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The Secret He Keeps: An utterly unputdownable and gripping domestic suspense novel
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.
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
Published March 27, 2026
About the author
Laura Elliot
28 books534 followersBiography
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 14, 2026
This is a slow-burning story with a sprinkle of suspense. It was a little hard to get into and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. The narrator’s performance added enjoyment to my experience as she set the tone of this mystery. The final reveal was slightly predictable, but it did not take away from the overall story. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
May 7, 2026
The blub implies this is a thriller, i found it to be more about relationships and the effects past family history can have on future generations. The audio was of high quality and engaging. This was a real slow burner for me that only picked up pacing and action in the last quarter on the book. I found the ending a tad predictable and too neat but it turned into an enjoyable read perfect for people who love a mystery that focuses on relationships . . Research had clearly been done to make this real. Too much emphasis was placed on the possible relationship for me. I enjoyed the twists and far fetched turns as you were lead to question everything about all the characters. I think this would appeal to a wider market if marked more as a mystery . The characters were in places too emotiotive and in others too simplistic. The premise which only revealed itslef later in the book needed to be more the centre. Despite all this i did enjoy it and it felt like i needed to concentrate and a long listen despite the many short chapters. Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrator.
April 16, 2026
This was such a strange reading experience for me. For most of the book, I struggled. It read more like a slow, relationship-heavy story, and I had a hard time staying engaged. I kept picking it up out of obligation rather than genuine interest, which is never a great sign.
And then… the final stretch completely changed everything. The last quarter shifts hard into a crime and legal storyline, and the final 8% in particular was gripping. The twists kept coming and coming. The reveal of the killer felt both surprising and earned, especially given how certain characters had been written all along.
Alysia was the standout for me. She starts off seeming quiet and almost passive, but by the end she’s the one driving everything forward with real strength and intelligence. Watching her take control of the situation and push for the truth was easily the most satisfying part of the book.
This ultimately felt like two very different books stitched together. A slower, less engaging first section, followed by a sharp, twisty thriller that I didn’t want to stop reading. If the entire book had the focus and momentum of that final section, this would have been a five-star read for me.
As it stands, I’m landing at 4 stars. The ending was strong enough to elevate the whole experience, but it was a long road to get there.
I listened to the audiobook and liked the narrator, Roisin Rankin. Her Irish accent fit the setting well and added a sense of authenticity. She does read on the slower side, but I bumped up the speed and it worked perfectly for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And then… the final stretch completely changed everything. The last quarter shifts hard into a crime and legal storyline, and the final 8% in particular was gripping. The twists kept coming and coming. The reveal of the killer felt both surprising and earned, especially given how certain characters had been written all along.
Alysia was the standout for me. She starts off seeming quiet and almost passive, but by the end she’s the one driving everything forward with real strength and intelligence. Watching her take control of the situation and push for the truth was easily the most satisfying part of the book.
This ultimately felt like two very different books stitched together. A slower, less engaging first section, followed by a sharp, twisty thriller that I didn’t want to stop reading. If the entire book had the focus and momentum of that final section, this would have been a five-star read for me.
As it stands, I’m landing at 4 stars. The ending was strong enough to elevate the whole experience, but it was a long road to get there.
I listened to the audiobook and liked the narrator, Roisin Rankin. Her Irish accent fit the setting well and added a sense of authenticity. She does read on the slower side, but I bumped up the speed and it worked perfectly for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2026
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.
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.
April 8, 2026
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Secret He Keeps' by Laura Elliot
Well, well, well Wow!!! What another absolute cracker of a book!!! Well done yet again to the brilliant Laura on yet another fantastic and tension packed read! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the explosive ending. It was very well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline. The blog, title and the cover suited the book perfectly.
This book is yet another huge success by the amazing Laura Elliot!! The storyline was very fast paced and filled with secrets, lies, drama, emotions, family, well developed and realistic characters, mystery, twists, tension, suspense and everything that you could ask for in a great read!! The prologue had me hook, line and sinker and gives readers something to sink their teeth and imaginations into immediately! A very believable storyline which kept me on edge throughout. I loved all the twists and turns and throughout it kept me guessing what was going on and who was doing what. I would NEVER have guessed at the ending so a MASSIVE WELL DONE to Laura . I have read many thrillers and it's getting harder and harder for me to be surprised so great job there. If you pick this up make sure you clear your diaries as you will NOT be able to put it down until the explosive ending!!! I loved the storyline and just loved everything about it. It was all done perfectly!! This would make an absolutely amazing movie!!! Laura's fantastic and evocative writing skills bring the storyline and characters to life and sucks you straight into the book!! She does an absolutely brilliant job of using multiple protagonist perspectives of Alysia and Darragh and does so seamlessly. Laura ensures we get to see what each of them are thinking, feeling, seeing and doing giving us the bigger picture while still only drip feeding us the information she wants to and ensuring no confusion is caused. Laura does an amazing job weaving the storyline together perfectly to build the storyline up gripping the reader throughout. I would love to see this absolutely compelling and addictive page turner turned into a movie!! This is one of the few books that I have listened 100% on Audiobook. If I listen to a book on audiobook I usually also read the physical book between but I listened to the whole book and I was impressed! I must say a HUGE congratulations to the narrator Roisin Rankin who did an absolutely incredible job of bringing this story and it's larger than life characters to life. I have previously listened to 'Snowed In' by Catherine Walsh which Roisin also narrated and read 'The Marriage Retreat' and 'After The Wedding' by Laura and would highly recommend those books also. I would listen to this book in the car and while walking at any opportunity and Roisin did a fantastic job on both male and female characters voices and portraying the characters emotions through her voice!!! I'm not only looking forward to reading more books by Laura but also to listening to more books narrated by Roisin!
The characters were fantastic, solid and completely believable, or are they?? Laura's fantastic evocative skills brings each of the characters to life so they jump out of the pages. It is hard to say too much without giving anything away which I certainly don't want to do. Laura portrays the characters perfectly and regardless of how you feel about them they all played their parts perfectly. I was constantly questioning and guessing what was going on and who was hiding what just to have Laura making me think something else time and time again. I had no idea who was telling the truth, who was hiding what or who was behind what was going on. I was completely invested in the storyline and the characters needing to find out the truth and when I did it most definitely was not what I was expecting at all!! So grab your copy of this addictive page turner and get sucked in to Alysia and Darragh's lives to find out more!
Well done Laura on yet another mind blowing page turner!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall a compelling, intriguing and page turning thriller that will keep you up late at night
#TheSecretHeKeeps #LauraElliot #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@LauraElliot @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'The Secret He Keeps' by Laura Elliot
Well, well, well Wow!!! What another absolute cracker of a book!!! Well done yet again to the brilliant Laura on yet another fantastic and tension packed read! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the explosive ending. It was very well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline. The blog, title and the cover suited the book perfectly.
