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Her Beautiful Secret

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A steadfast cop. A chilling suspicion. A deranged killer who convinces women to carry
out his vile deeds.



Lydia Flazon cannot forget the past. Driven to confront
violent criminals after the shocking murder of her dad, the dedicated inspector grimly begins
looking into a young woman who’s just shot both parents. But her open-and-shut case turns ugly
when subtle signs convince her the girl was manipulated into the horrible
act.


Confused when she recognizes the perpetrator’s boyfriend as her long-vanished
ex, Lydia grows convinced that his new persona and calm answers hide a poisonous mastermind.
And as she tracks his connection to multiple unsettling deaths, she vows to tear off his
disguise… even if that means rekindling their intense romance.


As the lines
between good and evil begin to blur, can she resist his deadly whispers?


Her
Beautiful Secret
is the fast-paced first book in the Inspector Lydia Falzon Thrillers series.
If you like strong female leads, psychological crime, and twisty plots that leave you reeling, then
you’ll love J.S. Ellis’s gripping tale.


Buy Her Beautiful Secret to
seduce the wicked today!

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2026

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About the author

J.S. Ellis

32 books180 followers
Maltese author of psychological thrillers and the Theodore mystery series, starring a tuxedo cat who always seems to find trouble. Lover of books, cats, and dark secrets

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5 stars
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22 (43%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Bo.reads.
499 reviews77 followers
Review of advance copy
July 28, 2026
Her Beautiful Secret is a fast-paced crime thriller that opens with a shocking crime, setting the stage for what I hoped would be an intriguing investigation.

Unfortunately, it quickly became a very different book from the one I thought I was getting. While there were moments of genuine suspense, a large portion of the novella focused on Lydia's relationship with her former lover, and for me that aspect ended up overshadowing the investigation. I don't mind romance or the occasional intimate scene in a thriller at all, but for a novella of around 180 pages I felt the balance leaned a little too heavily in that direction.

Lydia is certainly a determined protagonist, but I struggled to get along with her. Between the stiff, unnatural dialogue and some of the choices she made in pursuit of the truth, I found it difficult to buy into the investigation.

While this one wasn't for me, and I don't think I'll continue with this series, I'm still curious enough about J.S. Ellis's other work that I wouldn't rule out trying another standalone novel or series.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Susan Belman.
655 reviews44 followers
October 7, 2026
The plot of this book pulled me in right away. The short chapters kept things moving right along, and the first half gave me a pretty entertaining mystery that had me speculating about where the story was headed. Lydia is investigating a young woman who has murdered her parents, only to realize there may be something much darker behind the crime. Then she discovers the woman's boyfriend is actually her long-missing ex, and she starts connecting him to other disturbing deaths.

I was ready for this to really dive into the investigation. By the end, though, I was struggling to remember that I was reading a thriller. 😂 So much of the focus had shifted to Lydia and Vlad and their relationship, with a LOT of romantic scenes and sex taking up the space where I kept expecting more investigation and answers. And if you know me, you know romance is definitely not what I’m picking up a thriller for. I kept waiting for the mystery to pull me back in, especially after how promising the beginning was, but I never really got the payoff I was hoping for. And then I got to the ending and was basically sitting there like, **“Wait…that’s it? You’re leaving me HERE?”** 😩

