The Secret He Keeps: An utterly unputdownable and gripping domestic suspense novel

by Laura Elliot

I thought he was the one. But will his secret destroy us?

I was so excited to introduce Darragh to my family. He’s everything I ever dreamed of in a partner, the perfect man for me. Sitting next to me at my parents’ dining table, he answers all my mother’s questions. But I can’t ignore the way he grips his wine glass tightly, his easy smile gone, his warm green eyes somehow cold.

It’s only later that I find out the truth. I thought we were strangers that first night in the crowded little bar, but Darragh knew who I was – he got close to me deliberately.

He says he never meant to hurt me, that he loves me. But then he tells me one last terrible thing. About the tragedy that devastated my family twenty years ago. And a secret that makes me question everything…

All I ever wanted was for him to be honest with me. But if he’s telling the truth, it means that someone is lying to me. But who? My family or the man that I love? And when all is revealed, could the secret he’s been keeping heal the past or destroy everything I have ever known?

Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Amanda Prowse and Diane Chamberlain, The Secret He Keeps is a page-turning and emotional suspense novel about long-buried family secrets and the things we do to protect the ones we love.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 27, 2026

About the author

Biography

Laura Elliot, is an internationally known writer of psychological thrillers. She has written ten novels, which are published by Bookouture and Sphere in the UK and Ireland, and by Grand Central Publishing in the US.

Her novels have been widely translated and include The Wife Before Me, The Thorn Girl, Guilty and her latest, After the Wedding.

AKA June Considine has written twelve books for children and young adults, and has collaborated on a number of high-profile, non-fiction books. Her short stories for teenage readers have been published in anthologies and broadcast on radio. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor.

She lives in Malahide, Co Dublin, Ireland.

Reviews

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one was very easy for me to put down… so it took a few days to get through, which is not typical for me.

At the end of the day, this feels like a marketing mismatch. And I hate being this critical because I generally love the thrillers coming out of Bookouture, but this isn’t really a thriller. It leans much more into women’s fiction with a mystery woven in.

That’s where it lost me. I’m not a big women’s fiction reader, and I likely wouldn’t have requested the audiobook if the description had been more accurate.

I will say, the setting was a strong point and definitely helped pull me in. There’s also a lot going on, so you really need to stay focused or you’ll miss details. For me, it felt like too many elements competing at once. Others may enjoy that layered approach, but it didn’t fully come together for me. There were also some disjointed moments that had me rewinding, and tighter editing would have made a difference.

The audiobook narration by Roisin Rankin was fantastic. Slightly slower than my preference, but easily fixed by adjusting the speed. Her rich, lilting accent was incredibly soothing and really elevated the experience—full marks there.

If you enjoy women’s fiction with a side of suspense, this may be exactly your kind of read. For me, it just wasn’t the right fit.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Bookouture Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do people keep things secret? Sometimes it’s to protect others, but very often it’s mainly to protect themselves. In the past, it was much easier to shield yourself from the outside world because you were only reachable in a very limited way. It usually only involved the opinions of those in your immediate surroundings. Now, partly because of the internet and social media, the entire world can share their — positive or negative — opinions about you. People judge so easily, yet often have no real understanding of the situation when they hear something. Lying and deceiving to benefit yourself, without the slightest concern for who you might hurt, is even worse.

But these things eventually come to the surface, even if you’ve taken the most drastic measures to prevent that from happening. Plans can suddenly blow up in your face, and the pain and sorrow you’ve caused others for years becomes visible to everyone.

I must honestly admit that I doubted several times whether I would continue reading. In the beginning, it moves so terribly slowly that I found myself getting a bit bored. But I don’t give up easily, and gradually I found it becoming more and more interesting, with some strong revelations along the way. So yes, patience is definitely rewarded, and I’m glad I persevered.

I do realize that not everyone is like that, and of course that’s perfectly fine. But it also means they might miss certain things and end up with a somewhat distorted impression of the book. For me, it’s a shame about the overly long buildup, but I still finish with a four-star rating and a good feeling.

Thank you.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really intriguing read that had me hooked right from the start.

With a great mix of the development of the romantic relationship between Alysia and Darragh, against a backdrop of the mystery surrounding the murder of Alysia's aunt, Joanna and the affects that this has had on the family around her.

 

Now, you know that I'm not one to read blurbs until after reading a book and I'd definitely suggest that you don't read the blurb for this one.

I found that there were some aspects of this read that felt like reveals throughout the whole book - yet these were mentioned in the blurb.

So if you love a twisty book that's full of secrets, definitely go into this one blind if you can.

 

I loved Alysia and Darragh and really fell in love with them and their relationship before things got a little weird for them and that drove me to really root for them both and to understand that need for them to keep connecting even after things went wrong.

 

I can't say too much about the plot because I did really think that it took me a long time to work through all the different secrets, connections and links and this was part of the fun for me.

Trying to make my own theories along the way, only to be thrown off track again,waving me sympathetic with different people and suspicious of others at different times if the read.

 

It was great to see how each reveal fuelled the characters to take new directions and to dig deeper, exposing secret after secret a d gradually breaking down those long seated beliefs and ideas that both Alysia and Darragh had grown up with.

What I loved most, was that although Darragh came into this with a little more knowledge than Alysia - it wasn't long before we realised that he also had been following an unknown path from the start.

 

I loved the setting - I read a lot of Scottish set books, so this was refreshing - and I loved the narrator - listening to the voice and hearing all the descriptions really transported me there with the characters.

 

Although this was a fairly complex plot, I did see some of the elements coming - but this didn't spoil things one bit as these always came two-fold.

 

A great first read by this author and I'm looking forward to seeing more on my shelves soon.

 

 
 

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good suspenseful family drama and it was full of secrets.

The story centres on a young woman, Alysia, who has been severely impacted by the brutal murder of her aunt when she was a young girl. The family drama focuses on Alysia's grandmother and mother who have shielded and protected Alysia during the aftermath of the police investigation and even into young adulthood her family have been cent the centre of her world. Until one day, she meets Darragh, who she not only falls in love with, but he also opens up her mind to a different world outside of her immediate family and Alysia begins to question everything.

The story is told from multiple points of view but it was easy to follow. It was a bit of a slow burn but I think that suited the storyline, the way it opened up gradually almost mirroring the cautious approach from Alysia as she slowly challenges her own thoughts and the thoughts of others that have tried to control and manipulate her over the years. The characters in this book were challenging, some I really liked and others I wasn't sure about, but there were a number of curve balls and I found myself changing my mind about the characters.

The story cover a lot of different angles, we've got romantic tragedy, family secrets and the ongoing repercussions of a murder that sits squarely at the centre of this book. The novel asks questions about fear, loyalty and how far someone is willing to go to protect someone they love. There's plenty of twists, turns and shocking moments all delivered in an atomspheric, emotional and tense way.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this book in advance of publication day.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret He Keeps is an emotional, slow‑burn suspense novel that pulls you straight into the heart of a family tragedy and the fragile trust between two people who should never have fallen in love. It opens with that electric feeling of connection—two strangers talking late into the night, sharing too much, too quickly—and then turns the entire moment on its head with a revelation that ripples through every chapter.

What gives the story its weight is the way it handles long‑buried grief. Joanna’s murder still sits like a bruise on the family, and the author captures that generational ache with real tenderness. When Darragh’s connection to the case comes to light, the emotional stakes shift beautifully: betrayal, fear, and longing all tangled together as the past refuses to stay quiet. The tension isn’t just in the mystery of who killed Joanna, but in whether two people—bound by tragedy—can survive the truth.

The novel blends domestic drama with psychological suspense, and the pacing keeps you leaning forward as secrets surface one by one. Darragh’s final confession adds a clever twist, reframing everything you thought you understood and pushing the story into deeper, more unsettling territory. The question becomes not just who to trust, but whether trust is even possible when the past has shaped every choice.

Atmospheric, emotional, and quietly gripping, The Secret He Keeps explores how far we’ll go to protect the people we love—and what happens when the truth threatens to break everything open.

With thanks to Laura Elliot, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. It did not pull me in to the story or the characters. There was a good twist or two throughout.

I thought he was the one. But will his secret destroy us?

I was so excited to introduce Darragh to my family. He’s everything I ever dreamed of in a partner, the perfect man for me. Sitting next to me at my parents’ dining table, he answers all my mother’s questions. But I can’t ignore the way he grips his wine glass tightly, his easy smile gone, his warm green eyes somehow cold.

It’s only later that I find out the truth. I thought we were strangers that first night in the crowded little bar, but Darragh knew who I was – he got close to me deliberately.

He says he never meant to hurt me, that he loves me. But then he tells me one last terrible thing. About the tragedy that devastated my family twenty years ago. And a secret that makes me question everything…

All I ever wanted was for him to be honest with me. But if he’s telling the truth, it means that someone is lying to me. But who? My family or the man that I love? And when all is revealed, could the secret he’s been keeping heal the past or destroy everything I have ever known?

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Dublin setting, it luls you in and you experience the people, landscape and culture. The story centers on a young woman, Alysia, who has been severely impacted by the brutal murder of her aunt when she was a young girl. The family drama focuses on Alysia's grandmother and mother who have shielded and protected Alysia during the aftermath of the police investigation and even into young adulthood her family have been the whole of her world. Until one day, she meets Darragh, who she not only falls in love with, but he also opens up her mind to a different world outside of her immediate family and Alysia begins to question everything. The story cover a lot of different angles, we've got romantic tragedy, family secrets and the ongoing repercussions of a murder that sits squarely at the middle of this book The slow burn takes a bit too long to ignite, and the momentum dips in places before picking up again. The pacing was rough for me and the slow slow unveiling often found me day dreaming instead of following the story. I do appreacite the opportunity provided by the author, Netgalley and the publisher many thanks.