This book is yet another huge success by the amazing Laura Elliot!! The storyline was very fast paced and filled with secrets, lies, drama, emotions, family, well developed and realistic characters, mystery, twists, tension, suspense and everything that you could ask for in a great read!! The prologue had me hook, line and sinker and gives readers something to sink their teeth and imaginations into immediately! A very believable storyline which kept me on edge throughout. I loved all the twists and turns and throughout it kept me guessing what was going on and who was doing what. I would NEVER have guessed at the ending so a MASSIVE WELL DONE to Laura . I have read many thrillers and it's getting harder and harder for me to be surprised so great job there. If you pick this up make sure you clear your diaries as you will NOT be able to put it down until the explosive ending!!! I loved the storyline and just loved everything about it. It was all done perfectly!! This would make an absolutely amazing movie!!! Laura's fantastic and evocative writing skills bring the storyline and characters to life and sucks you straight into the book!! She does an absolutely brilliant job of using multiple protagonist perspectives of Alysia and Darragh and does so seamlessly. Laura ensures we get to see what each of them are thinking, feeling, seeing and doing giving us the bigger picture while still only drip feeding us the information she wants to and ensuring no confusion is caused. Laura does an amazing job weaving the storyline together perfectly to build the storyline up gripping the reader throughout. I would love to see this absolutely compelling and addictive page turner turned into a movie!! This is one of the few books that I have listened 100% on Audiobook. If I listen to a book on audiobook I usually also read the physical book between but I listened to the whole book and I was impressed! I must say a HUGE congratulations to the narrator Roisin Rankin who did an absolutely incredible job of bringing this story and it's larger than life characters to life. I have previously listened to 'Snowed In' by Catherine Walsh which Roisin also narrated and read 'The Marriage Retreat' and 'After The Wedding' by Laura and would highly recommend those books also. I would listen to this book in the car and while walking at any opportunity and Roisin did a fantastic job on both male and female characters voices and portraying the characters emotions through her voice!!! I'm not only looking forward to reading more books by Laura but also to listening to more books narrated by Roisin!
The characters were fantastic, solid and completely believable, or are they?? Laura's fantastic evocative skills brings each of the characters to life so they jump out of the pages. It is hard to say too much without giving anything away which I certainly don't want to do. Laura portrays the characters perfectly and regardless of how you feel about them they all played their parts perfectly. I was constantly questioning and guessing what was going on and who was hiding what just to have Laura making me think something else time and time again. I had no idea who was telling the truth, who was hiding what or who was behind what was going on. I was completely invested in the storyline and the characters needing to find out the truth and when I did it most definitely was not what I was expecting at all!! So grab your copy of this addictive page turner and get sucked in to Alysia and Darragh's lives to find out more!
Well done Laura on yet another mind blowing page turner!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall a compelling, intriguing and page turning thriller that will keep you up late at night
#TheSecretHeKeeps #LauraElliot #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@LauraElliot @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 31, 2026
The Secret He Keeps by Laura Elliot is a slow-burn psychological drama that explores the long-term ripples of a single, devastating deception. While the prose is polished and the premise holds promise, the execution left me wanting more momentum.
Listening to this as an audiobook ARC, the narration helped maintain a sense of atmosphere that might have been lost in print. The narrator did a solid job navigating the somber tone of the story; however, even a strong performance couldn't entirely overcome the pacing issues inherent in the script.
The story is a very deliberate slow burn. While I usually appreciate a build-up that prioritizes character over cheap thrills, this felt like it stalled in several places. The most jarring element for me was the structural timeline. The narrative frequently jumps forward in time, often without providing a satisfying wrap-up to the tension created in the previous section. These gaps made it difficult to stay emotionally tethered to the characters' immediate struggles.
By the time I reached the conclusion, the "big reveal" lacked the punch I was hoping for. I found the ending predictable, and because I wasn't fully engaged with the protagonists' journey, the final payoff didn't land with the intended impact.
A well-written but ultimately detached listening experience. It’s a quiet study of domestic secrets that may appeal to listeners who prefer a very leisurely pace and a focus on mood over plot twists.
Note to Publisher: Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.
Listening to this as an audiobook ARC, the narration helped maintain a sense of atmosphere that might have been lost in print. The narrator did a solid job navigating the somber tone of the story; however, even a strong performance couldn't entirely overcome the pacing issues inherent in the script.
The story is a very deliberate slow burn. While I usually appreciate a build-up that prioritizes character over cheap thrills, this felt like it stalled in several places. The most jarring element for me was the structural timeline. The narrative frequently jumps forward in time, often without providing a satisfying wrap-up to the tension created in the previous section. These gaps made it difficult to stay emotionally tethered to the characters' immediate struggles.
By the time I reached the conclusion, the "big reveal" lacked the punch I was hoping for. I found the ending predictable, and because I wasn't fully engaged with the protagonists' journey, the final payoff didn't land with the intended impact.
