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The Silent Twin: Don’t miss this brand-new gripping domestic psychological thriller set in Scotland to read in 2026
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26'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.
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.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 30, 2026
This was the first time for me hearing about and reading this author's work, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was fully invested from the prologue.
Scotland is a dream destination for me, so I was instantly drawn into the clifftop retreat, windswept coast in this story, and especially liked the author's descriptive writing of the setting.
Having the story told from past and present timelines as well as different perspectives gave this story much more depth, and I was particularly curious about the events of the past timeline titled, 'Last Summer.'
The characters were plenty, they're engaging, and being the oldest sibling of three, I found myself relating to Eve's character a lot and wondered if I would deal with the situation in the same ways that she did. I appreciated the perspectives that the author has written for the twins and thought they were handled well, particularly Holly's.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the story after going in with no expectations, and I would recommend this story, especially if you enjoy the twin trope, sibling/family dynamics, and psychological suspense. Check triggers. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author's next book.
Scotland is a dream destination for me, so I was instantly drawn into the clifftop retreat, windswept coast in this story, and especially liked the author's descriptive writing of the setting.
Having the story told from past and present timelines as well as different perspectives gave this story much more depth, and I was particularly curious about the events of the past timeline titled, 'Last Summer.'
The characters were plenty, they're engaging, and being the oldest sibling of three, I found myself relating to Eve's character a lot and wondered if I would deal with the situation in the same ways that she did. I appreciated the perspectives that the author has written for the twins and thought they were handled well, particularly Holly's.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the story after going in with no expectations, and I would recommend this story, especially if you enjoy the twin trope, sibling/family dynamics, and psychological suspense. Check triggers. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author's next book.
February 24, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and all I have to say is wow. A suspenseful thriller where I thought I knew the twist but I was truly blindsided. I really enjoyed the suspenseful element to the book and the tense atmosphere building throughout. It touches on some quite sensitive subjects and gets readers questioning their morals and stance on the actions of one of the characters. It also portrays the message about the true meaning of family and sticking together through life’s difficult times.
An enjoyable read and one of my favourite thrillers to date. An easy five stars and I encourage you to please get this book when it is released on the 26th Feb. You won’t be disappointed, especially if you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers.
An enjoyable read and one of my favourite thrillers to date. An easy five stars and I encourage you to please get this book when it is released on the 26th Feb. You won’t be disappointed, especially if you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers.
February 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was an unputdownable thriller that had me turning page after page, and I simply couldn’t put it down. Things were revealed throughout the book, and we found them out as the characters did. It was so tense, and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat until it all made perfect sense at the end.
The book starts with Eve returning home after a distressing call from her mother, telling her that her brother’s best friend, who lives with them, has gone missing. Eve is the eldest daughter of this family, and I’m sure all eldest daughters will be able to relate when I say that she immediately took it upon herself to solve everyone’s problems. She took a ferry back home and set about trying to fix everything.
Eve’s mother, Naomi, is the owner of an artist retreat where artists come to explore their art, connect with each other, and share their past traumas to heal. She also has two younger siblings who are twins: Finn and Holly. Holly is selectively mute, as Eve finds out, and has been for a few weeks since an incident happened at a party they attended. The boy who goes missing is Jay, Naomi’s wife’s nephew, who lives with them because his own relationship with his father is very strained.
Anyway, Eve returns home to a lot of mystery, intrigue, and a significant police presence at their home, with no privacy due to the artists being there all the time. She slowly finds out that she actually doesn’t know anything about what has been going on in her siblings’ lives. As things start to unravel and we learn more about everything that’s been happening and what occurred on the night of the incident, things start to make sense. But the real twist comes at the end, which I wasn’t expecting at all and was a very satisfying conclusion to the whole story.
I am a sucker for a good thriller, especially a whodunnit, because the finger gets pointed at everyone, and you start to suspect everyone basically. You can’t really pinpoint who it is until the big reveal at the end, and this one played out exactly like that. I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this book and was trying to make guesses along the way, but I really wouldn’t have guessed the plot twist that was coming.
The story is told in two timelines up to a point, so we read about the present in some chapters when Eve returns home, and some chapters are told from the point of view of the last summer. We get to watch things unfold, relationships build, and really understand the motivations behind every character’s behaviours and actions. Things really start to fall into place slowly, and the whole bigger picture makes sense.
I give this a 4.5 stars because it was amazing and had me hooked from start to finish. I absolutely devoured it, and it played out like a movie in my mind, which I absolutely love when reading a book. The only thing I will critique, and I’m being very picky here, is that the dialogue was a bit odd for me in some places, without going into too much detail. But that’s just me being very picky. Overall, this was an amazing read, and I recommend it to everyone.
April 2, 2026
If you're looking for a gripping psychological thriller, then look no further!
The Silent Twin by @jenlcrow takes you to Haven, an artistic retreat in Scotland run by Naomi McKinnon and Gina Allardyce. They live with their blended family which includes Naomi's twins Finn and Holly and Gina's nephew Jay. In a panicked middle of the night phone call, Naomi reaches out to her other daughter Eve, after the unthinkable happens. Returning home, Eve appears to be like the head of the family, organised, dependable and responsible. But has she arrived in time?
This story had me hooked from the first chapter. With strong lead characters and equally strong supporting characters, you are taken on an uncomfortable journey to try and discover the truth, because nothing appears to be as it seems. The howling storms mirror some of the darker characters while you can still feel the warmth of those who know right from wrong and who have some big decisions to make.
This is one of those where you never quite know what's going to happen and the tension builds in the most incredible way.
I really enjoyed the switch in narratives, told mostly by Eve and Finn, helping to put you right in the centre of the action and giving you even more of a feel for the characters.
I must mention the guests of Haven, each with their own troubles which have brought them to the retreat, yet some get a little too involved in the family home. Maybe even taking advantage of Naomi's relaxed approach and blurring the lines, much to Eve's dismay. One of the guests in particular could have her own spin off book! 🤐
If you like edge of your seat thrillers, with some characters you can take to your heart, then this could be your next read.
Received as an e-ARC.
The Silent Twin by @jenlcrow takes you to Haven, an artistic retreat in Scotland run by Naomi McKinnon and Gina Allardyce. They live with their blended family which includes Naomi's twins Finn and Holly and Gina's nephew Jay. In a panicked middle of the night phone call, Naomi reaches out to her other daughter Eve, after the unthinkable happens. Returning home, Eve appears to be like the head of the family, organised, dependable and responsible. But has she arrived in time?
This story had me hooked from the first chapter. With strong lead characters and equally strong supporting characters, you are taken on an uncomfortable journey to try and discover the truth, because nothing appears to be as it seems. The howling storms mirror some of the darker characters while you can still feel the warmth of those who know right from wrong and who have some big decisions to make.
This is one of those where you never quite know what's going to happen and the tension builds in the most incredible way.
I really enjoyed the switch in narratives, told mostly by Eve and Finn, helping to put you right in the centre of the action and giving you even more of a feel for the characters.
I must mention the guests of Haven, each with their own troubles which have brought them to the retreat, yet some get a little too involved in the family home. Maybe even taking advantage of Naomi's relaxed approach and blurring the lines, much to Eve's dismay. One of the guests in particular could have her own spin off book! 🤐
If you like edge of your seat thrillers, with some characters you can take to your heart, then this could be your next read.
Received as an e-ARC.
December 6, 2025
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Silent Twin is a 3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️.
Eve has returned to her childhood home, her mother runs an artistic retreat for paying guests. Her brother seems tense and her sister won’t speak. Eve starts to find out things that have happened in her absence and hasn’t been told about. What happened at the beach party? Why has her brother been excluded from school? A local boy has gone missing, what has happened to him? Eve must try and help her family before it’s too late.
This was a slow read, I do think it could have been sharpened up a little, it’s an atmospheric read with a dysfunctional family. At the beginning there were quite a lot of characters to wrap my head around as they come at you fairly fast. The book does centre around a sensitive subject but is done well throughout. It is a book I did enjoy and I didn’t get the right culprit so extra point there! The writing style although slow was very detailed and I liked how the author managed to get across the voice of the silent twin.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Eve has returned to her childhood home, her mother runs an artistic retreat for paying guests. Her brother seems tense and her sister won’t speak. Eve starts to find out things that have happened in her absence and hasn’t been told about. What happened at the beach party? Why has her brother been excluded from school? A local boy has gone missing, what has happened to him? Eve must try and help her family before it’s too late.
This was a slow read, I do think it could have been sharpened up a little, it’s an atmospheric read with a dysfunctional family. At the beginning there were quite a lot of characters to wrap my head around as they come at you fairly fast. The book does centre around a sensitive subject but is done well throughout. It is a book I did enjoy and I didn’t get the right culprit so extra point there! The writing style although slow was very detailed and I liked how the author managed to get across the voice of the silent twin.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2026
When her mother, Naomi, phones her in distress.Eve gets the first ferry to her childhood home which was being run as a wellness retreat. Naomi's wife's nephew, who lives with them has gone missing. Jay was best friends with her brother Fnn and Eve had thought that he was close to Ben's twin, Holly.
Once Eve gets home she finds that there has been a lot going on that her family has not seem fit to tell her. Her mother won't go past the close vicinity of the house, Finn has recently been suspended from school and Holly has slipped back to being an elective mute. When it transpires that Jay went over the cliff and it looks like he didn't just slip, when the island is stormbound and nothing is as it seems, Eve doesn't know what she can do to find the truth and also protect her family.
I was quickly drawn into this story. The setting was very good and the author captured the atmosphere of the storm bound island very well. The characters were also a fascinating lot and I was kept guessing as to who was telling the truth and who was covering up for themselves or someone else. A definitely five star read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
Once Eve gets home she finds that there has been a lot going on that her family has not seem fit to tell her. Her mother won't go past the close vicinity of the house, Finn has recently been suspended from school and Holly has slipped back to being an elective mute. When it transpires that Jay went over the cliff and it looks like he didn't just slip, when the island is stormbound and nothing is as it seems, Eve doesn't know what she can do to find the truth and also protect her family.
I was quickly drawn into this story. The setting was very good and the author captured the atmosphere of the storm bound island very well. The characters were also a fascinating lot and I was kept guessing as to who was telling the truth and who was covering up for themselves or someone else. A definitely five star read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
November 28, 2025
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eve is woken by her phone, her mother is calling to say Jay is missing. Making the long journey back home to Haven, only to find that Jay has been found. His body was on a cliff ledge, it looked like he had slipped in the storm. Things are not right, Eve’ siblings, twins Finn and Holly are different, Holly isn’t talking and Finn can’t look her in the eye, secrets are being kept, and then her mother, who never goes out crashes the car, luckily is seen by a passing farmer and saved. What has been going on? What happened to Holly and did Jay fall?
Such a good read, full of twists, so good I could hardly put it down.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Such a good read, full of twists, so good I could hardly put it down.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a slow burn and I didn’t feel fully hooked, but a good story overall. There were too many characters in the first few chapters which was overwhelming and took a while to get into. However, the writing style was pleasing, very descriptive and set a good atmosphere, as well as giving ‘the silent twin’ personality and even voice. There was content not to my preference but it was approached well.
January 31, 2026
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.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews