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Burning Secrets: A BRAND NEW unsettling thriller of hidden darkness from Michelle Dunne for 2026
The BRAND NEW creepy, gripping, twist-filled book from Michelle Dunne.
Perfect for fans of John Marrs.
There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.
The world discounted Sadie Kingston years ago, right around the time her parents died. They think she’s crazy, but actually, she’s one of the chosen few.
Sadie can see peoples’ demons you see. They glow in different colours, all around the person they torment. Some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.
But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won’t listen, she knows there will come a time when she’ll be forced to act. If the people around her won’t wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth…
Perfect for fans of John Marrs.
There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.
The world discounted Sadie Kingston years ago, right around the time her parents died. They think she’s crazy, but actually, she’s one of the chosen few.
Sadie can see peoples’ demons you see. They glow in different colours, all around the person they torment. Some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.
But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won’t listen, she knows there will come a time when she’ll be forced to act. If the people around her won’t wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth…
Audible Audio
Published June 3, 2026
About the author
Michelle Dunne
21 books180 followersMichelle Dunne is the bestselling author of psychological thrillers /horror suspense & domestic noir set in Ireland.
Readers love the unique characters that drive her tightly plotted stories, which are often described as dark, twisty and suspensful. Perfect for fans of John Marrs, Jason Rekulak and Frieda McFadden. They include The Good Girl and The Imaginary Friend and A Good Mother. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have been optioned for television.
Michelle is also the founder and organiser of the Spike Island Literary Festival as well as working on Dublin’s International crime festival, Murder One.
Readers love the unique characters that drive her tightly plotted stories, which are often described as dark, twisty and suspensful. Perfect for fans of John Marrs, Jason Rekulak and Frieda McFadden. They include The Good Girl and The Imaginary Friend and A Good Mother. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have been optioned for television.
Michelle is also the founder and organiser of the Spike Island Literary Festival as well as working on Dublin’s International crime festival, Murder One.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 7, 2026DNF. After loving The Good Girl and giving it a 5⭐️ rating, I’m absolutely devastated that I couldn’t get on with this one. I got 30% in and I just wasn’t remotely interested in the story or the characters.
June 21, 2026
quirky lovely unreliable
characters in a dark story:
a bit predictable but creepy,
and if you pick the audiobook
this charming irish accent. ♡
characters in a dark story:
a bit predictable but creepy,
and if you pick the audiobook
this charming irish accent. ♡
May 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Burning Secrets. This is one of those books that quietly gets under your skin and stays there long after you finish it.
Michelle Dunne has such an instinctive understanding of generational trauma and the way pain moves through families, often without anyone fully acknowledging it. The emotional weight of this story feels incredibly real, not through dramatic moments alone, but through the small details of everyday family life. The things left unsaid carry just as much impact as the arguments and confrontations.
The novel explores mental health, grief, shame and inherited patterns of behaviour in a way that feels raw and honest rather than forced. Relationships between parents and children are messy and complicated, shaped by years of misunderstanding, silence and emotional wounds that never properly healed. At times it is uncomfortable because it feels so recognisable.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Nobody is written as entirely right or wrong. They are flawed, damaged and trying, often unsuccessfully, to love each other in the only ways they know how. That complexity gives the story its power.
Dunne’s writing is beautifully controlled throughout. There is no unnecessary melodrama, yet the emotion lands hard because of how authentic it feels. The tension builds steadily, but this is much more than just a domestic drama or family mystery. It is a thoughtful exploration of trauma, memory and the long shadow both can cast across generations.
An emotional, intelligent and deeply human read. Easily five stars for me.
Michelle Dunne has such an instinctive understanding of generational trauma and the way pain moves through families, often without anyone fully acknowledging it. The emotional weight of this story feels incredibly real, not through dramatic moments alone, but through the small details of everyday family life. The things left unsaid carry just as much impact as the arguments and confrontations.
The novel explores mental health, grief, shame and inherited patterns of behaviour in a way that feels raw and honest rather than forced. Relationships between parents and children are messy and complicated, shaped by years of misunderstanding, silence and emotional wounds that never properly healed. At times it is uncomfortable because it feels so recognisable.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Nobody is written as entirely right or wrong. They are flawed, damaged and trying, often unsuccessfully, to love each other in the only ways they know how. That complexity gives the story its power.
Dunne’s writing is beautifully controlled throughout. There is no unnecessary melodrama, yet the emotion lands hard because of how authentic it feels. The tension builds steadily, but this is much more than just a domestic drama or family mystery. It is a thoughtful exploration of trauma, memory and the long shadow both can cast across generations.
An emotional, intelligent and deeply human read. Easily five stars for me.
May 31, 2026
This is a multi-POV thriller focusing on Sadie, her brother, and those around her who believe she is mentally unstable following the death of her parents.
The unreliable narrator aspect left me confused initially, and I found the first half of the book slower but once I was in, I was all in.
The story follows Sadie as she believes she holds the key to solving a local investigation. However, with her troubled background it is difficult to know whether she can be trusted when in Sadies world the line between reality and delusion is constantly blurred.
What follows is a slow-burn, tension-filled thriller that focuses more on family trauma and relationships than fast-paced action. As the story progressed, I became increasingly invested, and the unsettling atmosphere steadily built the suspense throughout. It is a character- driven mystery with a lot of twists that kept me glued to the pages throughout!
The unreliable narrator aspect left me confused initially, and I found the first half of the book slower but once I was in, I was all in.
The story follows Sadie as she believes she holds the key to solving a local investigation. However, with her troubled background it is difficult to know whether she can be trusted when in Sadies world the line between reality and delusion is constantly blurred.
What follows is a slow-burn, tension-filled thriller that focuses more on family trauma and relationships than fast-paced action. As the story progressed, I became increasingly invested, and the unsettling atmosphere steadily built the suspense throughout. It is a character- driven mystery with a lot of twists that kept me glued to the pages throughout!
June 3, 2026
3.5 stars for me.
Sadie lives with her brother James,he's a Gardai but she's the only one seeing his demons.After "The Accident"James is taking care of his sister,who's suffers from few disorders,he struggles but want her with him so she will not end up in mental institution again.When another young man who works with Sadie at the homeless kitchen disapepared,few co- workers and a neigbour start to see a pattren,as he is not the first one to be gone without a trace.
Is Sadie involved?
It was an enjoyable read.Having read books by this author before this one may not be my favorite,yet it was hard to put down.In author fashion this story is dark,filled with fragile minds that childhood trauma change,shape and brakes.I figure it out quite early,but nothing prepared me for the shock of disturbing behaviour, that someone who skillfully influences others can get away with so much.I'm glad I read it,another story that I will think about.
Good read for psychological thriller fans.
Thank you netgalley for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Sadie lives with her brother James,he's a Gardai but she's the only one seeing his demons.After "The Accident"James is taking care of his sister,who's suffers from few disorders,he struggles but want her with him so she will not end up in mental institution again.When another young man who works with Sadie at the homeless kitchen disapepared,few co- workers and a neigbour start to see a pattren,as he is not the first one to be gone without a trace.
Is Sadie involved?
It was an enjoyable read.Having read books by this author before this one may not be my favorite,yet it was hard to put down.In author fashion this story is dark,filled with fragile minds that childhood trauma change,shape and brakes.I figure it out quite early,but nothing prepared me for the shock of disturbing behaviour, that someone who skillfully influences others can get away with so much.I'm glad I read it,another story that I will think about.
Good read for psychological thriller fans.
Thank you netgalley for arc,my review is honest and my own.
June 2, 2026
Sadie survived a fire that killed her parents — but remembers almost nothing. Back home, her brother protects her, yet she feels watched, threatened, and sure it wasn’t an accident. Everyone says she’s unstable… but is she the only one who knows the truth?
Unsettling, twisty, and deeply emotional — a masterclass in psychological suspense. Brilliant unreliable narrator, dark family secrets, and shocks you won’t see coming. Unputdownable.
trauma, fire, mental health themes, and emotional distress.
Unsettling, twisty, and deeply emotional — a masterclass in psychological suspense. Brilliant unreliable narrator, dark family secrets, and shocks you won’t see coming. Unputdownable.
trauma, fire, mental health themes, and emotional distress.
May 13, 2026
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunn, James is a police officer in the little Irish town where him and his sister Sadie live in despite his troublesome start with drugs and running away he now tries to keep an eye on his sister who most people think it’s a little bit thrown off she sees what she calls demons that come in different colors red for really bad and then orange and green They’re not so bad and for some reason she’s obsessed with her brother James is red demon it will not touch anything he touches including the food he cooks. During the day she goes to volunteer at a homeless shelter for troubled youth but it seems lately starting with Simon men have gone missing from there. Sadie doesn’t talk to anyone but she does talk to Miss Myra across the street in their little cul-de-sac where they live and think she is a kind woman but for some reason she doesn’t like Debbie which is OK because Debbie doesn’t like her much either. There’s other people in their cul-de-sac like Libby their counselor but it’s the guys that are missing that draw most people’s attention but why is Sadie so concerned with what James is doing in his shed out back? Where are these guys that are missing? When these questions are answered that it will also unveil secrets they didn’t know about Sadie and James who seemed to always be on the gossip vine because it wasn’t long ago when their dad killed their mom leaving Sadie in the house alone. Is James really killing these boys or is that just more gossip for the peanut gallery? I really love this author’s books and although I wasn’t the biggest fan of Imaginary Friend, it looks like with the latest addition she’s getting back to the book I’d love. This was a really great book it’s so twisted and complex I do want to say I did not at all like Debbie she just gave me this I don’t know something about her either way to each their own this is a great book if you are in a great domestic thrillers then you will absolutely love this one I wasn’t gaga over the ending but it was still pretty good. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
May 18, 2026
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I’ve enjoyed Michelle’s other ones. Sometimes, some stories simply don’t resonate with me.
This is definitely a domestic thriller. I found the beginning a bit slow, but it definitely picks up as it progresses.
Sadie is a woman who sees demons in everyone, and they have specific colours that are the worst. Her brother, James, is her protector. Years before, their parents died at her father’s hands, or so the story goes. Sadie has always struggled with mental health issues, and James tries to shield her from the world. She tries to talk to people at the shelter she volunteers at, but no one wants to listen. They all understand her struggles but tend to avoid her. However, when a few men go missing from the shelter, they suddenly take notice of Sadie.
I found the author’s way of explaining Sadie’s health concerns to be very authentic.
However, I found the story to be quite predictable, and the characters, other than Sadie, were very one-dimensional.
Despite these flaws, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a domestic thriller and is looking for an interesting story.
This is definitely a domestic thriller. I found the beginning a bit slow, but it definitely picks up as it progresses.
Sadie is a woman who sees demons in everyone, and they have specific colours that are the worst. Her brother, James, is her protector. Years before, their parents died at her father’s hands, or so the story goes. Sadie has always struggled with mental health issues, and James tries to shield her from the world. She tries to talk to people at the shelter she volunteers at, but no one wants to listen. They all understand her struggles but tend to avoid her. However, when a few men go missing from the shelter, they suddenly take notice of Sadie.
I found the author’s way of explaining Sadie’s health concerns to be very authentic.
However, I found the story to be quite predictable, and the characters, other than Sadie, were very one-dimensional.
Despite these flaws, I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a domestic thriller and is looking for an interesting story.
June 6, 2026
I was really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this one because I read The Good Girl by Michelle Dunne earlier this year and absolutely loved it. That book had me completely hooked from the start, so I had high hopes for Burning Secrets. Sadly, it just didn't grip me in the same way and it felt like a bit of a struggle to get through at times.
The premise sounded brilliant and there is no denying that the author knows how to set a dark, atmospheric scene. It starts off with plenty of promise, but the pacing just felt far too slow for my liking. I kept waiting for that big spark to kick things into high gear but the tension seemed to fizzle out rather than build up.
I think part of the issue for me was that I struggled to really connect with the characters. When a thriller relies heavily on secrets and lies, you need to feel invested in the people keeping them, but I just found myself feeling a bit detached from it all. It is definitely a slow burn, which I know lots of readers enjoy, but I prefer a plot that moves at a slightly nippier pace.
It is by no means a bad book and the writing itself is very good, but after enjoying her previous work so much, this one was a bit of a let-down for me. If you prefer psychological thrillers that take their time unfolding, then this might be right up your street, but it just wasn't quite my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
The premise sounded brilliant and there is no denying that the author knows how to set a dark, atmospheric scene. It starts off with plenty of promise, but the pacing just felt far too slow for my liking. I kept waiting for that big spark to kick things into high gear but the tension seemed to fizzle out rather than build up.
I think part of the issue for me was that I struggled to really connect with the characters. When a thriller relies heavily on secrets and lies, you need to feel invested in the people keeping them, but I just found myself feeling a bit detached from it all. It is definitely a slow burn, which I know lots of readers enjoy, but I prefer a plot that moves at a slightly nippier pace.
It is by no means a bad book and the writing itself is very good, but after enjoying her previous work so much, this one was a bit of a let-down for me. If you prefer psychological thrillers that take their time unfolding, then this might be right up your street, but it just wasn't quite my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
June 3, 2026
Y’all, Burning Secrets captivated me from the very first page. Sadie Kingston has the unsettling ability to see the demons people carry, and when those demons begin to glow red, it is clear that danger is close at hand.
The tension is palpable throughout, and the boundary between supernatural horror and psychological suspense becomes increasingly blurred with each chapter. Sadie is flawed, misunderstood, and deeply compelling, making her a protagonist readers will find themselves eagerly supporting.
Creepy, intelligent, and unsettling in all the right ways, this is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy dark suspense, supernatural twists, and stories that keep them questioning what is real.
Thanks to #NetGalley, Michelle Dunne and Boldwood Books for a copy of Burning Secrets for my honest, voluntary review.
The tension is palpable throughout, and the boundary between supernatural horror and psychological suspense becomes increasingly blurred with each chapter. Sadie is flawed, misunderstood, and deeply compelling, making her a protagonist readers will find themselves eagerly supporting.
Creepy, intelligent, and unsettling in all the right ways, this is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy dark suspense, supernatural twists, and stories that keep them questioning what is real.
Thanks to #NetGalley, Michelle Dunne and Boldwood Books for a copy of Burning Secrets for my honest, voluntary review.
June 4, 2026
Burning Secrets is an emotional thriller about childhood trauma, grief, mental health and complicated family dynamics.
Sadie Kingston was present when a tragedy occurred with her parents. She sees people's demons everywhere, including her brother James'. Sadie has been diagnosed as bipolar, schizophrenic with PTSD. Which makes people not listen to her and anything she says is taken lightly. Sadie has been helping out at the local soup kitchen which is run by Lisa Goodwin. When Sadie realizes that young men from the soup kitchen have gone missing, she informs everyone about it but no one believes her. Everyone believes Sadie has something to do with the missing men, but Sadie knows who the killer is and he is very close to her.
I really enjoyed this tension filled slow-burn psychological thriller. I didn't know whether to believe Sadie or James or all the other characters surrounding them. I enjoyed the journey that both Sadie and James took me through. Now the end, that was phenomenal!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Sadie Kingston was present when a tragedy occurred with her parents. She sees people's demons everywhere, including her brother James'. Sadie has been diagnosed as bipolar, schizophrenic with PTSD. Which makes people not listen to her and anything she says is taken lightly. Sadie has been helping out at the local soup kitchen which is run by Lisa Goodwin. When Sadie realizes that young men from the soup kitchen have gone missing, she informs everyone about it but no one believes her. Everyone believes Sadie has something to do with the missing men, but Sadie knows who the killer is and he is very close to her.
I really enjoyed this tension filled slow-burn psychological thriller. I didn't know whether to believe Sadie or James or all the other characters surrounding them. I enjoyed the journey that both Sadie and James took me through. Now the end, that was phenomenal!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 13, 2026
What in the unsettling thriller of hidden darkness did I just read? 😮
‘Burning Secrets’ is the second Michelle Dunne book I’ve read and like ‘The Good Girl’ it did not disappoint! It’s one of those books that gets under your skin & stays there long after you finish it.
Dunne beautifully captures the struggles of mental illness, generational trauma and inherited patterns of behaviour. My heart ached for Sadie & the lack of empathy surrounding her.
I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters and how there was just enough character development for each of them without overshadowing the main characters.
I’m not usually one to be able to guess how a story plays out however, there were certain parts that I was able to put two and two together and was left with my mouth gaping regardless!
Burning Secrets is creepy, depraved and downright chilling!
Thank you @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks and @michelledunneauthor for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#BurningSecrets #NetGalley #MichelleDunne #ARCReview
‘Burning Secrets’ is the second Michelle Dunne book I’ve read and like ‘The Good Girl’ it did not disappoint! It’s one of those books that gets under your skin & stays there long after you finish it.
Dunne beautifully captures the struggles of mental illness, generational trauma and inherited patterns of behaviour. My heart ached for Sadie & the lack of empathy surrounding her.
I enjoyed the cast of supporting characters and how there was just enough character development for each of them without overshadowing the main characters.
I’m not usually one to be able to guess how a story plays out however, there were certain parts that I was able to put two and two together and was left with my mouth gaping regardless!
Burning Secrets is creepy, depraved and downright chilling!
Thank you @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks and @michelledunneauthor for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#BurningSecrets #NetGalley #MichelleDunne #ARCReview
June 8, 2026
After the death of her parents Sadie has spent years being treated as unstable by everyone around her. But Sadie knows she isn't crazy. She can see the demons that cling to people. Sadie becomes increasingly convinced that something sinister is happening and when no one else is willing to see the truth she may be forced to take matters into her own hands.
This was a dark and unsettling read that was in parts chilling to read. It was a slow burn to start with but once it got going I just couldn't put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Michelle Dunne for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a dark and unsettling read that was in parts chilling to read. It was a slow burn to start with but once it got going I just couldn't put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Michelle Dunne for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2026
This is my second book by Michelle Dunne, and I think I may have found a new queen of unhinged FMCs!
I love her writing style, and the short chapters had me constantly telling myself, “Just one more.” Each chapter ended with me desperate to know what would happen next.
The story is told from multiple characters’ perspectives, giving us different views of Sadie and James’ lives. It made it so difficult to know who to trust, which added to the suspense.
I did figure out the villain fairly early on, but the differing POV’s had me second-guessing myself more than once. Even knowing who I suspected didn’t take away from the experience—it was a wild, gripping ride from start to finish!
I love her writing style, and the short chapters had me constantly telling myself, “Just one more.” Each chapter ended with me desperate to know what would happen next.
The story is told from multiple characters’ perspectives, giving us different views of Sadie and James’ lives. It made it so difficult to know who to trust, which added to the suspense.
I did figure out the villain fairly early on, but the differing POV’s had me second-guessing myself more than once. Even knowing who I suspected didn’t take away from the experience—it was a wild, gripping ride from start to finish!
June 3, 2026
This was an insane ride from the very first page to the very last page!
The pacing was incredible and it would be easy to finish this one in a single sitting. The multiple POVs were done beautifully. I loved how Sadie’s thought processes were followed and trying to figure out some of the little Easter eggs along the way through her view point. The dynamic between all of the characters was carefully crafted and made this story so cohesive. The epilogue was absolutely chilling.
This a perfect summer thriller 😎
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my own opinion.
The pacing was incredible and it would be easy to finish this one in a single sitting. The multiple POVs were done beautifully. I loved how Sadie’s thought processes were followed and trying to figure out some of the little Easter eggs along the way through her view point. The dynamic between all of the characters was carefully crafted and made this story so cohesive. The epilogue was absolutely chilling.
This a perfect summer thriller 😎
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my own opinion.
June 6, 2026
3.5 stars ✨
Interesting and unsettling read.
Sadie's character was well developed and the description and characterisation of her mental health struggles was really well done. The exploration of family dynamics, grief and trauma was also executed well and aided in the tension in the story.
A lot of the other character did feel vaguely one dimensional. I also felt that the pacing was a little off, the beginning was quite slow and it definitely picked up quickly towards to 2nd half of the book. I did foresee a lot of the twists in the plot, so the shock value of them was lost on me, but all in all a good thriller to read.
This is my first read from Dunne and I'm looking forward to reading some more from their catalogue.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting and unsettling read.
Sadie's character was well developed and the description and characterisation of her mental health struggles was really well done. The exploration of family dynamics, grief and trauma was also executed well and aided in the tension in the story.
A lot of the other character did feel vaguely one dimensional. I also felt that the pacing was a little off, the beginning was quite slow and it definitely picked up quickly towards to 2nd half of the book. I did foresee a lot of the twists in the plot, so the shock value of them was lost on me, but all in all a good thriller to read.
This is my first read from Dunne and I'm looking forward to reading some more from their catalogue.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2026
Another excellent psychological thriller from Michelle Dunne, superb characterisation and a great comment on the societal expectations.
May 13, 2026
My first book by @michelledunneauthor was The Hotel Maid and I was hooked. Burning Secrets is expected to release on June 3, 2026 and it’s a dark one. The atmosphere is tense and it’s difficult to know who is telling the truth. The ending definitely surprised me. Thank you @boldwoodbooks for an early digital copy. Publication date is June 3, 2026.
June 3, 2026
DNF
Thx Netgalley for the ARC
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t a good fit for me. I gave it multiple attempts and restarted it several times, hoping that I would connect with the story, but I struggled to get invested in the plot and characters. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t make it very far before setting it aside each time.
While the premise sounded interesting, the writing style and pacing didn’t hold my attention enough to keep me engaged. Because I was unable to finish the book, I don’t feel it’s fair to comment on how the story develops later on.
Although this one wasn’t for me, other readers may connect with it differently. I appreciate the opportunity to give it a try.
Thx Netgalley for the ARC
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t a good fit for me. I gave it multiple attempts and restarted it several times, hoping that I would connect with the story, but I struggled to get invested in the plot and characters. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t make it very far before setting it aside each time.
While the premise sounded interesting, the writing style and pacing didn’t hold my attention enough to keep me engaged. Because I was unable to finish the book, I don’t feel it’s fair to comment on how the story develops later on.
Although this one wasn’t for me, other readers may connect with it differently. I appreciate the opportunity to give it a try.
July 12, 2026
A bit slow this one but once it got going I really enjoyed it, the characters were well written and the ending had a good twist which I did guess to be honest but it was a very good plot that kept me interested.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I started this book at a point where I could not find interest in any book and this book picked me out of that slump. I didn't remember the blurb so I went into it blindly and it was beautifully done. I need psychological mystery books to start like this. This book threw us into the plot immediately and God, am I grateful for that. I love the buildup and I love getting I to Sadie's mind. My God, it was a lot and I started doubting myself but God, this author did well.
I would have given this a five stars but I hated the ending. Sorry, as someone who has read too many mysteries, that ending was generic. Like, it's the kind of ending you'll find in ten other books like this. Because at the end, I was like, Okay? Kind of expecting this.
I started this book at a point where I could not find interest in any book and this book picked me out of that slump. I didn't remember the blurb so I went into it blindly and it was beautifully done. I need psychological mystery books to start like this. This book threw us into the plot immediately and God, am I grateful for that. I love the buildup and I love getting I to Sadie's mind. My God, it was a lot and I started doubting myself but God, this author did well.
I would have given this a five stars but I hated the ending. Sorry, as someone who has read too many mysteries, that ending was generic. Like, it's the kind of ending you'll find in ten other books like this. Because at the end, I was like, Okay? Kind of expecting this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Burning Secrets
~Michelle Dunne
Sometimes the demons you fear the most aren’t the ones inside you, but the ones standing right in front of you.
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne is a slow-burn psychological thriller that traps you inside a nightmare you can’t wake from. Deeply rooted in familial trauma, it begins quietly, almost deceptively so, before tightening its grip and pulling you into a suffocating spiral of paranoia, grief, and psychological unrest that becomes impossible to put down.
Siblings James and Sadie Kingston survived the horror of losing their parents at a young age. What police ruled a murder-suicide shattered Sadie’s grasp on reality, leaving her teetering on the edge of sanity for years afterward. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD following a stay in a psychiatric hospital, Sadie begins seeing demons in people - not metaphorical demons, but physical auras she believes cling to those around her. Each is color-coded according to its level of danger. The brightest and most terrifying color surrounds her brother James: red, representing uncontrollable rage. Yet James is also a highly respected Garda officer and Sadie’s steadfast caretaker, devoting his life to protecting the sister everyone else believes is broken.
As Sadie struggles to maintain some semblance of stability, she follows the routines James has carefully constructed for her: taking her medication, volunteering at the community food kitchen. But what isn't part of his plan is her attempting to warn others about the dangers she believes surround them. At the kitchen, she finds brief moments of comfort and connection among people society often overlooks. But when Ian - her newest potato-peeling companion - suddenly disappears, the fragile balance she’s built begins to collapse. No matter who she turns to or what she says, every concern is dismissed as another symptom of her mental illness.
Feeling abandoned by the justice system and ignored by those around her, Sadie becomes convinced she must take matters into her own hands to protect others. But is she truly seeing evil hidden beneath the surface of ordinary people? Or has her trauma transformed her into the very danger everyone fears?
The character work here is exceptional - and difficult to discuss without revealing too much. Sadie is written as both deeply unreliable and painfully sincere. Her PTSD, nightmares, violent episodes, and fractured perception of reality are portrayed with raw authenticity that makes her both unsettling and heartbreakingly human. James is equally compelling: overprotective, grief-stricken, and burdened by responsibility, yet still viewed as an honorable Garda officer and pillar of the community. Even in his moments of vulnerability, there’s an emotional realism that makes him impossible to dismiss as either wholly good or wholly suspect. Every character reflects a different response to Sadie’s diagnoses - pity, fear, frustration, exhaustion, love - and beneath it all lies a quiet, stubborn humanity as each struggles with their own moral choices.
Dunne fully commits to the slow-burn structure, layering the novel with psychological depth and emotional texture as she carefully builds its foundation. Once the story accelerates, the tension detonates with startling force. The pacing in the final stretch becomes frantic and almost claustrophobic, amplifying both the emotional and physical stakes until the story reaches its devastating conclusion. And even then, the unease lingers long after the final page.
For everything that unfolds, the atmosphere is never reliant on gore or shock value. Instead, Dunne crafts an intimate psychological horror through manipulation, uncertainty, and misdirection. The tension remains tight and controlled throughout, while the dialogue carries an authentic Irish cadence that adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. By the final act, trauma itself becomes the engine driving the plot, rendered with lean yet cinematic detail that makes every revelation hit even harder.
Burning Secrets is the kind of slow-burn thriller that begins as a haunting exploration of trauma and mental illness before evolving into a searing portrait of family loyalty, moral blindness, and the devastating consequences of unresolved grief. It’s the type of story that demands a second read, not because you missed something, but because the emotional and psychological layers shift once you know the truth hiding beneath the surface.
Available for Pre-Order now on Amazon, releasing June 3, 2026.
Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Bloodhound Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC Burning Secrets. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Michelle Dunne
Sometimes the demons you fear the most aren’t the ones inside you, but the ones standing right in front of you.
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne is a slow-burn psychological thriller that traps you inside a nightmare you can’t wake from. Deeply rooted in familial trauma, it begins quietly, almost deceptively so, before tightening its grip and pulling you into a suffocating spiral of paranoia, grief, and psychological unrest that becomes impossible to put down.
Siblings James and Sadie Kingston survived the horror of losing their parents at a young age. What police ruled a murder-suicide shattered Sadie’s grasp on reality, leaving her teetering on the edge of sanity for years afterward. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD following a stay in a psychiatric hospital, Sadie begins seeing demons in people - not metaphorical demons, but physical auras she believes cling to those around her. Each is color-coded according to its level of danger. The brightest and most terrifying color surrounds her brother James: red, representing uncontrollable rage. Yet James is also a highly respected Garda officer and Sadie’s steadfast caretaker, devoting his life to protecting the sister everyone else believes is broken.
As Sadie struggles to maintain some semblance of stability, she follows the routines James has carefully constructed for her: taking her medication, volunteering at the community food kitchen. But what isn't part of his plan is her attempting to warn others about the dangers she believes surround them. At the kitchen, she finds brief moments of comfort and connection among people society often overlooks. But when Ian - her newest potato-peeling companion - suddenly disappears, the fragile balance she’s built begins to collapse. No matter who she turns to or what she says, every concern is dismissed as another symptom of her mental illness.
Feeling abandoned by the justice system and ignored by those around her, Sadie becomes convinced she must take matters into her own hands to protect others. But is she truly seeing evil hidden beneath the surface of ordinary people? Or has her trauma transformed her into the very danger everyone fears?
The character work here is exceptional - and difficult to discuss without revealing too much. Sadie is written as both deeply unreliable and painfully sincere. Her PTSD, nightmares, violent episodes, and fractured perception of reality are portrayed with raw authenticity that makes her both unsettling and heartbreakingly human. James is equally compelling: overprotective, grief-stricken, and burdened by responsibility, yet still viewed as an honorable Garda officer and pillar of the community. Even in his moments of vulnerability, there’s an emotional realism that makes him impossible to dismiss as either wholly good or wholly suspect. Every character reflects a different response to Sadie’s diagnoses - pity, fear, frustration, exhaustion, love - and beneath it all lies a quiet, stubborn humanity as each struggles with their own moral choices.
Dunne fully commits to the slow-burn structure, layering the novel with psychological depth and emotional texture as she carefully builds its foundation. Once the story accelerates, the tension detonates with startling force. The pacing in the final stretch becomes frantic and almost claustrophobic, amplifying both the emotional and physical stakes until the story reaches its devastating conclusion. And even then, the unease lingers long after the final page.
For everything that unfolds, the atmosphere is never reliant on gore or shock value. Instead, Dunne crafts an intimate psychological horror through manipulation, uncertainty, and misdirection. The tension remains tight and controlled throughout, while the dialogue carries an authentic Irish cadence that adds texture without overwhelming the narrative. By the final act, trauma itself becomes the engine driving the plot, rendered with lean yet cinematic detail that makes every revelation hit even harder.
Burning Secrets is the kind of slow-burn thriller that begins as a haunting exploration of trauma and mental illness before evolving into a searing portrait of family loyalty, moral blindness, and the devastating consequences of unresolved grief. It’s the type of story that demands a second read, not because you missed something, but because the emotional and psychological layers shift once you know the truth hiding beneath the surface.
Available for Pre-Order now on Amazon, releasing June 3, 2026.
Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Bloodhound Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC Burning Secrets. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Publication date: 3rd June 2026
A gripping, twist-filled thriller for readers who enjoy -
🔥 Compelling page turners
👀 Deeply complex characters & relationships
🔥 Chilling thrillers with an eerie edge
👀 Slow build tension & suspense
⭑ Remember to check all content/trigger warnings prior to reading!
~ plot ~
Sadie Kingston doesn’t view the world as others do. She see’s people’s ‘demons’, a colourful glow that surrounds them, torments them & highlights things that nobody else can see.
Due to this, she’s often dismissed & overlooked. Her brother James takes care of her & looks out for her but even that relationship feels, off. You see, he glows red, very red.
She knew there would come a time where people would have to listen to her but the likelihood of that actually happening? Slim. That’s ok though, she’ll just have to show them herself.
~ review ~
✅ I’d recommend this to people who enjoy domestic thrillers with added emotional depth. This is much more than just a surface level read.
Burning Secrets is a complex, emotional exploration of familial trauma, unresolved grief & buried truths. A large portion of the story focuses on mental health but despite being hard hitting & deep, it’s still approached & explored in a careful, authentic way. The plot is unsettling, totally gripping & as to be expected from Michelle Dunne, full of twists & turns. Add to that a cast of messy characters that have you questioning basically, everything & you have yourself one heck of a read!
This book was a page turner but not just in the typical sense. I was certainly on the edge of my seat but it wasn’t purely out of trepidation or fear. I was propelled by the compelling, human, emotive depth of the story. I found myself wholly invested in Sadie, her struggles, the isolation & her demons. I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the battle of what was real & what wasn’t.
But that’s not to say I wasn’t still fully gripped by the eeriness, slow built suspense & tension too. Even when things got a little predictable, I was still turning pages like a maniac - especially towards the end where everything picked up & RAN. The trauma, the deception, the uncertainty, how damaged & flawed these characters were - each piece fuelled the fire, drew me in & held me there until the very last second.
~ character thoughts ~
Having Sadie, a very complex character, as the narrator was extremely effective. To those around her she had become her mental health. People struggled to look past it & allowed it to define how they viewed her. (A feeling that unfortunately, a lot of people know all too well).
I felt for her, I really did but as Michelle Dunne intended, I found myself pulled into the unreliability & confusion. The demons, the effect they had on how she saw the world & how much it isolated her from others was both eerie & heartbreaking.
“She’d tried to tell him about the badness in… but … paid no heed. No one did, because it was just Sadie”.
~ final thoughts ~
Overall this was a compelling, engaging, complex read that delivered way more than expected. Michelle Dunne knows how to do relationships & the depiction of Sadie & James’ was both twisted & incredibly human. The slow burn tension & suspense made for a totally immersive page turning experience & the short, manageable chapters only enhanced that. One more chapter easily turned into 8 more chapters!
I’m looking forward to Michelle’s next release ‘While Nobody is Watching’, that is out on the 26th July & is available to pre-order now!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books & Michelle Dunne for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️
A gripping, twist-filled thriller for readers who enjoy -
🔥 Compelling page turners
👀 Deeply complex characters & relationships
🔥 Chilling thrillers with an eerie edge
👀 Slow build tension & suspense
⭑ Remember to check all content/trigger warnings prior to reading!
~ plot ~
Sadie Kingston doesn’t view the world as others do. She see’s people’s ‘demons’, a colourful glow that surrounds them, torments them & highlights things that nobody else can see.
Due to this, she’s often dismissed & overlooked. Her brother James takes care of her & looks out for her but even that relationship feels, off. You see, he glows red, very red.
She knew there would come a time where people would have to listen to her but the likelihood of that actually happening? Slim. That’s ok though, she’ll just have to show them herself.
~ review ~
✅ I’d recommend this to people who enjoy domestic thrillers with added emotional depth. This is much more than just a surface level read.
Burning Secrets is a complex, emotional exploration of familial trauma, unresolved grief & buried truths. A large portion of the story focuses on mental health but despite being hard hitting & deep, it’s still approached & explored in a careful, authentic way. The plot is unsettling, totally gripping & as to be expected from Michelle Dunne, full of twists & turns. Add to that a cast of messy characters that have you questioning basically, everything & you have yourself one heck of a read!
This book was a page turner but not just in the typical sense. I was certainly on the edge of my seat but it wasn’t purely out of trepidation or fear. I was propelled by the compelling, human, emotive depth of the story. I found myself wholly invested in Sadie, her struggles, the isolation & her demons. I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the battle of what was real & what wasn’t.
But that’s not to say I wasn’t still fully gripped by the eeriness, slow built suspense & tension too. Even when things got a little predictable, I was still turning pages like a maniac - especially towards the end where everything picked up & RAN. The trauma, the deception, the uncertainty, how damaged & flawed these characters were - each piece fuelled the fire, drew me in & held me there until the very last second.
~ character thoughts ~
Having Sadie, a very complex character, as the narrator was extremely effective. To those around her she had become her mental health. People struggled to look past it & allowed it to define how they viewed her. (A feeling that unfortunately, a lot of people know all too well).
I felt for her, I really did but as Michelle Dunne intended, I found myself pulled into the unreliability & confusion. The demons, the effect they had on how she saw the world & how much it isolated her from others was both eerie & heartbreaking.
“She’d tried to tell him about the badness in… but … paid no heed. No one did, because it was just Sadie”.
~ final thoughts ~
Overall this was a compelling, engaging, complex read that delivered way more than expected. Michelle Dunne knows how to do relationships & the depiction of Sadie & James’ was both twisted & incredibly human. The slow burn tension & suspense made for a totally immersive page turning experience & the short, manageable chapters only enhanced that. One more chapter easily turned into 8 more chapters!
I’m looking forward to Michelle’s next release ‘While Nobody is Watching’, that is out on the 26th July & is available to pre-order now!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books & Michelle Dunne for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Michelle Dunne for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Summary
When a devastating fire leaves tragedy in its wake, secrets begin to unravel and long buried truths refuse to stay hidden. As the story unfolds, the lives connected to the fire become tangled in deception, heartbreak, and the consequences of choices made in the past.
💭 My Review
Burning Secrets was a solid read for me, but unfortunately it never fully reached the level I was hoping for. The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and I was expecting a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller. While there were definitely some intriguing moments along the way, I found the pacing slower than I expected, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.
One thing I did appreciate was how realistically Michelle Dunne portrayed Sadie's mental health struggles. Those sections felt authentic and believable, and I found myself connecting with those parts of the story more than anything else. The emotional impact of her experiences came across naturally, and I thought the author handled those elements with care.
For me, the biggest issue was that many of the twists felt predictable. I started putting pieces together fairly early, and because of that, some of the reveals didn't have the shock factor I was hoping for. I also struggled to connect deeply with the characters. While I understood their roles in the story, I never felt fully invested in them emotionally, which made it harder for the tension to land the way I wanted it to.
That being said, I can absolutely see why this book will work for many readers. The story tackles difficult situations, family dynamics, secrets, and emotional consequences in a way that will resonate with a lot of people. Even though it wasn't a standout read for me personally, there were still moments that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy slower-burn suspense, family secrets, and emotionally driven mysteries. While it didn't completely work for me due to the pacing and predictability, I think many readers will appreciate the emotional elements and the way the author explores the impact of trauma and hidden truths.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Michelle Dunne for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Summary
When a devastating fire leaves tragedy in its wake, secrets begin to unravel and long buried truths refuse to stay hidden. As the story unfolds, the lives connected to the fire become tangled in deception, heartbreak, and the consequences of choices made in the past.
💭 My Review
Burning Secrets was a solid read for me, but unfortunately it never fully reached the level I was hoping for. The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and I was expecting a twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller. While there were definitely some intriguing moments along the way, I found the pacing slower than I expected, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested.
One thing I did appreciate was how realistically Michelle Dunne portrayed Sadie's mental health struggles. Those sections felt authentic and believable, and I found myself connecting with those parts of the story more than anything else. The emotional impact of her experiences came across naturally, and I thought the author handled those elements with care.
For me, the biggest issue was that many of the twists felt predictable. I started putting pieces together fairly early, and because of that, some of the reveals didn't have the shock factor I was hoping for. I also struggled to connect deeply with the characters. While I understood their roles in the story, I never felt fully invested in them emotionally, which made it harder for the tension to land the way I wanted it to.
That being said, I can absolutely see why this book will work for many readers. The story tackles difficult situations, family dynamics, secrets, and emotional consequences in a way that will resonate with a lot of people. Even though it wasn't a standout read for me personally, there were still moments that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy slower-burn suspense, family secrets, and emotionally driven mysteries. While it didn't completely work for me due to the pacing and predictability, I think many readers will appreciate the emotional elements and the way the author explores the impact of trauma and hidden truths.
June 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐✨☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne was a dark, slow-burn domestic thriller with a really emotional core. It took me a little while to fully get into it, but once the story started unfolding, I was interested in seeing where everything would go.
The story follows Sadie, a woman who sees “demons” in people, and her brother James, who has spent years trying to protect her after a traumatic family tragedy. Their past has left deep scars, and when men connected to the shelter where Sadie volunteers start going missing, old secrets and new suspicions begin to surface.
I thought Sadie was the most compelling part of the book. Her mental health struggles were written in a way that felt sensitive and believable, and I liked how the story explored trauma, grief, and the way families can carry pain for years without fully dealing with it. There is a heaviness to the book that makes it feel more emotional than a straightforward thriller.
The atmosphere was also strong. The small-town gossip, the quiet tension in the neighborhood, and the mystery around what James may or may not be hiding all helped create an unsettling feeling. I liked that the story had layers and that it was not just about the missing men, but also about Sadie and James’s complicated history.
That being said, the pacing was a little uneven for me. The beginning felt slow, and I did find parts of the story predictable. Some of the side characters also did not feel quite as developed as Sadie, so I was not always as invested in them. I still wanted to know how everything would come together, but I wish the tension had built a little more strongly throughout.
Overall, Burning Secrets was a solid domestic thriller with an emotional look at trauma, family secrets, and mental health. It was not perfect for me, but I appreciated the darker atmosphere and the depth of Sadie’s character. I think readers who enjoy slower psychological thrillers with complicated family dynamics will likely enjoy this one.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne was a dark, slow-burn domestic thriller with a really emotional core. It took me a little while to fully get into it, but once the story started unfolding, I was interested in seeing where everything would go.
The story follows Sadie, a woman who sees “demons” in people, and her brother James, who has spent years trying to protect her after a traumatic family tragedy. Their past has left deep scars, and when men connected to the shelter where Sadie volunteers start going missing, old secrets and new suspicions begin to surface.
I thought Sadie was the most compelling part of the book. Her mental health struggles were written in a way that felt sensitive and believable, and I liked how the story explored trauma, grief, and the way families can carry pain for years without fully dealing with it. There is a heaviness to the book that makes it feel more emotional than a straightforward thriller.
The atmosphere was also strong. The small-town gossip, the quiet tension in the neighborhood, and the mystery around what James may or may not be hiding all helped create an unsettling feeling. I liked that the story had layers and that it was not just about the missing men, but also about Sadie and James’s complicated history.
That being said, the pacing was a little uneven for me. The beginning felt slow, and I did find parts of the story predictable. Some of the side characters also did not feel quite as developed as Sadie, so I was not always as invested in them. I still wanted to know how everything would come together, but I wish the tension had built a little more strongly throughout.
Overall, Burning Secrets was a solid domestic thriller with an emotional look at trauma, family secrets, and mental health. It was not perfect for me, but I appreciated the darker atmosphere and the depth of Sadie’s character. I think readers who enjoy slower psychological thrillers with complicated family dynamics will likely enjoy this one.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my third read by Michelle Dunne, thanks to Netgalley for another nail biting read!
Michelle Dunne's writing is very eerie, atmostpheric and unique is what i would say especially the story lines. Sadie is very different she see's peoples aura's and to be fair its a bit scary in that aspect, as a reader i found myself a bit mesmerised by her strangeness, we meet her brother James who is the caregiver. They have had a traumatic childhood to say the least! And if you wanting a happy storyline with normal upbringing then this book isnt for you as people literally wear their scars on the outside, some heal and some well they carry it round with them.
The story works between mainly Sadie and James, and you become to feel sorry for Sadie with her episodes and people just take pity on her and label her as the crazy one. James is exhausted as a caregiver , he has given his life up for Sadie, we do meet the friendly neighbours who again take pity on James and Sadie. I could never really tell where this storyline would end up you know as a reader its going to have some real history attached to it.
We meet the inner voice for Sadie which is very manic but almost logical and normal at times. She really doesnt trust James but as you dont get the full picture as the reader. James plays a blinding character literally , i dont want to say anymore. Theres some hard hitting scenes in this book its quite raw at points for Sadie. It will make you cherish your upbringing and make you realise how normal life can be refreshing as not all people have that, Sadie and James dont have the same memories and love.
This is a chilling slow burn book and then bam in the last few chapters you cant turn the pages quick enough, the ending seems to arrive so fast. The twists and turns in the last part i literally felt anxious to turn the pages. I must say Michelle does work wonders with each books she writes as they are very character driven and extremely complex. Dull and ordinary characters do not apply , and same can be said for the overall story.
Michelle Dunne's writing is very eerie, atmostpheric and unique is what i would say especially the story lines. Sadie is very different she see's peoples aura's and to be fair its a bit scary in that aspect, as a reader i found myself a bit mesmerised by her strangeness, we meet her brother James who is the caregiver. They have had a traumatic childhood to say the least! And if you wanting a happy storyline with normal upbringing then this book isnt for you as people literally wear their scars on the outside, some heal and some well they carry it round with them.
The story works between mainly Sadie and James, and you become to feel sorry for Sadie with her episodes and people just take pity on her and label her as the crazy one. James is exhausted as a caregiver , he has given his life up for Sadie, we do meet the friendly neighbours who again take pity on James and Sadie. I could never really tell where this storyline would end up you know as a reader its going to have some real history attached to it.
We meet the inner voice for Sadie which is very manic but almost logical and normal at times. She really doesnt trust James but as you dont get the full picture as the reader. James plays a blinding character literally , i dont want to say anymore. Theres some hard hitting scenes in this book its quite raw at points for Sadie. It will make you cherish your upbringing and make you realise how normal life can be refreshing as not all people have that, Sadie and James dont have the same memories and love.
This is a chilling slow burn book and then bam in the last few chapters you cant turn the pages quick enough, the ending seems to arrive so fast. The twists and turns in the last part i literally felt anxious to turn the pages. I must say Michelle does work wonders with each books she writes as they are very character driven and extremely complex. Dull and ordinary characters do not apply , and same can be said for the overall story.
June 3, 2026
Burning Secrets is the first Michelle Dunne book I’ve read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this, but it was much more than I could have imagined. I really enjoyed this dark, disturbing read.
This story is the perfect blend of mystery, tension and unease as we follow Sadie Kingston, who lives with her brother James in a quiet cul-de-sac in Cork Ireland, but Sadie is not like most people - she sees demons, colourful demons, the stronger their colour the more harmful they are. Since her parents died, she’s become a constant cause of concern for James. Due to her mental health problems, she’s been been called crazy, and labelled schizophrenic, bipolar or suffering from PSTD. Nobody seems to understand or believe her when she tells them that she can see their demons. When young transient men start to go missing, not turning up to the soup kitchen where she works as a volunteer, Sadie becomes a suspect. How can she make them see what’s happening?
This book lured me in with a slow burn pace at the start and then it seemed to burst into life and the tempo racked up and I couldn’t put it down. Sadie is such a compelling and interesting character, but I kept wondering if I could trust her - was she reliable? I also particularly enjoyed her relationship with Lisa Goodwin, and the supporting characters of Marissa and Myra, with their touches of humour adding a little levity. I did manage to guess who the culprit was, but still enjoyed the journey right up till the end, when everything came together nicely.
If you like your thrillers to have a clever structure, interesting characters and a dark psychological edge, this book is definitely worth reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
This story is the perfect blend of mystery, tension and unease as we follow Sadie Kingston, who lives with her brother James in a quiet cul-de-sac in Cork Ireland, but Sadie is not like most people - she sees demons, colourful demons, the stronger their colour the more harmful they are. Since her parents died, she’s become a constant cause of concern for James. Due to her mental health problems, she’s been been called crazy, and labelled schizophrenic, bipolar or suffering from PSTD. Nobody seems to understand or believe her when she tells them that she can see their demons. When young transient men start to go missing, not turning up to the soup kitchen where she works as a volunteer, Sadie becomes a suspect. How can she make them see what’s happening?
This book lured me in with a slow burn pace at the start and then it seemed to burst into life and the tempo racked up and I couldn’t put it down. Sadie is such a compelling and interesting character, but I kept wondering if I could trust her - was she reliable? I also particularly enjoyed her relationship with Lisa Goodwin, and the supporting characters of Marissa and Myra, with their touches of humour adding a little levity. I did manage to guess who the culprit was, but still enjoyed the journey right up till the end, when everything came together nicely.
If you like your thrillers to have a clever structure, interesting characters and a dark psychological edge, this book is definitely worth reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne gets 4 stars from me because even though I figured out a lot of the twists early on, I still couldn’t stop reading. It’s the literary equivalent of watching a slow-motion car crash driven entirely by terrible people making awful decisions and somehow believing they’re the victims.
The atmosphere is incredibly tense, dark, and unsettling, and Dunne absolutely knows how to keep the pages turning. Even when the plot became predictable, I was still fully invested because I needed to see how everything would implode. And implode it did.
What really stood out to me was the nonstop parade of horrible characters mistreating, manipulating, gaslighting, and generally bulldozing everyone around them. Seriously, this book could’ve been titled Consequences Are Coming, Babe. Every chapter had me wanting to shake someone and say, “You know this is going to come back on you eventually, right? Right?”
And honestly, watching some of it finally get thrown back at them was deeply satisfying. Not satisfying enough, though. I really wish we’d gotten more scenes where certain characters actually had to sit with what they’d done and face themselves I The fallout was good, but I wanted a little more emotional reckoning and less “welp, anyway.”
Still, despite seeing some reveals coming from miles away, the book was completely enthralling. The pacing moves fast, the tension never really lets up, and the sheer messiness of the characters keeps you hooked. If you like dark psychological thrillers full of toxic people making catastrophic choices, this one absolutely delivers. Just prepare to spend a lot of time yelling internally at everyone involved.
The atmosphere is incredibly tense, dark, and unsettling, and Dunne absolutely knows how to keep the pages turning. Even when the plot became predictable, I was still fully invested because I needed to see how everything would implode. And implode it did.
What really stood out to me was the nonstop parade of horrible characters mistreating, manipulating, gaslighting, and generally bulldozing everyone around them. Seriously, this book could’ve been titled Consequences Are Coming, Babe. Every chapter had me wanting to shake someone and say, “You know this is going to come back on you eventually, right? Right?”
And honestly, watching some of it finally get thrown back at them was deeply satisfying. Not satisfying enough, though. I really wish we’d gotten more scenes where certain characters actually had to sit with what they’d done and face themselves I The fallout was good, but I wanted a little more emotional reckoning and less “welp, anyway.”
Still, despite seeing some reveals coming from miles away, the book was completely enthralling. The pacing moves fast, the tension never really lets up, and the sheer messiness of the characters keeps you hooked. If you like dark psychological thrillers full of toxic people making catastrophic choices, this one absolutely delivers. Just prepare to spend a lot of time yelling internally at everyone involved.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Burning Secrets
Author: Michelle Dunne
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: June 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 319
Prologue starts with Sadie Kingston watching her childhood home in flames. A first responder asks her if there is anyone else inside.
Her thoughts are ~ There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.
Story starts -Four weeks earlier.
Everyone thinks Sadie Kingston isn’t normal. They believe she is bipolar or schizophrenic. Her strange behavior seemed to have started years ago when her parents died.
Sadie can see peoples’ demons as they glow in different colors, some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.
But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won't listen, she knows there will come a time when she'll be forced to act. If the people around her won't wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth.
I have read and loved Michelle Dunne stories so went into this with the expectation that I would love it. This was different than I expected -much deeper. Not my somewhat fun twisty psychological thriller but something to think about. When I finished, I thought - I am not sure if I love or hate this story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 3, 2026.
Author: Michelle Dunne
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: June 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 319
Prologue starts with Sadie Kingston watching her childhood home in flames. A first responder asks her if there is anyone else inside.
Her thoughts are ~ There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.
Story starts -Four weeks earlier.
Everyone thinks Sadie Kingston isn’t normal. They believe she is bipolar or schizophrenic. Her strange behavior seemed to have started years ago when her parents died.
Sadie can see peoples’ demons as they glow in different colors, some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.
But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won't listen, she knows there will come a time when she'll be forced to act. If the people around her won't wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth.
I have read and loved Michelle Dunne stories so went into this with the expectation that I would love it. This was different than I expected -much deeper. Not my somewhat fun twisty psychological thriller but something to think about. When I finished, I thought - I am not sure if I love or hate this story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early widget.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh. My. Gosh!!! Rounded up 4.5 🌟
This was a twisted, dark, creepy, questioning story! And although I might have guessed part of the ending, the WAY it was written really threw me for a loop!
The story centers around Sadie, who a bit odd. She is taken care of by her brother, James after her parents death. She sees demons around everyone- her neighbors, the people she works with at the food bank, her neighbors. As men from the food bank begin to go missing, Sadie has information to share about the demons, but no one will listen. She is a bit of an unreliable narrator! The atmosphere is dark, desperate, and has the reader questioning everyone!
As the investigations into the deaths move forward, many secrets and connections are revealed. The emotional depth of the characters was a bit deeper than in previous books that I have read by Dunne. I felt Sadie's frustration, and James' despair for being responsible for his sister. The gossipy and strange neighbors also added another level of apprehension to the story.
The themes that the story revolves around are mental health, shame, trust and carrying the burden of things that are never discussed. Dunne incorporates this through the story in a very authentic way that adds dimension to the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this tension filled story, and the final reveal ...😮
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
This was a twisted, dark, creepy, questioning story! And although I might have guessed part of the ending, the WAY it was written really threw me for a loop!
The story centers around Sadie, who a bit odd. She is taken care of by her brother, James after her parents death. She sees demons around everyone- her neighbors, the people she works with at the food bank, her neighbors. As men from the food bank begin to go missing, Sadie has information to share about the demons, but no one will listen. She is a bit of an unreliable narrator! The atmosphere is dark, desperate, and has the reader questioning everyone!
As the investigations into the deaths move forward, many secrets and connections are revealed. The emotional depth of the characters was a bit deeper than in previous books that I have read by Dunne. I felt Sadie's frustration, and James' despair for being responsible for his sister. The gossipy and strange neighbors also added another level of apprehension to the story.
The themes that the story revolves around are mental health, shame, trust and carrying the burden of things that are never discussed. Dunne incorporates this through the story in a very authentic way that adds dimension to the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this tension filled story, and the final reveal ...😮
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
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