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The Stepsister's Secret
An utterly addictive psychological suspense novel
She’s family now. But can I trust her?
When my stepsister Alison moves in to look after my mother, everyone in my family is grateful. Alison’s a nurse, and she says she just wants to help. But I don’t trust her.
Years ago, when Alison and I were the same age as my own son Isaac, I made a terrible mistake that tore Alison’s world apart. I hoped she didn’t realise, but the look in her icy blue eyes tells she knows exactly what I did.
I’m certain she’s responsible for my mother getting weaker. I don’t like the way she’s pushing me out, isolating me… and getting way too close to my husband, Nick.
I’m watching her. And I’ll do anything to keep my family safe. But I have no idea just how much danger we’re in…
A totally binge-worthy, twisty story of family secrets that have deadly consequences. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden, and Daniel Hurst.
She’s family now. But can I trust her?
When my stepsister Alison moves in to look after my mother, everyone in my family is grateful. Alison’s a nurse, and she says she just wants to help. But I don’t trust her.
Years ago, when Alison and I were the same age as my own son Isaac, I made a terrible mistake that tore Alison’s world apart. I hoped she didn’t realise, but the look in her icy blue eyes tells she knows exactly what I did.
I’m certain she’s responsible for my mother getting weaker. I don’t like the way she’s pushing me out, isolating me… and getting way too close to my husband, Nick.
I’m watching her. And I’ll do anything to keep my family safe. But I have no idea just how much danger we’re in…
A totally binge-worthy, twisty story of family secrets that have deadly consequences. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden, and Daniel Hurst.
Audible Audio
Published February 16, 2026
6 people want to read
About the author
Karen King
134 books280 followersKaren King is an Amazon international bestselling author of psychological suspense and women's fiction.
Her 7th psychological suspense novel, Don't Trust Him, was published on 3 April 2025 by Bookouture and her 'golden years' novel, The Runaway Wives, was published by Boldwood on 24th March 2025. This was her 12th woman's fiction novel.
Karen has also had 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines published. Her early writing career was spent working on various teenage and children's magazines.
Her suspense novels The Mother In Law, The Perfect Stepmother and The Stranger in my Bed and her romantic novel The Cornish Hotel by the Sea all became International Amazon bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 15, 2026
Lizzie absolutely went through it in this story. Constantly being doubted by the people who are supposed to love and support you had to sting. You could feel her frustration and desperation through every chapter, and it made me root for her even harder.
Everyone had secrets in this story and I do mean everyone. The characters were frustratingly addictive. Just when I thought I had someone figured out, another layer would unfold. And those mysterious no-name chapters?! I was definitely wrong on my guess of who that was!
The narration was great. I always appreciate when a narrator can seamlessly shift between adults and children without it sounding forced and Isaac and Grace’s little voices were done to perfection. Overall, a really good domestic thriller that kept me invested from start to finish. Definitely worth the listen! 🎧 Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture Audio for an advanced listening copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 02.16.26
Everyone had secrets in this story and I do mean everyone. The characters were frustratingly addictive. Just when I thought I had someone figured out, another layer would unfold. And those mysterious no-name chapters?! I was definitely wrong on my guess of who that was!
The narration was great. I always appreciate when a narrator can seamlessly shift between adults and children without it sounding forced and Isaac and Grace’s little voices were done to perfection. Overall, a really good domestic thriller that kept me invested from start to finish. Definitely worth the listen! 🎧 Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture Audio for an advanced listening copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 02.16.26
February 10, 2026
This was a frustrating listen for me. EVERYONE had a secret... not just the stepsister... and some were not as earth-shattering as the secret-holders thought (or that we were led to believe). It seemed to take a long time to spin out the circumstances of these secrets as the characters postured, charmed, suspected each other, and fell apart. I just wanted them to talk to each other! I would have given it a lower rating, but I honestly wanted to know how things turned out in the end...so perhaps I liked it a bit more than I thought.
The audiobook narration was good, considering that one person voiced a range of characters.
My thanks to the author, @KarenKing, publisher, @BookoutureAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheStepsistersSecret for review purposes. Publication date: 16 February 2026.