[Sher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spark of instant attraction, a tangle of dysfunctional family dynamics, and long hidden truths all converge around the murder of the “Golden Girl” in Laura Elliot’s The Secret He Keeps. The Dublin setting adds a lovely sense of place, and the relationship at the center of the story gives the book emotional weight. Once the backstory of murder and deception comes into focus, the plot becomes more engaging and the “who dunnit” thread shows real promise.
For me, the pacing was the main challenge. The slow burn takes a bit too long to ignite, and the momentum dips in places before picking up again. When it does, the story becomes much more compelling, but the uneven rhythm kept it from being the page turner I expected.
Overall, it’s a good story with strong themes and an atmospheric setting. Readers who enjoy character driven, slower paced thrillers will likely appreciate it more than those looking for a high intensity ride.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret He Keeps was right up my alley! A slow burn mystery thriller packed with emotion that quietly and gently wrapped a finger at a time around my me until it had me firmly in its grip.

In the opening we hear directly from Olympian Joanna’s killer and then swiftly jump to modern times and the aftermath of her death and the impact it’s had on all of those left behind including her niece, sister and mother, but more interestingly for me on her killer and his family.

I was so drawn to the characters, I was invested in their feelings and on them getting to the truth, I loved that the novel spanned so many genres too, it almost seems a shame to label it general fiction it held its own in so many specific genres.

I don’t want to spoiler, but it’s one to look forward to so add it to your tbr! Choose the audiobook if you can, the narration is excellent.

Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[✨ may ✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted this to work for me but unfortunately it didn’t land. The story leans heavily on a lyrical, introspective writing style that, for me, felt overworked and distracting rather than immersive. The pacing is extremely slow, and with the main secret revealed quite early on (I honestly didn’t care if there was something else) the narrative never managed to build the tension or sense of anticipation I was expecting. While marketed as suspense, it read more like a quiet domestic drama with very pushy romantic elements, and that genre mismatch made the experience more frustrating than engaging. I found it difficult to connect with the characters or care about the rest of the book. I wanted to put it down at 20+%, finally DNFed it at 43%.


Got this as an ARC from Netgalley. Thanky so muchy!

[Tamara Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought he was the one. But will his secret destroy us?

What happens in the dark always comes to light. The Secret He Keeps is a slow burn suspenseful thriller. The story and characters are well developed. The secrets are many. I mean many many secrets. We all know secrets usually don't stay secret. Murder, secrets, betrayal and a dysfunctional family add to the layers of intrigue. This is not your typical thriller. It simmers and develops slowly. But it keeps your attention.

Roisin Rankin provided the audible performance. Her accent was music to my ears. She added life to the characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I recommend you get your copy on the expected release date March 27 2026.

[Jo McEldowney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but a slow start.

I really enjoyed this audiobook and found the narration was really good, Roisin Rankin kept me engaged throughout even though I was eager for something more to develop.

From the description of the story I was expecting something a bit more exciting, however this was quite slow to bring to the boil.

Once the story started to take shape and more from the past was revealed the more engaged I became. I liked the premise of the two main characters and the background that leads up to today.

Overall it was a good story and I really enjoyed the audiobook.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ALC 🎧

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was terribly slow. I liked the mystery and didn't mind the romance, because after all the book was recommended to Diane Chamberlin fans... which I am.
I really felt for Sebastian, I am not sure how the prisons work, but did he really deserve all the beatings he got?

The end of the book held all the 'action', and the twists.
A couple of my suspicions were right.

I can only award 3/5 stars for this book. It was too slow for such a long book. Or did I feel it was a long book because it was slow?

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a young woman’s who’s life has always been shadowed by the murder if her aunt. Growing up with had Grandmother and mum with her aunts old room still as she left it has left her untrusting of the world. When she at last meets someone and starts to let them into her life is she finally ready to move on from the past but is everything as it seems with him. Can she trust anyone? A great read!

[Christy Acc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was approved for an ALC of this book and I enjoyed it. If you enjoy slow burn, found family, and some twists, this is the story! This book is a well written and quite descriptive story. The character building was laid out well and I found I was developing ‘relationships’ with them. I am a fan of a slow burn and this did not disappoint. I was a little underwhelmed with the narration but not enough not to listen. Thank you to Net Galley and Laura Elliott for the ALC.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting thriller centering around familial secrets. I enjoyed the mystery in this book and my jaw was on the floor with the twist in the end. The relationship between the characters was well done and I enjoyed how it developed as the story went on. This was a great thriller and I really enjoyed my reading experience.

[Brittany Selken · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly just couldn’t get into this book at all like thr writing was good and maybe it because I haven’t read anything by this author but this book. Like I went into this book blind to be honest and that is how I usually do with my mystery book. I got 30% into this book and it was just not catching my attention at all.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review*

This author was new to me but I will definitely be checking out her other work. The book has a compelling plot and plenty of unexpected twists. The story unfolded at a steady pace, gradually revealing hidden secrets that kept me hooked from start to finish. I wasn’t able to predict what would happen next! Each twist added more tension, which made it such an engaging read!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

Overall this was a good book. The beginning was a bit slow to start but it picked up and ended up being a pretty good book.

Probably realistically a 3.5 star for me.

[Laura Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE SECRET HE KEEPS.
3 ✨ ✨ ✨ s.
This book was Incredibly slow and I like my books to be mostly fast paced.