The Daughter's Secret: a killer psychological thriller

by Ian Blackwood

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2026

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a thriller to keep me guessing for most of the book is always a promising sign. I did eventually figure things out, but I genuinely appreciated how often the story managed to throw unexpected twists my way.

Gemma grew up under far‑from‑ideal circumstances. Being the child of a murderer, and the one who helped send that person to prison, is not a burden any child should have to carry. It’s certainly not something you would share casually with strangers as you go through life. Should she have told her husband? I understood her reasons for keeping quiet, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her concerns weren’t unfounded.

As the plot develops and Gemma is forced into situations that make her confront her past, I found myself doubting her at times. And that’s exactly where the author shines: constantly making you question what you know, which kept the tension high and the mystery engaging.
While the ending lost a bit of momentum for me and leaned into some familiar genre tropes, I still enjoyed the journey. If you’re looking for an easy, entertaining read that keeps you guessing from start to finish, this one is worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that not much information was given in the synopsis of the book. Going in somewhat blind made every twist and reveal even more enjoyable. Many thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy for an honest review. I adored both Gemma and Mike as the main characters. Gemma's story was especially compelling, particularly her complex relationship with her mother, Eve, a serial killer whom Gemma turned in to the police when she was just 15 years old. Ian Blackwood did an excellent job portraying the emotional conflict of loving a parent despite the horrific crimes they've committed. It added much-needed depth and authenticity to Gemma's character. I am glad I didn't see most of the plot twists coming until the puzzle pieces all started to fall into place, making the reveals all the more satisfying. Overall, the book was engaging and suspenseful from start to finish.

[Caroll-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book without really knowing anything about it, which for me is the best way to experience a story, going in completely blind.
I absolutely loved Gemma and Mike as the main characters. Gemma’s story was told incredibly well, especially her complicated relationship with her mother Eve, a serial killer whom she turned in to the police when she was only 15 years old. The book does a great job of showing how complicated it can be to still love a parent, even after they’ve done something so terrible.
I also really enjoyed the plot twists. I honestly didn’t see them coming until the clues started to become more obvious. I’m so glad I picked up this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller.

[Tyralle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book before release.

This was my first official read off Netgalley and my first book of this authors, and I was not disappointed at all! It was so binge worthy. I read it in just over a day, although, it was somewhat predictable, but still extremely good. The writing was easy to understand, short chapters, everything about it was really good. I would highly recommend this to someone in a mood for a fast-paced, easy to read thriller.

[Tayler · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars

The Daughter’s Secret by Ian Blackwood was a great read that kept my attention from beginning to end. Every chapter left me wanting to know what would happen next, making it hard to put down. The suspense and mystery were well done, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together the clues and figure out the plot twist before it was revealed.

The story kept me intrigued the entire time, and while I didn't quite give it 5 stars, it was definitely an enjoyable page-turner that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers with unexpected twists.

[Tammy Bertrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a fast paced thriller that keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, there comes another exciting twist. This book had me turning pages so quickly that I finished it in one day.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this were a bit slow for me but once it really got going I was hooked. So many variables in this one. Just when you think you have it all figured out…wham…nope. Such an incredible thriller. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Amanda Hopper · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most predictable books I have ever read.

[Gill Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time with this author. It was good I enjoyed it.

[Deni Tipuric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fast book, easy to read. Not hard to figure out if you pay attention to the little stuff

Don’t think too much and enjoy it!!

[Becki Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was ok but I found it too slow and quite predictable.
The writing NEEDS another round of editing - there’s a scene where Teresa says to Gemma “there’s a lot you don’t know about me, Teresa” when she clearly means Gemma. This should NOT have made it into the final published version.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Kept you guessing, didn’t have too many characters to keep up with, yet kept the story line moving. Good Read!

[Shahana Jaade · Rating 3 out of 5]

i still don’t understand why she just wasn’t honest in the first place. none of this would’ve happened if she was.

also the fact that Eve couldn’t remember doing things because she “blanked” out kinda through me off.

i liked it though

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise sounded good, and the beginning was OK. Then I felt confused as to who was who. The characters were flat and I lost interest.

Thanks to Ian Blackwood.

2 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.