A well-written but ultimately detached listening experience. It’s a quiet study of domestic secrets that may appeal to listeners who prefer a very leisurely pace and a focus on mood over plot twists.
Note to Publisher: Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
This book really needs to be titled “The Secrets They Keep!” While Darragh is certainly keeping a secret or two, he isn’t the only one. In reading the book, I fully expected Darragh’s secret to be revealed, but they were plenty of other characters that had secrets that they were revealed. Those I was not expecting! And the secrets were good. They were juicy! I love reading about drama and juicy secrets in books.
It’s these secrets that keep Darragh and Alysia apart. It’s hard to accept that because they were seemingly great together. And throughout the events of the book, they find themselves thrown together more times than not.
This is a domestic suspense novel, and suspenseful it is. The author did a great job of leaving in hints as to things going on and slowly putting the puzzle pieces together. I wanted to keep reading so that I could know how all of those pieces fit together. So if that sounds like your kind of book, then pick this one up!
It’s these secrets that keep Darragh and Alysia apart. It’s hard to accept that because they were seemingly great together. And throughout the events of the book, they find themselves thrown together more times than not.
This is a domestic suspense novel, and suspenseful it is. The author did a great job of leaving in hints as to things going on and slowly putting the puzzle pieces together. I wanted to keep reading so that I could know how all of those pieces fit together. So if that sounds like your kind of book, then pick this one up!
April 2, 2026
Loved it. How you connected with every character with the multiple PoV and it all centred around one huge secret
March 25, 2026
Just wow - this book was a slow burn but I was HOOKED until the very last minute!
Stalking, lies, family secrets, grief, betrayal and multiple twists I did not see coming.
My favourite book of the year so far and I can’t wait to read some other books by Laura Elliot.
I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb on this one, as looking back it contains a few spoilers.
Definitely go into it blind and enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook, all opinions are my own.
Stalking, lies, family secrets, grief, betrayal and multiple twists I did not see coming.
My favourite book of the year so far and I can’t wait to read some other books by Laura Elliot.
I’m glad I didn’t read the blurb on this one, as looking back it contains a few spoilers.
Definitely go into it blind and enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook, all opinions are my own.
March 25, 2026
Unfortunately, this one did not work out for me. It was boring, plain, and odd. I tried so hard to finish the story via audiobook and really wanted for it to work out. Sadly, the narration, premise, and tone were all not interesting and hard to relate to. It had a promising synopsis so I requested but nothing made sense and it would appear that everything was just put together trying to make the story engaging. It is a no for me and I am giving this review with a heavy heart because I was really hoping for a sudden turn out of events and character development.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was painfully slow. I tried… I really did. but I had to restart it at least 10 times because I kept losing focus.
The story had potential, but it just dragged and never fully pulled me in. I also didn’t care for the narration, which made it even harder to stay engaged.
Overall, it just didn’t land for me. Thanks Netgally and Bookature for this ALC.
The story had potential, but it just dragged and never fully pulled me in. I also didn’t care for the narration, which made it even harder to stay engaged.
Overall, it just didn’t land for me. Thanks Netgally and Bookature for this ALC.
March 28, 2026
RECAP: When she met Darragh, she felt it was fate, until she learned his uncle killed her aunt. He claims he never meant to hurt her & doesn’t believe his uncle is guilty, leaving her to question love, trust & hidden truths.
REVIEW: Not the insta-love trope in a suspense novel! Entertaining, but it was highly predictable (IMO). Slower paced than other novels like it. I got through the audiobook quickly, at 1.5x the speed, but it’s a book that could’ve been a lot shorter, given what ultimately happens.
REVIEW: Not the insta-love trope in a suspense novel! Entertaining, but it was highly predictable (IMO). Slower paced than other novels like it. I got through the audiobook quickly, at 1.5x the speed, but it’s a book that could’ve been a lot shorter, given what ultimately happens.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 31, 2026
Liane Moriarty fans are sure to be glued to the pages of Laura Elliot’s latest novel, The Secret He Keeps.
Alysia thought that at long last Lady Luck had smiled down on her when she met handsome Darragh. He’s everything she has always dreamed of when it comes to a man and she cannot believe that he has fallen for her with the same intensity which she has fallen for him. Introducing him to her family seems like a non-brainer and despite of her mother’s persistent questions, he seems to feel right at home with the people she cherishes most in the world – even if he does seem to be gripping his wine glass rather tightly or that his warm green eyes sometimes look rather cold and frightening. Is Darragh everything he seems? Or could he have had an ulterior motive for wanting to get close to Alysia and her family?
As secrets begin to emerge, it seems like far from being her Prince Charming, Darragh could have a dangerous agenda against her and her family connected to an event that had taken place many years ago. Twenty years ago, a devastating tragedy had changed her entire family’s life forever and a terrible secret has marked them all for the past two decades. Alysia never questioned her what she had been told, but had her family told her the truth or have they been lying to her all this time? Or could Darragh be the liar?
Will Alysia ever discover who has her best interests at heart? Should she keep digging into the past? And once she finds out the truth, is she ready for the devastating consequences of what she has uncovered?
Laura Elliot’s The Secret He Keeps is a twisty, chilling and terrifying read that will get under the reader’s skin and keep them guessing until the final page. Packed with tension, intrigue and suspense, The Secret He Keeps is both a nail-biting thriller and a gripping domestic drama that explores the devastating impact of lies, the way reality can be twisted and manipulated and the lengths people go to to protect themselves and the people they love.
A compulsively readable page-turner, The Secret He Keeps by Laura Elliot is an absolute struggle to put down – don’t miss it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Alysia thought that at long last Lady Luck had smiled down on her when she met handsome Darragh. He’s everything she has always dreamed of when it comes to a man and she cannot believe that he has fallen for her with the same intensity which she has fallen for him. Introducing him to her family seems like a non-brainer and despite of her mother’s persistent questions, he seems to feel right at home with the people she cherishes most in the world – even if he does seem to be gripping his wine glass rather tightly or that his warm green eyes sometimes look rather cold and frightening. Is Darragh everything he seems? Or could he have had an ulterior motive for wanting to get close to Alysia and her family?
As secrets begin to emerge, it seems like far from being her Prince Charming, Darragh could have a dangerous agenda against her and her family connected to an event that had taken place many years ago. Twenty years ago, a devastating tragedy had changed her entire family’s life forever and a terrible secret has marked them all for the past two decades. Alysia never questioned her what she had been told, but had her family told her the truth or have they been lying to her all this time? Or could Darragh be the liar?
Will Alysia ever discover who has her best interests at heart? Should she keep digging into the past? And once she finds out the truth, is she ready for the devastating consequences of what she has uncovered?
Laura Elliot’s The Secret He Keeps is a twisty, chilling and terrifying read that will get under the reader’s skin and keep them guessing until the final page. Packed with tension, intrigue and suspense, The Secret He Keeps is both a nail-biting thriller and a gripping domestic drama that explores the devastating impact of lies, the way reality can be twisted and manipulated and the lengths people go to to protect themselves and the people they love.
A compulsively readable page-turner, The Secret He Keeps by Laura Elliot is an absolute struggle to put down – don’t miss it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
April 11, 2026
Early on, it becomes clear that the past casts a long shadow over everyone involved. A murder has taken place, and at first glance the responsible person is known. But is the right one?
Whenever a solution to a situations feels a bit too easy, there’s usually something hidden beneath the surface, and once those cracks appear, the whole structure starts to collapse. That’s the feeling I had as the plot moved forward and the truth slowly came into focus. Alysia has grown up believing the version of events told to her by the people closest to her. Their protectiveness borders on suffocating at times; good intentions don’t always translate into good outcomes. When she meets someone new and their lives begin to intertwine, the connection reveals far more than either of them expected. Her initial hesitation and discomfort gradually shift as she starts asking the right questions, and piece by piece, the real story emerges.
The love story was the element I connected with the least. For me, it could just as easily have worked as a friendship. Once that part moved into the background, I found myself enjoying the book much more. It didn’t read like a traditional thriller; instead, it felt more like a slow unraveling of a long-buried truth, with the focus on uncovering the real events and dealing with the emotional fallout. It took a little while to find its rhythm, but once it did, I was much more invested.
Overall, it’s an easy read -one that took me a bit of time to get into, but ultimately kept me engaged.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Whenever a solution to a situations feels a bit too easy, there’s usually something hidden beneath the surface, and once those cracks appear, the whole structure starts to collapse. That’s the feeling I had as the plot moved forward and the truth slowly came into focus. Alysia has grown up believing the version of events told to her by the people closest to her. Their protectiveness borders on suffocating at times; good intentions don’t always translate into good outcomes. When she meets someone new and their lives begin to intertwine, the connection reveals far more than either of them expected. Her initial hesitation and discomfort gradually shift as she starts asking the right questions, and piece by piece, the real story emerges.
The love story was the element I connected with the least. For me, it could just as easily have worked as a friendship. Once that part moved into the background, I found myself enjoying the book much more. It didn’t read like a traditional thriller; instead, it felt more like a slow unraveling of a long-buried truth, with the focus on uncovering the real events and dealing with the emotional fallout. It took a little while to find its rhythm, but once it did, I was much more invested.
Overall, it’s an easy read -one that took me a bit of time to get into, but ultimately kept me engaged.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Massive thank you to Laura Elliot, Bookouture and NetGalley for this free advanced copy of The Secret He Keeps. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
I was hooked immediately by the very menacing prologue, although it didn't initially seem to match the tone of the the main story.
I feel like so many domestic thrillers are similar in the way that they hide the motives of the main characters until a big twist later on, but refreshingly this one laid quite a lot on the table early on. That's not to say there were not some seriously unhinged twists later on.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives of the main characters, Alysia and Darragh, which formed the majority of the book. Both characters were really well developed and I felt connected to them throughout.
The pacing felt good. It was not wall-to-wall thrills and spills but the narrative building was really strong and I felt tension was effectively built as the protagonists' relationship goes through various phases.
But wow, once the story accelerates in the last quarter of the book, I could not stop reading it. I lost count of how many times I gasped out loud as more and more information was revealed and everything that had gone before started to make sense.
The epilogue in particular I thought was brilliant, and gave the book a worthy ending.
An absolutely fantastic read, 5 stars without a doubt, and one for my hall of fame so far in 2026.
I was hooked immediately by the very menacing prologue, although it didn't initially seem to match the tone of the the main story.
I feel like so many domestic thrillers are similar in the way that they hide the motives of the main characters until a big twist later on, but refreshingly this one laid quite a lot on the table early on. That's not to say there were not some seriously unhinged twists later on.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives of the main characters, Alysia and Darragh, which formed the majority of the book. Both characters were really well developed and I felt connected to them throughout.
The pacing felt good. It was not wall-to-wall thrills and spills but the narrative building was really strong and I felt tension was effectively built as the protagonists' relationship goes through various phases.
But wow, once the story accelerates in the last quarter of the book, I could not stop reading it. I lost count of how many times I gasped out loud as more and more information was revealed and everything that had gone before started to make sense.
The epilogue in particular I thought was brilliant, and gave the book a worthy ending.
An absolutely fantastic read, 5 stars without a doubt, and one for my hall of fame so far in 2026.
May 11, 2026
The Secrets He Keeps opens with an absolutely wild prologue, and from that point on the story never really slows down. The tension keeps building as we follow Alicia, whose life has been shaped by the murder of her aunt when she was a child. The grief and emotional fallout from that tragedy have influenced everything about her family dynamic, and you can feel how sheltered and controlled her life has become because of it. Between training for a marathon and constantly being pulled back into the trauma whenever her aunt’s killer resurfaces in the media, Alicia is carrying an emotional weight throughout the entire story that made her character feel very believable and sympathetic.
At the same time, we follow Dara, an investigative researcher for a true crime program, who enters Alicia’s life pretending to simply be someone from her running group. Their relationship becomes one of the biggest driving forces of the novel, especially as more secrets begin unraveling and her family’s reactions become increasingly complicated. I really enjoyed how the story balanced the emotional family drama with the thriller elements because every new reveal seemed to completely change the direction of the story. The twists and turns genuinely caught me off guard, and by the end I was already curious about picking up more books from this author to see if they deliver the same level of shocking suspense and unexpected reveals.
At the same time, we follow Dara, an investigative researcher for a true crime program, who enters Alicia’s life pretending to simply be someone from her running group. Their relationship becomes one of the biggest driving forces of the novel, especially as more secrets begin unraveling and her family’s reactions become increasingly complicated. I really enjoyed how the story balanced the emotional family drama with the thriller elements because every new reveal seemed to completely change the direction of the story. The twists and turns genuinely caught me off guard, and by the end I was already curious about picking up more books from this author to see if they deliver the same level of shocking suspense and unexpected reveals.
April 11, 2026
This was alright. It was definitely bleak in many ways. It really puts you in a certain mood and holds you there the entire time. it's an interesting way of writing a story and I enjoyed the atmosphere and set up.
Alysia meets Darragh in a small crowded bar. She thinks that they are complete strangers and as she spends more and more time with him she finds that she has fallen in love with him, even though it's only been a few weeks.. He seems so perfect to her and she thinks that he is all she ever dreamed of and she trusts him completely. Then one day he tells her that he actually knew who she was and he got close to her on purpose.. He tells her that there is something he knows about the terrible tragedy that has haunted her family. However, if he is telling her the truth it means that she has been lied to by her family. Now she questions who she can actually trust.
This book is a little slow going but the story is really good. Everything happens in the perfect order at just the right time it will hold your attention and you'll be glued to the very end.
I was lucky enough to receive an audio copy of this book. It's really good. It's nice to have the book setting match the accent. It really added to the whole atmosphere and pulled you into the story while you got to listen to the amazing talents of the narrator. Very good book and audio!
Alysia meets Darragh in a small crowded bar. She thinks that they are complete strangers and as she spends more and more time with him she finds that she has fallen in love with him, even though it's only been a few weeks.. He seems so perfect to her and she thinks that he is all she ever dreamed of and she trusts him completely. Then one day he tells her that he actually knew who she was and he got close to her on purpose.. He tells her that there is something he knows about the terrible tragedy that has haunted her family. However, if he is telling her the truth it means that she has been lied to by her family. Now she questions who she can actually trust.
This book is a little slow going but the story is really good. Everything happens in the perfect order at just the right time it will hold your attention and you'll be glued to the very end.
I was lucky enough to receive an audio copy of this book. It's really good. It's nice to have the book setting match the accent. It really added to the whole atmosphere and pulled you into the story while you got to listen to the amazing talents of the narrator. Very good book and audio!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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?
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?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the story, Alysia comes from a family where there was a tragedy many years ago that no one has ever been able to get passed. She meets Darragh, whom she falls for, but who has a secret. He has a connection to the tragedy that Alysia's family suffered from all those years ago. There are bad feelings when Alysia finds that Darragh has lied to her about the connection, however after some time she begins to want to investigate and find out more about her family's tragic past. She begins to realize that there are secrets her family have kept from her. Some of the next steps she takes to get answers pits her against her family and also puts her in grave danger.
My review: The story was slow paced to start with, and I did struggle to keep going for a bit. However, at some point, it did pick up and became more interesting. I did pretty much figure out where the story was going and pretty early on thought I knew who the villain would end up being, but I did like seeing how everything was connected and all tied up in the end. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of the story.