The audiobook narration was good, considering that one person voiced a range of characters.
My thanks to the author, @KarenKing, publisher, @BookoutureAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheStepsistersSecret for review purposes. Publication date: 16 February 2026.
February 24, 2026
This book was written so well that I binged it in a few days! It was a great story that had me guessing!if you’re looking for a book that has more mystery than violence, this is your book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Stepsister’s Secret was my first experience with an audiobook, and I couldn’t have chosen a better title to start with. I began listening on a Thursday and finished it by Sunday, which speaks both to the strength of the story and to how immersive the audiobook format can be.
Listening to this novel reminded me of the radio dramas my parents used to talk about: a purely auditory experience that nonetheless strongly stimulates the imagination. I vividly pictured the characters, settings, and atmosphere throughout.
Imogen Church’s narration is excellent. Her voice acting, emotional range, and subtle shifts between characters add depth to the story, and her British accent fits perfectly with the UK setting and the variety of English in which the novel is written.
The story itself is gripping and full of unexpected turns. The use of multiple points of view — including occasional chapters from the culprit — heightens the suspense and constantly challenges the reader’s assumptions. The novel opens with a powerful confession that immediately sets an intense tone.
From a linguistic and translation-oriented perspective, the novel stands out for its strong narrative voice, effective dialogue, and carefully controlled pacing, all of which contribute to a highly engaging reading (and listening) experience.
Listening to this novel reminded me of the radio dramas my parents used to talk about: a purely auditory experience that nonetheless strongly stimulates the imagination. I vividly pictured the characters, settings, and atmosphere throughout.
Imogen Church’s narration is excellent. Her voice acting, emotional range, and subtle shifts between characters add depth to the story, and her British accent fits perfectly with the UK setting and the variety of English in which the novel is written.
The story itself is gripping and full of unexpected turns. The use of multiple points of view — including occasional chapters from the culprit — heightens the suspense and constantly challenges the reader’s assumptions. The novel opens with a powerful confession that immediately sets an intense tone.
From a linguistic and translation-oriented perspective, the novel stands out for its strong narrative voice, effective dialogue, and carefully controlled pacing, all of which contribute to a highly engaging reading (and listening) experience.
February 18, 2026
This story is an enthralling roller coaster ride of suspense and thrills! Just when you think you’ve figured it out, a twist takes you in a different direction. I was absorbed into the story with one of my favorite narrators, Imogen Church, leading the way. With so many carrying secrets to keep the reader guessing.
Lizzie lives with anxiety from a traumatic experience in her childhood that she keeps secret from everyone. She has a loving husband and child. After losing her dad, she and her mom maintain a close relationship. When her mom remarries a man that appears to be loyal and loving, they become a blended family. At the wedding she is shaken by someone from her past, related to that secret she has buried deep. With everyone writing off her concerns over accidents with her mom and her suspicions that all is not as it seems to her anxiety, Lizzie questions herself as well. Is it all in her head? Has anxiety taken over?
As the story unfolds, it’s difficult to know who is as they appear and who is hiding secrets and causing harm. This is a must listen story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the arc. I leave my review voluntarily.
Lizzie lives with anxiety from a traumatic experience in her childhood that she keeps secret from everyone. She has a loving husband and child. After losing her dad, she and her mom maintain a close relationship. When her mom remarries a man that appears to be loyal and loving, they become a blended family. At the wedding she is shaken by someone from her past, related to that secret she has buried deep. With everyone writing off her concerns over accidents with her mom and her suspicions that all is not as it seems to her anxiety, Lizzie questions herself as well. Is it all in her head? Has anxiety taken over?
As the story unfolds, it’s difficult to know who is as they appear and who is hiding secrets and causing harm. This is a must listen story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the arc. I leave my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Stepsister’s Secret by Karen King
Narrated by Imogen Church
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very exciting and intense psychological/domestic thriller!! The twists and turns were non-stop through the entire book. I definitely was surprised and did not guess what was going to happen next.
There are secrets and lies and guilt galore!
Lizzy’s mom, Judith, is getting married years after her first husband passed away. What is supposed to be the best day, and best honeymoon, takes a sour turn. Judith has a fall after the wedding and Alison, steps in to help nurse her back to health. Alison is Lizzy’s new step sister and the chaos begins!
There is great character development and each character seems to play a big role. I really enjoyed the multiple POV as well!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio arc of this exciting thriller!! This is my first read from this author and I’m excited to read more!
The narrator did an excellent job! I definitely recommend the listen!!
*This book comes out February 16th!*
Narrated by Imogen Church
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very exciting and intense psychological/domestic thriller!! The twists and turns were non-stop through the entire book. I definitely was surprised and did not guess what was going to happen next.
There are secrets and lies and guilt galore!
Lizzy’s mom, Judith, is getting married years after her first husband passed away. What is supposed to be the best day, and best honeymoon, takes a sour turn. Judith has a fall after the wedding and Alison, steps in to help nurse her back to health. Alison is Lizzy’s new step sister and the chaos begins!
There is great character development and each character seems to play a big role. I really enjoyed the multiple POV as well!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio arc of this exciting thriller!! This is my first read from this author and I’m excited to read more!
The narrator did an excellent job! I definitely recommend the listen!!
*This book comes out February 16th!*
February 25, 2026
What I liked most was the layered suspense. Everyone is hiding something, and the multiple POVs add to the mystery because you’re constantly questioning motives and truth. The psychological tension is strong, especially as Lizzie begins to spiral and you’re left wondering whether the danger is real or driven by fear and buried trauma.
And I have to say… I loved the drama. The confrontations, the tension between the sisters, the messy emotional moments. It added that extra intensity that made it hard to put down.
The pacing is steady rather than explosive, but it stays gripping because of the emotional unease and the slow reveal of secrets. While some twists were a bit predictable, the storytelling was engaging and kept me invested until the end.
And I have to say… I loved the drama. The confrontations, the tension between the sisters, the messy emotional moments. It added that extra intensity that made it hard to put down.
The pacing is steady rather than explosive, but it stays gripping because of the emotional unease and the slow reveal of secrets. While some twists were a bit predictable, the storytelling was engaging and kept me invested until the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can’t say enough how much I loved this book!
Lizzie’s mother is getting married to George. Everything is going fine, until George’s daughter shows up at the wedding that is. That’s when the memories come flooding back to Lizzie, sending her into a panic, bringing up old guilt, and a series of events that I couldn’t predict. What comes next? You’ll have to read to find out!
I seriously could not stop listening to this book. I listened to it in one sitting. The narrator was wonderful. The pacing was perfect. There are multiple POVs. Just enough details at just the right time. The tension builds, it’s dark, gripping, and so many secrets!
This was the first Karen King book I’ve read and will definitely seek out more of her books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Karen King for my ALC of The Stepsister’s Secret!
Publish Date: 02/16/26
#NetGalley #BookoutureAudio #TheStepSistersSecret
Lizzie’s mother is getting married to George. Everything is going fine, until George’s daughter shows up at the wedding that is. That’s when the memories come flooding back to Lizzie, sending her into a panic, bringing up old guilt, and a series of events that I couldn’t predict. What comes next? You’ll have to read to find out!
I seriously could not stop listening to this book. I listened to it in one sitting. The narrator was wonderful. The pacing was perfect. There are multiple POVs. Just enough details at just the right time. The tension builds, it’s dark, gripping, and so many secrets!
This was the first Karen King book I’ve read and will definitely seek out more of her books!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Karen King for my ALC of The Stepsister’s Secret!
Publish Date: 02/16/26
#NetGalley #BookoutureAudio #TheStepSistersSecret
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Stepsister’s Secret was an engaging and steadily paced psychological suspense that kept me invested from start to finish. The story leans heavily into family dynamics and long-buried secrets, which gave the tension an emotional weight beyond the twists alone.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narration especially effective. The narrator brought clarity and nuance to the shifting perspectives, making it easy to follow the evolving tension and character motivations. The pacing worked well in audio format, and the shorter chapters made it easy to stay immersed.
