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Nasty Little Secrets
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26A 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
Expected publication June 16, 2026
5947 people want to read
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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.
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 Author
May 11, 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!
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.
April 20, 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.
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!
April 9, 2026
Thank you to Zando and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t really know what to say about this beyond stating that this was a fantastic debut novel that absolutely could not put down. Gabbie Hanks took the family-drama-murder-mystery thriller novel and put a twist on it that I loved and kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for the main character the whole time.
My only complaint which is small and doesn’t affect my thoughts on the book: The book that the main character had written is called “The Smileys Next Door”, which is kind of a stupid name and I felt like it added a level off cheesiness and inauthenticity that the book did not need. Thank is all. Pretty minor in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, it was great and was the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump!
I don’t really know what to say about this beyond stating that this was a fantastic debut novel that absolutely could not put down. Gabbie Hanks took the family-drama-murder-mystery thriller novel and put a twist on it that I loved and kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for the main character the whole time.
My only complaint which is small and doesn’t affect my thoughts on the book: The book that the main character had written is called “The Smileys Next Door”, which is kind of a stupid name and I felt like it added a level off cheesiness and inauthenticity that the book did not need. Thank is all. Pretty minor in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, it was great and was the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump!
Did Not Finish
March 15, 2026the first fucking line of the book is "i was about to be interviewed on national television, and i was dressed like a whore."
yes queen we love a slut shaming lady-protag right out of the gate!
i am not in the mood currently to read something which i can only assume continues with these rancid vibes but i may give it more of a shot at some point.
yes queen we love a slut shaming lady-protag right out of the gate!
i am not in the mood currently to read something which i can only assume continues with these rancid vibes but i may give it more of a shot at some point.
April 28, 2026
This was such a fast-paced and addicting read for me. I am a sucker for the “reviewing/opening a previously resolved murder case” trope and this book did not disappoint. There were a few twists I didn’t predict but there were also some that I was able to piece together. I think this may be a debut for the author and if so, it is so well done! If you’re looking for a fast-paced book with a sarcastic female main character, family drama, dual-timelines, and digging into the past, I highly recommend!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
May 11, 2026
thanks to #netgalley for this Arc!
incredible book by Gabbie Hanks!! it was gripping from the start. being a little older than rose, i could place myself in her shoes. the nostalgia of the friendships and the malls and how intense everything is came flooding back. And Gabbie Hanks knows how to write some gut-wrenching devastating lines. Perhaps one of my favorites of 2026 so far!
incredible book by Gabbie Hanks!! it was gripping from the start. being a little older than rose, i could place myself in her shoes. the nostalgia of the friendships and the malls and how intense everything is came flooding back. And Gabbie Hanks knows how to write some gut-wrenching devastating lines. Perhaps one of my favorites of 2026 so far!
April 15, 2026
Holy moly, my brain is fried and reeling after just finishing this book. Trying to figure out the k!ller became my full time job for 24 hours while I devoured this. Rose Dearling is best selling author for writing a “factional” account of the murd3r that her brother is in prison for. Shes always maintained that he is innocent and its split her family apart. The incident and her book basically made everyone hate her and her family. She avoids her hometown, but comes rushing back when her sister goes missing. Could it be connected to the gru3some murd3r of her boyfriend’s girlfriend a decade prior?
Nasty Little Secrets is incredible and thrilling!! It’s twisty and leaves you second guessing everything you learn. Rose has to confront everything and everyone all over again while trying to find her sister. She has to face things she’d hoped to keep in the past and uncover new secrets. When I read thrillers, everyone is a suspect. So I had to put my detective hat on and GOD IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I love when a book makes you dive so deep into it that you don’t want to leave until you get answers to all your questions. Brilliantly written and entirely unputdownable.
Everyone that likes thrillers needs to read this book!!!!!
Nasty Little Secrets is incredible and thrilling!! It’s twisty and leaves you second guessing everything you learn. Rose has to confront everything and everyone all over again while trying to find her sister. She has to face things she’d hoped to keep in the past and uncover new secrets. When I read thrillers, everyone is a suspect. So I had to put my detective hat on and GOD IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I love when a book makes you dive so deep into it that you don’t want to leave until you get answers to all your questions. Brilliantly written and entirely unputdownable.
Everyone that likes thrillers needs to read this book!!!!!
April 11, 2026
I was able to get an early release copy through a Goodreads giveaway, and wow am I glad I did!
At the beginning I was a little put off by Rose and her seemingly “mad at the world” attitude. As the story unfolds and you learn more about her backstory, and the pieces start to fit together you get a much fuller picture into who she is as a character.
The pacing on this is second to none. The twists and turns were surprising and kept me in that “one more chapter” mood, until all of the sudden there were only 40 pages left and I just had to finish it!
Overall I’d give this a very high 4/5, but with extra bonus points for just how binge worthy and easy to read it is. This will definitely be getting recommendations from me!
At the beginning I was a little put off by Rose and her seemingly “mad at the world” attitude. As the story unfolds and you learn more about her backstory, and the pieces start to fit together you get a much fuller picture into who she is as a character.
The pacing on this is second to none. The twists and turns were surprising and kept me in that “one more chapter” mood, until all of the sudden there were only 40 pages left and I just had to finish it!
Overall I’d give this a very high 4/5, but with extra bonus points for just how binge worthy and easy to read it is. This will definitely be getting recommendations from me!
May 7, 2026
This is such an amazing debut thriller! I had so much fun with this one and genuinely didn’t want to put it down for silly things like work and being an adult.
There were so many little twists and turns throughout the story that even though it’s technically a slow burn, it never really felt slow. Everyone has secrets, everyone is suspicious, and honestly everyone kind of hates everyone.
Once the major reveals started happening, I felt completely gaslit in the best possible way as a reader.
Rose’s brother has been serving a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend Alex for over a decade but Rose has always believed he’s innocent. To help raise money for his legal defense, she writes a bestselling fictionalized version of the summer leading up to Alex’s death. One where her brother doesn’t kill Alex. The book sparks major controversy, and then Rose’s younger sister Hazel suddenly goes missing. Now Rose and her family are left wondering is this backlash from the book or was Will telling the truth all along and Alex’s real killer is still out there?
After finishing this and reading the acknowledgments where the author thanked Jennifer Hillier, Alex Finlay, Heather Gudenkauf and Karin Slaughter, it immediately made sense why I loved this so much. Those influences are definitely there and it felt like the perfect mix of suspense, messy family dynamics, neighborhood secrets and believable twists.
Such a strong debut and now I’ll absolutely be reading whatever this author writes next if it’s in this genre!
There were so many little twists and turns throughout the story that even though it’s technically a slow burn, it never really felt slow. Everyone has secrets, everyone is suspicious, and honestly everyone kind of hates everyone.
Once the major reveals started happening, I felt completely gaslit in the best possible way as a reader.
Rose’s brother has been serving a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend Alex for over a decade but Rose has always believed he’s innocent. To help raise money for his legal defense, she writes a bestselling fictionalized version of the summer leading up to Alex’s death. One where her brother doesn’t kill Alex. The book sparks major controversy, and then Rose’s younger sister Hazel suddenly goes missing. Now Rose and her family are left wondering is this backlash from the book or was Will telling the truth all along and Alex’s real killer is still out there?
After finishing this and reading the acknowledgments where the author thanked Jennifer Hillier, Alex Finlay, Heather Gudenkauf and Karin Slaughter, it immediately made sense why I loved this so much. Those influences are definitely there and it felt like the perfect mix of suspense, messy family dynamics, neighborhood secrets and believable twists.
Such a strong debut and now I’ll absolutely be reading whatever this author writes next if it’s in this genre!
April 25, 2026
Thank you so much to Zando and NetGalley!!! I really enjoyed this thriller. I was guessing who did it the whole time and I was so shocked at the end. Kind of a wild ride. There were just some things that were sad that I didn’t really like and kind of got turned away from. But I did really enjoy this and I definitely do recommend it
May 5, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I haven’t read many thriller/suspense novels so this was definitely a refreshing read! It had me on the edge of my seat and every time I thought I knew where things were headed I was proven wrong. I did not see any of the shocking twists coming and the last 25% had me reeling. What a great debut!
Thank you so much to Zando for the advanced copy! Nasty Little Secrets releases on June 16, so be sure to check it out!
Thank you so much to Zando for the advanced copy! Nasty Little Secrets releases on June 16, so be sure to check it out!
May 6, 2026
4.25⭐️ this may have had a predictable ending but i really enjoyed the writing & the story. lots of characters but it made it go by quick and kept me interested.
April 13, 2026
Review of an advance copy. When I first read the description I thought of the podcast Serial and it had my interest peaked. Well I read this book in less than a day. From the beginning it makes you want to know what happened, is Rosie wrong about her brother?
May 11, 2026
Gabbie Hanks’ Nasty Little Secrets made me realize that apparently my favorite hobby is now willingly ruining my own peace by reading books where every single character feels suspicious, emotionally unstable, morally questionable, and one bad conversation away from detonating an entire town’s worth of secrets. Zando, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC because this debut thriller absolutely consumed my life for a solid twenty-four hours and I regret absolutely nothing except maybe the amount of sleep I lost screaming internally at these people.
This is the kind of psychological suspense novel that grabs you immediately and never loosens its grip. The setup alone is ridiculously addictive: Rose Dearling’s brother, Will, was convicted years ago for murdering his high school girlfriend, Alex, but Rose has always believed he was innocent. So much so that she wrote a bestselling fictionalized version of the case basically accusing someone else of the crime and publicly reopening old wounds for an entire Florida town that already hated her family. Which honestly? Bold behavior. Slightly chaotic behavior. Possibly therapy-worthy behavior. But also exactly the kind of messy premise I eat up every single time.
Then Rose’s younger sister Hazel suddenly disappears.
And THAT is when this book goes from “interesting thriller” to “someone please check my pulse because I cannot stop reading.”
I loved the way this story balanced emotional family drama with genuinely addictive suspense. Every chapter peels back another layer of lies, resentment, guilt, grief, betrayal, or buried history, and every single character feels like they’re carrying around enough secrets to qualify for their own interrogation room episode. The dual timelines were incredibly well done because each reveal from the past completely shifted how I viewed the present timeline. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, this book looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Cute theory. Anyway…”
Rose as a main character is probably going to be divisive for some readers, but personally? I loved her. She’s abrasive, sarcastic, emotionally guarded, impulsive, and very clearly shaped by years of trauma, public scrutiny, and unresolved anger. She’s not trying to be likable all the time and that made her feel real to me. The deeper the story went, the more I understood why she moves through the world with her claws already out. Underneath all that sharpness is someone desperately trying to hold together the pieces of a family that shattered years ago.
And honestly, the Florida setting deserves its own award because Gabbie Hanks somehow captured that weird humid intensity so perfectly. The tension in this book feels sticky. Heavy. Claustrophobic. Everyone’s watching everyone, gossip spreads like wildfire, storms feel like they’re sitting right on top of the town, and the atmosphere constantly feels one step away from boiling over. Small-town thrillers either nail that vibe or they don’t, and this one absolutely did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
“There are some secrets so ugly they poison everyone who touches them.”
What really worked for me was how emotionally layered this story felt underneath all the twists. Yes, it’s fast-paced and bingeable and packed with reveals, but at its core this is also a story about family loyalty, grief, shame, memory, and what happens when people build their entire identities around a tragedy they never truly escaped. There’s this lingering sadness underneath the suspense that made the emotional payoff hit even harder.
And can we PLEASE acknowledge that this is a debut novel? Because excuse me?? The pacing was sharp, the character work felt confident, and the twists actually landed without feeling ridiculous or over-the-top. That’s a hard balance to pull off in thrillers because sometimes the genre starts mistaking “shocking” for “completely nonsensical.” This book never crossed that line for me. The reveals felt earned, even when they blindsided me.
By the end, I was fully spiraling, aggressively suspicious of everybody, and mentally reopening every single scene trying to figure out how this book managed to fool me so thoroughly. The final stretch absolutely flies, and once the revelations start stacking on top of each other, good luck putting this thing down. I kept saying “one more chapter” like a liar.
If you love messy family dynamics, unreliable people, unresolved trauma, dark humor, complicated women, buried secrets, and thrillers that make you feel personally manipulated in the best possible way, put this one on your summer reading list immediately.
Now somebody tell me: what’s the last thriller that completely destroyed your ability to trust literally anyone? 👀
#NastyLittleSecrets #GabbieHanks #PsychologicalThriller #MysteryThriller #ThrillerBooks #BookReview #Bookstagram #SuspenseBooks #NetGalley #ARCReader #DebutNovel #BooksCoffeeBrews #CrimeFiction #BookRecommendations #ThrillerRea
This is the kind of psychological suspense novel that grabs you immediately and never loosens its grip. The setup alone is ridiculously addictive: Rose Dearling’s brother, Will, was convicted years ago for murdering his high school girlfriend, Alex, but Rose has always believed he was innocent. So much so that she wrote a bestselling fictionalized version of the case basically accusing someone else of the crime and publicly reopening old wounds for an entire Florida town that already hated her family. Which honestly? Bold behavior. Slightly chaotic behavior. Possibly therapy-worthy behavior. But also exactly the kind of messy premise I eat up every single time.
Then Rose’s younger sister Hazel suddenly disappears.
And THAT is when this book goes from “interesting thriller” to “someone please check my pulse because I cannot stop reading.”
I loved the way this story balanced emotional family drama with genuinely addictive suspense. Every chapter peels back another layer of lies, resentment, guilt, grief, betrayal, or buried history, and every single character feels like they’re carrying around enough secrets to qualify for their own interrogation room episode. The dual timelines were incredibly well done because each reveal from the past completely shifted how I viewed the present timeline. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, this book looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Cute theory. Anyway…”
Rose as a main character is probably going to be divisive for some readers, but personally? I loved her. She’s abrasive, sarcastic, emotionally guarded, impulsive, and very clearly shaped by years of trauma, public scrutiny, and unresolved anger. She’s not trying to be likable all the time and that made her feel real to me. The deeper the story went, the more I understood why she moves through the world with her claws already out. Underneath all that sharpness is someone desperately trying to hold together the pieces of a family that shattered years ago.
And honestly, the Florida setting deserves its own award because Gabbie Hanks somehow captured that weird humid intensity so perfectly. The tension in this book feels sticky. Heavy. Claustrophobic. Everyone’s watching everyone, gossip spreads like wildfire, storms feel like they’re sitting right on top of the town, and the atmosphere constantly feels one step away from boiling over. Small-town thrillers either nail that vibe or they don’t, and this one absolutely did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
“There are some secrets so ugly they poison everyone who touches them.”