I also had a hard time with Lydia because she seemed so clueless about things that felt pretty obvious to me. 😂 I couldn't tell if that was supposed to be part of the manipulation/brainwashing or just her character, but there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake her a little. The writing was decent, and I genuinely enjoyed the first half. I just wish the story had stayed focused on the mystery because that was the part that had me hooked in the first place.
Profile Image for Elainie Force.
Author 5 books20 followers
September 30, 2026
recommended for thriller lovers! very mysterious + addictive interesting thrilller. some of the middle investigation/romance sections dragged just enough to keep this from being a five-star read.
Profile Image for Jen.
405 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 26, 2026
The premise pulled me in right away, and the short chapters kept the pacing brisk early on but a promising setup can only carry a story so far when the focus shifts so drastically mid-plot. The writing itself is decent, and the first half delivers an entertaining mystery that had me speculating about where the narrative was headed.
But instead of doubling down on the suspense, the story takes a sharp detour. By the time I reached part three, the momentum ground to a halt. I was expecting a deep dive into the investigation, but the plot shifted heavily to Lydia and Vladislav. It is not that their dynamic feels out of place, but the sheer volume of their romantic scenes drags everything down. There is far more romantic tension and sex here than actual sleuthing. I steer clear of romance, so watching what was supposed to be a thriller morph into one was a frustrating pivot.
After so much early build-up, the lack of an investigative payoff makes the ending very unsatisfying. I can’t say specifics without verging into spoilers but I did not get the decent ending I was hoping for after struggling to finish this book.
If you like a messy romance with your mystery then you may enjoy this book.

Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/he...
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,731 reviews121 followers
Review of advance copy
August 27, 2026
Her Beautiful Secret is one of those psychological crime stories that creeps under your skin almost immediately. It starts with something stark — a young woman shooting her parents — but the book never lets you settle into the idea of an “easy” case. Lydia Falzon steps in with her usual determination, and from the moment she senses something off, the whole story takes on this quiet, unsettling tension.

Lydia is such an interesting lead. She’s driven by grief, shaped by trauma, and carrying that constant ache of someone who’s seen too much and still refuses to look away. Her instinct that the girl didn’t act alone feels less like a hunch and more like a deep, familiar warning. And when she recognises the boyfriend — her long‑vanished ex — the story shifts into something far more personal. You can feel her stomach drop, that mix of shock, anger, and the kind of old longing she wishes she’d buried years ago.

The boyfriend is written with a calmness that feels almost poisonous. Polite answers, steady eyes, nothing out of place — and that’s exactly what makes him so unnerving. Lydia’s history with him adds a lovely emotional complexity to the investigation. She’s torn between the woman she used to be and the inspector she’s become, and that tension gives the whole book a quiet, electric charge.

The case itself is wonderfully twisty. Every clue feels like it could be the truth or a carefully placed distraction. The girl’s confession comes too easily. The deaths connected to the boyfriend feel too convenient. And Lydia’s growing certainty that he’s manipulating people — maybe even her — gives the story a psychological depth that keeps you leaning in.

What I enjoyed most is how the book blurs the lines between good and evil. Lydia isn’t perfect; she’s flawed, emotional, and sometimes reckless. And the boyfriend isn’t written as a cartoon villain — he’s charming, intelligent, and disturbingly believable. Their shared past adds a softness to the tension, the kind that makes you wonder how much of Lydia’s judgment is professional and how much is personal.

The pacing is tight, but the emotional beats land quietly — little moments of doubt, flashes of memory, the slow realisation that Lydia might be chasing someone who knows her better than she knows herself. It’s intimate in a way crime novels rarely are.

By the end, you’re left with that lingering sense of unease — the kind that comes from a story where the truth is sharp, but the emotions around it are messy. Lydia’s determination is admirable, but you can feel the cost of it, too. And that makes the ending feel honest, even when it’s unsettling.

A tense, emotionally charged psychological thriller that digs into manipulation, memory, and the dangerous pull of old love. It’s the kind of book you read with a quiet intensity, feeling every twist in your chest as much as on the page.

My thanks to JS Ellis and booksirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,862 reviews357 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
September 26, 2026
There's a particular kind of book that gets its hooks into you from the very first page, and Her Beautiful Secret is exactly that kind of read. I picked it up expecting a straightforward thriller and instead found myself curled up on the sofa, tea going cold beside me, utterly unable to put it down.

The story opens with Jade, a young woman whose relationship with an older boyfriend brings her parents storming into a hotel room, convinced she's throwing her life away for a man who doesn't love her. What follows is a shocking, visceral opening that sets the tone for everything to come ,Jade's parents are killed, and we're left reeling before the story has even properly begun.

We meet Detective Lydia Falzon, brought in to interview Jade, and as the story unfolds through her eyes, we realise this isn't just Jade's story , it's Lydia's too. As Jade speaks, Lydia is pulled back into her own past, into an eerily similar argument she once had, and into the loss of her own father at the hands of someone she trusted completely. The parallels between the two women's lives feel less like coincidence and more like fate closing in.

And then comes the twist that had me actually gasping out loud on my sofa Jade's boyfriend is Lydia's first love, the same man who fled to Romania after tragedy struck his own family. Suddenly this isn't just a case for Lydia. It's personal, painful, and deeply complicated, and watching her try to stay professional while her past and present collide is genuinely gripping stuff.

What makes this book so special is how human it feels underneath all the tension. Lydia isn't just a detective ticking boxes; she's a woman haunted by history, trying to work out if she's seeing a pattern or simply projecting her own fears. That question of whether history is doomed to repeat itself runs through every chapter like a heartbeat, and it kept me turning pages long past when I should have turned off the lamp.

Her Beautiful Secret is atmospheric, emotionally layered, and full of twists that feel earned rather than cheap. A cosy blanket and a free evening are all you need, just don't expect to get much sleep once you start.
22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
This was my first time reading J. S. Ellis, and honestly, it was worth it. I’m definitely looking forward to picking up more books by this author.

The story was really engaging and had that ust one more chapter feeling. The way everything unfolds keeps you curious, and the pacing makes it very easy to keep turning the pages. If you have enough time, I can definitely see this being a one-sitting read.

I really enjoyed the detailing in this book, especially when it came to the characters and their emotions. You get to see their doubts, memories, fears, and reactions, which makes the story feel much more personal rather than being just another mystery.

The case itself was wonderfully twisty. Every clue made me question whether I was getting closer to the truth or being deliberately distracted. The girl’s confession felt almost too easy, the deaths connected to the boyfriend seemed suspiciously convenient, and Lydia’s growing feeling that he might be manipulating people—even her—added a really interesting psychological layer to the story.

I also loved how the book doesn’t simply divide everyone into good and bad. Lydia is flawed, emotional, and sometimes reckless, while the boyfriend is charming, intelligent, and disturbingly believable. Their shared past adds another layer to the story and makes you wonder how much of Lydia’s judgment is professional and how much is personal.

The pacing was tight, but the emotional moments were subtle—small doubts, memories, and those moments when you start wondering whether Lydia is actually chasing someone who understands her better than she understands herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed the suspense, mystery, twists, characters, and the way the story came together. And that ending definitely left me wanting MORE!

For my first J. S. Ellis book, this was a really fun introduction to the author. I’ll definitely be reading more from her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
152 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2026
Thanks to booksirens for this advanced, her beautiful secret really does keep its storyline close to its chest. The reader is thrown straight into the choa's of being in the CID and the cases they follow, its a very crime scene heavy start which really gripped me. The synopsis makes it clear what has happened and why would a young girl kill her parents , she's so young and comes across as fragile and vulnerable.
The storyline soon starts to deepen and we soon start to see that lines blur between work and personal ties , i don't want to say anything else. Its addictive and immersive you end up feeling like you are part of this hunt , you feel compelled to crack the case but you get this sense of urgency of business that needs to be dominated and closed for closure. Lydia is very determined but sometimes the emotions creep in and you do see this further throughout the book.The turmoil and risk is very real in this book. This is where Vlad comes in and lets face it someone as calm and collected as him is a bit eerie and scary. Red flags all over and Lydia see's them but she's got to many other emotional demons and dare i say it trauma bond and feeling abandoned and is seeking approval for why and what he did years ago. Its like he almost left a scar on her that just didn't leave i feel like she never got over it. Yes he might be beautiful but he's so cold and lacks any emotion or empathy. I felt at times like saying to Lydia "Look beneath the looks clothes, cars, see whats really there behind the eyes " , and how would you ever build a future with someone like that, Lydia is even considering this ! Nooooo Lydia ! Lets see some sense ! Stop thinking with your heart and use your head.

And then the book ends and am furious as a reader i felt like i just needed to know so much more ! I didnt feel the sense of closure either so it fits the genre very well. Hence giving the 4 star i then requested the next book . See my review for this next one !
Profile Image for After The Last Page.
180 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
August 8, 2026
ARC Review ❣️

4.5 hearts for me!

Okay, so this was actually my first book by J. S. Ellis, and I’m officially wondering why I haven’t picked up her books sooner!

Her Beautiful Secret pulled me in pretty quickly. It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and very easy to get through, I finished it in around five hours because I genuinely needed to know what was going on. You know that “okay, one more chapter…” feeling? Yeah… that was me throughout this book 😂

I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the man from Lydia’s past who suddenly finds his way back into her present. There’s clearly more to him and his story, and I was so curious to see where it was all going.

And then that ending?! Excuse me?! I finished the book with one major thought: I NEED TO KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED.

The multiple murder/suicides, the connections between them, and everything that’s still left hanging… there is definitely more to this story, and I refuse to believe we’re just supposed to accept that these cases are closed. 😂

I also really enjoyed following Detective Lydia Falzon. She’s determined, stubborn in the best way, and definitely not someone who’s going to stop digging until she gets the truth. I have a feeling her story is only getting more interesting from here, and yes, I’ll definitely be continuing with Detective Lydia’s journey.

For my first J. S. Ellis book, this was such a fun introduction to the author. I enjoyed the suspense, the mystery, the twists, and that ending that left me wanting MORE. I’ll definitely be picking up more of this author’s books in the future.

And apparently, I’ve found another author to add to my “why did I not read them sooner?” list 😚
Profile Image for Devan Doherty.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 27, 2026
I received an advance review copy (ARC) of Her Beautiful Secret and am leaving this review voluntarily.

‘Her Beautiful Secret’ is the latest J. S. Ellis novel I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced, suspenseful page-turner featuring Detective Lydia Falzon and was excited to discover there’s another book in the series.

The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way. Not only do I want to know what really happened with the main love interest, but I’m also eager to uncover the truth behind the multiple murder-suicides that appear to be connected. While law enforcement considers the cases technically closed, it’s clear there’s much more to the story than meets the eye.

One of the things I enjoy most about Detective Falzon is her determination. I have a feeling she won’t stop until she uncovers the unsettling truth about the mysterious man from her past who unexpectedly finds his way back into her present.

J. S. Ellis has once again delivered a gripping, twist-filled thriller that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy well-developed characters, compelling mysteries, and endings that leave you eager for the next installment, I highly recommend ‘Her Beautiful Secret’. I, for one, can’t wait to continue Detective Falzon’s journey.
Profile Image for Diane Elizabeth Taylor.
577 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 25, 2026
How do you catch the man who knows exactly how to unravel you?

When a young woman shoots both her parents and insists she didn't mean it, the case looks open-and-shut on paper. But Inspector Lydia Falzon knows this is no ordinary murder. Sensing the young woman was manipulated, she digs deeper, only to discover the killer's boyfriend is her own long-vanished first love.

I loved how Lydia's own history collides with the case here. Her father was murdered by a friend tied to the man, and as she tracks a web of unsettling deaths, the lines between detective and lover, right and wrong, start to blur in ways that had me hooked.

Sebastian is what makes this book for me. He's mesmerising and handsome, cold and calculating, nothing seems to touch him. He's secretive and loving in the same breath, and you underestimate him at your own risk. Ruthless, clever, and always a step ahead, his lack of empathy and quiet sense of entitlement made my skin crawl even as I understood why Lydia can't quite let him go.

J.S. Ellis has written an emotionally charged thriller with real depth. Lydia is flawed and deeply human, torn between her instincts and the pull of a man who knows her better than she knows herself.

Perfect for fans of complex, twisty reads with an ending that leaves you desperate for the next book!

My thanks to the author for the ARC. All views are my own.
Profile Image for Kazz .
645 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2026
Her Beautiful Secret is a compelling story that I loved, it was such an easy read, filled with curiosity, mystery, danger, twists and very different characters that I devoured it in one sitting.
Lydia is investigating a young woman who shot her parents in the lift of a hotel, the suspect states she doesn’t know how she got the gun from her father’s safe, doesn’t know why or how she got the gun out and shot her parents in the lift.
Everyone else has just swept all this aside because she is guilty, she is the only one in the lift with a gun! But Lydia, the more she looks into the case the more curious she is about the boyfriend. There are no photos, she has been seeing him for six months, no photos, quite a few expensive gifts but nothing to identify him.
Lydia has a police artist do a portrait of him from the details the suspect gives to him. Lydia is shocked at the resemblance to her first boyfriend from college! The name is different and the hair colour is not the same but face and eye colour are!
I really loved how Lydia is flawed, emotional, and at times reckless, while the boyfriend is charming and disturbingly believable. Their shared past adds another layer to the story and makes you wonder how much of Lydia's behaviour is real or her investigation into the cases.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
266 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 3, 2026
Her Beautiful Secret hooks you from the very first chapter and refuses to let go.

The premise alone is chilling: a young university student shoots her parents in broad daylight, and the evidence against her appears overwhelming. But as Inspector Lydia Falzon begins investigating, it becomes increasingly clear that this isn't simply a straightforward murder case. The deeper she digs, the more unsettling the truth becomes.

Lydia is an excellent protagonist—intelligent, persistent, and refreshingly human. She's determined to find the truth even when the evidence points in an entirely different direction, and her own personal history adds an emotional depth that makes her more than just another detective solving a case.

The setting is in Malta. It's a change from the usual crime novel locations, and the island's hotels, historic streets, luxury developments, and coastal atmosphere create a vivid backdrop that enhances both the mystery and the mood.

The novel raises thought-provoking questions about love, manipulation, free will, and personal responsibility without ever becoming preachy. It keeps you wondering where the line exists between genuine choice and psychological influence.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
3,425 reviews154 followers
September 29, 2026
This was my first read by this author but I liked the idea that I was starting a whole brand new series right from the start.

 

This is book one in the Lydia Falzon series and I was excited to see what case this new inspector would have in store for us.

 

I could tell from the first few pages that I was going to get sucked into this one and I instantly liked our main characters.

 

What looked like an open and shut case for Lydia - a young girl shoots her parents dead and confesses - never seemed quite right and there was a definite underlying tension, even in the beginning. Something wasn't right and Lydia was determined to get to the bottom of things.

 

When we meet Jade's boyfriend, Sebastian, it's almost like we can feel the atmosphere change.

He's too self assured, too calm, especially for the situation.

And then we discover that he is also Lydia's ex.

 

I loved that this case became personal and that there were more than a few links between Lydia and Jade's lives.

This allowed us to see the more personal, flawed side of Lydia's life and helped us connect with her more.

 

This was a twisty case and was really well written to keep me engaged throughout.

I never knew where the story was going next.

 

A great first read from this author and I know I really don't need many more ....but I can't wait to follow this series through and find out what happens in the next book.

One of my favourite genres.
1,748 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2026
Fascinating new series with a character from the author’s previous books
If you read any of Ellis’s previous series about the mysterious and case-solving cat Theodore, you are already acquainted with Maltese police detective Lydia Falzon. Now we get to know the all-business, no-nonsense police detective in a different light. When Lydia gets to know Jade, the young girl who kills her parents, we also get to know Jade’s boyfriend Sebastian Dumitrescu. The more Lydia hears about him, the more she discovers that Sebastian has uncanny powers of suggestion. Did Sebastian coerce Jade into killing her parents? If so, to what end? What would he have to gain? Thing is, Lydia discovers a lot more than that while investigating this crime but can she prove any of her suspicions? For more details, read the blurb…very informative.
If you like intricate and suspenseful crimes, you will enjoy this book. It does not end on a cliffhanger, but I get the feeling that there will be more to this story between Sebastian and Lydia. I hope anyway. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended.
571 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2026
Definitely an interesting crime story. Jade's issue with her parents causes an investigation that takes Lydia back to her first love. It's all oddly linked because of one man.

I feel like the suspect weakens women around him and it is actually quite frustrating. You see the game he's playing but he hasn't met his match; or is Lydia playing a long game?

I feel like Jade is very young and naive and her part in the story is actually quite sad. It shows the vulnerability of first love and the intensity that seems to cloud Jade's judgement.

It seems like Lydia wants to help and she initially appears dedicated to her job. However, it's like she's trapped in a spider's web and she becomes distracted; although she does seem to understand more and is trying to reveal the truth about Vlad whatever that might turn out to be.

The story is definitely not finished and it ends with us wondering what the next installment will bring.
698 reviews19 followers
October 23, 2026
A gripping psychological thriller that blends crime, obsession, and dark secrets.

The story begins with a shocking crime when a young woman shoots her parents and claims she never meant for it to happen. While the case appears straightforward, Detective Lydia quickly senses there is more beneath the surface. As she digs deeper, the investigation becomes personal when she discovers a connection to someone from her own past, forcing her to question both the evidence and her own judgement.

Lydia's determination to uncover the truth kept the story moving.

The psychological side of the story was what pulled me in the most. There was a constant feeling that people were hiding their true motives. Every conversation seemed to have another meaning beneath it.

The pacing was quick and kept me turning the pages. The twists were revealed gradually, with each new discovery raising more questions.
Profile Image for ChapterAddict.
331 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy
August 4, 2026
I got this ebook Copy from Booksprout and the Author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Her Beautiful Secret pulled me in with a strong mystery, dangerous relationships, emotional twists, and enough suspense to keep me wondering who could really be trusted. The story takes its time building the tension, but once it finds its stride it keeps the pressure on all the way to the finish.

The investigation felt believable, the characters had real depth, and the emotional weight behind the case made this more than just another crime thriller. A few spots slowed the pace more than I wanted, but the payoff and final revelations made the journey worth it.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, crime fiction, emotional suspense, hidden secrets, and shocking twists, this one deserves a spot on your reading list.

I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
Profile Image for Christian  Domenicci .
199 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
September 11, 2026
"A suffocating, brilliantly twisted descent into manipulation and deceit that had me hooked from page one."

​This story, filled with deep-seated secrets and psychological manipulation, completely gripped me to the point where I finished it in just two days. Detective Lydia surprised me immensely, and I loved how the entire plot weaves seamlessly around her life. Facing a manipulative predator is more than enough to give anyone real chills.

​Without giving away any spoilers, it was a phenomenal read, though the ending left me with far more questions than answers. Knowing this is Book #1, I genuinely hope Book #2 delivers the resolution to those burning questions! It is an asphyxiating, twisted thriller that I enjoyed immensely. Five well-deserved stars without a single hesitation. 🕵️‍♀️🔒🧩
Profile Image for Iain Batten.
85 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2026
I apologize for the delay in submitting my review; I have been preoccupied with my psychology exams, and time has gotten away from me.

"A suffocating, brilliantly twisted descent into manipulation and deceit that had me hooked from page one." Her Beautiful Secret is the latest novel by J. S. Ellis that I have had the pleasure of reading as a member of her ARC Review Team in exchange for an honest review, and it certainly did not disappoint. J. S. Ellis has crafted a gripping, twist-laden thriller that kept me engaged well into the night. If you appreciate well-developed characters, intriguing mysteries, and conclusions that leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment, I highly recommend adding Her Beautiful Secret to your reading list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily submitting my review.
2,913 reviews57 followers
Review of advance copy
July 26, 2026
Ellis can leave me with a multitude of questions and frustrations, but yet I can't bear to miss one of his books!!!

Omg, these women being manipulated by a pretty face and manners and money, but at what expense to them??? This man was no paragon to worship. He was deceitful, and a betrayer, out for his own pleasures. I wanted these victims (and potential victims) to wise up to the false player's allure and manipulation. If you had been down this road once, why subject yourself again??? That ending, this can't be over??? I look forward to more questions and frustration from this compelling and gripping author.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
314 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2026
Wow what a story had me hooked from the first page and could not put it down following the first book in the Inspector Lydia Falzon series.

When Lydia is asked to investigate a young girl who has shot her parents it seems like a open and shut case but Lydia suspects the girl was manipulated into carrying out the murders by a man called Sebastian. Lydia soon discovers Sebastian is the man she used to date known as Vlad which is another twist.

So many twists and turns you wonder who is telling the truth and I finished this in 2 days and can't wait for the next Lydia Falzon story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
371 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 27, 2026
Detective Lydia Falzon is called to the murder scene of a young woman’s parents. The young woman, Jade Ellul, has been seeing a man her parents objected to for six months.

During the investigation, Lydia discovers the man turns out to be from her past. He left after his sister committed suicide thirteen years ago.

Lydia believes that Jade although guilty must have been manipulated. Lydia, putting her career in jeopardy, is drawn into a game of cat and mouse.

A psychological thriller, Her Beautiful Secret, depicts the hold that relationships can have.
Profile Image for Lisa.
539 reviews
August 13, 2026
A fast-paced thriller in the Lydia Flazon series. I first met Lydia in the Theodore the cat series, also by J.S. Ellis. Lydia is on the case of a young woman who has shot her parents. Was it because of the ex-boyfriend, who did not like her parents interfering? Sebastian is older, sophisticated and has a troubled past. Did he manipulate his younger girlfriend? Even more shocking is the fact that Sebastian is Lydia’s ex, who left her unexpectedly thirteen years ago. Seeing him again stirs up old feelings. Lots of unexpected twists in this book. Thank you to the author for this preview copy.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,634 reviews149 followers
October 3, 2026
Most definitely recommend.

Her Beautiful Secret by J.S. Ellis.
The Lydia Falzon series book 1.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the cover of this book. This is the fourth book I've read by this author. I read this book via Kindle unlimited. I got into this book straight away. I couldn't put it down. I loved the writing style and the story. I did like Lydia. I wasn't sure how I felt about Vlad/Sebastian. I really didn't trust him. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. I most definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Bougie Black Girl Reads .
40 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Well, this one had me side-eyeing everybody! 🤣

I love a good psychological thriller full of messy secrets and questionable characters, and this one definitely delivered! The drama kept me entertained, and I had a few theories along the way.

Some parts could've moved a little faster, and I definitely questioned a few decisions being made. 😂 But overall, I enjoyed this one!

If you love a good story where everybody seems to be hiding something, give this one a try! 📚💜
Profile Image for Jean.
1,570 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2026
Detective Lidia Falzon is brought into a case of Jade a young woman who was spending time in a hotel with her rich boyfriend when her parents tried to bring her home and she shot both while in the lift, of course she's guilty but doesn't know why she did it.
Unfortunately her boyfriend had already left and when a police portrait was done of him Lidia realised it was her boyfriend in college, and she suspects he was controlling Jade and that he could be connected to a death in the past.
Some good twists.
Loved Lidia and her flaws.
Profile Image for Charlie.
53 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily from Booksires

My first by this author and can’t wait for the next in the series.

The first book in the Inspector Lydia Falzon series.

The story starts when a young woman shoots her parents. A open and shut case takes an ugly turns for Lydia.

This was such a gripping read! 👀📖 I loved how the secrets slowly started coming to light, keeping me guessing about who could be trusted.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
2,058 reviews64 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 31, 2026
Her Beautiful Secret is Book 1 in An Inspector Lydia Dalton Thriller by J S Ellis. WOW, this book has twist and turns with unexpected surprises. Lydia is a good detective who thinks the last homicide was orchestrated by her boyfriend, Sebastian. Lydia recognized the artist picture as someone she knows and the story exploded into a fast pace fantastic read. Her Beautiful Secret should be on everyone's TBR list. I received an arc for free am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gwynn M.
165 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2026
A great psychological thriller with mystery and chilling moments. Plus...short chapters which is something I love in a book. A flawed FMC and a very mysterious MMC. This was a fast and exciting read. At times the story felt a bit rushed and I'm not sure what to make of the ending. Maybe book 2 will hold all the answers. Overall, I would recommend. Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of this book.
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