What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Bury a Secret
A family secret. A teenage mistake. Revenge years in the making… Lily built her career exposing fakes, but now someone is exposing her.
Lily has it all.
A successful career at a fast-paced tech startup.
A man she plans to marry.
A coveted promotion within reach.
Until the video.
On the day Lily launches software designed to detect deepfakes, she becomes the victim of one herself. As her career and reputation begin to implode, Lily must uncover who is behind the fabricated video before they destroy everything she's worked for.
But as Lily digs deeper, she realises her past may finally be catching up with her.
Seventeen years earlier, one choice led to a devastating accusation and a sudden death. Lily buried the truth. But someone else knows what really happened, and they'll stop at nothing to dig up the past.
Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Silent Patient, and Big Little Lies, How to Bury a Secret will leave you turning pages into the night.
Lily has it all.
A successful career at a fast-paced tech startup.
A man she plans to marry.
A coveted promotion within reach.
Until the video.
On the day Lily launches software designed to detect deepfakes, she becomes the victim of one herself. As her career and reputation begin to implode, Lily must uncover who is behind the fabricated video before they destroy everything she's worked for.
But as Lily digs deeper, she realises her past may finally be catching up with her.
Seventeen years earlier, one choice led to a devastating accusation and a sudden death. Lily buried the truth. But someone else knows what really happened, and they'll stop at nothing to dig up the past.
Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Silent Patient, and Big Little Lies, How to Bury a Secret will leave you turning pages into the night.
255 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2026
About the author
Ainsley Reid
1 book34 followersHi there, and welcome. I’m Ainsley Reid, and I write psychological thrillers filled with secrets, suspense, and unexpected turns.
My debut novel, How to Bury a Secret (available 5 March 26), explores how one teenage mistake can echo across decades, and what happens when the past collides with the life you’ve carefully built. I’m drawn to stories with dual timelines, morally complicated characters, and twists that make you rethink everything you thought you knew.
I live in Aotearoa New Zealand with my family and an ever-expanding to-be-read pile. I love thrillers that are impossible to put down and leave you thinking long after the last page.
Thanks for stopping by. I read every review and value readers’ honest thoughts.
My debut novel, How to Bury a Secret (available 5 March 26), explores how one teenage mistake can echo across decades, and what happens when the past collides with the life you’ve carefully built. I’m drawn to stories with dual timelines, morally complicated characters, and twists that make you rethink everything you thought you knew.
I live in Aotearoa New Zealand with my family and an ever-expanding to-be-read pile. I love thrillers that are impossible to put down and leave you thinking long after the last page.
Thanks for stopping by. I read every review and value readers’ honest thoughts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. This is what I needed to get out of my funk.
What got me was part one. I honestly thought the before and present were the same people until they weren’t and then I was really intrigued.
Belle, a teenager lost her father to a bad rumor. It completely tore her apart and she tried everything to solve it, but did she?
Fast forward to the present, lily (who changed her name), is working at this new start up and about to go live when things keep happening to her, and she feels as if someone knows her secret from a long time ago….
Who is doing this to lily, what happened to belles dad? How is this all related?
Tons of twists and turns, but totally worth the read.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Booksiren.
What got me was part one. I honestly thought the before and present were the same people until they weren’t and then I was really intrigued.
Belle, a teenager lost her father to a bad rumor. It completely tore her apart and she tried everything to solve it, but did she?
Fast forward to the present, lily (who changed her name), is working at this new start up and about to go live when things keep happening to her, and she feels as if someone knows her secret from a long time ago….
Who is doing this to lily, what happened to belles dad? How is this all related?
Tons of twists and turns, but totally worth the read.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Booksiren.
January 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I appreciated this fast-paced thriller, which consistently defied my expectations. The storyline is remarkably relevant to contemporary society, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative. I highly recommend checking out this book.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Review of advance copy
WHAT THE!? 5 STAR ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
WOW. I was NOT ready or expecting the plot twist in this one WHATSOEVER!! 🤯😱 I finished this WHOLE book in one sitting! This book seemed a little slow for the first few chapters, but oh my word did it have me on the edge of my seat flipping through every page until I had completely finished it! I kept wondering why in the world the FMC wanted to unload her so called secrets so badly and WASN'T PREPARED for what was to unfold! There is so much I could say! But I also don't want to spoil anything so I'll sum it up with a few things!