What really worked for me was how emotionally layered this story felt underneath all the twists. Yes, it’s fast-paced and bingeable and packed with reveals, but at its core this is also a story about family loyalty, grief, shame, memory, and what happens when people build their entire identities around a tragedy they never truly escaped. There’s this lingering sadness underneath the suspense that made the emotional payoff hit even harder.
And can we PLEASE acknowledge that this is a debut novel? Because excuse me?? The pacing was sharp, the character work felt confident, and the twists actually landed without feeling ridiculous or over-the-top. That’s a hard balance to pull off in thrillers because sometimes the genre starts mistaking “shocking” for “completely nonsensical.” This book never crossed that line for me. The reveals felt earned, even when they blindsided me.
By the end, I was fully spiraling, aggressively suspicious of everybody, and mentally reopening every single scene trying to figure out how this book managed to fool me so thoroughly. The final stretch absolutely flies, and once the revelations start stacking on top of each other, good luck putting this thing down. I kept saying “one more chapter” like a liar.
If you love messy family dynamics, unreliable people, unresolved trauma, dark humor, complicated women, buried secrets, and thrillers that make you feel personally manipulated in the best possible way, put this one on your summer reading list immediately.
Now somebody tell me: what’s the last thriller that completely destroyed your ability to trust literally anyone? 👀
#NastyLittleSecrets #GabbieHanks #PsychologicalThriller #MysteryThriller #ThrillerBooks #BookReview #Bookstagram #SuspenseBooks #NetGalley #ARCReader #DebutNovel #BooksCoffeeBrews #CrimeFiction #BookRecommendations #ThrillerRea
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley for this one- and I have never been more thankful for my NetGalley account.
I needed a few days to process this one after I finished it. This may be one of the best books I’ve read this year. I love a good thriller, but they’re hard to come by. It’s either a convoluted mess or glaringly obvious who the killer is. Not the case with this one. At all.
Rose has dedicated her life, her reputation, her mental health, all of the things to this horrible tragedy that happened when she was a kid. Her brother is accused & eventually found guilty of murdering his HS sweetheart on the night they break up. Rose is the only one from her family who is unwavering in the belief that Will was not the killer. So much so that she writes a book “loosely but not loosely” about the murder to help raise money & awareness for her brother’s case. This on its own is a really interesting storyline, the dedication of a sister to her brother after everyone else has given up. It seems noble of her and makes her likable to the reader in a way that she is unlikable to nearly everyone else. Then Rose’s younger sister vanishes and suddenly everyone is thrown back into the past- reliving a missing girl from the opposite side of their first experience.
At first it seems like Rose is working her own case solely because she mistrusts the police dept, but as she learns more about the sister she barely knows it evolves into guilt. Rose finds a copy of the book and learns not only has Hazel read it, she’s also investigating what happened all those years ago. The more she follows up with Hazel’s hunches the more convinced she is that she’s been right all along. Will was never a killer and even worse, this belief may be the thing that kills her sister.
Each character is fleshed out, through the present day & flashbacks from the book you get a really clear sense of who they all were and what they became after Alex’s death. At the start of the story I felt myself aligned with Rose’s feelings towards her family, the mother who abandoned her son and then eventually the whole family, the father who turns into a shell of himself and turns his back on his son and Rose. The further into the book I read the less one dimensional these characters became. Nobody is all good or all bad and this story really shows that concept beautifully.
I have every intention of recommending this book to everyone I know & re-reading it myself when it comes out. This honestly has become my favorite book of 2026
I needed a few days to process this one after I finished it. This may be one of the best books I’ve read this year. I love a good thriller, but they’re hard to come by. It’s either a convoluted mess or glaringly obvious who the killer is. Not the case with this one. At all.
Rose has dedicated her life, her reputation, her mental health, all of the things to this horrible tragedy that happened when she was a kid. Her brother is accused & eventually found guilty of murdering his HS sweetheart on the night they break up. Rose is the only one from her family who is unwavering in the belief that Will was not the killer. So much so that she writes a book “loosely but not loosely” about the murder to help raise money & awareness for her brother’s case. This on its own is a really interesting storyline, the dedication of a sister to her brother after everyone else has given up. It seems noble of her and makes her likable to the reader in a way that she is unlikable to nearly everyone else. Then Rose’s younger sister vanishes and suddenly everyone is thrown back into the past- reliving a missing girl from the opposite side of their first experience.
At first it seems like Rose is working her own case solely because she mistrusts the police dept, but as she learns more about the sister she barely knows it evolves into guilt. Rose finds a copy of the book and learns not only has Hazel read it, she’s also investigating what happened all those years ago. The more she follows up with Hazel’s hunches the more convinced she is that she’s been right all along. Will was never a killer and even worse, this belief may be the thing that kills her sister.
Each character is fleshed out, through the present day & flashbacks from the book you get a really clear sense of who they all were and what they became after Alex’s death. At the start of the story I felt myself aligned with Rose’s feelings towards her family, the mother who abandoned her son and then eventually the whole family, the father who turns into a shell of himself and turns his back on his son and Rose. The further into the book I read the less one dimensional these characters became. Nobody is all good or all bad and this story really shows that concept beautifully.
I have every intention of recommending this book to everyone I know & re-reading it myself when it comes out. This honestly has become my favorite book of 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC!
two amazing debut thrillers in a row! I loved this book, if you can't tell from the rating. I did see where it was going, but again, in good/great thrillers, this doesn't feel disappointing but satisfying. and what made this book so good was the cast of characters. the protag is often a mess, and she is far from always right, but you end up understanding and sympathizing with her a lot. I have seen other reviews of this book say "no one is truly good and no one is truly bad in this book," and I don't think that's true at all, but the thing is that the saintly and awful characters feel like real people throughout. everyone feels like both a real person and an interesting character to read about, which is a fantastic achievement for any author, but particularly a debut one.
like as an example for how good this book was, and I'm sorry for being vague, but this keeps coming to mind: there was one part in the middle of the book where I was getting annoyed at a certain like... cliche/element that kept getting brought up. it just felt so eyerolly and tacked on to make the protag Damaged. and then I was like, you know what, this author has already proven herself with her writing, I am going to keep reading. and I feel like it had the payoff I was expecting that made it all have a point and offer actual commentary. the whole book is full of stuff like this. it's fantastic.
also just on a shallower note, I could not put this book down. I feel like a lot of people are gonna figure out the ultimate ending, but Nasty Little Secrets is so well paced and plotted it doesn't really matter; it's a wholly satisfying reading experience for people who like thrillers.
(my one negative comment is that there were a lot of typos. in the first chapter there's a character named Aimee that gets called "Amy" at least once. there are many sentences that don't have periods on the ends. and there are quite a few times they use "iss" instead of "is," including in one line that was clearly supposed to be punchy. this was an ARC so maybe these will be cleaned up. also there's a line I didn't like in the epilogue. but that's it!)
two amazing debut thrillers in a row! I loved this book, if you can't tell from the rating. I did see where it was going, but again, in good/great thrillers, this doesn't feel disappointing but satisfying. and what made this book so good was the cast of characters. the protag is often a mess, and she is far from always right, but you end up understanding and sympathizing with her a lot. I have seen other reviews of this book say "no one is truly good and no one is truly bad in this book," and I don't think that's true at all, but the thing is that the saintly and awful characters feel like real people throughout. everyone feels like both a real person and an interesting character to read about, which is a fantastic achievement for any author, but particularly a debut one.
like as an example for how good this book was, and I'm sorry for being vague, but this keeps coming to mind: there was one part in the middle of the book where I was getting annoyed at a certain like... cliche/element that kept getting brought up. it just felt so eyerolly and tacked on to make the protag Damaged. and then I was like, you know what, this author has already proven herself with her writing, I am going to keep reading. and I feel like it had the payoff I was expecting that made it all have a point and offer actual commentary. the whole book is full of stuff like this. it's fantastic.
also just on a shallower note, I could not put this book down. I feel like a lot of people are gonna figure out the ultimate ending, but Nasty Little Secrets is so well paced and plotted it doesn't really matter; it's a wholly satisfying reading experience for people who like thrillers.
(my one negative comment is that there were a lot of typos. in the first chapter there's a character named Aimee that gets called "Amy" at least once. there are many sentences that don't have periods on the ends. and there are quite a few times they use "iss" instead of "is," including in one line that was clearly supposed to be punchy. this was an ARC so maybe these will be cleaned up. also there's a line I didn't like in the epilogue. but that's it!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Summary
Rose Dearling’s life is turned upside down when her brother, Will, is convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Alex.
Will has always maintained his innocence, but the only one who seems to believe him, is Rose. The rest of their family is even convinced of Will’s guilt. But, Rose won’t accept it. So, she became the author of a best selling book that was “fiction” but essentially told the story of what happened (from her perspective) and named Alex’s father as the actual killer. And while this was technically a fabrication and had people calling Rose greedy and opportunistic, it also gave her the funds to bankroll legal services and appeals for Will.
But, déjà vu strikes when Rose’s little sister, Hazel, goes missing and Rose can’t help but see connections to Alex’s murder. Is the real killer still out there?
Review
Are we sure this was a debut novel? Because, wow! I was hooked from the first page and the twists and turns kept me coming back for more the whole way through.
The family drama / murder mystery combo plays so well here and all the characters are so well written, it’s easy to feel the family dynamic. Rose is definitely a more brash kind of abrasive main character but I like a little grit and the characterization is well balanced between the dark / snarky moments and the thoughtful / intelligent moments.
The dual timeline perspective is well executed and perfectly interspersed throughout.
All of that, plus the constant twists and turns. I mean, seriously, very impressive from a debut author. Five very solid stars from me, and looking forward to seeing what else Gabbie Hanks comes up with in the future!
(Thank you to Gabbie Hanks, Zando, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published June 16, 2026)
Rose Dearling’s life is turned upside down when her brother, Will, is convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Alex.
Will has always maintained his innocence, but the only one who seems to believe him, is Rose. The rest of their family is even convinced of Will’s guilt. But, Rose won’t accept it. So, she became the author of a best selling book that was “fiction” but essentially told the story of what happened (from her perspective) and named Alex’s father as the actual killer. And while this was technically a fabrication and had people calling Rose greedy and opportunistic, it also gave her the funds to bankroll legal services and appeals for Will.
But, déjà vu strikes when Rose’s little sister, Hazel, goes missing and Rose can’t help but see connections to Alex’s murder. Is the real killer still out there?
Review
Are we sure this was a debut novel? Because, wow! I was hooked from the first page and the twists and turns kept me coming back for more the whole way through.
The family drama / murder mystery combo plays so well here and all the characters are so well written, it’s easy to feel the family dynamic. Rose is definitely a more brash kind of abrasive main character but I like a little grit and the characterization is well balanced between the dark / snarky moments and the thoughtful / intelligent moments.
The dual timeline perspective is well executed and perfectly interspersed throughout.
All of that, plus the constant twists and turns. I mean, seriously, very impressive from a debut author. Five very solid stars from me, and looking forward to seeing what else Gabbie Hanks comes up with in the future!
(Thank you to Gabbie Hanks, Zando, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published June 16, 2026)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25/5 Stars ⭐️
A big thank you to ZandoProjects and NetGalley for allowing me this opportunity to read this ARC by Gabbie Hanks.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel.
Nasty Little Secrets delivers a compelling, character-driven mystery anchored by the gritty and unapologetic voice of its protagonist, Rose Dearling. Told from Rose’s perspective, the narrative moves between the present day and eleven years earlier, when her older brother, Will, was convicted of murdering his high school girlfriend, Alex Hopely, shortly after graduation.
What makes this story particularly engaging is Rose’s unwavering belief in her brother’s innocence. Refusing to accept the official version of events, she channels her doubts into writing a fiction-based account of the crime; an act that not only reopens old wounds but also places her squarely in the crosshairs of public scrutiny. The backlash she faces, from her own family, the victim’s relatives, and the relentless judgment of social media, adds emotional weight and realism to the narrative.
The tension escalates when Rose’s younger sister, Hazel, suddenly goes missing. This new crisis forces everyone to revisit the past, unearthing buried truths and long hidden secrets. As timelines collide, the story cleverly blurs the line between perception and reality, raising questions about memory, loyalty, and the cost of uncovering the truth.
Overall, Nasty Little Secrets stands out for its sharp voice, layered storytelling, and the way it steadily builds suspense while exploring the complexities of family and belief.
A big thank you to ZandoProjects and NetGalley for allowing me this opportunity to read this ARC by Gabbie Hanks.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel.
Nasty Little Secrets delivers a compelling, character-driven mystery anchored by the gritty and unapologetic voice of its protagonist, Rose Dearling. Told from Rose’s perspective, the narrative moves between the present day and eleven years earlier, when her older brother, Will, was convicted of murdering his high school girlfriend, Alex Hopely, shortly after graduation.
What makes this story particularly engaging is Rose’s unwavering belief in her brother’s innocence. Refusing to accept the official version of events, she channels her doubts into writing a fiction-based account of the crime; an act that not only reopens old wounds but also places her squarely in the crosshairs of public scrutiny. The backlash she faces, from her own family, the victim’s relatives, and the relentless judgment of social media, adds emotional weight and realism to the narrative.
The tension escalates when Rose’s younger sister, Hazel, suddenly goes missing. This new crisis forces everyone to revisit the past, unearthing buried truths and long hidden secrets. As timelines collide, the story cleverly blurs the line between perception and reality, raising questions about memory, loyalty, and the cost of uncovering the truth.
Overall, Nasty Little Secrets stands out for its sharp voice, layered storytelling, and the way it steadily builds suspense while exploring the complexities of family and belief.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Gabbie for the ARC.
📚 Nasty Little Secrets
🖋️ Gabbie Hanks
✨ Standalone
🏛️ Publisher: Zando
🖤 One phrase: messy family drama with a murder mystery knife twist.
This sounds like exactly the kind of psychological suspense I inhale. A true crime writer returns home when her younger sister goes missing, only to realize the case might be tied to the murder that destroyed her family years ago? Immediate yes. What makes this one special is that it seems to mix sharp family tension, small town scandal, and that delicious “someone here knows everything” energy.
My favorite part is Rose already. I love a brash, abrasive main character who is willing to burn her reputation to protect the person she loves. And the fact that her own bestselling book might hold the key to solving everything? That is such a good hook. It sounds twisty, dramatic, and exactly the kind of debut that keeps you up way too late.
✨ Tropes & vibes
🎙️ true crime writer heroine
🖤 messy family secrets
🌴 dark small town Florida vibes
🔪 old murder case reopening
😮 dual timeline tension
🔥 suspicious everyone energy
📖 Read this if you like
🩸 family drama mixed with murder mystery
🎙️ true crime adjacent thrillers
🖤 sharp female leads with attitude
📚 books that make you suspect literally everyone
Rose Dearling sounds like she is about to drag every nasty little secret into the light and I am very here for it.
#NastyLittleSecrets #GabbieHanks #PsychologicalSuspense #MysteryThriller #Bookstagram
📚 Nasty Little Secrets
🖋️ Gabbie Hanks
✨ Standalone
🏛️ Publisher: Zando
🖤 One phrase: messy family drama with a murder mystery knife twist.
This sounds like exactly the kind of psychological suspense I inhale. A true crime writer returns home when her younger sister goes missing, only to realize the case might be tied to the murder that destroyed her family years ago? Immediate yes. What makes this one special is that it seems to mix sharp family tension, small town scandal, and that delicious “someone here knows everything” energy.
My favorite part is Rose already. I love a brash, abrasive main character who is willing to burn her reputation to protect the person she loves. And the fact that her own bestselling book might hold the key to solving everything? That is such a good hook. It sounds twisty, dramatic, and exactly the kind of debut that keeps you up way too late.
✨ Tropes & vibes
🎙️ true crime writer heroine
🖤 messy family secrets
🌴 dark small town Florida vibes
🔪 old murder case reopening
😮 dual timeline tension
🔥 suspicious everyone energy
📖 Read this if you like
🩸 family drama mixed with murder mystery
🎙️ true crime adjacent thrillers
🖤 sharp female leads with attitude
📚 books that make you suspect literally everyone
Rose Dearling sounds like she is about to drag every nasty little secret into the light and I am very here for it.
#NastyLittleSecrets #GabbieHanks #PsychologicalSuspense #MysteryThriller #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOWW. This is one of the best debut thrillers I have ever read. Full of twists and excellently written, this is one to add to the top of your summer reading list (or listening, I feel this will be a great audiobook). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Longer review below 🌴💋
What sets it apart from other thrillers I’ve read is the very distinctive tone and voice in the writing. The writing is already stellar, but the author, Gabbie Hanks, presents it in a way that is edgy, brash, and fresh. Each character leaps off the page and they feel like they are people you could meet in every day life (for better or for worse). The premise may seem familiar but I’ve never seen it done quite this way, let alone by a debut author. This story had equal parts bite and heart to it, as well as dark and snarky humor throughout that elicited audible reactions from me multiple times and was one of the things I enjoyed the most while I was reading it. The story, combined with the unflinching writing could’ve easily gone off the rails in the hands of different authors but Hanks expertly keeps it grounded in a realistic way, down to the dialogue. Even the “quieter” chapters had me wanting more with the layers of story being peeled back.
I received an ARC of this and finished it in a day but I will be reading it again before its official release day of 6/16/26 (I have already preordered and you should too!). This was a phenomenal debut and I am so excited to read more from this author.
Longer review below 🌴💋
What sets it apart from other thrillers I’ve read is the very distinctive tone and voice in the writing. The writing is already stellar, but the author, Gabbie Hanks, presents it in a way that is edgy, brash, and fresh. Each character leaps off the page and they feel like they are people you could meet in every day life (for better or for worse). The premise may seem familiar but I’ve never seen it done quite this way, let alone by a debut author. This story had equal parts bite and heart to it, as well as dark and snarky humor throughout that elicited audible reactions from me multiple times and was one of the things I enjoyed the most while I was reading it. The story, combined with the unflinching writing could’ve easily gone off the rails in the hands of different authors but Hanks expertly keeps it grounded in a realistic way, down to the dialogue. Even the “quieter” chapters had me wanting more with the layers of story being peeled back.
I received an ARC of this and finished it in a day but I will be reading it again before its official release day of 6/16/26 (I have already preordered and you should too!). This was a phenomenal debut and I am so excited to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(ARC - out 06/16/26 via Zando) The gods have heard my kvetching about my inability to find a mystery/thriller that works for me in all aspects, and they have delivered me Nasty Little Secrets. Rose is a successful author, with her smash hit novel depicting a murder similar to one she is extremely familiar with - that of Alexandria, a young woman from her hometown, whose murder Rose’s brother was accused and convicted of. Rose, however, is certain that her brother is innocent. Amid a round of publicity for the paperback release of her book, her younger sister Hazel disappears, and it seems like maybe Hazel’s disappearance and Alexandria’s murder are linked. This is such a well-paced thriller - the author is great at hooking the reader into turning the pages. The mystery is killer (literally), too. I also liked the character development of Rose - she is extremely callous and judgmental, borderline cruel from page one, and Gabbie Hanks does not shy away from her anger and attitude, but instead builds her character throughout the novel in a way that makes her approach to the world feel…earned, I guess? This was a ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚Book: Nasty Little Secrets
Author: Gabbie Hanks
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Suspense
Pages: 320
Coming June 16, 2026
📚My Book Review:
Nasty Little Secrets by Gabbie Hanks is a psychological suspense novel.
Rose Dearling’s life changed forever when her brother was imprisoned for the murder of his high school sweetheart. Now, a decade after the crime ripped her family and Florida hometown apart, Rose is the only one who still believes he didn’t do it. So much so that she wrote a bestselling book about the case to cement his innocence..
Then Rose gets a call that shatters her world for a second time: her younger sister has gone missing. Back home and under the same roof as her family for the first time in years, Rose begins the search for her sister. But when connections between both past and present cases emerge, Rose realizes that her own book could hold all the answers . . .
This book really surprised me. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. BUT WOW…. I was wrong!!! It was a great read!! And then I realized this is a debut novel?!?! This has to be the best debut I have ever read!! Make sure you have no plans once you start reading… this book hooks you and won’t let go. It had all the aspects of a great thriller. Lots of suspense, twists, dual timelines and everyone was suspicious!! I was suspecting all the characters by the end of the book. The twists were shocking and unguessable. Kept me guessing right up to the end. Literally jaw dropping twist at the end!!!! Full of family secrets, betrayal and scandals.
I rated this book a strong 5 stars! If you like suspense, twists and books that are page turners, this book is for you. I can’t wait to see the next book from Gabbie Hanks!!!
Author: Gabbie Hanks
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Suspense
Pages: 320
Coming June 16, 2026
📚My Book Review:
Nasty Little Secrets by Gabbie Hanks is a psychological suspense novel.
Rose Dearling’s life changed forever when her brother was imprisoned for the murder of his high school sweetheart. Now, a decade after the crime ripped her family and Florida hometown apart, Rose is the only one who still believes he didn’t do it. So much so that she wrote a bestselling book about the case to cement his innocence..
Then Rose gets a call that shatters her world for a second time: her younger sister has gone missing. Back home and under the same roof as her family for the first time in years, Rose begins the search for her sister. But when connections between both past and present cases emerge, Rose realizes that her own book could hold all the answers . . .
This book really surprised me. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. BUT WOW…. I was wrong!!! It was a great read!! And then I realized this is a debut novel?!?! This has to be the best debut I have ever read!! Make sure you have no plans once you start reading… this book hooks you and won’t let go. It had all the aspects of a great thriller. Lots of suspense, twists, dual timelines and everyone was suspicious!! I was suspecting all the characters by the end of the book. The twists were shocking and unguessable. Kept me guessing right up to the end. Literally jaw dropping twist at the end!!!! Full of family secrets, betrayal and scandals.
I rated this book a strong 5 stars! If you like suspense, twists and books that are page turners, this book is for you. I can’t wait to see the next book from Gabbie Hanks!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was leaps and bounds better than I expected from a debut author. Rose is a controversial author who wrote a "fictional" story about her brother's (Will) girlfriend's murder in order to raise money for his appeals. Following her book being released in paperback, her younger sister Hazel goes missing. Rose is forced to return to Loxahatchee to help find her sister. The story that unfolds is one of painful grief, trauma, family dysfunction, and finding the truth. Although I had an idea of who would end up being Alex's murderer, it still unfolded in ways I didn't expect, and there was an added twist that I definitely didn't see coming. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers. Maybe one day this will be adapted into a movie. I would definitely head to the theater for it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!!! This book is absolutely AMAZING!!!! As an avid thriller reader myself I am always looking for a book to surprise me with endless twists and turns and this book certainly did just that! Not only did it keep me on my toes the entire time but I was also met with such great nostalgic references from my childhood like the Tiffany Heart tag necklace, an American Apparel dress, and of course Publix, the beloved grocery store of Florida.
The main character Rose was so confident, feisty and unapologetically herself which made it so easy to root for her throughout the entire book. The family drama is so juicy and definitely adds to why this book is such a page turner. Rose’s dedication to revealing the truth is unstoppable and you won’t want to miss it. READ THIS BOOK, you won’t be sorry! What an incredible debut novel by Gabbie Hanks! I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
The main character Rose was so confident, feisty and unapologetically herself which made it so easy to root for her throughout the entire book. The family drama is so juicy and definitely adds to why this book is such a page turner. Rose’s dedication to revealing the truth is unstoppable and you won’t want to miss it. READ THIS BOOK, you won’t be sorry! What an incredible debut novel by Gabbie Hanks! I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an e arc in exchange for an honest review!
this was a really fast paced, easy to read thriller that I devoured in just under 4 hours!
While at times the fmc Rosie could come off selfish or irritating, as you get further into the story and learn more, you start to really appreciate how she's unapologetically herself, and her wittiness and dark sense of humor really makes you feel for her and appreciate her quirks.
On another note, I did not see the twists coming! I definitely had a few theories but I definitely didn't see that ending as one of my guesses.
Especially for this being a debut novel, this was a very good thriller and I was very impressed!
this was a really fast paced, easy to read thriller that I devoured in just under 4 hours!
While at times the fmc Rosie could come off selfish or irritating, as you get further into the story and learn more, you start to really appreciate how she's unapologetically herself, and her wittiness and dark sense of humor really makes you feel for her and appreciate her quirks.
On another note, I did not see the twists coming! I definitely had a few theories but I definitely didn't see that ending as one of my guesses.
Especially for this being a debut novel, this was a very good thriller and I was very impressed!
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