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The Daughter's Secret
Gemma has spent twenty years burying her past. Now she's married to Mike, a good man who has no idea that his wife is the daughter of a convicted killer. Nor does he know about the violent temper Gemma fights to control or the fear that keeps her awake at night: that she inherited more than her mother's eyes.
When Gemma wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the night before—the same night a man was murdered two floors above her—she's terrified the darkness in her blood has finally won.
And she’s got plenty to worry about. Her earring is found in the dead man's room. Her handprint on his door. A bloodied knife in her bag.
But the real danger isn't the police investigation closing in around her. It’s the one person she trusted with everything. The person who has been quietly watching her for twenty years. Waiting for the perfect moment to destroy her
When Gemma wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the night before—the same night a man was murdered two floors above her—she's terrified the darkness in her blood has finally won.
And she’s got plenty to worry about. Her earring is found in the dead man's room. Her handprint on his door. A bloodied knife in her bag.
But the real danger isn't the police investigation closing in around her. It’s the one person she trusted with everything. The person who has been quietly watching her for twenty years. Waiting for the perfect moment to destroy her
- GenresThriller
356 pages, ebook
First published March 22, 2026
2 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 25, 2026
The story of Gemma intrigued me immediately and by the very first page I felt the silent tension, luring from a dark corner.
I love this kind of books where the psychological terror drips in, piece by piece.
Very well written psychological thriller!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this kind of books where the psychological terror drips in, piece by piece.
Very well written psychological thriller!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2026
THE DAUGHTERS SECRET BY IAN BLACKWOOD.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This book was amazing I throughly enjoyed it.
This is my second book by this author and so looking forward to seeing what comes next ☺
The cover is perfect I absolutely love it.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
This book was amazing I throughly enjoyed it.
This is my second book by this author and so looking forward to seeing what comes next ☺
The cover is perfect I absolutely love it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At the heart of The Daughter's Secret lies a compelling and thought-provoking premise : can a serial killer's daughter escape the shadow of her mother, or is fate written into her DNA? The nature versus nurture debate is a rich foundation for a psychological thriller, and it is what initially draws you into this story with genuine curiosity and intrigue.
Fans of books like The Housemaid and The Tenant will immediately recognize the format. This is a fast-paced, plot-driven thriller that keeps the pages turning with well-timed revelations and a cast of familiar character archetypes : the trusting husband, the devoted yet unsettling colleagues, and ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried. If you enjoy this genre, you will feel right at home.
That said, the book is not without some challenges. The first half moves almost too quickly, jumping from one plot turn to the next at a pace that leaves little room to breathe or connect with the characters on a deeper level. It is a common trait of the genre, but it does leave the early chapters feeling somewhat unsatisfying. Thankfully, the second half redeems this by slowing down just enough to explore the characters more meaningfully, making it the more gripping and enjoyable portion of the book.
The ending, unfortunately, lands without much surprise. The twist, if it can be called one, feels telegraphed well in advance, which may disappoint readers hoping for a jaw-dropping finale in the vein of the best the genre has to offer.
Overall, The Daughter's Secret is a solid, enjoyable read- just don't expect it to reinvent the genre. It is the perfect companion for a long-haul flight or a lazy beach holiday, entertaining enough to keep you engaged without demanding too much in return.
Fans of books like The Housemaid and The Tenant will immediately recognize the format. This is a fast-paced, plot-driven thriller that keeps the pages turning with well-timed revelations and a cast of familiar character archetypes : the trusting husband, the devoted yet unsettling colleagues, and ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried. If you enjoy this genre, you will feel right at home.
That said, the book is not without some challenges. The first half moves almost too quickly, jumping from one plot turn to the next at a pace that leaves little room to breathe or connect with the characters on a deeper level. It is a common trait of the genre, but it does leave the early chapters feeling somewhat unsatisfying. Thankfully, the second half redeems this by slowing down just enough to explore the characters more meaningfully, making it the more gripping and enjoyable portion of the book.
The ending, unfortunately, lands without much surprise. The twist, if it can be called one, feels telegraphed well in advance, which may disappoint readers hoping for a jaw-dropping finale in the vein of the best the genre has to offer.
Overall, The Daughter's Secret is a solid, enjoyable read- just don't expect it to reinvent the genre. It is the perfect companion for a long-haul flight or a lazy beach holiday, entertaining enough to keep you engaged without demanding too much in return.
Review of advance copy
My Review: The Daughter’s Secret by Ian Blackwood
Rating: ★★★★☆
I’ve always been a sucker for the "nature vs. nurture" trope, and Ian Blackwood absolutely nails the paranoia of that internal struggle here. From the first chapter, I was hooked by Gemma’s frantic internal monologue. There is something deeply unsettling about a protagonist who doesn't just fear a killer—she fears that she might be one.
What I Loved
• The Atmosphere: Blackwood does a fantastic job of making the reader feel Gemma’s claustrophobia. As the evidence piles up—the earring, the handprint, the knife—I felt the same mounting dread she did.
• The Unreliable Narrator: Because Gemma has these "blackouts" and a history of repressed trauma, I found myself constantly questioning her. Is she being framed, or is she finally succumbing to the "darkness in her blood"?
• The Pacing: This is a true "one-sitting" read. The chapters are short, punchy, and usually end on a cliffhanger that made it impossible to put down.
The Verdict
While I guessed one of the twists a little early, the final reveal regarding the person Gemma trusted most actually gave me chills. It’s a dark, psychological exploration of how our secrets eventually stop being things we keep and start being things that keep us.
If you enjoyed The Girl on the Train or The Silent Patient, you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR pile. It’s a tense, twisty look at whether we can ever truly outrun our DNA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I’ve always been a sucker for the "nature vs. nurture" trope, and Ian Blackwood absolutely nails the paranoia of that internal struggle here. From the first chapter, I was hooked by Gemma’s frantic internal monologue. There is something deeply unsettling about a protagonist who doesn't just fear a killer—she fears that she might be one.
What I Loved
• The Atmosphere: Blackwood does a fantastic job of making the reader feel Gemma’s claustrophobia. As the evidence piles up—the earring, the handprint, the knife—I felt the same mounting dread she did.
• The Unreliable Narrator: Because Gemma has these "blackouts" and a history of repressed trauma, I found myself constantly questioning her. Is she being framed, or is she finally succumbing to the "darkness in her blood"?
• The Pacing: This is a true "one-sitting" read. The chapters are short, punchy, and usually end on a cliffhanger that made it impossible to put down.
The Verdict
While I guessed one of the twists a little early, the final reveal regarding the person Gemma trusted most actually gave me chills. It’s a dark, psychological exploration of how our secrets eventually stop being things we keep and start being things that keep us.
If you enjoyed The Girl on the Train or The Silent Patient, you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR pile. It’s a tense, twisty look at whether we can ever truly outrun our DNA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
March 3, 2026There’s a quiet, unnerving pulse running through The Daughter’s Secret that caught me from the first page and never really let go. Gemma is a woman who has spent her whole life trying to outrun her own bloodline, and the novel captures that fragile balance between fear and hope with such a deft, intimate touch. You feel the weight of her past in every choice she makes, every moment she tries to hold herself together, and it gives the story a beautifully fraught emotional core.
When she wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the night before, the ground shifts sharply beneath her feet. The evidence is damning, the panic is visceral, and the question of whether she’s inherited something darker than her mother’s eyes becomes almost unbearable. What I loved is that the book never leans on shock for the sake of it; instead, it lets the dread build slowly, tightening around Gemma until you can almost feel her breath catching.
And then comes the real twist—the danger that isn’t lurking in police files or CCTV footage, but in the familiar shape of someone who has been watching her for years. That betrayal lands with a cold, precise sting, the kind that makes you rethink every earlier chapter.
It’s a chilling, character-driven thriller that understands how fear settles into the bones, and how the people closest to us can be the ones who undo us completely. Fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware will feel right at home here, but there’s a deeply personal edge to this story that makes it stand out.
With thanks to Ian Blackwood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
When she wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the night before, the ground shifts sharply beneath her feet. The evidence is damning, the panic is visceral, and the question of whether she’s inherited something darker than her mother’s eyes becomes almost unbearable. What I loved is that the book never leans on shock for the sake of it; instead, it lets the dread build slowly, tightening around Gemma until you can almost feel her breath catching.
And then comes the real twist—the danger that isn’t lurking in police files or CCTV footage, but in the familiar shape of someone who has been watching her for years. That betrayal lands with a cold, precise sting, the kind that makes you rethink every earlier chapter.
It’s a chilling, character-driven thriller that understands how fear settles into the bones, and how the people closest to us can be the ones who undo us completely. Fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware will feel right at home here, but there’s a deeply personal edge to this story that makes it stand out.
With thanks to Ian Blackwood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️’s - This was a fun read! If my husband were to read this book, I’m fairly certain he’d be aggressively highlighting every moment that proves what a loyal and loving husband he is, purely to avoid incurring a woman’s, or more specifically my, wrath 😜
In this fast-paced murder mystery thriller, we follow Gemma and Mike, a married couple who appear to have a fairytale, almost movie perfect relationship, albeit one built on a few lies.
Gemma, the daughter of a serial killer, suddenly finds herself at the centre of a string of murders, with most of the evidence pointing straight at her. Between her notorious temper and the growing pile of incriminating clues, things aren’t exactly looking good for her.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about Gemma’s past, her complicated relationship with her imprisoned mother, and the secrets surrounding her life and marriage.
This was sitting comfortably at a 4-star read for me until around the last third of the book. Unfortunately, the twists weren’t particularly twisty and became quite predictable. The final portion of the story lost me a bit and went from intriguing to “what exactly am I reading here?” It started strong but didn’t quite stick the landing for me.
Overall though, this is a fun, easy thriller that I’d still recommend if you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read.
3.5⭐️’s - This was a fun read! If my husband were to read this book, I’m fairly certain he’d be aggressively highlighting every moment that proves what a loyal and loving husband he is, purely to avoid incurring a woman’s, or more specifically my, wrath 😜
In this fast-paced murder mystery thriller, we follow Gemma and Mike, a married couple who appear to have a fairytale, almost movie perfect relationship, albeit one built on a few lies.
Gemma, the daughter of a serial killer, suddenly finds herself at the centre of a string of murders, with most of the evidence pointing straight at her. Between her notorious temper and the growing pile of incriminating clues, things aren’t exactly looking good for her.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about Gemma’s past, her complicated relationship with her imprisoned mother, and the secrets surrounding her life and marriage.
This was sitting comfortably at a 4-star read for me until around the last third of the book. Unfortunately, the twists weren’t particularly twisty and became quite predictable. The final portion of the story lost me a bit and went from intriguing to “what exactly am I reading here?” It started strong but didn’t quite stick the landing for me.
Overall though, this is a fun, easy thriller that I’d still recommend if you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read.
March 26, 2026
Okay… this is my kind of psychological thriller.
You know the ones where the tension doesn’t just hit you … it slowly creeps in, wraps around you, and suddenly you realize you’ve been holding your breath for like three chapters? Yeah. That.
Gemma has spent her entire adult life trying to outrun her past, married to a genuinely good man who has no idea that she’s the daughter of a convicted killer. And not just that… she’s constantly battling this fear that maybe she didn’t just inherit her mother’s looks. Maybe she inherited something much darker.
And then we get that setup:
She wakes up in a hotel room.
No memory of the night before.
A man has been murdered.
And somehow… all the evidence points to her.
I mean??? At that point I was already spiraling.
Her earring in the victim’s room. Her handprint on the door. A knife in her bag. It’s one of those situations where you’re like, okay but did she do it… or are we being played right now? And the book does such a good job making you question everything. Including your own judgment.
The psychological tension in this one is SO well done. It just drips in, piece by piece, until you’re completely wrapped up in it. I genuinely felt on edge for so much of the book—like I couldn’t quite relax because something was always just slightly… off.
And then when you realize there’s someone who’s been watching her, waiting, pulling strings behind the scenes?? Absolutely not. That’s the kind of reveal that makes you want to go back and re-think every interaction.
You know the ones where the tension doesn’t just hit you … it slowly creeps in, wraps around you, and suddenly you realize you’ve been holding your breath for like three chapters? Yeah. That.
Gemma has spent her entire adult life trying to outrun her past, married to a genuinely good man who has no idea that she’s the daughter of a convicted killer. And not just that… she’s constantly battling this fear that maybe she didn’t just inherit her mother’s looks. Maybe she inherited something much darker.
And then we get that setup:
She wakes up in a hotel room.
No memory of the night before.
A man has been murdered.
And somehow… all the evidence points to her.
I mean??? At that point I was already spiraling.
Her earring in the victim’s room. Her handprint on the door. A knife in her bag. It’s one of those situations where you’re like, okay but did she do it… or are we being played right now? And the book does such a good job making you question everything. Including your own judgment.
The psychological tension in this one is SO well done. It just drips in, piece by piece, until you’re completely wrapped up in it. I genuinely felt on edge for so much of the book—like I couldn’t quite relax because something was always just slightly… off.
And then when you realize there’s someone who’s been watching her, waiting, pulling strings behind the scenes?? Absolutely not. That’s the kind of reveal that makes you want to go back and re-think every interaction.
March 7, 2026
The Daughter’s Secret is a psychological thriller centered on a woman haunted by one terrifying possibility: that she might be exactly like her mother… who just happens to be a serial killer.
Gemma’s character constantly had my mind spinning. One of the strongest aspects of this story is how effectively it explores the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. Gemma knows her mother isn’t a good person. She recognizes that something is deeply wrong with her, yet she still loves her. At the same time, she hides her mother’s existence from her husband entirely. That conflict alone creates a fascinating psychological tension that really makes you question how the human mind reconciles love, fear, and denial all at once.
Gemma is desperate not to become her mother, but that fear grows stronger after a blackout leads to a chain of disturbing events. From there the story builds steadily toward a dramatic climax that may just knock your socks off.
For me, the biggest impact wasn’t necessarily a massive what just happened twist, but rather the deep sense of betrayal that unfolds as the truth comes to light.
Packed with secrets, lies, and plenty of unsettling moments, this book takes you on a tense psychological ride. It keeps you invested, keeps you questioning, and delivers exactly what you’d want from a gripping psychological thriller.
Gemma’s character constantly had my mind spinning. One of the strongest aspects of this story is how effectively it explores the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. Gemma knows her mother isn’t a good person. She recognizes that something is deeply wrong with her, yet she still loves her. At the same time, she hides her mother’s existence from her husband entirely. That conflict alone creates a fascinating psychological tension that really makes you question how the human mind reconciles love, fear, and denial all at once.
Gemma is desperate not to become her mother, but that fear grows stronger after a blackout leads to a chain of disturbing events. From there the story builds steadily toward a dramatic climax that may just knock your socks off.
For me, the biggest impact wasn’t necessarily a massive what just happened twist, but rather the deep sense of betrayal that unfolds as the truth comes to light.
Packed with secrets, lies, and plenty of unsettling moments, this book takes you on a tense psychological ride. It keeps you invested, keeps you questioning, and delivers exactly what you’d want from a gripping psychological thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay, when the author mentioned “Arctic Monkeys”, I already knew this book would be good 😅
Gemma, daughter of a serial killer mom. At 15, she turned her mom in and since then, she’s tried to keep that part of her life a secret. She meets Mike, a cop, and given her past, she tried to resist but fate was too good and she ultimately fell in love and married.
In current day, she is a boss in a company and she is tasked with firing one of her employees. When leaving, this disgruntled employee says one thing to Gemma that sets her on edge, she mentioned Gemma’s killer mom, the secret that no one knows about.
Suddenly, both Gemma and Mike start getting weird phone calls and texts. This causes Gemma to become paranoid, you see, she had not told Mike of her secret past and she is fearful that she too may have a bit of a killer inside as well…
Oh man, when I tell you I read this book in one sitting, literally, from start to finish, within an evening. It kept me interested the entire time, I could not put it down! This is my first book from Ian Blackwood and you betcha I googled him afterwards. Definitely a must read, the writing style is impeccable, and I just absolutely devoured this book. 5 stars!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to obtain this e-book arc. These words and opinions are entirely my own.
Gemma, daughter of a serial killer mom. At 15, she turned her mom in and since then, she’s tried to keep that part of her life a secret. She meets Mike, a cop, and given her past, she tried to resist but fate was too good and she ultimately fell in love and married.
In current day, she is a boss in a company and she is tasked with firing one of her employees. When leaving, this disgruntled employee says one thing to Gemma that sets her on edge, she mentioned Gemma’s killer mom, the secret that no one knows about.
Suddenly, both Gemma and Mike start getting weird phone calls and texts. This causes Gemma to become paranoid, you see, she had not told Mike of her secret past and she is fearful that she too may have a bit of a killer inside as well…
Oh man, when I tell you I read this book in one sitting, literally, from start to finish, within an evening. It kept me interested the entire time, I could not put it down! This is my first book from Ian Blackwood and you betcha I googled him afterwards. Definitely a must read, the writing style is impeccable, and I just absolutely devoured this book. 5 stars!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to obtain this e-book arc. These words and opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Ian Blackwood, and Inkubator Books for a copy of The Daughter’s Secret in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an absolute ride from start to finish. Gemma was such a standout character — compelling, unpredictable, and impossible not to root for. After being rescued by Mike and eventually marrying him, she carries one massive secret about her family that she never shares… and of course, secrets like that never stay buried forever.
The pacing was fast, the story felt just a little delightfully off the rails, and every chapter pushed things forward in a way that made it incredibly hard to put down. As everything began to fall into place, the story also raised questions about trust, loyalty, and who your real friends truly are when life starts to unravel.
This isn’t a slow or overly complicated thriller — it’s twisty, entertaining, and perfect when you want a book that grabs you immediately and refuses to let go. Buckle up, because once this one starts, it doesn’t slow down.
✨ Final Verdict: A wild, fast-paced, twist-filled thriller that’s pure entertainment. Stop what you’re doing and add this to your reading list — it’s absolutely worth the ride.
This book was an absolute ride from start to finish. Gemma was such a standout character — compelling, unpredictable, and impossible not to root for. After being rescued by Mike and eventually marrying him, she carries one massive secret about her family that she never shares… and of course, secrets like that never stay buried forever.
The pacing was fast, the story felt just a little delightfully off the rails, and every chapter pushed things forward in a way that made it incredibly hard to put down. As everything began to fall into place, the story also raised questions about trust, loyalty, and who your real friends truly are when life starts to unravel.
This isn’t a slow or overly complicated thriller — it’s twisty, entertaining, and perfect when you want a book that grabs you immediately and refuses to let go. Buckle up, because once this one starts, it doesn’t slow down.
✨ Final Verdict: A wild, fast-paced, twist-filled thriller that’s pure entertainment. Stop what you’re doing and add this to your reading list — it’s absolutely worth the ride.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Daughter’s Secret by Ian Blackwood is a skillfully balanced domestic thriller that overcomes an initially questionable premise to deliver a truly engaging, high-tension mystery.
While the early focus on Gemma’s hidden family past felt like a potential logic hurdle, the story quickly shifts gears into a much more intriguing and cleverly plotted psychological drama. He used that initial secret as a hook, but didn't let it weigh down the entire plot. Loved it!
The pacing is spot-on, keeping the "when, not if" tension of the reveal simmering throughout. A standout element is Mike's character; it’s rare to find a male lead in this genre who feels like a genuinely decent, relatable human being rather than a trope. Mike being a "decent human being" while still feeling real is a breath of fresh air. It makes the tension around Gemma’s secret feel much higher because you actually care about the relationship being at risk.
Although the mid-point might offer a few clues to the final outcome for seasoned readers, the journey is packed with enough atmospheric twists to keep you hooked.
A solid 4-star read that flows effortlessly—I’m definitely ready to see what else Blackwood has in store.
While the early focus on Gemma’s hidden family past felt like a potential logic hurdle, the story quickly shifts gears into a much more intriguing and cleverly plotted psychological drama. He used that initial secret as a hook, but didn't let it weigh down the entire plot. Loved it!
The pacing is spot-on, keeping the "when, not if" tension of the reveal simmering throughout. A standout element is Mike's character; it’s rare to find a male lead in this genre who feels like a genuinely decent, relatable human being rather than a trope. Mike being a "decent human being" while still feeling real is a breath of fresh air. It makes the tension around Gemma’s secret feel much higher because you actually care about the relationship being at risk.
Although the mid-point might offer a few clues to the final outcome for seasoned readers, the journey is packed with enough atmospheric twists to keep you hooked.
A solid 4-star read that flows effortlessly—I’m definitely ready to see what else Blackwood has in store.
March 24, 2026
The Daughter's Secret is a psychological thriller that will have you rapidly flying through the pages. I Love a good thriller and this one kept me very intrigued.
Gemma is married to Mike, a police officer. They've been married for 5 years now and they have a great relationship. Only, Gemma has a dark secret from her past that she's kept from him. Her mother is a serial killer and killed her previous 3 lovers. Even though Gemma is the one that turned her mother into the police, she doesn't want her past to taint the relationship she has with Mike. But her secret is being threatened to be revealed to Mike and she's unsure of who the threat is coming from. But when her best friends husband is killed in a hotel during the same time she's staying there and the murder weapon turns up in her purse, she's unsure if she's being set up, or if she's becoming just like her mother, unwillingly.
I loved the thrill in this. The not knowing if she was blacking out and committing the crimes gave the story that extra suspense. I honestly feel like Mike was a great supporting character for her. Even through everything, the way he stood by her and trusted her the whole way through was heart warming.
Overall, this is a great story and I recommend giving it a read.
Gemma is married to Mike, a police officer. They've been married for 5 years now and they have a great relationship. Only, Gemma has a dark secret from her past that she's kept from him. Her mother is a serial killer and killed her previous 3 lovers. Even though Gemma is the one that turned her mother into the police, she doesn't want her past to taint the relationship she has with Mike. But her secret is being threatened to be revealed to Mike and she's unsure of who the threat is coming from. But when her best friends husband is killed in a hotel during the same time she's staying there and the murder weapon turns up in her purse, she's unsure if she's being set up, or if she's becoming just like her mother, unwillingly.
I loved the thrill in this. The not knowing if she was blacking out and committing the crimes gave the story that extra suspense. I honestly feel like Mike was a great supporting character for her. Even through everything, the way he stood by her and trusted her the whole way through was heart warming.
Overall, this is a great story and I recommend giving it a read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gemma has a secret, a really big secret that she has even kept from her husband Mike, who is a cop. As anyone knows, things rarely remain a secret. Gemma's mother is a convicted serial killer. Mike and Gemma start receiving these anonymous text messages trying to drive a wedge in their marriage. Then Mike finds out the secret about Gemma's mom, then Mike does something that he tries to keep as a secret, all these things cause friction in the marriage. There are also problems with people at Gemma's job that complicate her life there. Then Gemma also has blackouts when she drinks, which sets her up to take the fall for a murder and she becomes a murder suspect. There is a suspected serial killer in the area. There are some characters that create different situations that make them also possible suspects with events going on in the story. I did like the story, the pace was decent, it had some suspense, some tension, secrets and some twists and turns. I did early on suspect a certain person as the true villain and my suspicions were correct. I did consider this has a solid read. Thank you netgalley and Inkubator books for the complimentary copy of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was really solid. Yes, I did see the ending coming so the twist isn't THAT big of a twist (especially if you read a lot twisty thrillers). However, it didn't make the actual book less enjoyable. I liked seeing how all the pieces ended up fitting together.
The writing itself was super enjoyable and the formatting of the shorter chapters really kept the book's pacing moving really well. I think in that regard it reminded me a lot of a Freida McFadden novel where you can just kill two hours and it feels like blinking. This is definitely a great book to pick up during an afternoon where you can just read it from start to finish because when you start, you won't want to put it down.
Other positives, I liked the messed up interwebbing of characters and their complexities and how they all tie together. Did I love each one? No. Did I enjoy how they all felt very real? Yes. The only part that I struggled with was Mike's belief in his wife at some points. Everything else I just couldn't wait to watch the ending unfold.
Overall, I would suggest this as a super solid thriller.
The writing itself was super enjoyable and the formatting of the shorter chapters really kept the book's pacing moving really well. I think in that regard it reminded me a lot of a Freida McFadden novel where you can just kill two hours and it feels like blinking. This is definitely a great book to pick up during an afternoon where you can just read it from start to finish because when you start, you won't want to put it down.
Other positives, I liked the messed up interwebbing of characters and their complexities and how they all tie together. Did I love each one? No. Did I enjoy how they all felt very real? Yes. The only part that I struggled with was Mike's belief in his wife at some points. Everything else I just couldn't wait to watch the ending unfold.
Overall, I would suggest this as a super solid thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So thankful for NetGalley for a copy of this book
The Daughter’s secret is about a woman named Gemma, a woman who has been keeping a big secret for a long time. Now that she’s married to a honest man, Mike, who also happened o be a cop, she has to keep the secret that she is the daughter of the infamous serial killer who killed her partners. Her life turns upside down when a man gets murdered in the same hotel building she is staying in.
I really enjoyed the roller coaster, thrilling twists and turns of this book. I really liked that Mile stuck by Gemma side with everything that they went through. It was kind of sad that Gemma wasn’t confident enough to tell Mike about her past, and her mother. Although, I do understand because she wasn’t sure how she would react or if he would stay with her.
I can’t really say that there was anything I necessarily did not like about the book, I think when I started reading it, it was just a bit of a slow start. But overall, this was so good and i definitely recommend it.
The Daughter’s secret is about a woman named Gemma, a woman who has been keeping a big secret for a long time. Now that she’s married to a honest man, Mike, who also happened o be a cop, she has to keep the secret that she is the daughter of the infamous serial killer who killed her partners. Her life turns upside down when a man gets murdered in the same hotel building she is staying in.
I really enjoyed the roller coaster, thrilling twists and turns of this book. I really liked that Mile stuck by Gemma side with everything that they went through. It was kind of sad that Gemma wasn’t confident enough to tell Mike about her past, and her mother. Although, I do understand because she wasn’t sure how she would react or if he would stay with her.
I can’t really say that there was anything I necessarily did not like about the book, I think when I started reading it, it was just a bit of a slow start. But overall, this was so good and i definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Daughter’s Secret is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Gemma has spent twenty years trying to escape her past, hiding the truth about being the daughter of a convicted killer and battling the violent temper she fears she inherited.
Married to Mike, a kind and unsuspecting man, Gemma’s life seems stable—until one night changes everything. She wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the previous evening, only to discover a man was murdered just floors above her. With her earring found at the scene, her handprint on the door, and a bloodied knife in her bag, she realizes her worst fears may be coming true.
But the scariest part isn’t the police closing in—it’s the person she trusted most, who has been watching and waiting for the perfect moment to destroy her. Full of suspense, dark secrets, and shocking twists, this thriller is perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Daniel Hurst.
Rating: ★★★★★
Married to Mike, a kind and unsuspecting man, Gemma’s life seems stable—until one night changes everything. She wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the previous evening, only to discover a man was murdered just floors above her. With her earring found at the scene, her handprint on the door, and a bloodied knife in her bag, she realizes her worst fears may be coming true.
But the scariest part isn’t the police closing in—it’s the person she trusted most, who has been watching and waiting for the perfect moment to destroy her. Full of suspense, dark secrets, and shocking twists, this thriller is perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Daniel Hurst.
Rating: ★★★★★
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thrilling!!!
Gemma is a daughter of a serial killer who is now married to a cop living a blissful married life. Through her life she has always been worried if her mother's murderous genes have passed on to her.
Those fears seem to come true when a series of murders take place in Gemma's vicinity. Her failure to remember events of the night convinces the cops that she could be a potential killer.
I liked the fast paced nature of the book. Gemma's character is flawed but understandable and you subconsciously root for her. Mike seemed a bit 'not really a cop' to me. The book goes back and forth in timelines and PoV's occasionally. It doesn't seem to add much to the overall story.
The book was engrossing but the climax felt a bit too stretched for my liking. However, the over arching plot was devious and I would totally recommend this book to the readers.
I thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gemma is a daughter of a serial killer who is now married to a cop living a blissful married life. Through her life she has always been worried if her mother's murderous genes have passed on to her.
Those fears seem to come true when a series of murders take place in Gemma's vicinity. Her failure to remember events of the night convinces the cops that she could be a potential killer.
I liked the fast paced nature of the book. Gemma's character is flawed but understandable and you subconsciously root for her. Mike seemed a bit 'not really a cop' to me. The book goes back and forth in timelines and PoV's occasionally. It doesn't seem to add much to the overall story.
The book was engrossing but the climax felt a bit too stretched for my liking. However, the over arching plot was devious and I would totally recommend this book to the readers.
I thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2026
The Daughter’s Secret is a twisty, fast-paced thriller that explores the complex relationship between Gemma and her mother, Eve, alongside the lasting impact of family history and childhood experiences.
I particularly enjoyed the use of dual/multiple narratives, which added depth and kept the story engaging throughout. Gemma’s voice feels fresh and relatable, making the book an easy and compelling read—I found myself finishing it in one sitting. The contemporary references also help to anchor the story in a clear sense of time and place.
At times, the plot takes several turns, and there are perhaps a few too many red herrings, which slightly detract from the opportunity to further develop the central relationships. However, the final reveal ties the narrative threads together well and delivers a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, an enjoyable and engaging thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre.
Reviewed as an advance copy from NetGalley - thank you for the opportunity.
I particularly enjoyed the use of dual/multiple narratives, which added depth and kept the story engaging throughout. Gemma’s voice feels fresh and relatable, making the book an easy and compelling read—I found myself finishing it in one sitting. The contemporary references also help to anchor the story in a clear sense of time and place.
At times, the plot takes several turns, and there are perhaps a few too many red herrings, which slightly detract from the opportunity to further develop the central relationships. However, the final reveal ties the narrative threads together well and delivers a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, an enjoyable and engaging thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre.
Reviewed as an advance copy from NetGalley - thank you for the opportunity.
March 22, 2026
Gemma is married to Mike. Mike is a police officer. Gemma's mother is in prison for murder, a fact she has kept hidden from her husband. Now, both are receiving threatening text messages, and Gemma is terrified that her secret will destroy her relationship. But things are about to get even worse when Gemma herself is taken into custody for murder, and she remembers nothing about the night in question. Is she her mother's daughter, or is someone truly out to ruin her life?
I loved this one. The pacing was spot on, using a dual POV to tell the story from both Gemma and Mike's perspective, and gradually building to an explosive finish. I had an inkling about one of the characters from early on, but didn't quite put all the pieces together until the end. The character development was really balanced, which is refreshing in a shorter novel.
If you like sharp-paced, gritty psychological thrillers, this one is for you. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Daniel Hurst, and C.L. Taylor.
I loved this one. The pacing was spot on, using a dual POV to tell the story from both Gemma and Mike's perspective, and gradually building to an explosive finish. I had an inkling about one of the characters from early on, but didn't quite put all the pieces together until the end. The character development was really balanced, which is refreshing in a shorter novel.
If you like sharp-paced, gritty psychological thrillers, this one is for you. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Daniel Hurst, and C.L. Taylor.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping murder mystery with an instant slingshot into the plot set up and non-stop whiplash. I was instantly hooked, fully immersed in the world Blackwood has built in “The Daughter’s Secret.” Constant tension keeps you on the edge of your seat and make sure you hold on tight! The plot twists will flip everything you know on it’s head until the very last page. Dual POVs lends itself to a dichotomy of suspense, playfulness, and chaos - creating a delicate balance of cat and mouse.
Family ties, secrets and lies.
“Because sometimes, in order to get to the truth, it’s best not to tell the truth.”
I highly recommend this book! If you’re a fan of Alison Lyle or Gillian Flynn, you are guaranteed the same enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Family ties, secrets and lies.
“Because sometimes, in order to get to the truth, it’s best not to tell the truth.”
I highly recommend this book! If you’re a fan of Alison Lyle or Gillian Flynn, you are guaranteed the same enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gemma lleva una vida tranquila junto a su esposo, un detective con quien comparte casi todo, excepto una verdad que ha ocultado durante años. Para quienes la rodean, su pasado es normal, pero cada mes realiza una visita que mantiene en secreto y que la obliga a revivir una historia marcada por la violencia y la culpa. Su madre cumple condena por varios asesinatos cometidos décadas atrás, crímenes que cambiaron la vida de Gemma cuando todavía era una niña.
Cuando una periodista decide escribir la biografía de la asesina, recuerdos enterrados comienzan a salir a la superficie y amenazan con destruir la estabilidad que Gemma ha construido con tanto esfuerzo. A medida que el pasado vuelve a tomar fuerza, la línea que separa víctima y cómplice se vuelve cada vez más difusa, obligándola a enfrentar decisiones que creyó superadas y secretos que nunca debieron sobrevivir tanto tiempo.
Cuando una periodista decide escribir la biografía de la asesina, recuerdos enterrados comienzan a salir a la superficie y amenazan con destruir la estabilidad que Gemma ha construido con tanto esfuerzo. A medida que el pasado vuelve a tomar fuerza, la línea que separa víctima y cómplice se vuelve cada vez más difusa, obligándola a enfrentar decisiones que creyó superadas y secretos que nunca debieron sobrevivir tanto tiempo.
February 28, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of The Daughter’s Secret, which I inhaled in a single sitting. Ian Blackwood crafts a tense, unsettling story about Gemma, a woman who has spent twenty years hiding the fact that she’s the daughter of a convicted killer. When she wakes in a hotel room with no memory of the night before—and a murdered man just floors below—her carefully built life begins to unravel.
What I loved most was the blend of psychological suspense and character depth. The clues, the red herrings, the fear that Gemma might be more like her mother than she wants to admit—it all kept me hooked. Fans of authors like Frieda McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and B.A. Paris will appreciate the twists that keep you second‑guessing yourself until the final pages. A quick, addictive read that hits all the right thriller notes.
What I loved most was the blend of psychological suspense and character depth. The clues, the red herrings, the fear that Gemma might be more like her mother than she wants to admit—it all kept me hooked. Fans of authors like Frieda McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and B.A. Paris will appreciate the twists that keep you second‑guessing yourself until the final pages. A quick, addictive read that hits all the right thriller notes.
March 4, 2026
this book was a ride. it’s fast paced, twisty, and really entertaining. it melts me guessing the whole time. it was suspenseful which kept me turning the pages.
i did end up figuring out who the culprit was a little earlier on. (i had my suspicions and turns out i was right, lol) but i didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. it was still fun seeing everything play out.
one thing i really liked was the short chapters. i’m such a sucker for that because it always makes the book feel faster.
overall, this was a good, engaging read that kept my attention the whole time. definitely recommend if you like thrillers that are quick and twisty.
𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
🔪 psychological thrillers
🩸 suspense
🔪 twists & turns
🩸 secrets
🔪 short chapters
thank you to netgalley & ian blackwood for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
i did end up figuring out who the culprit was a little earlier on. (i had my suspicions and turns out i was right, lol) but i didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. it was still fun seeing everything play out.
one thing i really liked was the short chapters. i’m such a sucker for that because it always makes the book feel faster.
overall, this was a good, engaging read that kept my attention the whole time. definitely recommend if you like thrillers that are quick and twisty.
𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
🔪 psychological thrillers
🩸 suspense
🔪 twists & turns
🩸 secrets
🔪 short chapters
thank you to netgalley & ian blackwood for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Thank you to the author/publisher for the advance copy from Netgalley**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
The Daughter’s Secret – Ian Blackwood
Dark, tense, and thoroughly engaging.
This was a compelling psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages with its steady build of suspense and creeping sense of unease. The pacing is strong, the atmosphere is tense, and the story slowly tightens its grip as secrets begin to surface.
I really enjoyed how the tension escalated and how the emotional stakes deepened as the story progressed. The twists were well placed, and the overall reading experience was gripping without feeling rushed.
A solid, well-executed thriller that I genuinely enjoyed and would recommend to fans of dark, twist-driven psychological suspense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
The Daughter’s Secret – Ian Blackwood
Dark, tense, and thoroughly engaging.
This was a compelling psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages with its steady build of suspense and creeping sense of unease. The pacing is strong, the atmosphere is tense, and the story slowly tightens its grip as secrets begin to surface.
I really enjoyed how the tension escalated and how the emotional stakes deepened as the story progressed. The twists were well placed, and the overall reading experience was gripping without feeling rushed.
A solid, well-executed thriller that I genuinely enjoyed and would recommend to fans of dark, twist-driven psychological suspense.
March 22, 2026
This book is a tense psychological thriller that explores how the past can shape and sometimes haunt our present lives. Its greatest strength lies in the exploration of identity and the unsettling fear of inheriting darkness from one’s own bloodline.
While some twists may be anticipated by seasoned thriller readers, the execution and the atmospheric settings from Manchester’s backdrop to the eerie isolation of the lake house keep the narrative fresh and compelling.
Overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page, especially for those who enjoy stories where the real danger lies not just in crime, but in the secrets we choose to hide.
Rating:- 3.75/5
While some twists may be anticipated by seasoned thriller readers, the execution and the atmospheric settings from Manchester’s backdrop to the eerie isolation of the lake house keep the narrative fresh and compelling.
Overall, it’s an engaging and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page, especially for those who enjoy stories where the real danger lies not just in crime, but in the secrets we choose to hide.
Rating:- 3.75/5
March 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This was such an engaging read from the very first chapter. Blackwood sets up a gripping premise with a tense, atmospheric storyline that kept me turning pages quickly.
I also really appreciated the short chapters and the overall shorter length — it made the pacing feel snappy and kept the momentum high.
As the story began to unravel, some of the twists did feel a little predictable, especially toward the end, but the emotional threads and family dynamics still carried the narrative well.
Overall, The Daughter’s Secret is a compelling, fast-paced read with a strong setup and plenty of tension. A solid and satisfying story that I’m glad I got to experience early.
This was such an engaging read from the very first chapter. Blackwood sets up a gripping premise with a tense, atmospheric storyline that kept me turning pages quickly.
I also really appreciated the short chapters and the overall shorter length — it made the pacing feel snappy and kept the momentum high.
As the story began to unravel, some of the twists did feel a little predictable, especially toward the end, but the emotional threads and family dynamics still carried the narrative well.
Overall, The Daughter’s Secret is a compelling, fast-paced read with a strong setup and plenty of tension. A solid and satisfying story that I’m glad I got to experience early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Is being a killer in your DNA? The daughter of a serial killer has been hiding a major secret from her husband for five years: her mother is serving a life sentence for murder.
This is a quick, fast‑paced read with short chapters that make it easy to fly through. The story hooks you from the beginning and moves briskly, with the suspense steadily building as we learn more about the characters.
Unfortunately, the twist wasn't a surprise, I had it figured out by Chapter 10, roughly a quarter of the way through. Still an enjoyable read similar to Fredia McFadden or Gillian Flynn.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
This is a quick, fast‑paced read with short chapters that make it easy to fly through. The story hooks you from the beginning and moves briskly, with the suspense steadily building as we learn more about the characters.
Unfortunately, the twist wasn't a surprise, I had it figured out by Chapter 10, roughly a quarter of the way through. Still an enjoyable read similar to Fredia McFadden or Gillian Flynn.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy
This is the second book I've read by Ian Blackwood, and I enjoyed it just as much as the other, The Sleepwalker. It's twisted, unpredictable, and addictive. This thriller kept me reading late into the night. The cliff-hanger chapter endings kept me engaged and wanting more. The plot is fast-paced and cleverly crafted. Gemma, the main character is layered and complex. This story had me asking myself what I would have done if I were in her position, forced to deal with a tragic past. The plot is original with countless twists and turns. I highly recommend this to all thriller addicts. Thank you Booksprout for my copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was pretty impressed with this book. I can usually guess the twist pretty early on, but this book had me stumped until the last 25%. I highly enjoyed all the twists and turns the story took, and how all the characters surrounding the FMC seemed to be involved at some point or in some way. The way the story was written kept me intrigued and wanting to read "just one more chapter."
The author tied everything up and didn't leave any loose ends either- which is always appreciated! I'm looking forward to reading more of his books. I definitely recommend this one to readers who enjoy thriller/mystery.
The author tied everything up and didn't leave any loose ends either- which is always appreciated! I'm looking forward to reading more of his books. I definitely recommend this one to readers who enjoy thriller/mystery.
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March 18, 2026Like unexpected twists? this book is for you Like it when a book hooks it's claws in and pulls you so deep all the while holding you captive? this book is for you. Gemma has a big secret and not even Mike her husband knows about it and it's a doozy, but someone found out about it and is using it against her w/ threatening text messages of exposure. Lord have mercy! Mr. Blackwood definitely had me on tenterhooks and had my heart racing that's exactly why I read his stories cause he keeps you teetering on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
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