The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you questioning motives while gradually revealing deeper layers of the characters’ relationships. If you enjoy family-centered thrillers with steady suspense and strong narration, this is a solid choice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced audiobook copy for review. All opinions are my own.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narration especially effective. The narrator brought clarity and nuance to the shifting perspectives, making it easy to follow the evolving tension and character motivations. The pacing worked well in audio format, and the shorter chapters made it easy to stay immersed.
The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you questioning motives while gradually revealing deeper layers of the characters’ relationships. If you enjoy family-centered thrillers with steady suspense and strong narration, this is a solid choice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced audiobook copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The Stepsister’s Secret” by Karen King is an absolute page‑turner! I was hooked from the very first chapter, and the suspense kept me guessing right up until the very end. Karen King masterfully builds tension, weaving together mystery, emotion, and just the right amount of family drama. Every twist felt earned, every clue had me second‑guessing myself, and the final reveal was incredibly satisfying.
The characters are vivid and believable, and the pacing is spot‑on, never dragging, never rushing, just drawing you deeper and deeper into the story. It’s one of those rare books that you can’t put down but also don’t want to end.
Such an amazing read, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
The characters are vivid and believable, and the pacing is spot‑on, never dragging, never rushing, just drawing you deeper and deeper into the story. It’s one of those rare books that you can’t put down but also don’t want to end.
Such an amazing read, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had fun with this one, even if it wasn’t particularly surprising.
Imogen Church is a great narrator, so I enjoyed the listen. She handles multiple first-person perspectives on her own, though, so I’ll admit I occasionally had to remind myself who was speaking.
This is one of those “everyone is hiding something” books where you sometimes wish the characters would just communicate and solve half their problems, but I stayed invested regardless.
I either listen to too many thrillers, or this one was fairly predictable, because I wasn’t surprised at all by who was responsible. That said, I still enjoyed the story.
If you like a twisty thriller, give this one a listen. I liked it overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced listening copy.
Imogen Church is a great narrator, so I enjoyed the listen. She handles multiple first-person perspectives on her own, though, so I’ll admit I occasionally had to remind myself who was speaking.
This is one of those “everyone is hiding something” books where you sometimes wish the characters would just communicate and solve half their problems, but I stayed invested regardless.
I either listen to too many thrillers, or this one was fairly predictable, because I wasn’t surprised at all by who was responsible. That said, I still enjoyed the story.
If you like a twisty thriller, give this one a listen. I liked it overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced listening copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed listening to The Stepsister’s Secret! Imogen Church masterfully brought the story to life adding suspense and emotion. “People aren’t always who we think they are.” That is definitely true in this puzzling story. I was unsure who the victim was and who the villain was as secrets were revealed. The plot kept me guessing all the way to the unexpected conclusion. Very entertaining, unpredictable, and intriguing! Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Stepsister’s Secret was an absolute binge-listen. The multiple POV narration added depth and kept the tension high throughout. The story is packed with twists that keep coming from every angle, making it hard to step away. Even though I was able to guess the killer before the reveal, it didn’t take away from the suspense or enjoyment of the journey.
Overall, 4.25/5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
Overall, 4.25/5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
February 17, 2026
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook, the story is well paced and I found myself constantly trying to work out what was going on.
I found Lizzie a bit annoying at times and her reactions were always over dramatic, but overall it was a good listen that kept me thoroughly engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for letting me review this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found Lizzie a bit annoying at times and her reactions were always over dramatic, but overall it was a good listen that kept me thoroughly engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for letting me review this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2026
The book was ok. Entertaining. It made me feel like everything was just such a big coincidence. Things should’ve or would’ve been seen a lot faster in real life and I just couldn’t get past that. It’s pretty obvious from early on who the killer could’ve been. And that just dropped the rating for me. Entertaining but, nothing I would think about in the future
February 13, 2026
Good book, nicely written with plenty of characters. There are several things going on that make you wonder who could it be? Plenty of twists and turns to keep the suspicions going to the end.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews