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As Sick as Our Secrets
What would you do if you found out your husband was a serial killer?
Olivia Campbell has the life most women want. A respected husband, beautiful home, and the freedom that only financial security can provide.
But not all is as it appears...
Olivia has secrets, and after discovering a hidden journal in her husband's study, she realizes that she's not the only one.
As her picture perfect world starts to fall apart around her, Olivia wonders just how deep the secrets run as she finds herself immersed in the investigation of a young missing girl.
Some coincidences are just too hard to ignore, but how far is she willing to go to discover the truth?
As Sick as Our Secrets is a dark, fast-paced psychological thriller with remarkable characters. If you are a fan of Gillian Flynn, Caroline Kepnes, Liane Moriarty, and Paula Hawkins, and enjoy TV shows and movies like Twin Peaks, The Killing, Law & Order: SVU, and 8MM, then this book might be your next favorite read.
Olivia Campbell has the life most women want. A respected husband, beautiful home, and the freedom that only financial security can provide.
But not all is as it appears...
Olivia has secrets, and after discovering a hidden journal in her husband's study, she realizes that she's not the only one.
As her picture perfect world starts to fall apart around her, Olivia wonders just how deep the secrets run as she finds herself immersed in the investigation of a young missing girl.
Some coincidences are just too hard to ignore, but how far is she willing to go to discover the truth?
As Sick as Our Secrets is a dark, fast-paced psychological thriller with remarkable characters. If you are a fan of Gillian Flynn, Caroline Kepnes, Liane Moriarty, and Paula Hawkins, and enjoy TV shows and movies like Twin Peaks, The Killing, Law & Order: SVU, and 8MM, then this book might be your next favorite read.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2018
1900 people are currently reading
4005 people want to read
About the author
A.B. Whelan
22 books732 followersNew release: Easy Prey is a a razor-sharp psychological thriller inspired by real-life con artists and emotional predators. Easy Prey will leave you breathless and questioning everything. Releasing on July 17, 2025.
Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.
She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.
Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
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* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan
Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.
She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn't writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.
Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 5, 2018
I first discovered Andrea's books back in the beginning of 2016; I received a copy of 14 Days To Die and knew it was the beginning of a long reader/author relationship. Sometimes you find those diamonds in the rough, the indie books that blow you away with their quality of story and memorable characters. There are still days that I think about her previous psychological thriller, so I knew I was in for something special with As Sick As Our Secrets. Once again, Whelan delivered a sexy mind-trip that had me both dazed and dazzled. There's a dangerous feel throughout this book, but it's one that creeps up on you slowly, much like the frog in a pot of boiling water. If you're wondering if the story inside is just as captivating as the gorgeous cover- it is!
"The fury of a demon instantly possessed me. I knew myself no longer. My original soul seemed, at once, to take its flight from my body; and a more than fiendish malevolence, gin-nurtured, thrilled every fibre of my frame."
-Edgar Allan Poe, The Black Cat
Our story is told through multiple POVs, one of which is the identity of our Fifty Shades Killer. It was both gripping and sickening to read how he escalated from killing a high school girlfriend to becoming a full-fledged monster, and I love that we get to be a part of that journey. There was a greater insight to the crazy, tormented individual and we see all the events that shape him and his fragile being into a cruel tormenter and murderer of unsuspecting women. While this is going on, we meet Olivia, Ashley, and Betty who tell us more of the present tense story from all the necessary angles. I don't want to say too much about the plot, but I found myself held captive from beginning to end.
I never thought I'd say this, but my husband frightens me. He is not the man I thought him to be. Since I snuck into his private den, his man cave, his sanctuary, I'm not the woman used to be either.
If you're looking for a sexy thriller with twists and turns in abundance, look no further. I would highly recommend As Sick As Our Secrets to fans of domestic drama featuring crumbling marriages full of secrets, and whispers of dark affinities. This is a mystery and a thriller, yes, but it's also a ballad of just how far women will go to champion and protect one another. I found the themes to be current and insightful; if you're curious about this one... Why not give it a try?
*Many thanks to the author for providing my copy.
"The fury of a demon instantly possessed me. I knew myself no longer. My original soul seemed, at once, to take its flight from my body; and a more than fiendish malevolence, gin-nurtured, thrilled every fibre of my frame."
-Edgar Allan Poe, The Black Cat
Our story is told through multiple POVs, one of which is the identity of our Fifty Shades Killer. It was both gripping and sickening to read how he escalated from killing a high school girlfriend to becoming a full-fledged monster, and I love that we get to be a part of that journey. There was a greater insight to the crazy, tormented individual and we see all the events that shape him and his fragile being into a cruel tormenter and murderer of unsuspecting women. While this is going on, we meet Olivia, Ashley, and Betty who tell us more of the present tense story from all the necessary angles. I don't want to say too much about the plot, but I found myself held captive from beginning to end.
I never thought I'd say this, but my husband frightens me. He is not the man I thought him to be. Since I snuck into his private den, his man cave, his sanctuary, I'm not the woman used to be either.
If you're looking for a sexy thriller with twists and turns in abundance, look no further. I would highly recommend As Sick As Our Secrets to fans of domestic drama featuring crumbling marriages full of secrets, and whispers of dark affinities. This is a mystery and a thriller, yes, but it's also a ballad of just how far women will go to champion and protect one another. I found the themes to be current and insightful; if you're curious about this one... Why not give it a try?
*Many thanks to the author for providing my copy.
March 18, 2018
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
After really enjoying A.B. Whelan’s previous novel “14 Days to Die”, I was excited to have the opportunity to read “As Sick as Our Secrets”.
The book begins with our killer’s point of view twenty-seven years earlier. His girlfriend has hurt his feelings. HE’S the victim here. She is damaged and selfish…and he’s waiting for his apology.
Now - Thirty-six year old, Olivia Campbell has just woken up. She feels strange. She’s exhausted and it almost feels like she’s hung-over even though she hadn’t had anything to drink. Her husband, Richard just tells her she just needs more rest.
Olivia has done things in the past that she’s not proud of. But she figured her life was finally on the right path. Financially, her husband Richard provides her with a comfortable life. But he can be cruel. Olivia gets back at him by playing little tricks. She’ll delete a favorite song from his iPod, spit in his shoe, steal pages from important contracts, etc. He never suspects her “because I’m cunning and stealthy, like a ninja”. It’s while she’s playing one of these tricks that she stumbles across some things that Richard has hidden. At first, she is in shock by what she’s found but also feels guilty for snooping. She’s always had conflicting feelings about her husband.
“Richard is decent. He has a short temper, and something people nowadays may call ‘anger issues’, but he is a decent man. He dedicates his life to saving abused women and children.”
But she wants answers and she knows just how and where she needs to look…
Ashley Benson is a new psychologist, having just received her diploma. So far she has had only one client, Skyler O’Neill. But now Skyler is late for their second appointment, and Ashley’s gut is telling her that something bad has happened to her. Ashley’s friend, Olivia recently rescued her from a compromising position. Now she needs Olivia’s help again. She needs her help to find Skyler. Ashley also enlists the help of their mutual friend, Betty.
Police have been investigating “Fifty Shades Killer”. But now these three women are conducting their own investigation as they try to find Skyler O’Neill. Their search for Skyler uncovers so much more than they were expecting.
The story is told from multiple POV’s. Some suspension of disbelief is necessary and it did take a little time for me to get a handle on whose point of view I was reading. The story is fast-paced as the plot moves from past to present. We find out what turned our killer into a killer, and we also learn more about the pasts and secrets of our crime-fighting team of three. Overall this was an entertaining story about murder, betrayal, secrets, and revenge.
“As Sick As Our Secrets” was a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me gripped right up until a very satisfying ending.
I would like to thank A.B Whelan for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
After really enjoying A.B. Whelan’s previous novel “14 Days to Die”, I was excited to have the opportunity to read “As Sick as Our Secrets”.
The book begins with our killer’s point of view twenty-seven years earlier. His girlfriend has hurt his feelings. HE’S the victim here. She is damaged and selfish…and he’s waiting for his apology.
Now - Thirty-six year old, Olivia Campbell has just woken up. She feels strange. She’s exhausted and it almost feels like she’s hung-over even though she hadn’t had anything to drink. Her husband, Richard just tells her she just needs more rest.
Olivia has done things in the past that she’s not proud of. But she figured her life was finally on the right path. Financially, her husband Richard provides her with a comfortable life. But he can be cruel. Olivia gets back at him by playing little tricks. She’ll delete a favorite song from his iPod, spit in his shoe, steal pages from important contracts, etc. He never suspects her “because I’m cunning and stealthy, like a ninja”. It’s while she’s playing one of these tricks that she stumbles across some things that Richard has hidden. At first, she is in shock by what she’s found but also feels guilty for snooping. She’s always had conflicting feelings about her husband.
“Richard is decent. He has a short temper, and something people nowadays may call ‘anger issues’, but he is a decent man. He dedicates his life to saving abused women and children.”
But she wants answers and she knows just how and where she needs to look…
Ashley Benson is a new psychologist, having just received her diploma. So far she has had only one client, Skyler O’Neill. But now Skyler is late for their second appointment, and Ashley’s gut is telling her that something bad has happened to her. Ashley’s friend, Olivia recently rescued her from a compromising position. Now she needs Olivia’s help again. She needs her help to find Skyler. Ashley also enlists the help of their mutual friend, Betty.
Police have been investigating “Fifty Shades Killer”. But now these three women are conducting their own investigation as they try to find Skyler O’Neill. Their search for Skyler uncovers so much more than they were expecting.
The story is told from multiple POV’s. Some suspension of disbelief is necessary and it did take a little time for me to get a handle on whose point of view I was reading. The story is fast-paced as the plot moves from past to present. We find out what turned our killer into a killer, and we also learn more about the pasts and secrets of our crime-fighting team of three. Overall this was an entertaining story about murder, betrayal, secrets, and revenge.
“As Sick As Our Secrets” was a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me gripped right up until a very satisfying ending.
I would like to thank A.B Whelan for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2018
Dang, can this girl write a wicked tale!! 😈
This is a fast paced thriller with strong characters that really made this story come to life for me.
One missing girl, a discovered hidden journal, and secrets galore set the stage for one heck of a wild ride! 🎢
Meet Olivia: Married to Richard, a wealthy, controlling man who appears to provide her with everything, but she's unhappy and bored.
Then there is Ashley: Single, struggling psychologist who's life seems to be spiraling out of control.
And last comes Betty: A frazzled housewife, married to a cop and who's sister and 2 kids are freeloading off them.
These 3 women come together to help find Skyler, Ashley's first patient who has gone missing. Each have their own reasons for playing detective, as each has their own secrets to protect, or finally release.
While I fell in love with each of these 3 strong, witty women, the mystery is what held me captive. So many layers, so many secrets, and so many lies. All leading up to a final confrontation and twisty ending that really worked for me.
Highly recommend, as my review doesn't do it justice---you really need to experience this one!
My thanks for the ARC provided by the author for a read and review.
This is a fast paced thriller with strong characters that really made this story come to life for me.
One missing girl, a discovered hidden journal, and secrets galore set the stage for one heck of a wild ride! 🎢
Meet Olivia: Married to Richard, a wealthy, controlling man who appears to provide her with everything, but she's unhappy and bored.
Then there is Ashley: Single, struggling psychologist who's life seems to be spiraling out of control.
And last comes Betty: A frazzled housewife, married to a cop and who's sister and 2 kids are freeloading off them.
These 3 women come together to help find Skyler, Ashley's first patient who has gone missing. Each have their own reasons for playing detective, as each has their own secrets to protect, or finally release.
While I fell in love with each of these 3 strong, witty women, the mystery is what held me captive. So many layers, so many secrets, and so many lies. All leading up to a final confrontation and twisty ending that really worked for me.
Highly recommend, as my review doesn't do it justice---you really need to experience this one!
My thanks for the ARC provided by the author for a read and review.
April 8, 2018
As Sick as our Secrets is a psychological thriller where every character has his/her secrets.
Olivia Campbell is bored with her "perfect life". She has the perfect home, the perfect clothes, the perfect husband, what more could she ask for? A lot! Because her “perfect" husband is perfectly controlling, and she doesn't have much say in her own life. Olivia is not perfect herself. She has her own secrets. She soon learns that her husband has secrets as well after she finds a journal in his study. That is not the only suspicious item she has found around her home. She also found some other items which would belong to a woman. Why? What secrets does her husband have?
Olivia has also formed a friendship with Ashley Benson. Ashley also has secrets. She is a psychologist who engages in risky behaviors in her personal life. Ashley has just earned her degree and has set up her own private practice. Her one and only client, Skylar, did not show up for her second therapy appointment. Fearing the worst, she calls her friend Olivia to help her. She knows she can count of Olivia as Olivia has recently saved her from a compromising position after a date left her in a bind.
Then there is their friend Betty. The three women all got in a little trouble together in Las Vegas and Ashley and Olivia feel Betty "owes" them so they enlist her to help as well. Betty is the wife of a police officer and fears that their investigation into the missing woman may cause problems in her marriage if her husband ever finds out. But since she "owes “them she goes along with their investigation.
Olivia is more than happy to help Ashley, even if Betty isn't, as she (Olivia) years for excitement in her life but also feels the young woman's disappearance may have something to do with the journal and personal items she found at her home. The three women go on a quest to find the "fifty shades killer" in hopes of learning Skylar's fate and the identity of the killer.
This book is told in varying POV's and at times, I had to figure out just whose POV I was reading. It wasn't too hard, but I wish it had been clearer. For me, I would have liked a little more suspense, and some more twists and turns in this book. Although good, I found that this book failed to really dazzle me. Nothing was too shocking or revealing. There were some twists and turns but none that really excited me.
Thank you to Goodreads, the Author and InMotion Capital for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Olivia Campbell is bored with her "perfect life". She has the perfect home, the perfect clothes, the perfect husband, what more could she ask for? A lot! Because her “perfect" husband is perfectly controlling, and she doesn't have much say in her own life. Olivia is not perfect herself. She has her own secrets. She soon learns that her husband has secrets as well after she finds a journal in his study. That is not the only suspicious item she has found around her home. She also found some other items which would belong to a woman. Why? What secrets does her husband have?
Olivia has also formed a friendship with Ashley Benson. Ashley also has secrets. She is a psychologist who engages in risky behaviors in her personal life. Ashley has just earned her degree and has set up her own private practice. Her one and only client, Skylar, did not show up for her second therapy appointment. Fearing the worst, she calls her friend Olivia to help her. She knows she can count of Olivia as Olivia has recently saved her from a compromising position after a date left her in a bind.
Then there is their friend Betty. The three women all got in a little trouble together in Las Vegas and Ashley and Olivia feel Betty "owes" them so they enlist her to help as well. Betty is the wife of a police officer and fears that their investigation into the missing woman may cause problems in her marriage if her husband ever finds out. But since she "owes “them she goes along with their investigation.
Olivia is more than happy to help Ashley, even if Betty isn't, as she (Olivia) years for excitement in her life but also feels the young woman's disappearance may have something to do with the journal and personal items she found at her home. The three women go on a quest to find the "fifty shades killer" in hopes of learning Skylar's fate and the identity of the killer.
This book is told in varying POV's and at times, I had to figure out just whose POV I was reading. It wasn't too hard, but I wish it had been clearer. For me, I would have liked a little more suspense, and some more twists and turns in this book. Although good, I found that this book failed to really dazzle me. Nothing was too shocking or revealing. There were some twists and turns but none that really excited me.
Thank you to Goodreads, the Author and InMotion Capital for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
January 15, 2018
AS SICK AS OUR SECRETS is the second psychological thriller by Bestselling author, A. B. Whelan of 14 Days to Die. Having loved her debut novel, I was anxious to read this new novel. I was not disappointed! This is an author to keep on the radar! I loved it as it had all the boxes ticked for me. The amazing cover serves as a sample of what is still to come. A blackened wilted rose with the notation…
LOOKING AWAY WILL NOT MAKE THE EVIL FADE.
IN THE END, YOUR UGLY SECRETS WILL BURY YOU.
The novel opens with a glimpse inside the mind of a killer…one disastrous date night, and the actions that led the killer to teach “her” a lesson about respect. The killer feels he is the victim, and the one who always got hurt. She can’t treat him like that…and with that she drew her last breath.
Over a decade ago, Olivia Campbell moved to the U.S. and married a wealthy businessman believing that her life was on the right track at last. She never expected her marriage to become so empty and meaningless. When Ashley Benson, her psychologist friend, asks for her help to find a missing young patient of hers, Skyler—who narrowly escaped the Fifty Shades Killer clutches—she jumps at the opportunity.
Missing girls and dead bodies are found in the greater Los Angeles area-a serial killer the media calls “Fifty Shades Killer”. Police are currently looking for a male that has killed six women, an ongoing investigation going back six years …and Skyler is missing.
As they trace back the footsteps of the missing girl, Olivia can’t stop drawing lines between the girl’s kidnapping story and her husband’s unorthodox lifestyle. Soon she discovers those lines become more tangled than she dares to admit. The investigation puts everybody involved under the microscope.
What these women didn’t foresee is that unearthing ugly secrets will test the bonds of their friendship and have them questioning their own integrity. Yet, sometimes life will break you down completely before you are able to rebuild again.
In this story, we follow three very different and strong women, and all with their own baggage.
Olivia stuck in a lonely marriage to a rich man she doesn’t trust.
Ashley, a psychiatrist trying to start-up her career and gain the respect from her rich parents
Betty, a tired housewife.
This threesome will form the little detective team to try to find Skyler, but in doing so places them within the grasp of a killer.
This was a thrilling mystery, strong heroines, well-constructed plot with many twists and turns that kept you guessing until the very last page. And I never guessed the brilliant ending! I loved this book!
Many thanks to InMotion Capitol for my copy.
Expected publication: 02/14/2018
LOOKING AWAY WILL NOT MAKE THE EVIL FADE.
IN THE END, YOUR UGLY SECRETS WILL BURY YOU.
The novel opens with a glimpse inside the mind of a killer…one disastrous date night, and the actions that led the killer to teach “her” a lesson about respect. The killer feels he is the victim, and the one who always got hurt. She can’t treat him like that…and with that she drew her last breath.
Over a decade ago, Olivia Campbell moved to the U.S. and married a wealthy businessman believing that her life was on the right track at last. She never expected her marriage to become so empty and meaningless. When Ashley Benson, her psychologist friend, asks for her help to find a missing young patient of hers, Skyler—who narrowly escaped the Fifty Shades Killer clutches—she jumps at the opportunity.
Missing girls and dead bodies are found in the greater Los Angeles area-a serial killer the media calls “Fifty Shades Killer”. Police are currently looking for a male that has killed six women, an ongoing investigation going back six years …and Skyler is missing.
As they trace back the footsteps of the missing girl, Olivia can’t stop drawing lines between the girl’s kidnapping story and her husband’s unorthodox lifestyle. Soon she discovers those lines become more tangled than she dares to admit. The investigation puts everybody involved under the microscope.
What these women didn’t foresee is that unearthing ugly secrets will test the bonds of their friendship and have them questioning their own integrity. Yet, sometimes life will break you down completely before you are able to rebuild again.
In this story, we follow three very different and strong women, and all with their own baggage.
Olivia stuck in a lonely marriage to a rich man she doesn’t trust.
Ashley, a psychiatrist trying to start-up her career and gain the respect from her rich parents
Betty, a tired housewife.
This threesome will form the little detective team to try to find Skyler, but in doing so places them within the grasp of a killer.
This was a thrilling mystery, strong heroines, well-constructed plot with many twists and turns that kept you guessing until the very last page. And I never guessed the brilliant ending! I loved this book!
Many thanks to InMotion Capitol for my copy.
Expected publication: 02/14/2018
August 14, 2018
3 stars!
As Sick As Our Secrets is a dark, psychological thriller that grabbed me from the first chapter - 27 years earlier from the killers POV. The rest of the book is told in three alternating POV‘s: Olivia - married to Richard, a very successful, rich businessman. Ashley - a troubled therapist and Olivia’s best friend. Then there’s Betty - a friend whom Olivia and Ashley lost touch with after some Las Vegas shenanigans. The plot centers around these three women teaming up to find the Fifty Shades Killer - with Richard being their #1 suspect after finding Ashley’s patients’ journal in the trunk of his car. Each of these women have a few secrets of their own.
I was pretty excited to get my hands on this book. While it didn’t completely “wow” me, I was entertained for the most part. I found myself distracted at times, so it took me awhile to read. I was looking for more twists and more suspense - it never really happened for me. Most of this book is pretty unbelievable, but if you can put that thought aside and enjoy the entertainment value it offers, you will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Weapenry Co-op and A.B. Whelan for a copy in exchange for my review.
As Sick As Our Secrets is a dark, psychological thriller that grabbed me from the first chapter - 27 years earlier from the killers POV. The rest of the book is told in three alternating POV‘s: Olivia - married to Richard, a very successful, rich businessman. Ashley - a troubled therapist and Olivia’s best friend. Then there’s Betty - a friend whom Olivia and Ashley lost touch with after some Las Vegas shenanigans. The plot centers around these three women teaming up to find the Fifty Shades Killer - with Richard being their #1 suspect after finding Ashley’s patients’ journal in the trunk of his car. Each of these women have a few secrets of their own.
I was pretty excited to get my hands on this book. While it didn’t completely “wow” me, I was entertained for the most part. I found myself distracted at times, so it took me awhile to read. I was looking for more twists and more suspense - it never really happened for me. Most of this book is pretty unbelievable, but if you can put that thought aside and enjoy the entertainment value it offers, you will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Weapenry Co-op and A.B. Whelan for a copy in exchange for my review.
February 21, 2019
Olivia Campbell is living comfortably married to a wealthy man, Richard, but she’s anything but at peace. That’s because she’s slowly coming to the understanding that he just might be a serial killer.
The story is mostly told from three points of view: Olivia’s, Ashley Hayes (Olivia’s best friend) and Betty (Ashley’s friend). However, the book opens with a chilling point of view from the killer, 27 years earlier. You’ll have to read the book to find out his identity. It starts with a bang and proceeds rather quickly thereon out. However, the transitions between the three narrators were often confusing as they are all in first person. While I liked getting their individual perspectives, third person might have worked more effectively as I never really felt like I got a strong sense of who these women really were, Olivia excepted. She was a complicated woman with a tragic history that unfolds throughout the book.
While I found the story interesting, it too often required a belief suspension I couldn’t master. Some of the actions taken individually by these women were just not logical until they took action as a group. Too many lines of the story were not fully explored, leaving me wanting more of something I just couldn’t put my finger on. I’m a character driven reader and this is written more for those with a consumption for plot driven stories as it accomplished that very well. I got to the end and found I really didn’t have much of an emotional investment in any of the characters, an essential element for me.
It’s a good story that I liked well enough but just didn’t grab me in the way the author’s first book did. I highly recommend it for those that like an interesting plot that is well developed and don’t necessarily need expansive character development.
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
The story is mostly told from three points of view: Olivia’s, Ashley Hayes (Olivia’s best friend) and Betty (Ashley’s friend). However, the book opens with a chilling point of view from the killer, 27 years earlier. You’ll have to read the book to find out his identity. It starts with a bang and proceeds rather quickly thereon out. However, the transitions between the three narrators were often confusing as they are all in first person. While I liked getting their individual perspectives, third person might have worked more effectively as I never really felt like I got a strong sense of who these women really were, Olivia excepted. She was a complicated woman with a tragic history that unfolds throughout the book.
While I found the story interesting, it too often required a belief suspension I couldn’t master. Some of the actions taken individually by these women were just not logical until they took action as a group. Too many lines of the story were not fully explored, leaving me wanting more of something I just couldn’t put my finger on. I’m a character driven reader and this is written more for those with a consumption for plot driven stories as it accomplished that very well. I got to the end and found I really didn’t have much of an emotional investment in any of the characters, an essential element for me.
It’s a good story that I liked well enough but just didn’t grab me in the way the author’s first book did. I highly recommend it for those that like an interesting plot that is well developed and don’t necessarily need expansive character development.
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
July 1, 2018
This certainly was a book and a half for me to read.
I’ve been reading two books side by side, both different genre. But this one has been read more because I found it so terrible but compulsively addictive.
We start out with the killers point of view. Some years earlier.
In some respects he’s the victim. In a warped round about way. After all his girlfriend didn’t want him anymore and he was left heartbroken.
There are multiple POV that take you on such a journey in the minds not only of the women but motr gruellingly the killer itself.
It’s very cleverly written where you find yourself understanding the killer then waking and slapping your face in shock.
A very complex compulsive read that’s highly recommend
I’ve been reading two books side by side, both different genre. But this one has been read more because I found it so terrible but compulsively addictive.
We start out with the killers point of view. Some years earlier.
In some respects he’s the victim. In a warped round about way. After all his girlfriend didn’t want him anymore and he was left heartbroken.
There are multiple POV that take you on such a journey in the minds not only of the women but motr gruellingly the killer itself.
It’s very cleverly written where you find yourself understanding the killer then waking and slapping your face in shock.
A very complex compulsive read that’s highly recommend
December 4, 2019
We all have secrets and we eat lies when our hearts get hungry. However, Olivia is finding it hard to swallow this whooper of a secret - not all lies are digestible.
As Sick As Our Secrets, is a dark, gnarly and lurid read that leaves you feeling unhinged. As Sick As Our Secrets, immediately draws you in with “What would you do if you found out your husband was a serial killer?”
First, I must state, poor Olivia, it seems as the story progress her husband - who she deems her knight in shining armor - well let’s just say, he turns out to be just a sick psychopath wrapped in aluminum foil!
As Sick As Our Secrets, is a shocking, addictive page-turner. Whelan mixes up a tasty, terrifying tonic of a tale that leaves you drunk but still thirsty for more. 5 stars❤️ yet another favorite!
“When you keep lying to everybody, even to yourself, the lies become part of you, like a tumor or cancer that spreads and grows inside of you, making you sick.”
As Sick As Our Secrets, is a dark, gnarly and lurid read that leaves you feeling unhinged. As Sick As Our Secrets, immediately draws you in with “What would you do if you found out your husband was a serial killer?”
First, I must state, poor Olivia, it seems as the story progress her husband - who she deems her knight in shining armor - well let’s just say, he turns out to be just a sick psychopath wrapped in aluminum foil!
As Sick As Our Secrets, is a shocking, addictive page-turner. Whelan mixes up a tasty, terrifying tonic of a tale that leaves you drunk but still thirsty for more. 5 stars❤️ yet another favorite!
“When you keep lying to everybody, even to yourself, the lies become part of you, like a tumor or cancer that spreads and grows inside of you, making you sick.”
January 6, 2018
The book started in full gallop and I was riveted. It was a current thoughtful topic dealing with a hard subject matter (not for the faint of heart). The subject was brought to us in a very creative package of how three women opened up to each other. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm being careful in what I'm saying. I love the main female characters. I think they are well developed and I really wanted to hang with them. I would to like to read more about them. The plot could have been one dimensional but it had a lot of twists and turns and I was surprised by the ending. I love that it was written in 2017 documenting the best rainy season Southern California has had in a long time. It added to the spookiness which SoCal is often missing. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends.
March 17, 2018
Olivia has a nice comfortable life with a smart , handsome rich husband who runs a charitable organization The Good Samaritan. Ashley is a struggling ,alcoholic psychologist who is trying to making it on her own and Betty is a bored housewife married to a cop trying to find some excitement in her life.The three friends paths cross when Ashley’s patient Skyler goes missing and her purse is found in Olivia's husbands car but trying to find the killer that’s so close to home might be tougher than they imagined.
After loving A.B. Whelan’s 14 days to die I was looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. A dark , psychological thriller emphasizing on the three women’s friendship with great characters and a gripping suspense makes it a compelling read .
I would like to thank InMotion Capitol & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
After loving A.B. Whelan’s 14 days to die I was looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. A dark , psychological thriller emphasizing on the three women’s friendship with great characters and a gripping suspense makes it a compelling read .
I would like to thank InMotion Capitol & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 15, 2019
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I never thought I'd say this, but my husband frightens me. He is not the man I thought him to be. Since I snuck into his private den, his man cave, his sanctuary, I'm not the woman I used to be either.
June 3, 2021
This story was a mixed bag for me. I loved some, loathed some, and found myself routing for characters one minute while rolling my eyes at them the next.
As you can imagine, when three women, aka amateur sleuths, set about finding a serial killer, all kinds of mayhem is bound to ensue.
Although parts of the story require a fair amount of suspension of belief (at least for me) there's no denying the author is able to paint a vivid picture. Full credit to her for that.
This is not a romance, so I caution readers to heed the warnings before downloading a copy.
There are a few typos, including a character’s name being spelled incorrectly at times, but hopefully those will be ironed out.
Copy received via NetGalley.
As you can imagine, when three women, aka amateur sleuths, set about finding a serial killer, all kinds of mayhem is bound to ensue.
Although parts of the story require a fair amount of suspension of belief (at least for me) there's no denying the author is able to paint a vivid picture. Full credit to her for that.
This is not a romance, so I caution readers to heed the warnings before downloading a copy.
There are a few typos, including a character’s name being spelled incorrectly at times, but hopefully those will be ironed out.
Copy received via NetGalley.
November 10, 2019
Olivia Campbell is married, has A beautiful home, financial security ,,, she also has secrets.
But she's not the only one ..... finding a journal in her husband's study, she discovers that he also has secrets he has kept from her.
When a young girl goes missing, she becomes embroiled into the investigation. The things she discovers are only coincidences .... or are they? Does she really want to know?
This was not as suspenseful as what I was suspecting, but there are a few twists and turns to keep things interesting. The characters are finely drawn.
Many thanks to the author / InMotion Capital / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Psychological Drama/Thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 3, 2018
A B Whelan has written a very intense and very unusual psychological thriller in As Sick As Our Secrets. It is a real “wow” factor thriller that strays from normally anticipated and accepted formulaic moves and paths. Secrets evokes contrasting emotions from different readers. Secrets evokes contrasting emotions from every reader. Part of you wants to put it down in want of a story much less harsh. Part of you is “white-knuckling” to the book, or e-reader, and sweating it gasping for more. Such a harsh trick to play on the reader Ms. Whelan.
The original cover had a statement near the top: “A Devious Thriller.” How true this statement is! Sectrets is a very devious and fast-paced thriller. It is extremely top-shelf writing IMHO, whether you like the book or not. And, there will be those of you out there that love it, but at times don’t really like it. Some will love it from the very beginning to the climatic ending. But, this book may not be for everyone. It was for me and I am glad that I read it. However, that being said, it was a very intense and somewhat graphic novel at times with some very disturbing subject matter that Ms. Whelan tried to play down to the correct notch. It played with the reader’s sensibilities of normalacy and morality with a giant hook on the end of the line.
