The Hidden

by Sanna Brand

In the quiet wilds of Devon, Lady Amalie Northbrooke has carved out a life on her own terms—breeding her cherished basset hounds and protecting Mere Manor, the estate left to her by tragedy. Though unseasoned in society, she is no stranger to independence…until danger finds her.

When her long-absent brother, Lord Westlake, returns after eleven years, his homecoming should mend what time has stolen. Instead, his arrival unsettles her. Familiar places feel altered. Trusted routines begin to unravel. And loyalties she once took for granted begin to fracture.

A violent encounter draws Amalie into the orbit of Dr. Richard Cartwell, Lord Haven—steady, perceptive, and impossible to ignore. In his company, she catches her first glimpse of a world beyond the one she has always known—and of a connection as unexpected as it is undeniable.

Then Mere Manor's fragile peace is shattered by an unexplained death, and Amalie can no longer dismiss the quiet dread creeping through her home.

With only Dr. Cartwell as an unlikely ally, she is drawn into a web of secrets where every answer leads to greater danger, every shadow hides another threat, and someone is watching her far too closely.

Because the truth is not merely hidden.

It waits with claws and teeth.

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 23, 2026

About the author

Author also writes under Vicki Stiefel

Reviews

[Anna Boliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A yoga-practising Regency heroine! That is an unusual feature in this otherwise genre-adjacent story, brimming with pets, drama, disaster, and romance. We learn a bit about dog breeding, but mostly the main characters are thrown from one disaster into another. The twists and turns are reminiscent of the „gothic novels“ from the time period. But if you don't look at the plot too much under the microscope, it is a fast-paced, entertaining novel.

I received an arc copy from booksirens and all opinions are of my own.

[Lindalovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the first of this author's work that I've read. It won't be the last. The Hidden was very well written. The characters were engaging, not only Amalie and Richard, but also the more minor characters had depth and believability. The storyline was fast paced and action filled with unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and kept reading till well past the time when those with more respect for tomorrow were already asleep. I regret nothing. I recieved an advance copy of this book and am choosing to review.

[NelleRenn]

I enjoyed the read even with a few errors - one being a repeat of Hugh’s death. The two main characters do not care for the Ton society so are very believable. There is a fair amount of action - attempted murder and murder, attempted kidnapping, arson, fake identities. I enjoyed the immediate chemistry between the FMC and MMC. Her aunt and uncle seemed worthless. I enjoyed the animals and young Oliver. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.