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Nasty Little Secrets
A bold psychological suspense debut about a fiery true crime writer whose infamous case is blown back open when her sister goes missing—and her bestselling book might be the key to finding her
Rose Dearling’s life changed forever when her older brother was arrested for the murder of his high school sweetheart, Alexandria Hopely. Now, a decade after the crime that ripped her family and her close-knit Florida hometown apart, Rose is the only one who still believes he didn’t do it. So much so that she wrote a bestselling true crime novel about the case, pinning the murder on Alex’s father. This may have gained her a reputation for being a lying, opportunistic bitch, but it has also bought her a new life in Manhattan, far away from where it all began.
Then Rose gets a call that shatters her world for the second her younger sister Hazel has gone missing without a trace. Back home and under the same roof as her family for the first time in years, Rose tries to avoid dark memories as she searches for her sister. But when connections between Hazel’s disappearance and Alex’s murder emerge, Rose realizes the past, and her own book, could hold the answers—including proof of her brother’s innocence. And if he didn't do it, that means the real killer is still on the loose, and they’ve been hiding in plain sight all this time.
Razor-sharp and propulsive, Nasty Little Secrets is a crackling psychological suspense about family secrets and small-town scandal, which keeps its grip on you until the final jaw-dropping twist.
Rose Dearling’s life changed forever when her older brother was arrested for the murder of his high school sweetheart, Alexandria Hopely. Now, a decade after the crime that ripped her family and her close-knit Florida hometown apart, Rose is the only one who still believes he didn’t do it. So much so that she wrote a bestselling true crime novel about the case, pinning the murder on Alex’s father. This may have gained her a reputation for being a lying, opportunistic bitch, but it has also bought her a new life in Manhattan, far away from where it all began.
Then Rose gets a call that shatters her world for the second her younger sister Hazel has gone missing without a trace. Back home and under the same roof as her family for the first time in years, Rose tries to avoid dark memories as she searches for her sister. But when connections between Hazel’s disappearance and Alex’s murder emerge, Rose realizes the past, and her own book, could hold the answers—including proof of her brother’s innocence. And if he didn't do it, that means the real killer is still on the loose, and they’ve been hiding in plain sight all this time.
Razor-sharp and propulsive, Nasty Little Secrets is a crackling psychological suspense about family secrets and small-town scandal, which keeps its grip on you until the final jaw-dropping twist.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 5, 2026DNF @115 pages
okay so at first, I was really enjoying this thriller because I usually love this kind of set up, she's a writer who's going back to her home town because her sister is missing, and she wrote a fictionalized book about her brother who was accused of murdering his girlfriend as a teenager!
but this main character is so off putting to me, the way she continues to villainize women, I can't tell at this point if it's intentional or not, but it's really starting to bother me a lot 100 pages in. She will excuse men for the most vile behavior (like her teacher who clearly took advantage of her) and then criticize women in the same breath and constantly point out if she's dressing 'slutty' or 'like a whore' and it's exhausting. the main character also has this attitude like she's smarter than everyone and better than everyone and other men will tell her that she's the smartest girl in the room, and it's giving 'i'm not like the other girls' in the worst way.
Idk, I was invested in the story, but this main character is driving me nuts and I don't think I want to push through it
okay so at first, I was really enjoying this thriller because I usually love this kind of set up, she's a writer who's going back to her home town because her sister is missing, and she wrote a fictionalized book about her brother who was accused of murdering his girlfriend as a teenager!
but this main character is so off putting to me, the way she continues to villainize women, I can't tell at this point if it's intentional or not, but it's really starting to bother me a lot 100 pages in. She will excuse men for the most vile behavior (like her teacher who clearly took advantage of her) and then criticize women in the same breath and constantly point out if she's dressing 'slutty' or 'like a whore' and it's exhausting. the main character also has this attitude like she's smarter than everyone and better than everyone and other men will tell her that she's the smartest girl in the room, and it's giving 'i'm not like the other girls' in the worst way.
Idk, I was invested in the story, but this main character is driving me nuts and I don't think I want to push through it
September 2, 2026
Very good indeed. Well-written with a snarky main character who I liked and wanted to get acquainted with. The plot was engaging and I liked the way the story unfolded.
July 15, 2026
"A bold psychological suspense debut about a fiery true crime writer whose infamous case is blown back open when her sister goes missing—and her bestselling book might be the key to finding her."
And Bold it is! Rose Dearling’s older brother was convicted ten years ago for the murder of his high school girlfriend, Alexandria. It changed her family forever in this small town drama. Rose believes in him and wrote a bestselling true crime novel about it and basically pinned it on Alex’s father. The gains she made on the novel bought her a new life in Manhattan, away from her broken family.
Rose comes back to her hometown when her sister goes missing. The hunt for her sister is daunting and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fast-paced, well thought out characters and this case will have you devouring each page. There is a killer still on the loose and Rose is determined to free her brother and find her sister before it's too late. I love a mystery that has you rushing back to finish it.
Thank you NetGalley and Zando publishing for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review!
And Bold it is! Rose Dearling’s older brother was convicted ten years ago for the murder of his high school girlfriend, Alexandria. It changed her family forever in this small town drama. Rose believes in him and wrote a bestselling true crime novel about it and basically pinned it on Alex’s father. The gains she made on the novel bought her a new life in Manhattan, away from her broken family.
Rose comes back to her hometown when her sister goes missing. The hunt for her sister is daunting and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fast-paced, well thought out characters and this case will have you devouring each page. There is a killer still on the loose and Rose is determined to free her brother and find her sister before it's too late. I love a mystery that has you rushing back to finish it.
Thank you NetGalley and Zando publishing for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Read
March 18, 2026What a great book. Each chapter gets better and better. I love all of the characters. Rose Dearling's brother goes to prison for killing his girlfriend after he graduates from high school. He finds out his girlfriend is cheating on him. Rose has never believed her brother Will would kill anyone. After she becomes an adult and moves away her sister goes missing. She goes back to her hometown and through a lot of hard work finds out who the real killer is. So many twists and turns it will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Highly recommend.
July 14, 2026
Solid story kept my interest.
Rose Dearling has spent the last ten years proclaiming her older brother Will's innocence in the murder of his high school girlfriend Alex. Even going so far as to write a "fictionalized" version of the events blaming Alex's father. The book is extremely polarizing, even in her own family. When her younger sister Hazel goes missing, Rose returns home to help with the search. Alex's family still lives next door, and Rose needs to investigate both the old case and her sister's case to find out how they might be related.
This is a good twisty story. I suspected nearly everyone throughout the course of my reading, and that's great because it kept me very invested in knowing the truth. I'm not usually a huge fan of armchair detecting, but this one kind of worked.
There's a ton of family drama and conflict, and the story moves back and forth between the past and the present. It shows what led up to the murder and what has happened since. Even though many of the characters are high school students in the past timeline, this definitely feels like an adult novel with the theming.
If you're looking for a great domestic suspense novel, this one is a fantastic choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Rose Dearling has spent the last ten years proclaiming her older brother Will's innocence in the murder of his high school girlfriend Alex. Even going so far as to write a "fictionalized" version of the events blaming Alex's father. The book is extremely polarizing, even in her own family. When her younger sister Hazel goes missing, Rose returns home to help with the search. Alex's family still lives next door, and Rose needs to investigate both the old case and her sister's case to find out how they might be related.
This is a good twisty story. I suspected nearly everyone throughout the course of my reading, and that's great because it kept me very invested in knowing the truth. I'm not usually a huge fan of armchair detecting, but this one kind of worked.
There's a ton of family drama and conflict, and the story moves back and forth between the past and the present. It shows what led up to the murder and what has happened since. Even though many of the characters are high school students in the past timeline, this definitely feels like an adult novel with the theming.
If you're looking for a great domestic suspense novel, this one is a fantastic choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 24, 2026
Family drama, skeletons in the closet, toxic relationships, secrets galore... Nasty Little Secrets certainly lives up to its name. At the centre of the story is Rose Dearling, an author whose bestselling novel, The Smileys Next Door, fictionalises the murder of eighteen-year-old Alexandria "Alex" Hopely. The catch? Rose's older brother Will was convicted of Alex's murder years ago, and she's never believed he was guilty. Her determination to find answers and hopefully clear his name was the part of her I could get behind the most.
Rose is definitely one of those morally grey characters I could sympathise with without necessarily finding her completely likeable. I appreciated how unapologetic she was, and when you consider some of the things she's been through and the shitty people and questionable relationships surrounding her, it's not hard to understand how she became the woman she did. Let's just say, a few of those characters had me eyeing the nearest cliff.
I had my suspicions along the way and managed to get a couple of things right, but thankfully there were still a few "but wait, there's more" moments thrown into the mix. Hanks had enough surprises up her sleeve that I never had the whole thing figured out, which made the final stretch much more satisfying.
I wouldn't say I was wowed or sitting on the edge of my seat, but I can appreciate everything Hanks packed into this and how well she pulled it all together. I did finish this pretty impressed by the fact that it's a debut because I wouldn't have guessed. It reads like Hanks has been doing this for a while, and if this is where she's starting, I'll happily keep an eye out for whatever she does next.
3.5⭐
Rose is definitely one of those morally grey characters I could sympathise with without necessarily finding her completely likeable. I appreciated how unapologetic she was, and when you consider some of the things she's been through and the shitty people and questionable relationships surrounding her, it's not hard to understand how she became the woman she did. Let's just say, a few of those characters had me eyeing the nearest cliff.
I had my suspicions along the way and managed to get a couple of things right, but thankfully there were still a few "but wait, there's more" moments thrown into the mix. Hanks had enough surprises up her sleeve that I never had the whole thing figured out, which made the final stretch much more satisfying.
I wouldn't say I was wowed or sitting on the edge of my seat, but I can appreciate everything Hanks packed into this and how well she pulled it all together. I did finish this pretty impressed by the fact that it's a debut because I wouldn't have guessed. It reads like Hanks has been doing this for a while, and if this is where she's starting, I'll happily keep an eye out for whatever she does next.
3.5⭐
July 28, 2026
Wow! Nasty Little Secrets by Gabbie Hanks is her thriller debut and holy cow, it had me guessing from the very first page. A crime writer’s life changed forever when her older brother had been arrested for murdering his high school sweetheart. Taken place in Florida, even mentioning a small town, Hobe Sound (which is close West Palm Beach also mentioned) which is where we lived for about 6 years in the 90’s so that was a pleasant surprise! Rose had written a book about the arrest of her older brother but always believed he was innocent. The ending had a twister of an ending!! Even though this book contained more than the average amount of curse words, I still loved it. lol
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026I absolutely loved this book, from the first words, to the last sentence, and everything in between. I was able to read the ARC and it is truly one of the more unique premises written by such an advance story teller - you would not believe this is someone’s debut novel. I especially love the main character and the voice given to her. When you read it you’ll love her too (even if you don’t want to). I don’t read that fast but this was something I was able to read in a weekend, even staying up late for it. You’ll find yourself doing the same (or reading it even faster). Gabbie Hanks is sure to be an author you’ll soon love!
August 6, 2026
A fast-paced, addictive thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end! I loved the “reopening an old murder case” storyline, and the dual timelines kept the mystery unfolding at the perfect pace. While I guessed a couple of twists, there were still plenty that caught me by surprise. Add in a sarcastic, likable main character and plenty of family drama, and this made for a really entertaining read. I’d definitely recommend it to thriller fans!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
I read my ARC of Nasty Little Secrets by Gabbie Hanks in one sitting, because once it starts, it does not let you go. Twisty, beautifully written, and packed with sharp wit, this book blends humor and darkness into a wildly addictive ride. Gabbie knows exactly how to keep her readers hooked—and slightly unhinged in the best way.
This is Hanks’s debut novel, which somehow makes it even more impressive. Her talent is undeniable, and it’s clear she’s only going up from here. Her sense of humor slides effortlessly from silly to dark to uncomfortably real, making the story feel painfully relatable.
Although Nasty Little Secrets doesn’t release until June, I’m already impatient for whatever she writes next.
Perfect for fans of Freda McFadden, dark humor, and twisty thrillers that make you say “just one more chapter” until it’s suddenly 2 a.m.
This is Hanks’s debut novel, which somehow makes it even more impressive. Her talent is undeniable, and it’s clear she’s only going up from here. Her sense of humor slides effortlessly from silly to dark to uncomfortably real, making the story feel painfully relatable.
Although Nasty Little Secrets doesn’t release until June, I’m already impatient for whatever she writes next.
Perfect for fans of Freda McFadden, dark humor, and twisty thrillers that make you say “just one more chapter” until it’s suddenly 2 a.m.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If the book's title doesn’t make it clear, this story dives into the nasty little secrets some families harbor, no matter how perfect they appear to outsiders. You never really know what’s going on behind closed doors; sometimes it's nothing serious, while other times it's shocking. If you're curious why I've chosen to live an ocean away, remember that unforeseen things can happen to anyone.
Rose Dearling is a true crime writer whose life was forever altered when her brother was arrested for the murder of his high school sweetheart, Alexandria Hopely. After writing a bestselling book that pinned the crime on Alex’s father, Rose built a new life in Manhattan. However, her world is shattered when her younger sister, Hazel, goes missing. Returning home, Rose discovers connections between Hazel’s disappearance and Alex’s murder. She realizes that her book may hold the key to uncovering the truth, including evidence of her brother's innocence and the identity of the real killer, who remains at large.
The main character, Rosie, is a busy and successful young adult who has been working tirelessly to clear her brother's name and prove his innocence. As we get to know Rosie, we experience her struggles and heightened emotions. We also meet her friends and family, each of whom plays a significant role in the mystery we’re about to unravel. The author did an excellent job of introducing each character, making it easy to keep track of them all.
The story features a dual timeline that adds depth, allowing us to grasp what happened in the past. As the narrative unfolds, we discover that the missing person's case isn't a coincidence. Everything feels somehow connected! I appreciate how the author reveals details gradually, maintaining suspense throughout the book. The hook was strong, and I found myself eager to learn more so I could start piecing everything together.
I didn’t see the ending coming, nor the twists that began to emerge as the story progressed. Just when I thought we had solved the mystery, new waves of revelations hit one after another, and I was left stunned. That's the thrill of a good thriller, when you think you're done, the unexpected pops up! Some twists left me breathless while others were so shocking that I just sat in silence afterward. Bravo for crafting such an engaging narrative; you truly deserve all the accolades for your writing!
This read was both emotional and hard to put down. I was delighted to see in the acknowledgements that well-known authors had helped this debut writer with her book. It was heartwarming to witness established authors supporting newcomers, remembering that they once faced similar challenges. If we all lift each other, the success becomes even more memorable and admirable. Hats off to those generous big-name authors for their mentorship.
This was one of those books that put you in the main character's shoes, making you ponder what you would do in her situation. Especially with that ending, I kept reflecting on my own choices. I can’t say for certain what I would do, but stories that evoke such contemplation are priceless. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a small-town setting, intertwining mysteries that connect the past and present, dark family scandals, and an unforgettable, strong female lead. I must admit, I felt a rush of emotion towards the end—it's rare for me, but when a story resonates, it can bring a tear to my eye and linger in my thoughts long after. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to share this amazing book with anyone who will listen!
Thank you, Zando Influencer Program and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rose Dearling is a true crime writer whose life was forever altered when her brother was arrested for the murder of his high school sweetheart, Alexandria Hopely. After writing a bestselling book that pinned the crime on Alex’s father, Rose built a new life in Manhattan. However, her world is shattered when her younger sister, Hazel, goes missing. Returning home, Rose discovers connections between Hazel’s disappearance and Alex’s murder. She realizes that her book may hold the key to uncovering the truth, including evidence of her brother's innocence and the identity of the real killer, who remains at large.
The main character, Rosie, is a busy and successful young adult who has been working tirelessly to clear her brother's name and prove his innocence. As we get to know Rosie, we experience her struggles and heightened emotions. We also meet her friends and family, each of whom plays a significant role in the mystery we’re about to unravel. The author did an excellent job of introducing each character, making it easy to keep track of them all.
The story features a dual timeline that adds depth, allowing us to grasp what happened in the past. As the narrative unfolds, we discover that the missing person's case isn't a coincidence. Everything feels somehow connected! I appreciate how the author reveals details gradually, maintaining suspense throughout the book. The hook was strong, and I found myself eager to learn more so I could start piecing everything together.
I didn’t see the ending coming, nor the twists that began to emerge as the story progressed. Just when I thought we had solved the mystery, new waves of revelations hit one after another, and I was left stunned. That's the thrill of a good thriller, when you think you're done, the unexpected pops up! Some twists left me breathless while others were so shocking that I just sat in silence afterward. Bravo for crafting such an engaging narrative; you truly deserve all the accolades for your writing!
This read was both emotional and hard to put down. I was delighted to see in the acknowledgements that well-known authors had helped this debut writer with her book. It was heartwarming to witness established authors supporting newcomers, remembering that they once faced similar challenges. If we all lift each other, the success becomes even more memorable and admirable. Hats off to those generous big-name authors for their mentorship.
This was one of those books that put you in the main character's shoes, making you ponder what you would do in her situation. Especially with that ending, I kept reflecting on my own choices. I can’t say for certain what I would do, but stories that evoke such contemplation are priceless. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a small-town setting, intertwining mysteries that connect the past and present, dark family scandals, and an unforgettable, strong female lead. I must admit, I felt a rush of emotion towards the end—it's rare for me, but when a story resonates, it can bring a tear to my eye and linger in my thoughts long after. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to share this amazing book with anyone who will listen!
Thank you, Zando Influencer Program and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2026
I received my ARC as a bookseller copy.
Wow!! So hard to believe this fantastic piece of fiction is a debut novel! Just finished reading and I already want more from this author. Fans of Freida McFadden, Alice Feeney and Mary Kubica will love this one.
My relationship with main character, Rose, started a little rocky to be honest. For the first 30 pages or so I wasn't sure I would be able to get into this story and was thinking "Oh no, not another insufferable female lead." but I have NEVER been more wrong!
By chapter 5 I started to fall in love with her and by chapter 7 I was in a complete chokehold that kept me up until 2am. Every chapter it just keeps getting better right up until the last page. This is not only a mystery thriller, it is also a deeply emotional tale of friendship and sibling love that makes it feel so realistic. The emotional intelligence that went into writing this story is top tier. There are so many well written characters and they are all included in a way that does not make it confusing or muddy. I thought I had it figured out so many times before I actually did, because it's like you know the answer is right in front of you but it's so hard to see at first. I am very excited to see this on shelves next month, definitely a must read for summer 2026!
Wow!! So hard to believe this fantastic piece of fiction is a debut novel! Just finished reading and I already want more from this author. Fans of Freida McFadden, Alice Feeney and Mary Kubica will love this one.
My relationship with main character, Rose, started a little rocky to be honest. For the first 30 pages or so I wasn't sure I would be able to get into this story and was thinking "Oh no, not another insufferable female lead." but I have NEVER been more wrong!
By chapter 5 I started to fall in love with her and by chapter 7 I was in a complete chokehold that kept me up until 2am. Every chapter it just keeps getting better right up until the last page. This is not only a mystery thriller, it is also a deeply emotional tale of friendship and sibling love that makes it feel so realistic. The emotional intelligence that went into writing this story is top tier. There are so many well written characters and they are all included in a way that does not make it confusing or muddy. I thought I had it figured out so many times before I actually did, because it's like you know the answer is right in front of you but it's so hard to see at first. I am very excited to see this on shelves next month, definitely a must read for summer 2026!
June 13, 2026
This was a DEBUT?!
Nasty Little Secrets was a completely addictive mystery that had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I could NOT put this one down!
More than a decade after her brother was convicted of murdering his high school girlfriend, Rose still believes he was innocent. When her younger sister suddenly goes missing, she's forced to return to the Florida hometown she left behind and confront the case that destroyed her family. As the search unfolds, connections between the past and present begin to emerge, and it soon becomes clear that someone has been hiding the truth for a very long time…but who?
The dual timelines were handled so well, with each reveal adding another layer to the mystery and keeping me desperate for answers. The family drama, small-town secrets, and tense moments had me so totally invested. By the time everything came together, my jaw was on the floor!
Nasty Little Secrets is a gripping, twist-filled debut that kept me guessing until the very end. If this is what Gabbie Hanks can do in her first novel, I CANNOT wait to see what she writes next!
Nasty Little Secrets was a completely addictive mystery that had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I could NOT put this one down!
More than a decade after her brother was convicted of murdering his high school girlfriend, Rose still believes he was innocent. When her younger sister suddenly goes missing, she's forced to return to the Florida hometown she left behind and confront the case that destroyed her family. As the search unfolds, connections between the past and present begin to emerge, and it soon becomes clear that someone has been hiding the truth for a very long time…but who?
The dual timelines were handled so well, with each reveal adding another layer to the mystery and keeping me desperate for answers. The family drama, small-town secrets, and tense moments had me so totally invested. By the time everything came together, my jaw was on the floor!
Nasty Little Secrets is a gripping, twist-filled debut that kept me guessing until the very end. If this is what Gabbie Hanks can do in her first novel, I CANNOT wait to see what she writes next!
July 28, 2026
This book was so good! 5 stars for sure and a real 5 stars! I couldn’t put it down and I love all the twists and turns! I read a lot of thrillers and this was one of my top reads! I had no idea how it was going to end! The characters immediately roped me in and kept me intrigued throughout the entire book! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
July 17, 2026
4.5 rounded up. This was such a fun book. Much like Gretchen Weiner’s hair, this book had tons of secrets!!
April 17, 2026
I could not put this book down!! Never a dull moment. This story is full of secrets and big reveals. It has both a happy and sad ending. Love the FMC, Rose. Her personality and tenacity is fierce.
Rose wrote a fictional book that is very similar to a tragedy that befell two families a decade ago. This book has caused much controversy in her hometown and throughout the book world. Rose is brought back to her hometown in Florida when her little sister Hazel goes missing. While everyone else is doing their own search, Rose decides to put her amateur sleuthing skills to use. What she finds go beyond what she could have ever imagined….
Being that I am a Floridian, this is my favorite quote, “The only thing worse than being surrounded by Florida drivers was being surrounded by Florida drivers in the rain.” So on point!! The author described Florida perfectly. Cannot wait to see what this author writes next!!
Thank you to the author, @zando and @netgalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rose wrote a fictional book that is very similar to a tragedy that befell two families a decade ago. This book has caused much controversy in her hometown and throughout the book world. Rose is brought back to her hometown in Florida when her little sister Hazel goes missing. While everyone else is doing their own search, Rose decides to put her amateur sleuthing skills to use. What she finds go beyond what she could have ever imagined….
Being that I am a Floridian, this is my favorite quote, “The only thing worse than being surrounded by Florida drivers was being surrounded by Florida drivers in the rain.” So on point!! The author described Florida perfectly. Cannot wait to see what this author writes next!!
Thank you to the author, @zando and @netgalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2026
Read. This.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 28, 2026
a well-structured cold
case with great twists and
full of family drama centered
in its flawed protagonist and
her relatable point of view. ♡
case with great twists and
full of family drama centered
in its flawed protagonist and
her relatable point of view. ♡
June 27, 2026
This was such a fantastic domestic thriller I couldn't put down! A bit of true crime mixed with 2010 nostalgia and a fractured family all in the center of it. So good.
June 21, 2026
Immediately I wish I could read this book for the first time again. The twists, OMG the twists! How dare you not have three more books on deck Gabbie Hanks. And maybe it’s just my elder millennial self but it was hard for me to find the FMC problematic as she had been shit on by too many people in her life who were supposed to love her unconditionally and/or protect her. I loved her rage and her unapologetic nastiness towards everyone trying to make her feel smaller.
August 15, 2026
Rose Dearling and her 3 siblings Will, Tommy and Hazel were always close to each other and their parents until Will’s graduation night when his girlfriend Alex Hopely was found dead in the woods between the Dearling and Hopely houses. Will was found guilty and put in jail for her murder. Rose was the only family member who continued to believe Will was innocent. She wrote a book about the murder, that went viral and declared Alex’s father her killer. Now, more than a decade later, Rose’s little sister Hazel has gone missing and Rose is out to prove that Alex’s murder and Hazel’s disappearance are connected.
In her debut novel, Gabbie Hanks writes a very entertaining whodunit thriller that switches back and forth between 2010 to the time Alex was murdered and current day to the time of Hazel’s disappearance. In Rose, we get an unapologetic female main character filled with rage over the circumstances surrounding her brother’s conviction. Rose was a really fun character for me to read as she never tries to stifle her anger or her beliefs.
The story itself is full of possible suspects and Rose intelligently investigates each one as she races against the clock of time to figure out what happened to her sister.
This was an effortless and very fun read for me. The ending is wild and satisfying. The book is full of messy family drama and well developed characters and you become just as invested as Rose in figuring out if Will really killed Alex and who is responsible for Hazel’s disappearance.
In her debut novel, Gabbie Hanks writes a very entertaining whodunit thriller that switches back and forth between 2010 to the time Alex was murdered and current day to the time of Hazel’s disappearance. In Rose, we get an unapologetic female main character filled with rage over the circumstances surrounding her brother’s conviction. Rose was a really fun character for me to read as she never tries to stifle her anger or her beliefs.
The story itself is full of possible suspects and Rose intelligently investigates each one as she races against the clock of time to figure out what happened to her sister.
This was an effortless and very fun read for me. The ending is wild and satisfying. The book is full of messy family drama and well developed characters and you become just as invested as Rose in figuring out if Will really killed Alex and who is responsible for Hazel’s disappearance.
September 18, 2026
Wow! What an incredible debut novel! This was a fantastic read! It was twisty in all the right ways and I thought the premise behind it was unique. I liked that the female main character was a take no sh!t kind of person after everything she went through. She spoke her mind and hardened her heart to be able to survive the things she went through, but you did get to see a vulnerability to her as well. I thought that was done very well. I did end up having a hunch who the killer was before it was revealed but it still had a few surprises with it. This author definitely has a talent for writing great thrillers and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Bonus star - because when I read the author's acknowledgements - I was surprised to see that she moved and now lives close to where I do... and two - that she is friends with my niece and thanked her for supporting her and her writing! I thought that was very cool and totally unexpected! What a small world sometimes!!
Bonus star - because when I read the author's acknowledgements - I was surprised to see that she moved and now lives close to where I do... and two - that she is friends with my niece and thanked her for supporting her and her writing! I thought that was very cool and totally unexpected! What a small world sometimes!!
June 19, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Zando on Netgalley)
4.5 stars
This was a lot of fun with a number of twists! It was really hard to put down with the way the story flowed. Every time I *thought* I had figured out who killed Alex my attention was shifted elsewhere. Looking forward to more from this author.
4.5 stars
This was a lot of fun with a number of twists! It was really hard to put down with the way the story flowed. Every time I *thought* I had figured out who killed Alex my attention was shifted elsewhere. Looking forward to more from this author.
March 29, 2026
I couldn’t help but absolutely devour this book! I could not put it down. The ending had me stunned. Truly an amazing thriller that deserves a read!
April 28, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book! Rose Dearlings brother, Will, is sentenced to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend, Alex. Almost a decade later, aspiring writer Rose writes a novel based on the events of the night Alex died, but naming Alex’s father as the killer. Being the only one in her family to believe Will’s innocence, Rose is pulled back to her hometown and reunited with her family in hopes of finding her missing sister Hazel. This story follows Rose as she works to uncover the truth on Hazel’s whereabouts, proving Will’s innocence and reconciling with her past.
I loved so much about this book. It was fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in two nights. I was immediately drawn towards the FMC, Rose, as she’s not your golden girl. She speaks her truth and doesn’t give a damn what people think. So what if it rubs people the wrong way, even on national television??
I have nothing to criticize about this book! I suppose there are a lot of characters and I did jot down and make notes about them. But once you’re in the thick of the story, and have sorted out the families, you don’t even realize it. You’re just trying to figure out what has happened to Hazel?!
I enjoyed all the twist and turns throughout the book. Highly recommend if you’re into rollercoaster rides involving complicated family dynamics, morally gray characters and fast-paced thrillers!
Thanks to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC!
I loved so much about this book. It was fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in two nights. I was immediately drawn towards the FMC, Rose, as she’s not your golden girl. She speaks her truth and doesn’t give a damn what people think. So what if it rubs people the wrong way, even on national television??
I have nothing to criticize about this book! I suppose there are a lot of characters and I did jot down and make notes about them. But once you’re in the thick of the story, and have sorted out the families, you don’t even realize it. You’re just trying to figure out what has happened to Hazel?!
I enjoyed all the twist and turns throughout the book. Highly recommend if you’re into rollercoaster rides involving complicated family dynamics, morally gray characters and fast-paced thrillers!
Thanks to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC!
June 17, 2026
I really had fun reading this twisty mystery set in a small town in Florida. The combination of cold case and current missing teen hit hard as Rose is forced to confront her past and the repercussions of her actions and make peace with the effects of what she’s done to clear Will’s name and how that set Hazel on a path that led to her disappearance.
This was a fast paced read with a ton of surprises. I loved Rose’s voice - she’s not always kind but she’s aware of that and she acts with purpose and absolutely owns it. I thought the reactions of her family to both her actions and to dealing with a son/sibling as a convicted murderer to be realistic. It’s told in dual timeline, primarily in the present but with flashbacks to the events of 16 years ago to Alex’s murder and the events surrounding it. This really helped ramp up the tension and to deliver the reveals.
Thanks so much to Zando and the author for the gifted copy. I would read more by this author!
This was a fast paced read with a ton of surprises. I loved Rose’s voice - she’s not always kind but she’s aware of that and she acts with purpose and absolutely owns it. I thought the reactions of her family to both her actions and to dealing with a son/sibling as a convicted murderer to be realistic. It’s told in dual timeline, primarily in the present but with flashbacks to the events of 16 years ago to Alex’s murder and the events surrounding it. This really helped ramp up the tension and to deliver the reveals.
Thanks so much to Zando and the author for the gifted copy. I would read more by this author!
June 16, 2026
IMMEDIATELY HOOKED! As soon as I started reading Nasty Little Secrets, I could not put it down. This multi-layered mystery brings small-town secrets and family drama to the surface as an old murder case is reopened in the wake of our main character's sister going missing. This is a perfect read for those who enjoyed Amy Tintera's Listen for the Lie or Holly Jackson's Not Quite Dead Yet. Gabbie Hanks knocked it out of the park with this propulsive and addictive debut, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
July 10, 2026
So...this is a fun whodunit where the main character's brother is serving a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, and this main character named Rose is trying to unravel what really happened years before, as she never believed Will killed her, and always believed he’s been innocent and wrongly accused. She wrote a book about it to try to raise money for his legal defense depicting her take on what happened. The family and the girl who was murdered's family (they live next door) resent Rose now...and she will need to face them all when she returns home when her and Will's youngest sister has now suddenly gone missing. Rose comes home and everything gets dredged up from the past, and Rose must investigate the old murder and her sister's disappearance on her own because both cases need solving, and the local police are just not getting the job done. Pretty fast-paced, believe under 400 pages.
September 23, 2026
I love when a book keeps you guessing the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out… nope. Back to trying to figure everything out all over again. And honestly, that kept me completely invested.
The family drama was also very good, and there was plenty of it to keep me turning the pages. I also really liked the past and present timelines and how everything slowly started coming together.
Every time I thought, “Okay, I know what’s going on now…” the book was basically like, “You sure about that?”
Definitely a fun, twisty read that kept me guessing until the end!
The family drama was also very good, and there was plenty of it to keep me turning the pages. I also really liked the past and present timelines and how everything slowly started coming together.
Every time I thought, “Okay, I know what’s going on now…” the book was basically like, “You sure about that?”
Definitely a fun, twisty read that kept me guessing until the end!
July 18, 2026
Best Books of 2026 List, meet Nasty Little Secrets, your newest addition! After receiving this copy from the author and seeing that the audio was narrated by @britpressley (a personal fave) I decided to take a chance and do an immersive read of this book. No regrets! This book was so good. I LOVED getting to know the Dearling siblings and their dynamics and how their lives were all changed by Alex’s murder. The dual timelines were such an effective way to tell this story and helped me to feel like I was there. And the surprises? Perfection! I’m so glad I listened to the audiobook while I read because Brittany Pressley and Max Meyers absolutely killed it. You want me to believe this is a debut novel? Because there’s no way.
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