My review: The story was slow paced to start with, and I did struggle to keep going for a bit. However, at some point, it did pick up and became more interesting. I did pretty much figure out where the story was going and pretty early on thought I knew who the villain would end up being, but I did like seeing how everything was connected and all tied up in the end. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 27, 2026
Alysia and Darragh meet and discover they have much in common, including running which happens to be in Alysia's DNA. As this may be their forever after, they both feel the need to tell one another about their pasts. But it comes at a cost. Women in Alysia's family are generationally bound and when her aunt Joanna is murdered, the topic is kept hidden, creating a chasm between them. Darragh has his reasons for orchestrating a meeting between him and Alysia but when that information comes to light, cracks show in their relationship. Meanwhile, Sebastian is in prison for murder and firmly denies involvement. Emotions run high in this thriller full of tension, suspense, and family secrets. What fun it was to peel back the layers, one at a time!
Character building is impressive, enabling me to picture them physically and psychologically. Tension is a heavy blanket and the ending is satisfying. Aspects of the novel are predictable but I enjoyed my time with it.
My sincere thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing novel.
Character building is impressive, enabling me to picture them physically and psychologically. Tension is a heavy blanket and the ending is satisfying. Aspects of the novel are predictable but I enjoyed my time with it.
My sincere thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing novel.
April 4, 2026
Reading in Between the Wines book review 20/115 for 2026:
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷
Book: The Secret He Keeps
Author: Laura Elliot
Available Now!
Sipping thoughts: More of a domestic suspense than thriler, this book was full of lies, deception, and betrayal. The old saying goes, you only hurt the ones you love. It is so hard when you have your family, friends, and romance partner and someone is lying to you. I went back and forth trying to decide who the liar(s) were. It was a very slow burn and I wanted it to speed up and add some more punch but overall it was a good read.
Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley and @BookoutureAudio for an advanced copy of @TheSecretHeKeeps.
#TheSecretHeKeeps #LauraElliot #BookoutureAudio #NetGalley #nicoles_bookcellar #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷
Book: The Secret He Keeps
Author: Laura Elliot
Available Now!
Sipping thoughts: More of a domestic suspense than thriler, this book was full of lies, deception, and betrayal. The old saying goes, you only hurt the ones you love. It is so hard when you have your family, friends, and romance partner and someone is lying to you. I went back and forth trying to decide who the liar(s) were. It was a very slow burn and I wanted it to speed up and add some more punch but overall it was a good read.
Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley and @BookoutureAudio for an advanced copy of @TheSecretHeKeeps.
#TheSecretHeKeeps #LauraElliot #BookoutureAudio #NetGalley #nicoles_bookcellar #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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 🎧
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 🎧
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
Got this as an ARC from Netgalley. Thanky so muchy!
March 28, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a definite slow burn family drama., Alysia and Darragh meet and start dating, and they fall for each other immediately. But then Alysia realizes that Darragh orchestrated their meeting. And he is tied to a tragedy that occurred in her family many years ago.
The story picked up from there with tons of family secrets and lies. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down! I read "After the Wedding” by Laura Elliot and that got me hooked on her books. I can’t wait to see what next from her! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheSecretHeKeeps #LauraElliotBookTour #NetGalley
#Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram
#NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksThatTakePlaceInDublin
This was a definite slow burn family drama., Alysia and Darragh meet and start dating, and they fall for each other immediately. But then Alysia realizes that Darragh orchestrated their meeting. And he is tied to a tragedy that occurred in her family many years ago.
The story picked up from there with tons of family secrets and lies. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down! I read "After the Wedding” by Laura Elliot and that got me hooked on her books. I can’t wait to see what next from her! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheSecretHeKeeps #LauraElliotBookTour #NetGalley
#Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram
#NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksThatTakePlaceInDublin
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