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Dead Secret
From the author of the Harry Martinez thrillers comes a gripping psychological suspense novel. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Haynes and Gone Girl.
Two quick shots. One for him. One for you.
After the death of her three-year-old daughter, Jodie has nothing left to live for – or almost nothing.
She has one task to fulfil before she takes her own life. And that’s to kill the man she holds responsible for her daughter’s death – her seemingly perfect husband, Ethan.
But Ethan is hiding more than just his true nature. And as more horrifying secrets from his past emerge, Jodie’s strength will be pushed to the limit…
Two quick shots. One for him. One for you.
After the death of her three-year-old daughter, Jodie has nothing left to live for – or almost nothing.
She has one task to fulfil before she takes her own life. And that’s to kill the man she holds responsible for her daughter’s death – her seemingly perfect husband, Ethan.
But Ethan is hiding more than just his true nature. And as more horrifying secrets from his past emerge, Jodie’s strength will be pushed to the limit…
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2016
23 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 1, 2016
What and absolute crazy ride. This pulled me in and spat me out. I was so engrossed I didn't realize the clock ticking away and nothing was getting done at home.
This story had me literally sunk right into its pages.
There is nothing more thrilling than me to find a story of a child missing or kidnapped or whatever in a story because I just know there are going to be all kinds of emotions coming to the fore, not only for the characters but for me too and this surely happened whilst reading this.
The twist in its tail was spine chilling.
As you can see, I am certainly not going to write anything about the book that hasn't already been covers or spoil it for anyone.
The author is such a fab story teller I can't wait for more books from her.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door via Net Galley for my copy.
This story had me literally sunk right into its pages.
There is nothing more thrilling than me to find a story of a child missing or kidnapped or whatever in a story because I just know there are going to be all kinds of emotions coming to the fore, not only for the characters but for me too and this surely happened whilst reading this.
The twist in its tail was spine chilling.
As you can see, I am certainly not going to write anything about the book that hasn't already been covers or spoil it for anyone.
The author is such a fab story teller I can't wait for more books from her.
My thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction/Blue Door via Net Galley for my copy.
February 15, 2016
I had not heard of Ava McCarthy before picking up this book but I will definitely keep my eye out for more of her work, as a first time author she has done an excellent job with this story.
Jodie is a very tormented soul and living every mother's nightmare, her husband Ethan has killed her 3 year old daughter after she stated she intended to leave him and his abuse. Ethan is a narcissistic and truly evil person, Jodie makes a decision to take his life and then her own. Jodie's courage will be paramount as this story unfolds as Ethan still has many secrets that Jodie is not aware of and there is more tragedy ahead. This book just keeps throwing things at you, the tension and suspence of the story continue from beginning to end, an excellent read.
Jodie is a very tormented soul and living every mother's nightmare, her husband Ethan has killed her 3 year old daughter after she stated she intended to leave him and his abuse. Ethan is a narcissistic and truly evil person, Jodie makes a decision to take his life and then her own. Jodie's courage will be paramount as this story unfolds as Ethan still has many secrets that Jodie is not aware of and there is more tragedy ahead. This book just keeps throwing things at you, the tension and suspence of the story continue from beginning to end, an excellent read.
January 4, 2016
A fast paced thriller which I read in a day.
January 7, 2016
Reviewed on www.snazzybooks.com
Dead Secret by Ava McCarthy combines suspense, mystery and action to create a really great debut novel. I was so impressed at Ava McCarthy’s writing throughout this novel; although I don’t have children myself the writing made me put myself in her shoes and imagine what she must be feeling. Jodie’s desperation at times was really powerful and I truly hated her husband the more I read about how he treated her. McCarthy portrayed this behaviour in what I imagine is a very convincing way, and managed to create realistic characters that I wanted to read more about, and cared what happened to. I felt that the ending was also well-written, satisfying and quite plausible too.
The storyline moves along at a good pace and really kept my interest- I didn’t want to put it down! It had enough twists and turns to surprise me, without straying too far into unbelievable territory.I can't say much more as I don't want to ruin any of it for future readers!
Overall I am hugely impressed with Dead Secret and am looking forward to reading more by this author- if other work is anywhere near as good as this one then I’m sold! :)
*Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.*
Dead Secret by Ava McCarthy combines suspense, mystery and action to create a really great debut novel. I was so impressed at Ava McCarthy’s writing throughout this novel; although I don’t have children myself the writing made me put myself in her shoes and imagine what she must be feeling. Jodie’s desperation at times was really powerful and I truly hated her husband the more I read about how he treated her. McCarthy portrayed this behaviour in what I imagine is a very convincing way, and managed to create realistic characters that I wanted to read more about, and cared what happened to. I felt that the ending was also well-written, satisfying and quite plausible too.
The storyline moves along at a good pace and really kept my interest- I didn’t want to put it down! It had enough twists and turns to surprise me, without straying too far into unbelievable territory.I can't say much more as I don't want to ruin any of it for future readers!
Overall I am hugely impressed with Dead Secret and am looking forward to reading more by this author- if other work is anywhere near as good as this one then I’m sold! :)
*Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.*
January 7, 2016
Abby, her three year old daughter is dead. Jodie wants to end her life but she has one more thing she has to do: kill the person responsible for her daughter`s death, her husband Ethan. She succeeds but she`s still alive and now in jail. While in prison, she discovers that Ethan had a lot of secrets and Jodie will try discover who her husband really was.
Jodie is a great character. In the beginning she was weak because she had nothing to live for but then she became this strong heroine who you had to root for until the end. She lived in a town where people respected her husband and when she tried to get help, her charming husband made sure that the town would turn their back on her.
Novak, a journalist who has been hounding her for awhile to speak to her gets a chance to give a piece of information that makes her go forward in her quest for the truth. Even though Novak has some personal problems, he`s there to help her and the pairing if these two characters was perfect.
This book has violence especially abuse, this kind of story can happen to anyone, which might upset some readers but it was integral for the story to understand some of the characters.
It was a gripping, thrilling book. The writing was on point. Some parts were a little bit slow but then it became this fast paced thriller that you couldn`t let go. A lot of twists happen, some are predictable but most of them were total surprises. This is a dark story and you feel if for the moment that you start reading it, her description of the characters and the setting made the book more real and easy to visualize.
This was my first time reading Ava McCarthy and she did not disappoint.
January 14, 2016
This was the first book I had read by this author and it certainly won't be the last! It was a fabulous fast paced novel with a killer plot that came as a real surprise to me and that doesn't happen often.
Jodie feels like life shouldn't go on after the loss of her 3 year old daughter so plans to kill her controlling husband and then herself. Her suicide fails though and she finds herself in prison for her husband's murder. After a couple of years a journalist contacts her-with information that makes Jodie reassess everything she believes in. Jodie is a fabulous character-feisty, strong and courageous. She sets off on a single minded quest for answers with Novak, a washed up reporter with his own personal problems. This would make a great screenplay-murder, prison, shocking disclosures and fabulous locations-what more could you ask for? I could visualise it all.
A highly recommended 4* for this great thriller and I think it will be one of the big bestsellers in 2016.
I received a copy of the book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Jodie feels like life shouldn't go on after the loss of her 3 year old daughter so plans to kill her controlling husband and then herself. Her suicide fails though and she finds herself in prison for her husband's murder. After a couple of years a journalist contacts her-with information that makes Jodie reassess everything she believes in. Jodie is a fabulous character-feisty, strong and courageous. She sets off on a single minded quest for answers with Novak, a washed up reporter with his own personal problems. This would make a great screenplay-murder, prison, shocking disclosures and fabulous locations-what more could you ask for? I could visualise it all.
A highly recommended 4* for this great thriller and I think it will be one of the big bestsellers in 2016.
I received a copy of the book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
February 27, 2016
I already knew this author from her previous work with the hugely successful Henrietta 'Harry' Martinez series. It has been a while since those three books were released so I was keen to read this latest offering, Dead Secret, promoted as a standalone pyschological thriller.
It is as good as those other novels currently around in this genre that deal with when relationships go sour. The tagline here is "How well do you know your husband".
The premise being that Ethan, Jodie's 'perfect' husband is controlling and potentially what is known as a family annihilator after killing their daughter when Jodie threatened to leave him.
The book starts with Jodie's final plans to get a gun; use just two bullets. One for him before turning the gun on herself.
That could have been the end of the story. But Jodie wakes up in prison. On suicide watch with nothing to live for; indeed saving up meds to finish the job when she gets a visit that may change her outlook and provide a new motive not just to live but break out of prison.
The book is clear throughout of the broken background of Jodie and her traumatic upbringing but as she is led to investigate this, further new insights lead her to understand why we do the things we do. Posed with the thought that she could revisit events and save her daughter or not shoot her husband, the book questions, can we change? or are we predisposed in our genes.
A true thriller, a deep mystery and a moving story of the darkness in some families and its influences down the generations. I loved the link with art as an expression beyond words and how a picture can change your life. Beautifully written even when describing the brutality of prison or the abuse towards children.
Jodie goes on an incredible journey, one that Ava has been so clever, to plot in this narrative that is about survival and redemption. It is as baffling as a complicated jigsaw and as rewarding when that last piece slots in, all is complete and the story makes total sense, everything links together.
It is as good as those other novels currently around in this genre that deal with when relationships go sour. The tagline here is "How well do you know your husband".
The premise being that Ethan, Jodie's 'perfect' husband is controlling and potentially what is known as a family annihilator after killing their daughter when Jodie threatened to leave him.
The book starts with Jodie's final plans to get a gun; use just two bullets. One for him before turning the gun on herself.
That could have been the end of the story. But Jodie wakes up in prison. On suicide watch with nothing to live for; indeed saving up meds to finish the job when she gets a visit that may change her outlook and provide a new motive not just to live but break out of prison.
The book is clear throughout of the broken background of Jodie and her traumatic upbringing but as she is led to investigate this, further new insights lead her to understand why we do the things we do. Posed with the thought that she could revisit events and save her daughter or not shoot her husband, the book questions, can we change? or are we predisposed in our genes.
A true thriller, a deep mystery and a moving story of the darkness in some families and its influences down the generations. I loved the link with art as an expression beyond words and how a picture can change your life. Beautifully written even when describing the brutality of prison or the abuse towards children.
Jodie goes on an incredible journey, one that Ava has been so clever, to plot in this narrative that is about survival and redemption. It is as baffling as a complicated jigsaw and as rewarding when that last piece slots in, all is complete and the story makes total sense, everything links together.
November 15, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Ethan, Jodie and little Abby an apparently typical family but behind closed doors all is not as it seems.
Ethan is a top lawyer, suave and good looking but also controlling and manipulative. Their marriage is breaking down, Jodie wants a divorce but when Ethan finds out her plans he murders their little girl. No longer able to carry on and with seemingly no other option she takes a gun and goes after the man she once loved...
The twists and turns within this book will have you reeling but thoroughly gripped. The quality of the writing takes you to where Jodie is, you feel every emotion.
Will all the secrets come tumbling out and if they do, are you really ready to face them?
Amazingly I've never read anything by this author before, I need to rectify that.
Ethan, Jodie and little Abby an apparently typical family but behind closed doors all is not as it seems.
Ethan is a top lawyer, suave and good looking but also controlling and manipulative. Their marriage is breaking down, Jodie wants a divorce but when Ethan finds out her plans he murders their little girl. No longer able to carry on and with seemingly no other option she takes a gun and goes after the man she once loved...
The twists and turns within this book will have you reeling but thoroughly gripped. The quality of the writing takes you to where Jodie is, you feel every emotion.
Will all the secrets come tumbling out and if they do, are you really ready to face them?
Amazingly I've never read anything by this author before, I need to rectify that.
January 12, 2016
This is one of the most distinguished mystery thrillers I read. The book starts with the very deep and profound grief of Jodie, the wife of a very self-centered controlling husband Ethan. She is in such a disturbed state that nothing matters to her anymore. Having lost all that matters to her, she is focused on one thing – REVENGE – and she is determined to do it now taking her own life too as a finale for that sad revenge.
Now, things don’t quite go as planned and Jodie has to face the aftermath of her revenge action in prison. While Jodie still has no reason to go on, she is focused on one thing. That is completing what she failed on the previous time. Taking her own life. She can endure anything to reach that goal.
However, a sudden visit by a young reporter, whom she was very unwilling to meet at first, changes everything. Ethan, as monstrous as she thought he was, still had a darker side that she never knew. Suddenly her reasons to end her own life become her every reason to live. Jodie is now determined to get to the bottom of those secrets at any cost. Her revenge should be complete and she can’t do that before getting to the whole truth. In a series of events, the plot unfolds taking you through much unexpected twists and turns. Yet there is still a very dark secret - the darkest secret that Jodie has to face.
I really loved and enjoyed this mystery thriller. You might think that the plot has nothing new. I might agree that there are other thrillers having the same start. Yet, the brilliance of this thriller is in the fact that Ava McCarthy managed to come out with a very unique thriller out of a plot that might seem at first a common one. What I loved about this thriller other than the plot – which I loved so much – was Ava’s storytelling. Ava is very talented at planning her twists and turns. She knows exactly how and when to come up with a twist and reveal a secret. She held my interest right from the start. I couldn’t even blink. So many times I thought to myself I was smart enough to expect what comes next. Yet, I was wrong. Ava took me by surprise. I never saw it coming.
From my point of view, this is a very interesting fast paced thriller. A real page turner. I think it can be one of the best thrillers in 2016.
** Special thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for supplying my copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review **
Now, things don’t quite go as planned and Jodie has to face the aftermath of her revenge action in prison. While Jodie still has no reason to go on, she is focused on one thing. That is completing what she failed on the previous time. Taking her own life. She can endure anything to reach that goal.
However, a sudden visit by a young reporter, whom she was very unwilling to meet at first, changes everything. Ethan, as monstrous as she thought he was, still had a darker side that she never knew. Suddenly her reasons to end her own life become her every reason to live. Jodie is now determined to get to the bottom of those secrets at any cost. Her revenge should be complete and she can’t do that before getting to the whole truth. In a series of events, the plot unfolds taking you through much unexpected twists and turns. Yet there is still a very dark secret - the darkest secret that Jodie has to face.
I really loved and enjoyed this mystery thriller. You might think that the plot has nothing new. I might agree that there are other thrillers having the same start. Yet, the brilliance of this thriller is in the fact that Ava McCarthy managed to come out with a very unique thriller out of a plot that might seem at first a common one. What I loved about this thriller other than the plot – which I loved so much – was Ava’s storytelling. Ava is very talented at planning her twists and turns. She knows exactly how and when to come up with a twist and reveal a secret. She held my interest right from the start. I couldn’t even blink. So many times I thought to myself I was smart enough to expect what comes next. Yet, I was wrong. Ava took me by surprise. I never saw it coming.
From my point of view, this is a very interesting fast paced thriller. A real page turner. I think it can be one of the best thrillers in 2016.
** Special thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for supplying my copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review **
December 4, 2015
Dead Secret
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Uk for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!
I finished this book very fast, I couldn't put it down. I read while cooking, cleaning, ironing...!! I have never read anything by this author before but this won't be the last book I read of hers.
Dead Secret tells the story of Jodie, a young woman who decides to take the ultimate revenge on her torturous husband, after she discovers that he is responsible for the death of their daughter.
As Jodie's story progresses, you find yourself experiencing the numerous twists and turns with her. This is an intense read that had me holding my breath more times than I can remember! The author really draws you in to Jodie's world, it makes you feel a whole host of emotions with her, even now I am still thinking about Jodie!
This book has twists and turns that just keep coming. A couple of them I saw coming, but the majority I didn't, and the ending absolutely blew me away. Ava McCarthy deserves to have a huge hit with this book, a psychological thriller well worth picking up! 5* plus from me!
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Uk for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!
I finished this book very fast, I couldn't put it down. I read while cooking, cleaning, ironing...!! I have never read anything by this author before but this won't be the last book I read of hers.
Dead Secret tells the story of Jodie, a young woman who decides to take the ultimate revenge on her torturous husband, after she discovers that he is responsible for the death of their daughter.
As Jodie's story progresses, you find yourself experiencing the numerous twists and turns with her. This is an intense read that had me holding my breath more times than I can remember! The author really draws you in to Jodie's world, it makes you feel a whole host of emotions with her, even now I am still thinking about Jodie!
This book has twists and turns that just keep coming. A couple of them I saw coming, but the majority I didn't, and the ending absolutely blew me away. Ava McCarthy deserves to have a huge hit with this book, a psychological thriller well worth picking up! 5* plus from me!
July 25, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Eva McCarthy, but it certainly won’t be my last! Dead secrets is one of those books that pulls you in from the opening chapter. It’s dark and so very twisted! Jodie has nothing to live for, her daughter has been murdered by her husband, and she has only one wish, to kill her husband Ethan, and then herself. When Horrifying secrets emerge regarding Ethan, Jodie’s strength is pushed to the limits, like any good plot there are many twist and turns along the way.
I really liked Eva’s writing style and the plot flowed along seamlessly. Although a child being murdered is a difficult subject to deal with, Eva manages to do so in a sensitive manner. As a parent myself it wasn’t difficult to see why Jodie would want revenge on her husband, and the reasons behind the killing unfortunately are very plausible.
Eva has created characters that are very believable, In the beginning Jodie appears weak, but considering the circumstances she finds herself in its hardly surprising. Jodie is hell bent on revenge, and over time this makes her a stronger and very resourceful character. I also liked the way her relationship developed with Novak an out of work journalist, who helps Jodie find out the truth about her husband. I found Ethan to be a despicable, a manipulative monster, who commits the most horrendous crimes, and the way he justified them chilled me to the bone. Another theme that runs alongside the main plot is Jodie’s determination to find answers to her own troubled past, answers she may wish she left buried.
Dead Secret is a hell of a read, it’s a difficult book to review as I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Ava builds the threads of what appears to be a very straight forward plot, but then when you are least expecting it, the strands unravel leaving the reader shocked at the turn of events. The ending is unexpected to say the least, with red herrings galore. Dead secret is a fantastic read, it’s nail biting, shocking and heart stopping, and certainly a must read for fans of crime and psychological thrillers
I really liked Eva’s writing style and the plot flowed along seamlessly. Although a child being murdered is a difficult subject to deal with, Eva manages to do so in a sensitive manner. As a parent myself it wasn’t difficult to see why Jodie would want revenge on her husband, and the reasons behind the killing unfortunately are very plausible.
Eva has created characters that are very believable, In the beginning Jodie appears weak, but considering the circumstances she finds herself in its hardly surprising. Jodie is hell bent on revenge, and over time this makes her a stronger and very resourceful character. I also liked the way her relationship developed with Novak an out of work journalist, who helps Jodie find out the truth about her husband. I found Ethan to be a despicable, a manipulative monster, who commits the most horrendous crimes, and the way he justified them chilled me to the bone. Another theme that runs alongside the main plot is Jodie’s determination to find answers to her own troubled past, answers she may wish she left buried.
Dead Secret is a hell of a read, it’s a difficult book to review as I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but Ava builds the threads of what appears to be a very straight forward plot, but then when you are least expecting it, the strands unravel leaving the reader shocked at the turn of events. The ending is unexpected to say the least, with red herrings galore. Dead secret is a fantastic read, it’s nail biting, shocking and heart stopping, and certainly a must read for fans of crime and psychological thrillers
January 28, 2016
When I begun Dead Secret, I hadn’t paid too much attention to the blurb, which I was really grateful for when reading this as I think it really added to the mysterious and thrilling nature of the novel – I really had no idea what to expect or what was coming! I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this novel and managed to plough through it in just a couple of hours.
I really warmed to the main character and I was so hoping she hadn’t committed the crime she supposedly had. I really sympathised with her and the predicament in which she found herself. I was on her side throughout and I really cared that she was okay! This is not a common emotion for me as a reader and I think it really marks the talent of an author to inflict such strong emotions towards their protagonists in the reader.
The only less positive thing I felt about the novel was regarding the ending. I wasn’t too sure how I felt about it.. I don’t know if it perhaps felt less authentic than I was hoping or it’s just I was expecting something else, but it just didn’t feel quite right to me. Although I did like that I was caught off guard, whether I liked it or not!
I would, and have already(!), recommend this to anyone who usually likes a page turning thriller that’s impossible to put down! Many thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review a copy of this novel for my blog.
https://sarakettleborough.wordpress.c...
I really warmed to the main character and I was so hoping she hadn’t committed the crime she supposedly had. I really sympathised with her and the predicament in which she found herself. I was on her side throughout and I really cared that she was okay! This is not a common emotion for me as a reader and I think it really marks the talent of an author to inflict such strong emotions towards their protagonists in the reader.
The only less positive thing I felt about the novel was regarding the ending. I wasn’t too sure how I felt about it.. I don’t know if it perhaps felt less authentic than I was hoping or it’s just I was expecting something else, but it just didn’t feel quite right to me. Although I did like that I was caught off guard, whether I liked it or not!
I would, and have already(!), recommend this to anyone who usually likes a page turning thriller that’s impossible to put down! Many thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review a copy of this novel for my blog.
https://sarakettleborough.wordpress.c...
January 29, 2016
Wow! Ava McCarthy really knows how to keep a reader in suspense!
Dead Secret begins with Jodie deciding she's going to kill her controlling husband, Ethan, then kill herself. She has nothing left to live for as Ethan killed their 3 year old daughter - his way of punishing her for threatening to leave him. He could have killed her, but he knows that taking away her daughter is the most effective way of making her suffer for the rest of her life.
I immediately sympathised with Jodie. As a mother I can imagine the pain she must have been in. I wouldn't want to live either.
However, Jodie's suicide is unsuccessful so she find herself in prison for murdering her husband. She is determined to end it though, just as soon as she gets the chance. That is until she gets a visit from a journalist called Novak.....
This book kept me glued to my Paperwhite every chance I got. I was routing for Jodie the whole time, desperate to find out the truth as much as she is. I did guess part of what was coming and I thought I had it sussed, but I was so wrong. A shocking twist towards the end. I was gobsmacked!
The final pages had me in tears. Just brilliant!
I highly recommend to anyone who likes an excellent psychological suspense novel.
I will be adding Ava's other books to my to-be-read list.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my kindle copy.
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
Dead Secret begins with Jodie deciding she's going to kill her controlling husband, Ethan, then kill herself. She has nothing left to live for as Ethan killed their 3 year old daughter - his way of punishing her for threatening to leave him. He could have killed her, but he knows that taking away her daughter is the most effective way of making her suffer for the rest of her life.
I immediately sympathised with Jodie. As a mother I can imagine the pain she must have been in. I wouldn't want to live either.
However, Jodie's suicide is unsuccessful so she find herself in prison for murdering her husband. She is determined to end it though, just as soon as she gets the chance. That is until she gets a visit from a journalist called Novak.....
This book kept me glued to my Paperwhite every chance I got. I was routing for Jodie the whole time, desperate to find out the truth as much as she is. I did guess part of what was coming and I thought I had it sussed, but I was so wrong. A shocking twist towards the end. I was gobsmacked!
The final pages had me in tears. Just brilliant!
I highly recommend to anyone who likes an excellent psychological suspense novel.
I will be adding Ava's other books to my to-be-read list.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my kindle copy.
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
February 1, 2016
After the death of Jodie's three-year-old daughter Abby, she has nothing to live for. She had been fighting her husband Ethan for so long. Fighting for freedom. Freedom to work and be independent, freedom for Abby to make friends outside the house, freedom for herself to do the same, freedom to sell her paintings. And more recently, the freedom to leave. There was nothing left for Jodie to fight for now that Abby was dead. If it wasn't for Ethan three-year-old Abby would be still be alive. Jodie has a gun and coming after her husband. With nail-biting moments drawing near, would Jodie be able to pull the trigger?.
January 24, 2016
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review this fab book
This was my first Ava McCarthy novel but it certainly won't be my last. I loved her writing style, the build up of the characters, the dizzying plot and pace of this story. Dead Secret is a fabulously tense book which kept me turning the pages even though it was, in parts, uncomfortable to read. It was clever, well constructed and the ending was a total stomach churning surprise, which doesn't often happen to me!
A highly recommended 4* for this great psychological thriller
This was my first Ava McCarthy novel but it certainly won't be my last. I loved her writing style, the build up of the characters, the dizzying plot and pace of this story. Dead Secret is a fabulously tense book which kept me turning the pages even though it was, in parts, uncomfortable to read. It was clever, well constructed and the ending was a total stomach churning surprise, which doesn't often happen to me!
A highly recommended 4* for this great psychological thriller
February 16, 2018
A thriller which unravels into something truly remarkable. The twists were unbelievable. This book ended up flooring me (metaphorically, of course).
January 20, 2016
Some characters are truly evil but McCarthy takes it to a totally new level
I absolutely love Ava McCarthy’s novels; when it comes to crime thrillers she really delivers and this is no exception.
The book opens with Jodie McCall loading her husband Ethan’s gun, prior to shooting him in the head, after which she plans to kill herself. The scene is set with Jodie going to intercept her husband at the 4th July fireworks and her interactions as she encounters neighbours are not friendly; people are suspicious of her, branding her as having ‘lost it’. It is generally believed that Jodie needs help.
They are right, she does need help, but not the kind Ethan tries to impose on her. Jodie is damaged by her early life as an orphan passed from one foster home to another, where she is abused, and never believed. With Ethan she believes she has found love and a safe life with a good man. But Ethan changes when their daughter Abby is born, and Jodie finds herself in a whole new hell where her daughter is used against her until something truly evil, truly monstrous takes place and she believes her only option is to kill her husband.
In part two the story moves to the prison where she is serving a life sentence for murder and is trying to stockpile painkillers to kill herself. She can see no future until she agrees to meet with a journalist, Matt Novak, who brings her a shocking revelation which changes everything.
I didn’t just love this book, I LOVED it and couldn’t put it down. McCarthy has drawn full characters which come right off the page. You can feel the evil, the pain, the hopelessness, the loss and the hate. You just have to keep on reading, missing meals, bedtime and other unnecessary distractions. It is a book you have to get to the end of but don’t want to finish.
It really is that good and I fully recommend it if you have a couple of free days to lock yourself away from the word and immerse yourself. Even if you haven’t got the time, do what you must, take a sickie, palm the kids off on the grandparents, develop a deadly disease but READ IT!!!!
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
I absolutely love Ava McCarthy’s novels; when it comes to crime thrillers she really delivers and this is no exception.
The book opens with Jodie McCall loading her husband Ethan’s gun, prior to shooting him in the head, after which she plans to kill herself. The scene is set with Jodie going to intercept her husband at the 4th July fireworks and her interactions as she encounters neighbours are not friendly; people are suspicious of her, branding her as having ‘lost it’. It is generally believed that Jodie needs help.
They are right, she does need help, but not the kind Ethan tries to impose on her. Jodie is damaged by her early life as an orphan passed from one foster home to another, where she is abused, and never believed. With Ethan she believes she has found love and a safe life with a good man. But Ethan changes when their daughter Abby is born, and Jodie finds herself in a whole new hell where her daughter is used against her until something truly evil, truly monstrous takes place and she believes her only option is to kill her husband.
In part two the story moves to the prison where she is serving a life sentence for murder and is trying to stockpile painkillers to kill herself. She can see no future until she agrees to meet with a journalist, Matt Novak, who brings her a shocking revelation which changes everything.
I didn’t just love this book, I LOVED it and couldn’t put it down. McCarthy has drawn full characters which come right off the page. You can feel the evil, the pain, the hopelessness, the loss and the hate. You just have to keep on reading, missing meals, bedtime and other unnecessary distractions. It is a book you have to get to the end of but don’t want to finish.
It really is that good and I fully recommend it if you have a couple of free days to lock yourself away from the word and immerse yourself. Even if you haven’t got the time, do what you must, take a sickie, palm the kids off on the grandparents, develop a deadly disease but READ IT!!!!
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
January 10, 2016
Ethan McCall is a disturbing individual. From the start of Dead Secret he is manipulative, controlling, and obsessive, but it isn't until the ending of the novel that we truly see how monstrous he is.
After killing his own daughter his wife Jodie is determined to take both Ethan's life and her own - after all she has nothing to live for. Her husband is a murderer and her daughter is dead. But something goes horribly wrong and Jodie lives.
Years later from her prison cell via Novak a struggling journalist, Jodie learns the unthinkable, that Ethan may not be dead after all....
Jodie knows that she must find out the truth, because if there is any doubt that her husband is still alive whilst she is rotting in her jail, then she wants him dead.
Jodie successfully escapes prison after a disturbing incident with a fellow prisoner and enlists Novak's help on the other side to try and find her husband. A terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues as Jodie pieces together her husband's life after his 'murder'.
But is Jodie ready to face the truth? For it is more disturbing that anyone could have imagined.
Dead Secret is a wonderful fast paced thriller that makes for uncomfortable reading at times, it's conclusion left me reeling, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
After killing his own daughter his wife Jodie is determined to take both Ethan's life and her own - after all she has nothing to live for. Her husband is a murderer and her daughter is dead. But something goes horribly wrong and Jodie lives.
Years later from her prison cell via Novak a struggling journalist, Jodie learns the unthinkable, that Ethan may not be dead after all....
Jodie knows that she must find out the truth, because if there is any doubt that her husband is still alive whilst she is rotting in her jail, then she wants him dead.
Jodie successfully escapes prison after a disturbing incident with a fellow prisoner and enlists Novak's help on the other side to try and find her husband. A terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues as Jodie pieces together her husband's life after his 'murder'.
But is Jodie ready to face the truth? For it is more disturbing that anyone could have imagined.
Dead Secret is a wonderful fast paced thriller that makes for uncomfortable reading at times, it's conclusion left me reeling, and I can't wait to read more from this author.
January 19, 2016
Dead Secret is one of those books that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags you along for the ride. Jodie is an artist and housewife. When she threatens to leave her psychologically abusive husband Ethan he murders their daughter just to punish her. Shaken by the realisation that she really had married a monster, Jodie kills him.
Convicted of murder she is two years into her prison sentence when she is contacted by a reporter who wants to talk to her about her husband, about her crime. Reluctantly she agrees and then her world gets turned upside down. Everything that she believed or thought she knew about her husband was a lie. Even his death...
I really liked the writing style on this book- it just made for compulsive reading and you felt like you had to keep turning the pages. As such its quite a quick read because you just want to keep going until you find out what happens. The characters and situations are so well written that I can't believe that I haven't come across Ava McCarthy before.
Supplied by Net Galley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Convicted of murder she is two years into her prison sentence when she is contacted by a reporter who wants to talk to her about her husband, about her crime. Reluctantly she agrees and then her world gets turned upside down. Everything that she believed or thought she knew about her husband was a lie. Even his death...
I really liked the writing style on this book- it just made for compulsive reading and you felt like you had to keep turning the pages. As such its quite a quick read because you just want to keep going until you find out what happens. The characters and situations are so well written that I can't believe that I haven't come across Ava McCarthy before.
Supplied by Net Galley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of Dead Secret.
Following the death of her 3 year old daughter, Jodie has nothing left to lose or to live for, other than to kill the man she holds responsible for her death, her "perfect" husband Ethan.
I don't want to go into the plot of the book as there are so many twists and turns and shocks that I wouldn't want to give anything away.
I read this book in less than a day - I couldn't put it down. It is a taut roller coaster of a ride! You feel Jodie's pain as something tangible within the pages as she contemplates life without her daughter and the control her manipulative and abusive husband held over her. This book will have you gasping for breath and I could not have predicted the ending - it blew me away, so many secrets are revealed throughout the book that you just cannot put it down. This is definitely going to be one to watch in 2016
Following the death of her 3 year old daughter, Jodie has nothing left to lose or to live for, other than to kill the man she holds responsible for her death, her "perfect" husband Ethan.
I don't want to go into the plot of the book as there are so many twists and turns and shocks that I wouldn't want to give anything away.
I read this book in less than a day - I couldn't put it down. It is a taut roller coaster of a ride! You feel Jodie's pain as something tangible within the pages as she contemplates life without her daughter and the control her manipulative and abusive husband held over her. This book will have you gasping for breath and I could not have predicted the ending - it blew me away, so many secrets are revealed throughout the book that you just cannot put it down. This is definitely going to be one to watch in 2016
December 27, 2015
Jodie plans to kill her husband and then kill herself. She feels she has nothing left to live for. Her 3 year old daughter has died probably at the hands of husband Ethan who is cruel and controlling man. Her plan doesn't succeed and she finds herself in prison instead. What follows next is one twist and turn after another.
This is a cleverly written story with no wasted pages of narrative. You really feel that every word matters. The characters are well written and unusual. I really enjoyed this story but my only criticism is that the fast pace of the story meant that at times I felt things were a little too hurried.
I am grateful to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cleverly written story with no wasted pages of narrative. You really feel that every word matters. The characters are well written and unusual. I really enjoyed this story but my only criticism is that the fast pace of the story meant that at times I felt things were a little too hurried.
I am grateful to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
I was lucky to get an ARC of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
Jodie really wanted to kill her husband and then kill herself and she thought she had it planned so well but not everything goes to plan, She was married to Ethan who was sytematically undermining her and after the death of their daughter Abby who Ethan admitted killing, she felt she had nothing to lose. It seems Ethan has yet more secrets to reveal and it sets Jodie on a roller coaster path that she can't seem to stop, or is it she doesn't want to. A really good book and in some parts so realistic that you can feel the pain and bewilderment of the characters, it will have you gripped to the very end and then you remember to breathe.
Jodie really wanted to kill her husband and then kill herself and she thought she had it planned so well but not everything goes to plan, She was married to Ethan who was sytematically undermining her and after the death of their daughter Abby who Ethan admitted killing, she felt she had nothing to lose. It seems Ethan has yet more secrets to reveal and it sets Jodie on a roller coaster path that she can't seem to stop, or is it she doesn't want to. A really good book and in some parts so realistic that you can feel the pain and bewilderment of the characters, it will have you gripped to the very end and then you remember to breathe.
November 8, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Jodie plans to leave her controlling husband Ethan, he exacts the ultimate revenge by killing their 3 year old daughter. Jodie, feeling life is not worth living without her daughter, vows to kill him then kill herself.
However, all is not as it seems and the resulting story is a rollercoaster of cat and mouse chases, family secrets, lies, abuse, retribution and revenge. There are many twists and turns and quite a few shocking revelations, a really well written book thats keeps you turning the page.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will definitely seek out more of hers to read.
When Jodie plans to leave her controlling husband Ethan, he exacts the ultimate revenge by killing their 3 year old daughter. Jodie, feeling life is not worth living without her daughter, vows to kill him then kill herself.
However, all is not as it seems and the resulting story is a rollercoaster of cat and mouse chases, family secrets, lies, abuse, retribution and revenge. There are many twists and turns and quite a few shocking revelations, a really well written book thats keeps you turning the page.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will definitely seek out more of hers to read.
January 21, 2016
Wow!!!! This is the first book that I've read by Ava McCarthy, and definitely not the last. It was a roller coaster of a read that completely had me enthralled with it. The characters are strong, well written and believable. I was thrown head first into the story and shocked with astonishment by the end. I did not see that massive twist coming at all!
I would like to thank the author, her publishers and Net Galley for letting me read "Dead Secret". It was an intricately woven book that I absolutely loved.
I would like to thank the author, her publishers and Net Galley for letting me read "Dead Secret". It was an intricately woven book that I absolutely loved.
February 27, 2016
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
Ava McCarthy has written an excellent psychological thriller, I found the book to be a well thought out plot, with excellent descriptions and emotions, and is written in an easy flowing style.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a great psychological thriller and I will certainly read more by Ava McCarthy.
Ava McCarthy has written an excellent psychological thriller, I found the book to be a well thought out plot, with excellent descriptions and emotions, and is written in an easy flowing style.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a great psychological thriller and I will certainly read more by Ava McCarthy.
December 8, 2015
I was engrossed from the beginning i loved everything about this book, it was well written, loved the characters, and great great story line. There was plenty to keep me riveted. When i thought i had it figured out there there was another twist. Cant wait to read the next book
February 6, 2021
Calvin Harris aka Love Regenerator wrote the lyric Its a strange game, you and me play and it’s one hell of a strange game Ethan has been playing whilst he’s been married to Jodie. He is a proper ‘Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde‘.
Discovered the extent of Ethan’s lies was like opening up a Russian doll. I thought the secrets couldn’t get any worse and then poof, there’s another one hiding just waiting to shock poor Jodie. But she’s no longer the weak wife he left behind. She’s toughened up, she’s had to…
I really couldn’t see where this story was heading and oh my, that climax. Bejeezus!!! I can’t say anything more than that – I was left reeling after I’d finished the book. After devoured it in one sitting on a Sunday evening, I couldn’t think about anything but what I’d just read. I was just gobsmacked at just how twisted Ava McCarthy’s mind is. If this book is anything to go by, I really need to met Harry Martinez!! I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys their psychological thriller in an extreme dark and twisted state!
Discovered the extent of Ethan’s lies was like opening up a Russian doll. I thought the secrets couldn’t get any worse and then poof, there’s another one hiding just waiting to shock poor Jodie. But she’s no longer the weak wife he left behind. She’s toughened up, she’s had to…
I really couldn’t see where this story was heading and oh my, that climax. Bejeezus!!! I can’t say anything more than that – I was left reeling after I’d finished the book. After devoured it in one sitting on a Sunday evening, I couldn’t think about anything but what I’d just read. I was just gobsmacked at just how twisted Ava McCarthy’s mind is. If this book is anything to go by, I really need to met Harry Martinez!! I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys their psychological thriller in an extreme dark and twisted state!
September 24, 2017
Dead secret by ava mccarthy.
Two quick shots. One for him. One for you.
After the death of her three-year-old daughter, Jodie has nothing left to live for – or almost nothing.
She has one task to fulfil before she takes her own life. And that’s to kill the man she holds responsible for her daughter’s death – her seemingly perfect husband, Ethan.
But Ethan is hiding more than just his true nature. And as more horrifying secrets from his past emerge, Jodie’s strength will be pushed to the limit…
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Really had me thinking. 5*. Highly recommended. Netgalley and harper Collins UK harper fiction /blue door.
Two quick shots. One for him. One for you.
After the death of her three-year-old daughter, Jodie has nothing left to live for – or almost nothing.
She has one task to fulfil before she takes her own life. And that’s to kill the man she holds responsible for her daughter’s death – her seemingly perfect husband, Ethan.
But Ethan is hiding more than just his true nature. And as more horrifying secrets from his past emerge, Jodie’s strength will be pushed to the limit…
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. Really had me thinking. 5*. Highly recommended. Netgalley and harper Collins UK harper fiction /blue door.
April 15, 2023
Viete si predstaviť pocit, že vám niekto ublíži tak veľmi, že vás dotyčný pripraví o dieťa?
Hlavná hrdinka Jodie s takým pocitom žije a vie, že za smrť jej dievčatka je zodpovedný jej manžel Ethan. Musí ho zabiť. Budú to len dva výstrely - jeden pre neho, druhý pre ňu… Veď načo žiť ďalej, keď nemá pre koho?!
Samozrejme sa niečo pokazí a nasledujúce roky Jodie prežíva vo väzení, kde ju navštívi novinár Novak, ktorý má pre ňu veľmi prekvapivé informácie. Rozhodne sa teda utiecť a pomáhať jej bude práve Novak, s ktorým začnú pátrať po odpovediach na otázky, ktoré v príbehu vyplávajú na povrch. A nielen to, niektoré zvraty som vôbec neočakávala a bola som veľmi prekvapená.
Štýl písania aj celkový námet boli dobré. Páčilo sa mi, že tam autorka neopisovala sprostosti, ale písala k veci. Taktiež som nenašla žiadne hluché miesta.
Kniha bola zaujímavá, ale svojim spôsobom aj zvláštna. To, čo ma čakalo na konci som ani v kútiku duše neočakávala a aj keď som pôvodne chcela dať menej, tak vďaka tomu nečakanému koncu, musím dať knihe štyri hviezdičky.
Ja ju určite odporúčam všetkým, pretože táto kniha sa možno hrá na neviniatko, ale pritom je riadne zvrátená.
Hlavná hrdinka Jodie s takým pocitom žije a vie, že za smrť jej dievčatka je zodpovedný jej manžel Ethan. Musí ho zabiť. Budú to len dva výstrely - jeden pre neho, druhý pre ňu… Veď načo žiť ďalej, keď nemá pre koho?!
Samozrejme sa niečo pokazí a nasledujúce roky Jodie prežíva vo väzení, kde ju navštívi novinár Novak, ktorý má pre ňu veľmi prekvapivé informácie. Rozhodne sa teda utiecť a pomáhať jej bude práve Novak, s ktorým začnú pátrať po odpovediach na otázky, ktoré v príbehu vyplávajú na povrch. A nielen to, niektoré zvraty som vôbec neočakávala a bola som veľmi prekvapená.
Štýl písania aj celkový námet boli dobré. Páčilo sa mi, že tam autorka neopisovala sprostosti, ale písala k veci. Taktiež som nenašla žiadne hluché miesta.
Kniha bola zaujímavá, ale svojim spôsobom aj zvláštna. To, čo ma čakalo na konci som ani v kútiku duše neočakávala a aj keď som pôvodne chcela dať menej, tak vďaka tomu nečakanému koncu, musím dať knihe štyri hviezdičky.
Ja ju určite odporúčam všetkým, pretože táto kniha sa možno hrá na neviniatko, ale pritom je riadne zvrátená.
March 13, 2021
Túto knihu som začala čítať večer, ale dočítala až teraz ráno (čo sa iné so zlomenou nohou dá robiť) a musím povedať, že bola napínavá jak guma na trakoch! Až do konca som netušila, že to riešenie bude také hnusné! Thriller o tom, ako hlavná hrdinka chcela opustiť manžela a on preto zabil ich malú dcérku. A tak si naplánovala jeho vraždu a svoju samovraždu, ale niečo sa pokazí... Akurát, že sa celkom ľahko dostala k zbrani a k pasom, k peniazom, aj to cestovanie, ale tak nebudem sa v tom veľmi vŕtať, tie náhody proste musia byť.. No a keďže vychádza kopa detektívnych sérií, tak táto jednorázovka sa prečíta veľmi rýchlo. Ideálna na dovču, ak chcete len jednu knihu. Ale ako po každej kriminálke, aj teraz sa cítim, že chcem čítať radšej niečo mimo reality, nenechám si ju, taká špina na duši ostáva a nezmenia to ani farebné obrazy, ktoré hlavná hrdinka maľuje ako únik od dusiaceho tyrana.
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