One is that I found a few mispelled words and had to re-read them to figure out what it the words were trying to be, but it only was roughly 3 times. I'm not sure if that was done on purpose or not but I did notice that.
Two is that this book might seem a little sluggish the first 3 or 4 chapters, but it'll picks up pretty quickly but not so quickly that the storyline and plot are completely lost. The characters do grow and the story does wrap up well and it doesn't feel rushed at all, at least for me.
Three is simply the fact that this was more of a thriller that ended up making you kind of sad because it does revolve around regret, revenge and grief. But it is done very well and I will recommend to my friends that like thriller/mystery style books to read this one because my mouth was OPEN at a lot of parts in complete shock. And now I want to read another one because it was that good 😂 another 5 star read for me and it's only my second book completed for 2026. I'm not mad at all and will be looking into the authors books in the future for sure!!
I cannot wait for the printed book because I actually want to gift this to one of my friends! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and let me tell you I was not disappointed! If you're iffy about this book.... READ IT!! 📚 😂
WOW. I was NOT ready or expecting the plot twist in this one WHATSOEVER!! 🤯😱 I finished this WHOLE book in one sitting! This book seemed a little slow for the first few chapters, but oh my word did it have me on the edge of my seat flipping through every page until I had completely finished it! I kept wondering why in the world the FMC wanted to unload her so called secrets so badly and WASN'T PREPARED for what was to unfold! There is so much I could say! But I also don't want to spoil anything so I'll sum it up with a few things!
One is that I found a few mispelled words and had to re-read them to figure out what it the words were trying to be, but it only was roughly 3 times. I'm not sure if that was done on purpose or not but I did notice that.
Two is that this book might seem a little sluggish the first 3 or 4 chapters, but it'll picks up pretty quickly but not so quickly that the storyline and plot are completely lost. The characters do grow and the story does wrap up well and it doesn't feel rushed at all, at least for me.
Three is simply the fact that this was more of a thriller that ended up making you kind of sad because it does revolve around regret, revenge and grief. But it is done very well and I will recommend to my friends that like thriller/mystery style books to read this one because my mouth was OPEN at a lot of parts in complete shock. And now I want to read another one because it was that good 😂 another 5 star read for me and it's only my second book completed for 2026. I'm not mad at all and will be looking into the authors books in the future for sure!!
I cannot wait for the printed book because I actually want to gift this to one of my friends! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and let me tell you I was not disappointed! If you're iffy about this book.... READ IT!! 📚 😂
March 17, 2026
This thriller is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden because Ainsley Reid creates deadly suspense with a psychological mind blowing twist!
The story reads fast and could easily hold my attention. I literally flipped page after page, because the story was sooo good and creative!
In the future, I’ll definitely look out for other books from this author!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story reads fast and could easily hold my attention. I literally flipped page after page, because the story was sooo good and creative!
In the future, I’ll definitely look out for other books from this author!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Outro
A debut novel by an author who, let me tell you right away, shows great potential!
A true page-turner, a story told across two timelines separated by 17 years, with two main POV: Lily in the present and Belle in the past.
When I finished reading this book, the first thing that came to mind was the phrase “women on a mission.” Because that’s exactly what this book is about: uncovering the truth, even when it is deeply uncomfortable, and pursuing a long-awaited, carefully crafted act of delayed revenge.
I believe this domestic thriller is very well written (with a few linguistic crutches here and there, but hey, it’s a debut novel), and the way the author misleads us and conceals her hand until the very end is extremely well executed. And there are secrets that should never be unearthed, on the premise that they can completely change the lives of those who are unaware of them.
The writing is very fluid, the characters are interesting and feel right within the story. While the themes are not entirely new (secrets, betrayals, death), they are explored in a different and engaging way, with twists that truly make your jaw drop.
This book will be published on March 5, 2026, and it is guaranteed to be a success!
@bilbiotecamil_insta
A true page-turner, a story told across two timelines separated by 17 years, with two main POV: Lily in the present and Belle in the past.
When I finished reading this book, the first thing that came to mind was the phrase “women on a mission.” Because that’s exactly what this book is about: uncovering the truth, even when it is deeply uncomfortable, and pursuing a long-awaited, carefully crafted act of delayed revenge.
I believe this domestic thriller is very well written (with a few linguistic crutches here and there, but hey, it’s a debut novel), and the way the author misleads us and conceals her hand until the very end is extremely well executed. And there are secrets that should never be unearthed, on the premise that they can completely change the lives of those who are unaware of them.
The writing is very fluid, the characters are interesting and feel right within the story. While the themes are not entirely new (secrets, betrayals, death), they are explored in a different and engaging way, with twists that truly make your jaw drop.
This book will be published on March 5, 2026, and it is guaranteed to be a success!
@bilbiotecamil_insta
January 18, 2026
I can not wait for this book to be published so I can recommend it to everyone!!! It’s GREAT!!!! I was hooked from the very beginning! At about 85% through I was worried I might not like how the book was going to end, but I was so wrong. The ending was fabulous.
Thank you BookSirens and author Ainsley Reid for this free eARC. My review & opinions are my own.
Thank you BookSirens and author Ainsley Reid for this free eARC. My review & opinions are my own.
![Profile Image for Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1773675787i/154238456._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
April 23, 2026
I received How to Bury a Secret by Ainsley Reid through a Goodreads giveaway, and I’d like to thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to discover a new author in one of my favorite genres.
What really stood out to me in this book was how effortlessly the past and present timelines gradually intertwine, revealing a long-buried secret that can no longer remain hidden. I especially enjoyed the darker themes of guilt and consequences, which added depth and tension as Kat’s story and the present-day narrative unfolded.
The pacing was strong, and the story moved quickly, making it an easy yet compelling read. It’s twisty without feeling overly complicated, and it stays focused on delivering a satisfying psychological mystery. While some elements may feel familiar or slightly predictable at times, the execution keeps the story engaging and entertaining throughout.
This book reminded me a lot of the style of Freida McFadden, so if you’re a fan of her books, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try!
What really stood out to me in this book was how effortlessly the past and present timelines gradually intertwine, revealing a long-buried secret that can no longer remain hidden. I especially enjoyed the darker themes of guilt and consequences, which added depth and tension as Kat’s story and the present-day narrative unfolded.
The pacing was strong, and the story moved quickly, making it an easy yet compelling read. It’s twisty without feeling overly complicated, and it stays focused on delivering a satisfying psychological mystery. While some elements may feel familiar or slightly predictable at times, the execution keeps the story engaging and entertaining throughout.
This book reminded me a lot of the style of Freida McFadden, so if you’re a fan of her books, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC copy of the book from Booksirens and am giving my honest review.
The story follows Bella, back when she was a teenager, and Lily, who's a software developer in the present day.
After her father was wrongfully accused of sexually harassing a student and fatally falling down the stairs shortly after, Bella is determined to clear her father's name. On the other hand, Lily is being targeted by online harassment, which eventually becomes framing, humiliating and shaking her to the core. But soon both of these women's lives will change forever when a secret that was supposed to stay buried unearths and ties them with an unimaginable bond.
I am one of the biggest suckers for mystery/thriller books with a "buried secrets revealed" trope. This book delivered everything I could hope for. The dual timelines were both giving clues and raising new questions at the same time, which made it a bit tricky for me to unearth the secret in my mind. Both characters were completely relatable and I loved how the ending tied their stories and fates together.
It was a solid page-turner, with just the right amount of suspense, plotting, and a hunt for evidence on both sides. The language used in the book is far from being elaborate and easy to follow, letting the leader connect with the story effortlessly. I enjoyed this book from cover to coverand recommend it to lovers of buried secrets, betrayal and redemption, and plotting for revenge.
The story follows Bella, back when she was a teenager, and Lily, who's a software developer in the present day.
After her father was wrongfully accused of sexually harassing a student and fatally falling down the stairs shortly after, Bella is determined to clear her father's name. On the other hand, Lily is being targeted by online harassment, which eventually becomes framing, humiliating and shaking her to the core. But soon both of these women's lives will change forever when a secret that was supposed to stay buried unearths and ties them with an unimaginable bond.
I am one of the biggest suckers for mystery/thriller books with a "buried secrets revealed" trope. This book delivered everything I could hope for. The dual timelines were both giving clues and raising new questions at the same time, which made it a bit tricky for me to unearth the secret in my mind. Both characters were completely relatable and I loved how the ending tied their stories and fates together.
It was a solid page-turner, with just the right amount of suspense, plotting, and a hunt for evidence on both sides. The language used in the book is far from being elaborate and easy to follow, letting the leader connect with the story effortlessly. I enjoyed this book from cover to coverand recommend it to lovers of buried secrets, betrayal and redemption, and plotting for revenge.
Review of advance copy
Wow wow wow.
This book was incredibly good and I am honored to have been part of this adventure before it releases to the public.
The writing was great and smooth, it keeps you on your toes because even when you think you know, something comes up and put everything into another perspective.
That's the kind of thriller I like.
And what an amazing debut. I can't wait for more books from this author.
This book was incredibly good and I am honored to have been part of this adventure before it releases to the public.
The writing was great and smooth, it keeps you on your toes because even when you think you know, something comes up and put everything into another perspective.
That's the kind of thriller I like.
And what an amazing debut. I can't wait for more books from this author.
March 25, 2026
I won this in a giveaway
March 2, 2026
What a brilliant little read.
Thank you to Ainsley Reed for this free advanced copy via booksirens. I am leaving this review voluntatily and all opinions are my own.
This was the perfect snack-sized thriller I was looking for. After my previous read not hitting the mark for me, this one was refreshing.
I'm impressed the author was able to play this story out so well in just over 200 pages. I absolutely devoured this in one sitting.
In the age of technology, ai and deepfakes, as well as a push for internet safety, this story feels right on trend.
It's told from the pov of Lily, a woman who is at a pivitol point in her career when things suddenly begin to go wrong and she is left stuggling to work out how she got there and who might be out to get her.
This story is told so well and when it got to part 2 I just about lost it! Maybe I should have seen the twist coming but I didn't and it absolutely stunned me.
I really enjoyed this book and I am excited to see what else Ainsley has to offer.
Thank you to Ainsley Reed for this free advanced copy via booksirens. I am leaving this review voluntatily and all opinions are my own.
This was the perfect snack-sized thriller I was looking for. After my previous read not hitting the mark for me, this one was refreshing.
I'm impressed the author was able to play this story out so well in just over 200 pages. I absolutely devoured this in one sitting.
In the age of technology, ai and deepfakes, as well as a push for internet safety, this story feels right on trend.
It's told from the pov of Lily, a woman who is at a pivitol point in her career when things suddenly begin to go wrong and she is left stuggling to work out how she got there and who might be out to get her.
This story is told so well and when it got to part 2 I just about lost it! Maybe I should have seen the twist coming but I didn't and it absolutely stunned me.
I really enjoyed this book and I am excited to see what else Ainsley has to offer.
March 10, 2026
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and finished it in less than 48 hours! This was a great fast-paced mystery! I really enjoyed this authors writing style and will definitely keep an eye out for more books by them. Bonus points for short chapters💛🌟
December 20, 2025
The book was well paced throughout the plot was well explained without being tedious and over explaining. There was a dual time line (now and 17 years ago) which alternated throughout the book. The author made it easy to track which time you were in by clearly stating it at the beginning of the chapters.
The ending was definitely unexpected which is nice considering how predictable some books can be when they are all following the same sort of order and plot.
It was a simple easy to read story that didn’t take long to get through but I enjoyed every minute. I read the whole book in a day.
I enjoyed how it showed the truth that you can’t believe everything you see on the internet and how easily people believe journalists and fake images. How easy it is to scam people and that this is the world we live in now which is so important to each kids growing up around so much technology and Ai.
I do wish there was a little more to Anna and lilies ending even if just a couple more pages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The ending was definitely unexpected which is nice considering how predictable some books can be when they are all following the same sort of order and plot.
It was a simple easy to read story that didn’t take long to get through but I enjoyed every minute. I read the whole book in a day.
I enjoyed how it showed the truth that you can’t believe everything you see on the internet and how easily people believe journalists and fake images. How easy it is to scam people and that this is the world we live in now which is so important to each kids growing up around so much technology and Ai.
I do wish there was a little more to Anna and lilies ending even if just a couple more pages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Loved this book! I liked the multiple time frames and the multiple POV. Just when I thought I had Part 1 figured out, I did not. Part 2 was a little slower, but once a couple twist revealed it picked back up. I enjoyed the ending and thought it wrapped up nicely.
Congrats on your debut Novel.
Thanks to Booksprout and the publisher for the ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Congrats on your debut Novel.
Thanks to Booksprout and the publisher for the ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily!
February 15, 2026
Excellent read.
Thanks to book sirens for sending me the advance review copy.
Highly recommend this book, fast paced with a superb plot twist.
Thanks to book sirens for sending me the advance review copy.
Highly recommend this book, fast paced with a superb plot twist.
March 8, 2026
Wow! What a dynamite debut! How to Bury A Secret by Ainsley Reid is a gem of a thriller, chock full of twists, yet not over the top. The pacing is snappy and the writing is gorgeous. My stomach was in knots while living the tense and addictive story and I was thirsty to reach the end, yet happily savored every single word.
Especially relevant to today, AI and deepfake are in abundance throughout. Deception, guilt, revenge, fresh starts, family, trauma, and friendships are themes. Lily was in upper management in a new tech startup which focuses on deep fakery. As she presented the newest epic information to other executives, she was mortified to see her presentation was hacked and showed her in a compromising position. Not only did her boss and colleagues treat her with suspicion, they also began to question her work performance. Lily needed answers and in searching for them, she had to face her traumatic past as a teenager seventeen years ago. She had done her best to hide the truth but layers were exposed… and so much more. There was so much at play but I especially enjoyed the intricate plotting and incredibly gratifying ending. Family dynamics grabbed me, too. The dual timelines intersect seamlessly and I found myself holding my breath numerous times.
This thriller has all the ingredients for the ultimate reading experience and I really, really enjoyed it. Hopefully this author has many more novels planned!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Especially relevant to today, AI and deepfake are in abundance throughout. Deception, guilt, revenge, fresh starts, family, trauma, and friendships are themes. Lily was in upper management in a new tech startup which focuses on deep fakery. As she presented the newest epic information to other executives, she was mortified to see her presentation was hacked and showed her in a compromising position. Not only did her boss and colleagues treat her with suspicion, they also began to question her work performance. Lily needed answers and in searching for them, she had to face her traumatic past as a teenager seventeen years ago. She had done her best to hide the truth but layers were exposed… and so much more. There was so much at play but I especially enjoyed the intricate plotting and incredibly gratifying ending. Family dynamics grabbed me, too. The dual timelines intersect seamlessly and I found myself holding my breath numerous times.
This thriller has all the ingredients for the ultimate reading experience and I really, really enjoyed it. Hopefully this author has many more novels planned!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2026
This book was an absolute gem. I made the mistake of picking it up as I was going to bed and found myself reading until 2 a.m. It had quite a few twists and the dual timeline was handled really well.
I had a great time reading this and will be looking forward to seeing more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had a great time reading this and will be looking forward to seeing more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Told in two timelines 17 years apart, this story covers the very relevant topic of real, imagined, and illusion in this day of AI and fake internet posts.
Do secrets ever truly remain buried?
Good pace. Clear writing. Unexpected ending. 4 stars
Told in two timelines 17 years apart, this story covers the very relevant topic of real, imagined, and illusion in this day of AI and fake internet posts.
Do secrets ever truly remain buried?
Good pace. Clear writing. Unexpected ending. 4 stars
March 9, 2026
I was given a copy of How to Bury a Secret by Ainsley Reid in exchange for an honest review.
This psychological thriller was an easy and quick read. At first, I found the back-and-forth between the present and the past a little confusing, but as the story progressed everything began to connect and it tied together nicely by the end.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a story with a plot twist and who don’t mind a gradual build-up as the suspense develops. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a fast, engaging thriller.
This psychological thriller was an easy and quick read. At first, I found the back-and-forth between the present and the past a little confusing, but as the story progressed everything began to connect and it tied together nicely by the end.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a story with a plot twist and who don’t mind a gradual build-up as the suspense develops. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a fast, engaging thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a good popcorn thriller. We follow Lily, who is seeking a higher position at her company. When she begins her presentation for a new software called AI Guardian, designed to help protect vulnerable people online, she quickly becomes a target when the presentation is hacked and a deepfake of Lily in a very compromising position with her boss is shown to everyone.
Shocked and humiliated, Lily scrambles to figure out how she was hacked while trying to hold onto her job. As she searches for the truth, her past begins to haunt her, and she realizes her secrets were never as buried as she thought.
The story is broken into two parts. I was completely immersed in Part 1. The writing, pacing, and tension had me on the edge of my seat. Part 2 shifts perspective, and while interesting, it did not carry the same level of thrill for me. The ending... while shocking, it wrapped up a little too neatly and felt somewhat unrealistic.
That said, this was my first book by Ainsley Reid and it will not be my last. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for this arc
Shocked and humiliated, Lily scrambles to figure out how she was hacked while trying to hold onto her job. As she searches for the truth, her past begins to haunt her, and she realizes her secrets were never as buried as she thought.
The story is broken into two parts. I was completely immersed in Part 1. The writing, pacing, and tension had me on the edge of my seat. Part 2 shifts perspective, and while interesting, it did not carry the same level of thrill for me. The ending... while shocking, it wrapped up a little too neatly and felt somewhat unrealistic.
That said, this was my first book by Ainsley Reid and it will not be my last. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for this arc
Read
March 2, 2026ARC REVIEW
WOW… this one had me hooked from page one! 😳💥
Lily’s life is perfect on paper — amazing career, engaged, promotion within reach — until a video flips everything upside down. Suddenly, she’s fighting to protect her reputation while digging into a past she thought was long buried. Secrets, lies, and a relentless mystery collide in a story that’s equal parts thriller and emotional rollercoaster. 🔍💔
If you love:
🖥️ tech-thriller vibes
💥 suspense that keeps you guessing
💞 strong, smart female leads
🌪️ secrets from the past coming back to haunt
This is a 5 ⭐ fast-paced, twisty read that will keep your heart racing and your mind spinning. Perfect for fans of smart thrillers with a personal edge. 💫
Add this to your TBR!
Thanks @booksirens and @ainsleyreidbooks for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
WOW… this one had me hooked from page one! 😳💥
Lily’s life is perfect on paper — amazing career, engaged, promotion within reach — until a video flips everything upside down. Suddenly, she’s fighting to protect her reputation while digging into a past she thought was long buried. Secrets, lies, and a relentless mystery collide in a story that’s equal parts thriller and emotional rollercoaster. 🔍💔
If you love:
🖥️ tech-thriller vibes
💥 suspense that keeps you guessing
💞 strong, smart female leads
🌪️ secrets from the past coming back to haunt
This is a 5 ⭐ fast-paced, twisty read that will keep your heart racing and your mind spinning. Perfect for fans of smart thrillers with a personal edge. 💫
Add this to your TBR!
Thanks @booksirens and @ainsleyreidbooks for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a nice, quick read for me. The topic of AI is very relevant and the "secret" definitely kept me on my toes and had just enough twists to keep me interested. I do feel like there could have been more added to the story surrounding Sam and the story around James could have been explored more, but it didn't necessarily take away from the book.
Thanks to BookSirens for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for my review!
Thanks to BookSirens for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for my review!
April 11, 2026
Kind of complicated but well worth the journey.
May 3, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
This book had me flying through the pages! I was so invested in this story that I read it all in one sitting… way past my bedtime! The mystery and my curiosity had me locked in. I needed to know what secrets were being buried and how it all tied back to James, the school principal’s death. I just had to know where this story was going and I wasn’t disappointed. If you’re a Freida McFadden fan like me, you’ll love this thrill of a ride!
Thank you to Love Book Tours and Author Ainsley Reid for the physical ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had me flying through the pages! I was so invested in this story that I read it all in one sitting… way past my bedtime! The mystery and my curiosity had me locked in. I needed to know what secrets were being buried and how it all tied back to James, the school principal’s death. I just had to know where this story was going and I wasn’t disappointed. If you’re a Freida McFadden fan like me, you’ll love this thrill of a ride!
Thank you to Love Book Tours and Author Ainsley Reid for the physical ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 24, 2026
This was honestly such a great thriller! Received this in a Goodreads giveaway & I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the way the chapters went back and forth from past to present. The writing was clever and kept me wanting to flip the (Kindle) pages! I wasn’t really surprised by the ending, but overall it had a great story line!
Review of advance copy
A very mysterious read but i actually really enjoyed this. The one part of liked is the realistic setting of this book of family life and how familys are not straight forward, it also reflects on the fact that people can give an illusion of how their family is.
Lily is an interesting character and she thinks she can escape her past but she doesnt realise that years ago there were some details left undone. Her job is her main anchor in her life untill its not.
The deep fake that appears is horrific and this turns Lilys life upside down shes right to think that things wont be the same again. Although Lily has her suspicions its someone close she really didnt know who it could be.
What a twist in this book , the characters really unravel themselves totally towards the end. This book didnt last long at all the suspense is well built into this book. It also shows how far a family will go to protect their own. The book moves between the present and the past so you get a real built up of what happened years ago. Its certainly devastating for the family and people careers and we see it all around us when these tragic events happen. People like to think that the scars and hurt heal but some people dont forget they make it their mission to find the truth.
Thanks to booksirens for the advanced reader copy it was a joy to binge read over the festive break! Anyone who reads this will thoroughly enjoy it !
Lily is an interesting character and she thinks she can escape her past but she doesnt realise that years ago there were some details left undone. Her job is her main anchor in her life untill its not.
The deep fake that appears is horrific and this turns Lilys life upside down shes right to think that things wont be the same again. Although Lily has her suspicions its someone close she really didnt know who it could be.
What a twist in this book , the characters really unravel themselves totally towards the end. This book didnt last long at all the suspense is well built into this book. It also shows how far a family will go to protect their own. The book moves between the present and the past so you get a real built up of what happened years ago. Its certainly devastating for the family and people careers and we see it all around us when these tragic events happen. People like to think that the scars and hurt heal but some people dont forget they make it their mission to find the truth.
Thanks to booksirens for the advanced reader copy it was a joy to binge read over the festive break! Anyone who reads this will thoroughly enjoy it !
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How to Bury a Secret is one of those books that quietly hooks you from page one and then refuses to let go. With its dual timelines, short punchy chapters, and a plot built on buried mistakes and long‑shadowed consequences, it’s the kind of thriller you promise yourself you’ll read “just one more chapter” of… and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
Lily is a compelling lead—successful, driven, and on the cusp of everything she’s worked for—until a deepfake video detonates her life in a single moment. Watching her scramble to untangle truth from manipulation feels uncomfortably timely, and the tech‑startup backdrop adds a sharp, modern edge. But the real tension comes from the past she’s tried so hard to outrun. The flashbacks to her teenage years are woven in seamlessly, each one tightening the knot of dread as the truth inches closer to the surface.
The story balances revenge, guilt, and the fragility of reputation with impressive ease. Every chapter seems to end with a quiet little jolt, nudging you forward. Fans of The Housemaid, The Silent Patient, and Big Little Lies will feel right at home with the layered secrets, shifting suspicions, and emotional fallout.
Elegant, tense, and surprisingly human, How to Bury a Secret is a binge‑worthy read that kept me guessing right up to the final reveal. A fantastic pick for anyone who loves psychological thrillers with real momentum.
with thanks to Ainsley Reid, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Lily is a compelling lead—successful, driven, and on the cusp of everything she’s worked for—until a deepfake video detonates her life in a single moment. Watching her scramble to untangle truth from manipulation feels uncomfortably timely, and the tech‑startup backdrop adds a sharp, modern edge. But the real tension comes from the past she’s tried so hard to outrun. The flashbacks to her teenage years are woven in seamlessly, each one tightening the knot of dread as the truth inches closer to the surface.
The story balances revenge, guilt, and the fragility of reputation with impressive ease. Every chapter seems to end with a quiet little jolt, nudging you forward. Fans of The Housemaid, The Silent Patient, and Big Little Lies will feel right at home with the layered secrets, shifting suspicions, and emotional fallout.
Elegant, tense, and surprisingly human, How to Bury a Secret is a binge‑worthy read that kept me guessing right up to the final reveal. A fantastic pick for anyone who loves psychological thrillers with real momentum.
with thanks to Ainsley Reid, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
3.5/4 stars
Lily is on a career high. She's responsible for leading her tech startup in developing a new technology to keep people safe on the internet. On the day of the launch, everything goes wrong. While her morning news interview goes well, her in company presentation is quickly ruined when a deepfake of her sleeping with her boss is playing mid slide show. Lily doesn't understand who would try to sabotage her. Is it her boss, her "taking-space" boyfriend, the old high school classmate who swoops in to take her promotion, or some one else entirely?
Seventeen years ago, Belle's father was a high school principal, who was suspended for sending a graphic email to a student and then died at his birthday party the next day. Belle's determined to prove her father's innocence. She believes he was set up, and possibly someone had caused his death. Could these two things be related?
This book was fast paced and the story was intriguing.. I was actually caught off guard by who was who at the end. I have been so caught off guard in a while. If you're looking for a twist, this book has it. The only reason I took off stars is because I'm tired of the competent, intelligent successful woman who immediately loses all sanity when things go wrong for her. Lily melting down so fast and making so many mistakes makes no sense with the background they gave her character.
3.5/4 stars
Lily is on a career high. She's responsible for leading her tech startup in developing a new technology to keep people safe on the internet. On the day of the launch, everything goes wrong. While her morning news interview goes well, her in company presentation is quickly ruined when a deepfake of her sleeping with her boss is playing mid slide show. Lily doesn't understand who would try to sabotage her. Is it her boss, her "taking-space" boyfriend, the old high school classmate who swoops in to take her promotion, or some one else entirely?
Seventeen years ago, Belle's father was a high school principal, who was suspended for sending a graphic email to a student and then died at his birthday party the next day. Belle's determined to prove her father's innocence. She believes he was set up, and possibly someone had caused his death. Could these two things be related?
This book was fast paced and the story was intriguing.. I was actually caught off guard by who was who at the end. I have been so caught off guard in a while. If you're looking for a twist, this book has it. The only reason I took off stars is because I'm tired of the competent, intelligent successful woman who immediately loses all sanity when things go wrong for her. Lily melting down so fast and making so many mistakes makes no sense with the background they gave her character.
Review of advance copy
This was a very easy book to read, and I flew through it. I stayed intrigued the whole time, and the pacing was really solid. It never felt tedious or boring, and I was always interested in what was coming next.
The story is told through a dual timeline, one set in the present and one set seventeen years ago. The shifts were clearly marked, and I never once felt confused about where or when I was. That’s something I really appreciated, especially since dual timelines can sometimes get messy.
As usual, I did end up guessing the twists. I wouldn’t say they were obvious, but there were enough hints along the way that I could piece things together before the reveals. That said, it didn’t ruin the reading experience for me, and I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out.
My main issue was the ending. Without getting into spoilers, it just didn’t feel very believable to me. It felt slightly rushed, almost like a more realistic ending would have taken too long to explore, so this version was chosen instead. It wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t fully land for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was engaging, well-paced, and easy to get lost in. The writing style actually reminded me a bit of Freida McFadden, which I think many readers will enjoy.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told through a dual timeline, one set in the present and one set seventeen years ago. The shifts were clearly marked, and I never once felt confused about where or when I was. That’s something I really appreciated, especially since dual timelines can sometimes get messy.
As usual, I did end up guessing the twists. I wouldn’t say they were obvious, but there were enough hints along the way that I could piece things together before the reveals. That said, it didn’t ruin the reading experience for me, and I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out.
My main issue was the ending. Without getting into spoilers, it just didn’t feel very believable to me. It felt slightly rushed, almost like a more realistic ending would have taken too long to explore, so this version was chosen instead. It wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t fully land for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was engaging, well-paced, and easy to get lost in. The writing style actually reminded me a bit of Freida McFadden, which I think many readers will enjoy.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
Holy cheese and crackers what did I read?! Excuse me while I sill try to wrap my brain around this book.
This was an amazing book. Holy cow. I’m really honestly not sure where to begin !!
I wasn’t prepared in the least for this book and just all of the things !!! I couldn’t believe how fast this read or maybe just was be because I had to know what aaa gonna happen !!!
So I didn’t realize at first this was dual timelines and one was past and one was present. So we have Lilly in the present and Belle in the past. This should be turned into a show like really should be. Women scorned ? I mean this was the book trying to get a really long delayed revenge uncover the truth even when it’s awful and you don’t want to know I mean the way the author writes is beyond amazing I mean she played with my head and she held her cards close to her chest for sure and I seriously couldn’t have asked for anything better in a thriller but also mystery and for a debut novel say what ?! Definitely didn’t seem that way in the least !!!
I really don’t want to say more for fear I’ll spill something I shouldn’t so go get the book what you waiting on peeps !!!
Overall I would highly recommend this book. Going to read it asap won’t be disappointed in the least
Holy cheese and crackers what did I read?! Excuse me while I sill try to wrap my brain around this book.
This was an amazing book. Holy cow. I’m really honestly not sure where to begin !!
I wasn’t prepared in the least for this book and just all of the things !!! I couldn’t believe how fast this read or maybe just was be because I had to know what aaa gonna happen !!!
So I didn’t realize at first this was dual timelines and one was past and one was present. So we have Lilly in the present and Belle in the past. This should be turned into a show like really should be. Women scorned ? I mean this was the book trying to get a really long delayed revenge uncover the truth even when it’s awful and you don’t want to know I mean the way the author writes is beyond amazing I mean she played with my head and she held her cards close to her chest for sure and I seriously couldn’t have asked for anything better in a thriller but also mystery and for a debut novel say what ?! Definitely didn’t seem that way in the least !!!
I really don’t want to say more for fear I’ll spill something I shouldn’t so go get the book what you waiting on peeps !!!
Overall I would highly recommend this book. Going to read it asap won’t be disappointed in the least
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews