The Silent Twin: Don’t miss this brand-new gripping domestic psychological thriller set in Scotland to read in 2026

by Jen L Crow

'Evocative, compulsive, beautifully written – a real page-turner' Sophie HannahPre-order this gripping, twisty psychological thriller for fans of Adele Parks and Claire Douglas now.

EVERY FAMILY HAS SECRETS. SOME ARE DEADLY.

Eve returns to the windswept Scottish island of her childhood, drawn back to her mother’s secluded artistic retreat by unsettling news – a local boy connected to the family has gone missing.

But the island feels different. Her sister won’t speak, her brother is on edge, and the retreat’s once-thriving group of artists and misfits are quietly packing up and leaving.

As a fierce storm rages across the island, Eve must confront whatever it is her family are hiding – and the darkness that may be lurking far closer than she ever imagined.

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 26, 2026

Reviews

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen L. Crow’s The Silent Twin is a haunting, atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page. Set against the wild beauty of a windswept Scottish island, the novel draws you into a world where family secrets and buried truths simmer just beneath the surface.

Eve’s return to her childhood home—a secluded artistic retreat—should feel like a homecoming, but instead it brims with unease. Her sister’s silence, her brother’s tension, and the slow unraveling of the once-vibrant community create a sense of isolation that mirrors the storm raging outside. Crow captures this eerie atmosphere with elegance, weaving together the claustrophobic tension of family ties with the broader menace of a community in decline.

The missing boy becomes the catalyst for Eve’s journey into the shadows of her past, forcing her to confront not only the mysteries of the island but the darkness within her own family. The novel balances suspense with emotional depth, making the revelations feel both shocking and deeply human.

This is a story steeped in gothic mood and psychological intrigue, perfect for readers who love thrillers that combine mystery with atmosphere. The Silent Twin is a chilling reminder that sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones closest to home.

With thanks to Jen L Crow, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

An atmospheric piece of story telling, this novel examines the causes and realities of familial dysfunction due to trauma and loss.

When Eve returns to the island where her mother has been running a creative retreat, she finds the situation very different from what she had expected. Family members feel hard to reach, and resident artists are abandoning ship.

Focusing on the secrets that often lie beneath the surface of family life, this is an interesting read with well drawn characters, although the pacing is not always entirely satisfactory. It misses 4 stars for that reason, but does get 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slow paced, atmospheric read about family secrets and island life. I found the pacing to be quite frustrating at times but I really liked the writing style. The characterisation, especially of Eve was good as she returns to the island of her childhood and I liked the descriptions of the artists retreat and the landscape. Overall, it's a good read about family and loyalty. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m slightly on the fence with this book. I loved the atmospheric setting and the premise - dysfunctional family, trauma and loss. It was well written with good characterisation. But for me it was just too much of a slow burner and seemed it could have been wrapped up much quicker. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.