! It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. The twists were crazy, I wasn't expecting the ending. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions being a mother myself.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 3, 2026
About the author
Michelle Dunne
10 books167 followersMichelle Dunne is the bestselling author of psychological thrillers /horror suspense & domestic noir set in Ireland.
Readers love the unique characters that drive her tightly plotted stories, which are often described as dark, twisty and suspensful. Perfect for fans of John Marrs, Jason Rekulak and Frieda McFadden. They include The Good Girl and The Imaginary Friend and A Good Mother. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have been optioned for television.
Michelle is also the founder and organiser of the Spike Island Literary Festival as well as working on Dublin’s International crime festival, Murder One.
Readers love the unique characters that drive her tightly plotted stories, which are often described as dark, twisty and suspensful. Perfect for fans of John Marrs, Jason Rekulak and Frieda McFadden. They include The Good Girl and The Imaginary Friend and A Good Mother. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have been optioned for television.
Michelle is also the founder and organiser of the Spike Island Literary Festival as well as working on Dublin’s International crime festival, Murder One.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 7, 2026DNF. After loving The Good Girl and giving it a 5⭐️ rating, I’m absolutely devastated that I couldn’t get on with this one. I got 30% in and I just wasn’t remotely interested in the story or the characters.
May 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Burning Secrets. This is one of those books that quietly gets under your skin and stays there long after you finish it.
Michelle Dunne has such an instinctive understanding of generational trauma and the way pain moves through families, often without anyone fully acknowledging it. The emotional weight of this story feels incredibly real, not through dramatic moments alone, but through the small details of everyday family life. The things left unsaid carry just as much impact as the arguments and confrontations.
The novel explores mental health, grief, shame and inherited patterns of behaviour in a way that feels raw and honest rather than forced. Relationships between parents and children are messy and complicated, shaped by years of misunderstanding, silence and emotional wounds that never properly healed. At times it is uncomfortable because it feels so recognisable.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Nobody is written as entirely right or wrong. They are flawed, damaged and trying, often unsuccessfully, to love each other in the only ways they know how. That complexity gives the story its power.
Dunne’s writing is beautifully controlled throughout. There is no unnecessary melodrama, yet the emotion lands hard because of how authentic it feels. The tension builds steadily, but this is much more than just a domestic drama or family mystery. It is a thoughtful exploration of trauma, memory and the long shadow both can cast across generations.
An emotional, intelligent and deeply human read. Easily five stars for me.
Michelle Dunne has such an instinctive understanding of generational trauma and the way pain moves through families, often without anyone fully acknowledging it. The emotional weight of this story feels incredibly real, not through dramatic moments alone, but through the small details of everyday family life. The things left unsaid carry just as much impact as the arguments and confrontations.
The novel explores mental health, grief, shame and inherited patterns of behaviour in a way that feels raw and honest rather than forced. Relationships between parents and children are messy and complicated, shaped by years of misunderstanding, silence and emotional wounds that never properly healed. At times it is uncomfortable because it feels so recognisable.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Nobody is written as entirely right or wrong. They are flawed, damaged and trying, often unsuccessfully, to love each other in the only ways they know how. That complexity gives the story its power.
Dunne’s writing is beautifully controlled throughout. There is no unnecessary melodrama, yet the emotion lands hard because of how authentic it feels. The tension builds steadily, but this is much more than just a domestic drama or family mystery. It is a thoughtful exploration of trauma, memory and the long shadow both can cast across generations.
An emotional, intelligent and deeply human read. Easily five stars for me.
May 31, 2026
This is a multi-POV thriller focusing on Sadie, her brother, and those around her who believe she is mentally unstable following the death of her parents.
The unreliable narrator aspect left me confused initially, and I found the first half of the book slower but once I was in, I was all in.
The story follows Sadie as she believes she holds the key to solving a local investigation. However, with her troubled background it is difficult to know whether she can be trusted when in Sadies world the line between reality and delusion is constantly blurred.
What follows is a slow-burn, tension-filled thriller that focuses more on family trauma and relationships than fast-paced action. As the story progressed, I became increasingly invested, and the unsettling atmosphere steadily built the suspense throughout. It is a character- driven mystery with a lot of twists that kept me glued to the pages throughout!
The unreliable narrator aspect left me confused initially, and I found the first half of the book slower but once I was in, I was all in.
The story follows Sadie as she believes she holds the key to solving a local investigation. However, with her troubled background it is difficult to know whether she can be trusted when in Sadies world the line between reality and delusion is constantly blurred.
What follows is a slow-burn, tension-filled thriller that focuses more on family trauma and relationships than fast-paced action. As the story progressed, I became increasingly invested, and the unsettling atmosphere steadily built the suspense throughout. It is a character- driven mystery with a lot of twists that kept me glued to the pages throughout!
May 13, 2026
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunn, James is a police officer in the little Irish town where him and his sister Sadie live in despite his troublesome start with drugs and running away he now tries to keep an eye on his sister who most people think it’s a little bit thrown off she sees what she calls demons that come in different colors red for really bad and then orange and green They’re not so bad and for some reason she’s obsessed with her brother James is red demon it will not touch anything he touches including the food he cooks. During the day she goes to volunteer at a homeless shelter for troubled youth but it seems lately starting with Simon men have gone missing from there. Sadie doesn’t talk to anyone but she does talk to Miss Myra across the street in their little cul-de-sac where they live and think she is a kind woman but for some reason she doesn’t like Debbie which is OK because Debbie doesn’t like her much either. There’s other people in their cul-de-sac like Libby their counselor but it’s the guys that are missing that draw most people’s attention but why is Sadie so concerned with what James is doing in his shed out back? Where are these guys that are missing? When these questions are answered that it will also unveil secrets they didn’t know about Sadie and James who seemed to always be on the gossip vine because it wasn’t long ago when their dad killed their mom leaving Sadie in the house alone. Is James really killing these boys or is that just more gossip for the peanut gallery? I really love this author’s books and although I wasn’t the biggest fan of Imaginary Friend, it looks like with the latest addition she’s getting back to the book I’d love. This was a really great book it’s so twisted and complex I do want to say I did not at all like Debbie she just gave me this I don’t know something about her either way to each their own this is a great book if you are in a great domestic thrillers then you will absolutely love this one I wasn’t gaga over the ending but it was still pretty good. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
May 18, 2026
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I’ve enjoyed Michelle’s other ones. Sometimes, some stories simply don’t resonate with me.
This is definitely a domestic thriller. I found the beginning a bit slow, but it definitely picks up as it progresses.
Sadie is a woman who sees demons in everyone, and they have specific colours that are the worst. Her brother, James, is her protector. Years before, their parents died at her father’s hands, or so the story goes. Sadie has always struggled with mental health issues, and James tries to shield her from the world. She tries to talk to people at the shelter she volunteers at, but no one wants to listen. They all understand her struggles but tend to avoid her. However, when a few men go missing from the shelter, they suddenly take notice of Sadie.
I found the author’s way of explaining Sadie’s health concerns to be very authentic.
However, I found the story to be quite predictable, and the characters, other than Sadie, were very one-dimensional.
Despite these flaws, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a domestic thriller and is looking for an interesting story.
This is definitely a domestic thriller. I found the beginning a bit slow, but it definitely picks up as it progresses.
Sadie is a woman who sees demons in everyone, and they have specific colours that are the worst. Her brother, James, is her protector. Years before, their parents died at her father’s hands, or so the story goes. Sadie has always struggled with mental health issues, and James tries to shield her from the world. She tries to talk to people at the shelter she volunteers at, but no one wants to listen. They all understand her struggles but tend to avoid her. However, when a few men go missing from the shelter, they suddenly take notice of Sadie.
I found the author’s way of explaining Sadie’s health concerns to be very authentic.
However, I found the story to be quite predictable, and the characters, other than Sadie, were very one-dimensional.
Despite these flaws, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a domestic thriller and is looking for an interesting story.
May 13, 2026
My first book by @michelledunneauthor was The Hotel Maid and I was hooked. Burning Secrets is expected to release on June 3, 2026 and it’s a dark one. The atmosphere is tense and it’s difficult to know who is telling the truth. The ending definitely surprised me. Thank you @boldwoodbooks for an early digital copy. Publication date is June 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Burning Secrets
~Michelle Dunne
Sometimes the demons you fear the most aren’t the ones inside you, but the ones standing right in front of you.
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne is a slow-burn psychological thriller that traps you inside a nightmare you can’t wake from. Deeply rooted in familial trauma, it begins quietly, almost deceptively so, before tightening its grip and pulling you into a suffocating spiral of paranoia, grief, and psychological unrest that becomes impossible to put down.
Siblings James and Sadie Kingston survived the horror of losing their parents at a young age. What police ruled a murder-suicide shattered Sadie’s grasp on reality, leaving her teetering on the edge of sanity for years afterward. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD following a stay in a psychiatric hospital, Sadie begins seeing demons in people - not metaphorical demons, but physical auras she believes cling to those around her. Each is color-coded according to its level of danger. The brightest and most terrifying color surrounds her brother James: red, representing uncontrollable rage. Yet James is also a highly respected Garda officer and Sadie’s steadfast caretaker, devoting his life to protecting the sister everyone else believes is broken.
As Sadie struggles to maintain some semblance of stability, she follows the routines James has carefully constructed for her: taking her medication, volunteering at the community food kitchen. But what isn't part of his plan is her attempting to warn others about the dangers she believes surround them. At the kitchen, she finds brief moments of comfort and connection among people society often overlooks. But when Ian - her newest potato-peeling companion - suddenly disappears, the fragile balance she’s built begins to collapse. No matter who she turns to or what she says, every concern is dismissed as another symptom of her mental illness.
Feeling abandoned by the justice system and ignored by those around her, Sadie becomes convinced she must take matters into her own hands to protect others. But is she truly seeing evil hidden beneath the surface of ordinary people? Or has her trauma transformed her into the very danger everyone fears?
The character work here is exceptional - and difficult to discuss without revealing too much. Sadie is written as both deeply unreliable and painfully sincere. Her PTSD, nightmares, violent episodes, and fractured perception of reality are portrayed with raw authenticity that makes her both unsettling and heartbreakingly human. James is equally compelling: overprotective, grief-stricken, and burdened by responsibility, yet still viewed as an honorable Garda officer and pillar of the community. Even in his moments of vulnerability, there’s an emotional realism that makes him impossible to dismiss as either wholly good or wholly suspect. Every character reflects a different response to Sadie’s diagnoses - pity, fear, frustration, exhaustion, love - and beneath it all lies a quiet, stubborn humanity as each struggles with their own moral choices.
Dunne fully commits to the slow-burn structure, layering the novel with psychological depth and emotional texture as she carefully builds its foundation. Once the story accelerates, the tension detonates with startling force. The pacing in the final stretch becomes frantic and almost claustrophobic, amplifying both the emotional and physical stakes until the story reaches its devastating conclusion. And even then, the unease lingers long after the final page.
For everything that unfolds, the atmosphere is never reliant on gore or shock value. Instead, Dunne crafts an intimate psychological horror through manipulation, uncertainty, and misdirection. The tension remains tight and controlled throughout, while the dialogue carries an authentic Irish cadence that adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. By the final act, trauma itself becomes the engine driving the plot, rendered with lean yet cinematic detail that makes every revelation hit even harder.
Burning Secrets is the kind of slow-burn thriller that begins as a haunting exploration of trauma and mental illness before evolving into a searing portrait of family loyalty, moral blindness, and the devastating consequences of unresolved grief. It’s the type of story that demands a second read, not because you missed something, but because the emotional and psychological layers shift once you know the truth hiding beneath the surface.
Available for Pre-Order now on Amazon, releasing June 3, 2026.
Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Bloodhound Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC Burning Secrets. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Michelle Dunne
Sometimes the demons you fear the most aren’t the ones inside you, but the ones standing right in front of you.
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne is a slow-burn psychological thriller that traps you inside a nightmare you can’t wake from. Deeply rooted in familial trauma, it begins quietly, almost deceptively so, before tightening its grip and pulling you into a suffocating spiral of paranoia, grief, and psychological unrest that becomes impossible to put down.
Siblings James and Sadie Kingston survived the horror of losing their parents at a young age. What police ruled a murder-suicide shattered Sadie’s grasp on reality, leaving her teetering on the edge of sanity for years afterward. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD following a stay in a psychiatric hospital, Sadie begins seeing demons in people - not metaphorical demons, but physical auras she believes cling to those around her. Each is color-coded according to its level of danger. The brightest and most terrifying color surrounds her brother James: red, representing uncontrollable rage. Yet James is also a highly respected Garda officer and Sadie’s steadfast caretaker, devoting his life to protecting the sister everyone else believes is broken.
As Sadie struggles to maintain some semblance of stability, she follows the routines James has carefully constructed for her: taking her medication, volunteering at the community food kitchen. But what isn't part of his plan is her attempting to warn others about the dangers she believes surround them. At the kitchen, she finds brief moments of comfort and connection among people society often overlooks. But when Ian - her newest potato-peeling companion - suddenly disappears, the fragile balance she’s built begins to collapse. No matter who she turns to or what she says, every concern is dismissed as another symptom of her mental illness.
Feeling abandoned by the justice system and ignored by those around her, Sadie becomes convinced she must take matters into her own hands to protect others. But is she truly seeing evil hidden beneath the surface of ordinary people? Or has her trauma transformed her into the very danger everyone fears?
The character work here is exceptional - and difficult to discuss without revealing too much. Sadie is written as both deeply unreliable and painfully sincere. Her PTSD, nightmares, violent episodes, and fractured perception of reality are portrayed with raw authenticity that makes her both unsettling and heartbreakingly human. James is equally compelling: overprotective, grief-stricken, and burdened by responsibility, yet still viewed as an honorable Garda officer and pillar of the community. Even in his moments of vulnerability, there’s an emotional realism that makes him impossible to dismiss as either wholly good or wholly suspect. Every character reflects a different response to Sadie’s diagnoses - pity, fear, frustration, exhaustion, love - and beneath it all lies a quiet, stubborn humanity as each struggles with their own moral choices.
Dunne fully commits to the slow-burn structure, layering the novel with psychological depth and emotional texture as she carefully builds its foundation. Once the story accelerates, the tension detonates with startling force. The pacing in the final stretch becomes frantic and almost claustrophobic, amplifying both the emotional and physical stakes until the story reaches its devastating conclusion. And even then, the unease lingers long after the final page.
For everything that unfolds, the atmosphere is never reliant on gore or shock value. Instead, Dunne crafts an intimate psychological horror through manipulation, uncertainty, and misdirection. The tension remains tight and controlled throughout, while the dialogue carries an authentic Irish cadence that adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. By the final act, trauma itself becomes the engine driving the plot, rendered with lean yet cinematic detail that makes every revelation hit even harder.
Burning Secrets is the kind of slow-burn thriller that begins as a haunting exploration of trauma and mental illness before evolving into a searing portrait of family loyalty, moral blindness, and the devastating consequences of unresolved grief. It’s the type of story that demands a second read, not because you missed something, but because the emotional and psychological layers shift once you know the truth hiding beneath the surface.
Available for Pre-Order now on Amazon, releasing June 3, 2026.
Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Bloodhound Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC Burning Secrets. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Michelle Dunne for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Summary
When a devastating fire leaves tragedy in its wake, secrets begin to unravel and long buried truths refuse to stay hidden. As the story unfolds, the lives connected to the fire become tangled in deception, heartbreak, and the consequences of choices made in the past.
💭 My Review
Burning Secrets was a solid read for me, but unfortunately it never fully reached the level I was hoping for. The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and I was expecting a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller. While there were definitely some intriguing moments along the way, I found the pacing slower than I expected, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.
One thing I did appreciate was how realistically Michelle Dunne portrayed Sadie's mental health struggles. Those sections felt authentic and believable, and I found myself connecting with those parts of the story more than anything else. The emotional impact of her experiences came across naturally, and I thought the author handled those elements with care.
For me, the biggest issue was that many of the twists felt predictable. I started putting pieces together fairly early, and because of that, some of the reveals didn't have the shock factor I was hoping for. I also struggled to connect deeply with the characters. While I understood their roles in the story, I never felt fully invested in them emotionally, which made it harder for the tension to land the way I wanted it to.
That being said, I can absolutely see why this book will work for many readers. The story tackles difficult situations, family dynamics, secrets, and emotional consequences in a way that will resonate with a lot of people. Even though it wasn't a standout read for me personally, there were still moments that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy slower-burn suspense, family secrets, and emotionally driven mysteries. While it didn't completely work for me due to the pacing and predictability, I think many readers will appreciate the emotional elements and the way the author explores the impact of trauma and hidden truths.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Michelle Dunne for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Summary
When a devastating fire leaves tragedy in its wake, secrets begin to unravel and long buried truths refuse to stay hidden. As the story unfolds, the lives connected to the fire become tangled in deception, heartbreak, and the consequences of choices made in the past.
💭 My Review
Burning Secrets was a solid read for me, but unfortunately it never fully reached the level I was hoping for. The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and I was expecting a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller. While there were definitely some intriguing moments along the way, I found the pacing slower than I expected, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.
One thing I did appreciate was how realistically Michelle Dunne portrayed Sadie's mental health struggles. Those sections felt authentic and believable, and I found myself connecting with those parts of the story more than anything else. The emotional impact of her experiences came across naturally, and I thought the author handled those elements with care.
For me, the biggest issue was that many of the twists felt predictable. I started putting pieces together fairly early, and because of that, some of the reveals didn't have the shock factor I was hoping for. I also struggled to connect deeply with the characters. While I understood their roles in the story, I never felt fully invested in them emotionally, which made it harder for the tension to land the way I wanted it to.
That being said, I can absolutely see why this book will work for many readers. The story tackles difficult situations, family dynamics, secrets, and emotional consequences in a way that will resonate with a lot of people. Even though it wasn't a standout read for me personally, there were still moments that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy slower-burn suspense, family secrets, and emotionally driven mysteries. While it didn't completely work for me due to the pacing and predictability, I think many readers will appreciate the emotional elements and the way the author explores the impact of trauma and hidden truths.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my third read by Michelle Dunne, thanks to Netgalley for another nail biting read!
Michelle Dunne's writing is very eerie, atmostpheric and unique is what i would say especially the story lines. Sadie is very different she see's peoples aura's and to be fair its a bit scary in that aspect, as a reader i found myself a bit mesmerised by her strangeness, we meet her brother James who is the caregiver. They have had a traumatic childhood to say the least! And if you wanting a happy storyline with normal upbringing then this book isnt for you as people literally wear their scars on the outside, some heal and some well they carry it round with them.
The story works between mainly Sadie and James, and you become to feel sorry for Sadie with her episodes and people just take pity on her and label her as the crazy one. James is exhausted as a caregiver , he has given his life up for Sadie, we do meet the friendly neighbours who again take pity on James and Sadie. I could never really tell where this storyline would end up you know as a reader its going to have some real history attached to it.
We meet the inner voice for Sadie which is very manic but almost logical and normal at times. She really doesnt trust James but as you dont get the full picture as the reader. James plays a blinding character literally , i dont want to say anymore. Theres some hard hitting scenes in this book its quite raw at points for Sadie. It will make you cherish your upbringing and make you realise how normal life can be refreshing as not all people have that, Sadie and James dont have the same memories and love.
This is a chilling slow burn book and then bam in the last few chapters you cant turn the pages quick enough, the ending seems to arrive so fast. The twists and turns in the last part i literally felt anxious to turn the pages. I must say Michelle does work wonders with each books she writes as they are very character driven and extremely complex. Dull and ordinary characters do not apply , and same can be said for the overall story.
Michelle Dunne's writing is very eerie, atmostpheric and unique is what i would say especially the story lines. Sadie is very different she see's peoples aura's and to be fair its a bit scary in that aspect, as a reader i found myself a bit mesmerised by her strangeness, we meet her brother James who is the caregiver. They have had a traumatic childhood to say the least! And if you wanting a happy storyline with normal upbringing then this book isnt for you as people literally wear their scars on the outside, some heal and some well they carry it round with them.
The story works between mainly Sadie and James, and you become to feel sorry for Sadie with her episodes and people just take pity on her and label her as the crazy one. James is exhausted as a caregiver , he has given his life up for Sadie, we do meet the friendly neighbours who again take pity on James and Sadie. I could never really tell where this storyline would end up you know as a reader its going to have some real history attached to it.
We meet the inner voice for Sadie which is very manic but almost logical and normal at times. She really doesnt trust James but as you dont get the full picture as the reader. James plays a blinding character literally , i dont want to say anymore. Theres some hard hitting scenes in this book its quite raw at points for Sadie. It will make you cherish your upbringing and make you realise how normal life can be refreshing as not all people have that, Sadie and James dont have the same memories and love.
This is a chilling slow burn book and then bam in the last few chapters you cant turn the pages quick enough, the ending seems to arrive so fast. The twists and turns in the last part i literally felt anxious to turn the pages. I must say Michelle does work wonders with each books she writes as they are very character driven and extremely complex. Dull and ordinary characters do not apply , and same can be said for the overall story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne gets 4 stars from me because even though I figured out a lot of the twists early on, I still couldn’t stop reading. It’s the literary equivalent of watching a slow-motion car crash driven entirely by terrible people making awful decisions and somehow believing they’re the victims.
The atmosphere is incredibly tense, dark, and unsettling, and Dunne absolutely knows how to keep the pages turning. Even when the plot became predictable, I was still fully invested because I needed to see how everything would implode. And implode it did.
What really stood out to me was the nonstop parade of horrible characters mistreating, manipulating, gaslighting, and generally bulldozing everyone around them. Seriously, this book could’ve been titled Consequences Are Coming, Babe. Every chapter had me wanting to shake someone and say, “You know this is going to come back on you eventually, right? Right?”
And honestly, watching some of it finally get thrown back at them was deeply satisfying. Not satisfying enough, though. I really wish we’d gotten more scenes where certain characters actually had to sit with what they’d done and face themselves I The fallout was good, but I wanted a little more emotional reckoning and less “welp, anyway.”
Still, despite seeing some reveals coming from miles away, the book was completely enthralling. The pacing moves fast, the tension never really lets up, and the sheer messiness of the characters keeps you hooked. If you like dark psychological thrillers full of toxic people making catastrophic choices, this one absolutely delivers. Just prepare to spend a lot of time yelling internally at everyone involved.
The atmosphere is incredibly tense, dark, and unsettling, and Dunne absolutely knows how to keep the pages turning. Even when the plot became predictable, I was still fully invested because I needed to see how everything would implode. And implode it did.
What really stood out to me was the nonstop parade of horrible characters mistreating, manipulating, gaslighting, and generally bulldozing everyone around them. Seriously, this book could’ve been titled Consequences Are Coming, Babe. Every chapter had me wanting to shake someone and say, “You know this is going to come back on you eventually, right? Right?”
And honestly, watching some of it finally get thrown back at them was deeply satisfying. Not satisfying enough, though. I really wish we’d gotten more scenes where certain characters actually had to sit with what they’d done and face themselves I The fallout was good, but I wanted a little more emotional reckoning and less “welp, anyway.”
Still, despite seeing some reveals coming from miles away, the book was completely enthralling. The pacing moves fast, the tension never really lets up, and the sheer messiness of the characters keeps you hooked. If you like dark psychological thrillers full of toxic people making catastrophic choices, this one absolutely delivers. Just prepare to spend a lot of time yelling internally at everyone involved.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Burning Secrets
Author: Michelle Dunne
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: June 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 319
Prologue starts with Sadie Kingston watching her childhood home in flames. A first responder asks her if there is anyone else inside.
Her thoughts are ~ There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.
Story starts -Four weeks earlier.
Everyone thinks Sadie Kingston isn’t normal. They believe she is bipolar or schizophrenic. Her strange behavior seemed to have started years ago when her parents died.
Sadie can see peoples’ demons as they glow in different colors, some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.
But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won't listen, she knows there will come a time when she'll be forced to act. If the people around her won't wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth.
I have read and loved Michelle Dunne stories so went into this with the expectation that I would love it. This was different than I expected -much deeper. Not my somewhat fun twisty psychological thriller but something to think about. When I finished, I thought - I am not sure if I love or hate this story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 3, 2026.
Author: Michelle Dunne
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: June 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 319
Prologue starts with Sadie Kingston watching her childhood home in flames. A first responder asks her if there is anyone else inside.
Her thoughts are ~ There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.
Story starts -Four weeks earlier.
Everyone thinks Sadie Kingston isn’t normal. They believe she is bipolar or schizophrenic. Her strange behavior seemed to have started years ago when her parents died.
Sadie can see peoples’ demons as they glow in different colors, some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.
But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won't listen, she knows there will come a time when she'll be forced to act. If the people around her won't wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth.
I have read and loved Michelle Dunne stories so went into this with the expectation that I would love it. This was different than I expected -much deeper. Not my somewhat fun twisty psychological thriller but something to think about. When I finished, I thought - I am not sure if I love or hate this story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Rounded up 4.5 🌟
This was a twisted, dark, creepy, questioning story! And although I might have guessed part of the ending, the WAY it was written really threw me for a loop!
The story centers around Sadie, who a bit odd. She is taken care of by her brother, James after her parents death. She sees demons around everyone- her neighbors, the people she works with at the food bank, her neighbors. As men from the food bank begin to go missing, Sadie has information to share about the demons, but no one will listen. She is a bit of an unreliable narrator! The atmosphere is dark, desperate, and has the reader questioning everyone!
As the investigations into the deaths move forward, many secrets and connections are revealed. The emotional depth of the characters was a bit deeper than in previous books that I have read by Dunne. I felt Sadie's frustration, and James' despair for being responsible for his sister. The gossipy and strange neighbors also added another level of apprehension to the story.
The themes that the story revolves around are mental health, shame, trust and carrying the burden of things that are never discussed. Dunne incorporates this through the story in a very authentic way that adds dimension to the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this tension filled story, and the final reveal ...😮
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
This was a twisted, dark, creepy, questioning story! And although I might have guessed part of the ending, the WAY it was written really threw me for a loop!
The story centers around Sadie, who a bit odd. She is taken care of by her brother, James after her parents death. She sees demons around everyone- her neighbors, the people she works with at the food bank, her neighbors. As men from the food bank begin to go missing, Sadie has information to share about the demons, but no one will listen. She is a bit of an unreliable narrator! The atmosphere is dark, desperate, and has the reader questioning everyone!
As the investigations into the deaths move forward, many secrets and connections are revealed. The emotional depth of the characters was a bit deeper than in previous books that I have read by Dunne. I felt Sadie's frustration, and James' despair for being responsible for his sister. The gossipy and strange neighbors also added another level of apprehension to the story.
The themes that the story revolves around are mental health, shame, trust and carrying the burden of things that are never discussed. Dunne incorporates this through the story in a very authentic way that adds dimension to the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this tension filled story, and the final reveal ...😮
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Michelle Dunne is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me. I first read her book ‘The Good Girl’ back in January as one of my first ever Arcs and Michelle’s thrillers became a favourite of mine I rated that a 5!
‘Burning Secrets’ was such a dark, unsettling psychological thriller that completely pulled me in from the first few chapters. The pacing is fast, the chapters are short and addictive, and the atmosphere throughout felt genuinely eerie.
Sadie was by far the standout character. Her ability to see people’s “demons” created such a creepy concept, and I loved how the story constantly blurred the line between reality and paranoia. At times I wasn’t sure what was real and what was happening inside Sadie’s mind, which made the whole book even more gripping.
The story also explored mental health and grief in a way that added emotional depth to the thriller elements. I especially enjoyed the relationship dynamics and how isolated Sadie felt as the people around her dismissed her experiences.
The reason this wasn’t quite a 5-star read for me is because I guessed part of the twist fairly early on, and there were a few moments in the middle where the pacing slowed slightly. Even so, I was still fully invested and couldn’t stop reading.
Overall, this was a tense, creepy, and addictive thriller done really well. Definitely recommend for fans of psychological thrillers and dark, twisty reads.
@netgalley @michelledunne
‘Burning Secrets’ was such a dark, unsettling psychological thriller that completely pulled me in from the first few chapters. The pacing is fast, the chapters are short and addictive, and the atmosphere throughout felt genuinely eerie.
Sadie was by far the standout character. Her ability to see people’s “demons” created such a creepy concept, and I loved how the story constantly blurred the line between reality and paranoia. At times I wasn’t sure what was real and what was happening inside Sadie’s mind, which made the whole book even more gripping.
The story also explored mental health and grief in a way that added emotional depth to the thriller elements. I especially enjoyed the relationship dynamics and how isolated Sadie felt as the people around her dismissed her experiences.
The reason this wasn’t quite a 5-star read for me is because I guessed part of the twist fairly early on, and there were a few moments in the middle where the pacing slowed slightly. Even so, I was still fully invested and couldn’t stop reading.
Overall, this was a tense, creepy, and addictive thriller done really well. Definitely recommend for fans of psychological thrillers and dark, twisty reads.
@netgalley @michelledunne
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a super quick read that I finished over the course of a few hours. It centers on Sadie, who can see people's "demons" around them and is trying to save those around her, but everyone around just thinks she is crazy. When she appears to be the key to solving recent cases of missing young men, her brother and neighbors need to figure out what is really going on with her before anyone else gets hurt.
I love a story with an unreliable narrator and this book delivers, though I did feel like I figured out what was really going on pretty early in the book. Sadie was an interesting character and it was fun to read about how she saw things versus how others around her saw those same situations. I wish we could have gotten a little bit of a deeper backstory on some of the characters, like the woman who ran the soup kitchen and the police officer who became involved in the case. I felt the same way about Sadie's parents initially but felt that the book did come back and give me more details as it continued. Though I did find the ending of the book predictable, I enjoyed it and felt that it did a good job at tying up loose ends.
Overall, this was a quick read that I enjoyed and would recommend. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love a story with an unreliable narrator and this book delivers, though I did feel like I figured out what was really going on pretty early in the book. Sadie was an interesting character and it was fun to read about how she saw things versus how others around her saw those same situations. I wish we could have gotten a little bit of a deeper backstory on some of the characters, like the woman who ran the soup kitchen and the police officer who became involved in the case. I felt the same way about Sadie's parents initially but felt that the book did come back and give me more details as it continued. Though I did find the ending of the book predictable, I enjoyed it and felt that it did a good job at tying up loose ends.
Overall, this was a quick read that I enjoyed and would recommend. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne was a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The mystery surrounding Sadie and the missing men pulled me in quickly, and I loved how the tension slowly built as more secrets were uncovered. The eerie atmosphere and constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right made it impossible to stop reading.
Sadie was such an interesting and complex character. I especially enjoyed the way the story blurred the line between reality and paranoia through her perspective, making me constantly question who could really be trusted. The themes of trauma, grief, and mental health added emotional depth to the story and made the characters feel layered and believable.
While I did guess part of the twist before the reveal, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all because I was still completely invested in seeing how everything would unfold. The final chapters were intense, dark, and full of suspense, bringing everything together in a satisfying way.
Overall, this was a creepy, addictive, and well-written thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of dark psychological suspense and unreliable narrators.
Sadie was such an interesting and complex character. I especially enjoyed the way the story blurred the line between reality and paranoia through her perspective, making me constantly question who could really be trusted. The themes of trauma, grief, and mental health added emotional depth to the story and made the characters feel layered and believable.
While I did guess part of the twist before the reveal, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all because I was still completely invested in seeing how everything would unfold. The final chapters were intense, dark, and full of suspense, bringing everything together in a satisfying way.
Overall, this was a creepy, addictive, and well-written thriller that I would definitely recommend to fans of dark psychological suspense and unreliable narrators.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
tt: @theaarontodd | ig: @aarontoddreads
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Burning Secrets x Michelle Dunne
⭐ Star Rating: 4.5
🔪 AT Intensity: 3.25
Quick Plot Points: mental health, demons, unreliable perception, religious trauma, control, generational patterns, psychological horror, suburban suspense
One-Sentence Take:
An explosive, slow-burn psychological thriller that explores confirmation bias and privilege in a way that makes you question WHO gets believed when they don’t fit what society sees as “trustworthy”… and what happens when the “wrong” person is telling the truth. 🫣
Review
Michelle Dunne really knows how to control information and layer a complex story. You’re constantly adjusting your understanding of the plot, and just when you think you’ve figured something out, the book shifts slightly and you’re like… okay wait, maybe not. That tension carries the entire reading experience and I ate it up.
Sadie, living with a schizophrenia and PTSD diagnoses, is one hell of a character. She’s layered because she’s so easy for everyone around her to dismiss because of their own bias, but as a reader, you can see there’s more going on. That’s where the book gets uncomfortable in a really smart way. Once someone is labeled as “crazy”, it cancels out everything else about them. Their voice is voided. Their fear doesn’t matter. Their instincts don’t matter. Even when they’re “making sense”, most people stop listening. This commentary was strong and effectively embedded.
Sadie thinks logically. She reads situations. She questions things. In her own language. The author makes it impossible to fully write her off, which it makes the tension between her reality and everyone else’s interpretation way more compelling.
Thematically, this goes to some DARK, scary, and triggering places. There’s a lot here about control, how it shows up, and how easily it can be framed as something else. The book also leans into the idea that certain patterns don’t just appear but are learned, repeated, and reinforced over time. Generational trauma is real and in this case, it’s deadly. 💀
I also really liked the character dynamics in the middle of the book. Sadie’s interactions with Lisa, Myra, and even Marissa felt intentional and added a lot to how you understand her and the world around her. Because of that, I wanted a little more from those arcs at the end. I was invested enough that I wanted to see how everything landed for them once the truth started coming out.
The final stretch is wild. I loved Elsie’s intro to the story. She became one of my favorite characters! The way the pieces fall into place makes you go back and rethink what you’ve been reading without fully spelling it out, which I liked. It’s not even that the twist is overtly shocking. It’s more about the fact that the author has set up the finale so that anything can feel true… until it’s not. 🤯
If you like Gillian Flynn’s pacing and character work, Karin Slaughter’s dark subject matter, Lisa Jewell’s psychological build, and that constant “something is off” feeling you get from Catriona Ward… you need to read “Burning Secrets” by Michelle Dunne.
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Burning Secrets x Michelle Dunne
⭐ Star Rating: 4.5
🔪 AT Intensity: 3.25
Quick Plot Points: mental health, demons, unreliable perception, religious trauma, control, generational patterns, psychological horror, suburban suspense
One-Sentence Take:
An explosive, slow-burn psychological thriller that explores confirmation bias and privilege in a way that makes you question WHO gets believed when they don’t fit what society sees as “trustworthy”… and what happens when the “wrong” person is telling the truth. 🫣
Review
Michelle Dunne really knows how to control information and layer a complex story. You’re constantly adjusting your understanding of the plot, and just when you think you’ve figured something out, the book shifts slightly and you’re like… okay wait, maybe not. That tension carries the entire reading experience and I ate it up.
Sadie, living with a schizophrenia and PTSD diagnoses, is one hell of a character. She’s layered because she’s so easy for everyone around her to dismiss because of their own bias, but as a reader, you can see there’s more going on. That’s where the book gets uncomfortable in a really smart way. Once someone is labeled as “crazy”, it cancels out everything else about them. Their voice is voided. Their fear doesn’t matter. Their instincts don’t matter. Even when they’re “making sense”, most people stop listening. This commentary was strong and effectively embedded.
Sadie thinks logically. She reads situations. She questions things. In her own language. The author makes it impossible to fully write her off, which it makes the tension between her reality and everyone else’s interpretation way more compelling.
Thematically, this goes to some DARK, scary, and triggering places. There’s a lot here about control, how it shows up, and how easily it can be framed as something else. The book also leans into the idea that certain patterns don’t just appear but are learned, repeated, and reinforced over time. Generational trauma is real and in this case, it’s deadly. 💀
I also really liked the character dynamics in the middle of the book. Sadie’s interactions with Lisa, Myra, and even Marissa felt intentional and added a lot to how you understand her and the world around her. Because of that, I wanted a little more from those arcs at the end. I was invested enough that I wanted to see how everything landed for them once the truth started coming out.
The final stretch is wild. I loved Elsie’s intro to the story. She became one of my favorite characters! The way the pieces fall into place makes you go back and rethink what you’ve been reading without fully spelling it out, which I liked. It’s not even that the twist is overtly shocking. It’s more about the fact that the author has set up the finale so that anything can feel true… until it’s not. 🤯
If you like Gillian Flynn’s pacing and character work, Karin Slaughter’s dark subject matter, Lisa Jewell’s psychological build, and that constant “something is off” feeling you get from Catriona Ward… you need to read “Burning Secrets” by Michelle Dunne.
May 8, 2026
Thanks to Boldwood Books and the author for the ARC via NetGalley! Out on 3rd of June.
Rating: 3.75
This dark psychological thriller sounded right up my alley!
The book felt a bit longer than it actually was. I personally felt that the first half of the book could have been shorter. The tension slowly builds, but without very significant things happening, which made it a bit too slow for my taste. Once I got past the halfway point, I finally connected to the story and realized where it was heading. From there on, I was excited to keep reading.
Sadie’s character is written very well. It's heartbreaking to see her struggle with her mental health while everyone around her disregards what she says. Michelle did a very good job portraying how isolating these struggles feel: when things make complete sense to you, but the world not listening.
The ending was a little bit predictable but dark either way. I also liked the cul-de-sac setting of neighbours looking out for each other, and each neighbour having a different reason for taking an interest in the Kingston household.
Overall enjoyed this book! Definitely check this book out on the publishing date!
Rating: 3.75
This dark psychological thriller sounded right up my alley!
The book felt a bit longer than it actually was. I personally felt that the first half of the book could have been shorter. The tension slowly builds, but without very significant things happening, which made it a bit too slow for my taste. Once I got past the halfway point, I finally connected to the story and realized where it was heading. From there on, I was excited to keep reading.
Sadie’s character is written very well. It's heartbreaking to see her struggle with her mental health while everyone around her disregards what she says. Michelle did a very good job portraying how isolating these struggles feel: when things make complete sense to you, but the world not listening.
The ending was a little bit predictable but dark either way. I also liked the cul-de-sac setting of neighbours looking out for each other, and each neighbour having a different reason for taking an interest in the Kingston household.
Overall enjoyed this book! Definitely check this book out on the publishing date!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Can you truly see someone if you only ever look at their diagnosis?
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne is another captivating, dark read that dives fearlessly into raw emotion and vulnerability.
The story centres on Sadie, a traumatised young woman living with bipolar disorder and PTSD, who is cared for by her brother James a local Garda. While James is cherished by their close knit neighborhood, Sadie is at best tolerated and at worst feared.
Dunne explores the lasting damage of childhood trauma and the deep ripples of grief with immense sensitivity, particularly as Sadie tries desperately to explain that the young men are going missing from the place where she volunteers are dead.
The characterisation is superb, presenting beautifully imperfect people who feel entirely real. It is an exquisite, heartbreaking exploration of mental health and our societal fear of those who do not fit the norm.
Dunne shows incredible bravery in tackling such sensitive subjects, creating an atmosphere that will stay with you long after the final page. It is a highly recommended, unforgettable read.
My thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne is another captivating, dark read that dives fearlessly into raw emotion and vulnerability.
The story centres on Sadie, a traumatised young woman living with bipolar disorder and PTSD, who is cared for by her brother James a local Garda. While James is cherished by their close knit neighborhood, Sadie is at best tolerated and at worst feared.
Dunne explores the lasting damage of childhood trauma and the deep ripples of grief with immense sensitivity, particularly as Sadie tries desperately to explain that the young men are going missing from the place where she volunteers are dead.
The characterisation is superb, presenting beautifully imperfect people who feel entirely real. It is an exquisite, heartbreaking exploration of mental health and our societal fear of those who do not fit the norm.
Dunne shows incredible bravery in tackling such sensitive subjects, creating an atmosphere that will stay with you long after the final page. It is a highly recommended, unforgettable read.
My thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Burning Secrets is a dark, unsettling little thrill ride that gets under your skin from the very first page. Michelle Dunne drops us straight into Sadie Kingston’s fractured world—a place where demons glow in colours only she can see, and where every street corner feels charged with danger.
Sadie is such a compelling narrator: vulnerable, dismissed, and yet fiercely certain of what she knows. Watching her navigate a world that refuses to believe her gives the story a constant hum of tension. The colours of the demons, the way they cling to people, the way Sadie reads them—it all adds a vivid, eerie layer that makes the book feel both supernatural and painfully human.
As the truth tightens around her, the story becomes increasingly claustrophobic, building toward a twist that lands with real force. It’s creepy, fast-paced, and strangely emotional, the kind of thriller you race through in a single sitting.
A gripping, twisty read perfect for anyone who loves their suspense with a supernatural edge.
with thanks to Michelle Dunne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Sadie is such a compelling narrator: vulnerable, dismissed, and yet fiercely certain of what she knows. Watching her navigate a world that refuses to believe her gives the story a constant hum of tension. The colours of the demons, the way they cling to people, the way Sadie reads them—it all adds a vivid, eerie layer that makes the book feel both supernatural and painfully human.
As the truth tightens around her, the story becomes increasingly claustrophobic, building toward a twist that lands with real force. It’s creepy, fast-paced, and strangely emotional, the kind of thriller you race through in a single sitting.
A gripping, twisty read perfect for anyone who loves their suspense with a supernatural edge.
with thanks to Michelle Dunne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Michelle Dunne and Boldwood Books for sending me an ARC of Burning Secrets on NetGalley.
This is the second book I’ve read by Michelle Dunne, and once again she’s delivered a really gripping read. I’ve realised I’m a bit of a sucker for an unreliable narrator, and this book definitely scratched that itch. From the very beginning there’s this uneasy feeling that something isn’t quite right, and it kept me turning the pages to figure out what was really going on.
I’ll admit I did manage to guess a couple of the twists along the way, but honestly it didn’t take away from the experience at all. If anything, it made it more satisfying seeing how everything unfolded and how the pieces fit together. The tension builds really nicely throughout, and the atmosphere has this constant creepiness that lingers in the background.
Overall, I found it to be a really engaging and enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be looking to pick up more of Michelle Dunne’s books in the future. Thanks again for the opportunity to read this one early!
This is the second book I’ve read by Michelle Dunne, and once again she’s delivered a really gripping read. I’ve realised I’m a bit of a sucker for an unreliable narrator, and this book definitely scratched that itch. From the very beginning there’s this uneasy feeling that something isn’t quite right, and it kept me turning the pages to figure out what was really going on.
I’ll admit I did manage to guess a couple of the twists along the way, but honestly it didn’t take away from the experience at all. If anything, it made it more satisfying seeing how everything unfolded and how the pieces fit together. The tension builds really nicely throughout, and the atmosphere has this constant creepiness that lingers in the background.
Overall, I found it to be a really engaging and enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be looking to pick up more of Michelle Dunne’s books in the future. Thanks again for the opportunity to read this one early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The world discounted Sadie Kingston ears ago, right around the time her parents died. They think she's crazy, but actually she's one of the chosen few. Sadie can see people's demons. They glow in different colours, all around the person they torment. Some are mild and sad - teal, green, yellow - while others are filled with rage and pain - red. Always red. But Sadie tries to survive in a world that won't listen, she knows there will come a time when she will be forced to act. If the people around her won't wake up and see what's happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth.
The pace is slow in this psychological thriller. It has an eerie atmosphere. The plot line gives you plenty to think about. Sadie can see people's demons, her brother, James, is a caregiver. This is dark, and it can be quite a disturbing read.
Published 3rd June 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichelleDunne for my ARC of #BurbingSecrets in exchange for an honest review.
The pace is slow in this psychological thriller. It has an eerie atmosphere. The plot line gives you plenty to think about. Sadie can see people's demons, her brother, James, is a caregiver. This is dark, and it can be quite a disturbing read.
Published 3rd June 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichelleDunne for my ARC of #BurbingSecrets in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Michelle Dunne writes family dynamics with such honesty and emotional depth. This felt less like a traditional thriller and more like a very raw exploration of grief, trauma, and the complicated ways families can hurt each other without ever fully meaning to.
What really stood out to me was how realistic the relationships felt. Nobody here is entirely good or bad — just flawed people carrying years of pain, silence, resentment, and misunderstanding. The emotional tension running through the story often hit harder than the mystery elements themselves.
Dunne’s writing is incredibly controlled throughout, never overly dramatic but still quietly devastating in places. The themes of generational trauma and inherited behaviour were handled thoughtfully, and there’s a real authenticity to the way the characters struggle to communicate and connect with one another.
Whilst this was definitely an emotional read at times, it was also an incredibly compelling and human one that stayed with me long after finishing.
What really stood out to me was how realistic the relationships felt. Nobody here is entirely good or bad — just flawed people carrying years of pain, silence, resentment, and misunderstanding. The emotional tension running through the story often hit harder than the mystery elements themselves.
Dunne’s writing is incredibly controlled throughout, never overly dramatic but still quietly devastating in places. The themes of generational trauma and inherited behaviour were handled thoughtfully, and there’s a real authenticity to the way the characters struggle to communicate and connect with one another.
Whilst this was definitely an emotional read at times, it was also an incredibly compelling and human one that stayed with me long after finishing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This story follows Sadie, a compelling and complex main character who can see the “demons” surrounding people and feels driven to save them despite everyone around her believing she’s unstable. When she becomes the last known person to interact with several missing men, she unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a growing mystery. When she tries to help anything she says gets questioned, how can they trust the unstable girl?
I really enjoyed experiencing the story through Sadie’s perspective and seeing how differently she interprets the world compared to those around her. That contrast added an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Overall, this was a fast-paced and engaging read that wrapped up its loose ends nicely. If you’re looking for a book that keeps you hooked and guessing, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This story follows Sadie, a compelling and complex main character who can see the “demons” surrounding people and feels driven to save them despite everyone around her believing she’s unstable. When she becomes the last known person to interact with several missing men, she unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a growing mystery. When she tries to help anything she says gets questioned, how can they trust the unstable girl?
I really enjoyed experiencing the story through Sadie’s perspective and seeing how differently she interprets the world compared to those around her. That contrast added an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Overall, this was a fast-paced and engaging read that wrapped up its loose ends nicely. If you’re looking for a book that keeps you hooked and guessing, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Burning Secrets by was a really engaging read for me from the very first page. The story immediately pulled me in and kept my attention the whole way through.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the unreliable narrator. I love when a story makes you question what’s real, what’s being hidden, and whether you should trust the person guiding you through it all. Even though I did work out some of what was going on before the reveal, it didn’t take away from the experience. The ending was still satisfying and I appreciated how many threads were wrapped up by the end.
I also really liked the way Sadie viewed the people around her. It added an extra layer to the story and gave me a lot to think about. The book does a great job of showing how little we can truly know about another person and how everyone carries secrets beneath the surface.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the unreliable narrator. I love when a story makes you question what’s real, what’s being hidden, and whether you should trust the person guiding you through it all. Even though I did work out some of what was going on before the reveal, it didn’t take away from the experience. The ending was still satisfying and I appreciated how many threads were wrapped up by the end.
I also really liked the way Sadie viewed the people around her. It added an extra layer to the story and gave me a lot to think about. The book does a great job of showing how little we can truly know about another person and how everyone carries secrets beneath the surface.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this incredible ARC 📚✨
This was an extremely fast-paced read for me—I finished it in one sitting ⚡📖
We meet Sadie, who has a brother named James. After the tragic loss of their parents 💔, Sadie hasn’t been the same since. She begins to see demons in people 👁️👹, but no one believes her… until she decides to take matters into her own hands 🔥
I absolutely adored Sadie as a main character 🫶—she was strong, brave, and the sweetest girl 💖. I felt emotionally connected to her throughout the entire book, she definitely has a soft spot in my heart 🥺
The character development was strong throughout, and the author’s writing is incredibly fast-paced and gripping ✍️⚡. The book is very well written and keeps you hooked the whole way through.
If you enjoy dark, secretive thrillers with incredible plot twists 🔪🖤, I highly recommend this book!
⭐ 4.5 stars
This was an extremely fast-paced read for me—I finished it in one sitting ⚡📖
We meet Sadie, who has a brother named James. After the tragic loss of their parents 💔, Sadie hasn’t been the same since. She begins to see demons in people 👁️👹, but no one believes her… until she decides to take matters into her own hands 🔥
I absolutely adored Sadie as a main character 🫶—she was strong, brave, and the sweetest girl 💖. I felt emotionally connected to her throughout the entire book, she definitely has a soft spot in my heart 🥺
The character development was strong throughout, and the author’s writing is incredibly fast-paced and gripping ✍️⚡. The book is very well written and keeps you hooked the whole way through.
If you enjoy dark, secretive thrillers with incredible plot twists 🔪🖤, I highly recommend this book!
⭐ 4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a solid, gripping read—definitely a 4-star for me. Burning Secrets pulled me in right away with its eerie atmosphere and the feeling that something was constantly just… off. The tension builds steadily, and I loved how the story kept peeling back layers, revealing more secrets with each chapter.
One of my favorite parts was how I kept second-guessing everyone. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would shift and make me question it all over again. That kind of suspense always keeps me hooked.
That said, there were a few moments where the pacing slowed a bit, and I found myself wanting things to move just a little faster. But overall, the mystery and the unsettling tone made up for it.
If you enjoy twisty thrillers with a strong sense of unease and plenty of secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
One of my favorite parts was how I kept second-guessing everyone. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would shift and make me question it all over again. That kind of suspense always keeps me hooked.
That said, there were a few moments where the pacing slowed a bit, and I found myself wanting things to move just a little faster. But overall, the mystery and the unsettling tone made up for it.
If you enjoy twisty thrillers with a strong sense of unease and plenty of secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I started this book at a point where I could not find interest in any book and this book picked me out of that slump. I didn't remember the blurb so I went into it blindly and it was beautifully done. I need psychological mystery books to start like this. This book threw us into the plot immediately and God, am I grateful for that. I love the buildup and I love getting I to Sadie's mind. My God, it was a lot and I started doubting myself but God, this author did well.
I would have given this a five stars but I hated the ending. Sorry, as someone who has read too many mysteries, that ending was generic. Like, it's the kind of ending you'll find in ten other books like this. Because at the end, I was like, Okay? Kind of expecting this.
I started this book at a point where I could not find interest in any book and this book picked me out of that slump. I didn't remember the blurb so I went into it blindly and it was beautifully done. I need psychological mystery books to start like this. This book threw us into the plot immediately and God, am I grateful for that. I love the buildup and I love getting I to Sadie's mind. My God, it was a lot and I started doubting myself but God, this author did well.
I would have given this a five stars but I hated the ending. Sorry, as someone who has read too many mysteries, that ending was generic. Like, it's the kind of ending you'll find in ten other books like this. Because at the end, I was like, Okay? Kind of expecting this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A bold psychological horror book.
Sadie Kingston can see people's demons in colours and sees blood everywhere in her house. She's seen as someone with health and mental issues.
James Kingston is Sadie's brother. He's a member of the Guarda and tries to "protect" his sister in many ways. There's something about him that people can't seem to figure out, and only Sadie can see his demon.
In town, there are some missing boys who volunteered at a homeless kitchen. They all sat and spoke to Sadie in some way. Sadie tries to tell people that they might have died, but no one believes her... not even her neighbours.
I almost got upset with the ending, and almost gave this a four start, but loved the psychological impact as it winds you up towards the end... stick to the end of this book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for another Michelle Dunne book!
Sadie Kingston can see people's demons in colours and sees blood everywhere in her house. She's seen as someone with health and mental issues.
James Kingston is Sadie's brother. He's a member of the Guarda and tries to "protect" his sister in many ways. There's something about him that people can't seem to figure out, and only Sadie can see his demon.
In town, there are some missing boys who volunteered at a homeless kitchen. They all sat and spoke to Sadie in some way. Sadie tries to tell people that they might have died, but no one believes her... not even her neighbours.
I almost got upset with the ending, and almost gave this a four start, but loved the psychological impact as it winds you up towards the end... stick to the end of this book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for another Michelle Dunne book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastic! After the death of their parents, James is very protective of his little sister, Sadie, who has never recovered from the trauma of that day. Balancing his work as a police guard with caring for Sadie doesn’t leave him much time for anything else.
Sadie doesn’t say much, but she watches and she listens. And anything else might lead to spoiler territory, so I’ll leave it there…
I loved the writing style and I was fully immersed in Sadie’s world as fragments of her thoughts gradually came together to reveal the truth of the “demons” that she sees. There’s a very creepy vibe going on throughout.
I did work out the truth relatively early on, but there was a lot more that I never would have guessed and more twists to come, even when I thought it was all done and dusted.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Michelle Dunne and Boldwood for an ARC of this book.
Sadie doesn’t say much, but she watches and she listens. And anything else might lead to spoiler territory, so I’ll leave it there…
I loved the writing style and I was fully immersed in Sadie’s world as fragments of her thoughts gradually came together to reveal the truth of the “demons” that she sees. There’s a very creepy vibe going on throughout.
I did work out the truth relatively early on, but there was a lot more that I never would have guessed and more twists to come, even when I thought it was all done and dusted.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Michelle Dunne and Boldwood for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Michelle Dunne has done it again! 'Burning Secrets' is such a brilliant pageturner that keeps you hooked throughout.
Sadie lives with her brother James, who is a Guard, in the family home. She has a psychiatric illness and can see demons in people while trying to live a normal life working in a homeless kitchen. When homeless men start disappearing without a trace a pattern evolves and some neighbours and a policewoman get suspicious. An investigation begins that culminates with a huge fire. But what really happened? Are things the way they seem to be?
I found this psychological thriller unputdownable as the tension could be felt throughout the book. You have the feeling something is not quite right but you can't figure out what it is so you have to keep turning the pages...
Many thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.
Sadie lives with her brother James, who is a Guard, in the family home. She has a psychiatric illness and can see demons in people while trying to live a normal life working in a homeless kitchen. When homeless men start disappearing without a trace a pattern evolves and some neighbours and a policewoman get suspicious. An investigation begins that culminates with a huge fire. But what really happened? Are things the way they seem to be?
I found this psychological thriller unputdownable as the tension could be felt throughout the book. You have the feeling something is not quite right but you can't figure out what it is so you have to keep turning the pages...
Many thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.
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