Secrets begins with the killer, a child, getting his feelings hurt by a girl. She definitely needs to apolgize. The book shifts from different angles throughout, for example, chapter two has Oliva waking up feeling really out of it and in some deal of pain 36 years later. She is a Swedish immigrant who is not proud of all that she has done to get to where she has. Most people believe that she has a very enviable life. But, do they really know her husband, Richard? Each chapter of the book is told from a different character in the book’s point of view - Olivia, Ashley, the psychologist who is barely holding on by a thread and her life seems to be teetering, and Betty, the housewife who is trying to make the best with her cop husband and kids, and her sister and her children sponging off them.
Throughout the book there is a serial killer on the loose, the fifty shades killer, who kidnaps, enslaves, rapes, tortures and finally kills the victims. And, Olivia, Betty and Ashley believe that they have a positive identification on the fifty shades killer. They decide that they must try to catch this pervert before he strikes again.
Yes, Secrets is definitely not a boring book. Ms. Whelan has written us one excellent psychological thriller. I believe that she will be a writer to keep an eye out for. She has definitely got game. I noticed reading other reviews of this book that females were particulary drawn to Secrets. This came as quite a surprise and I have no explantion for this observation. However, I will say that it was moot in my point. I really enjoyed As Sick As Our Secrets by A B Whelan, and I will give it a 3.75 stars, rounded to 4-stars.
I wish to thank NetGalley, InMotion Capital Publishing, and especially Ms. Whelan for additional efforts ensuring that an e-book copy was made available for review. The opportunity to read this digital e-book is strictly in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The original cover had a statement near the top: “A Devious Thriller.” How true this statement is! Sectrets is a very devious and fast-paced thriller. It is extremely top-shelf writing IMHO, whether you like the book or not. And, there will be those of you out there that love it, but at times don’t really like it. Some will love it from the very beginning to the climatic ending. But, this book may not be for everyone. It was for me and I am glad that I read it. However, that being said, it was a very intense and somewhat graphic novel at times with some very disturbing subject matter that Ms. Whelan tried to play down to the correct notch. It played with the reader’s sensibilities of normalacy and morality with a giant hook on the end of the line.
Secrets begins with the killer, a child, getting his feelings hurt by a girl. She definitely needs to apolgize. The book shifts from different angles throughout, for example, chapter two has Oliva waking up feeling really out of it and in some deal of pain 36 years later. She is a Swedish immigrant who is not proud of all that she has done to get to where she has. Most people believe that she has a very enviable life. But, do they really know her husband, Richard? Each chapter of the book is told from a different character in the book’s point of view - Olivia, Ashley, the psychologist who is barely holding on by a thread and her life seems to be teetering, and Betty, the housewife who is trying to make the best with her cop husband and kids, and her sister and her children sponging off them.
Throughout the book there is a serial killer on the loose, the fifty shades killer, who kidnaps, enslaves, rapes, tortures and finally kills the victims. And, Olivia, Betty and Ashley believe that they have a positive identification on the fifty shades killer. They decide that they must try to catch this pervert before he strikes again.
Yes, Secrets is definitely not a boring book. Ms. Whelan has written us one excellent psychological thriller. I believe that she will be a writer to keep an eye out for. She has definitely got game. I noticed reading other reviews of this book that females were particulary drawn to Secrets. This came as quite a surprise and I have no explantion for this observation. However, I will say that it was moot in my point. I really enjoyed As Sick As Our Secrets by A B Whelan, and I will give it a 3.75 stars, rounded to 4-stars.
I wish to thank NetGalley, InMotion Capital Publishing, and especially Ms. Whelan for additional efforts ensuring that an e-book copy was made available for review. The opportunity to read this digital e-book is strictly in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
May 25, 2018
OK, this is going to be some ride...
Maybe because her name was also Olivia but I constantly kept seeing Olivia Wild as the narrator.
I would love to say this was a different kind of serial killer story, but since I usually steer clear of those, I'm afraid I wouldn't be objective. BUT I do think it's SAFE, as in the gruesome details of killings read more like a psych background of what's going on (and WHY) inside the man's head than just sheer slaughtering with bloodstreams Tarantino style.
It's more of a game as both narrators are actually guilty, of different crimes in life but still. This is no Silence of the Lambs. More like a Bonnie and Clyde gone up against each other.
In my opinion, the cover art doesn't do this book justice. The story is such pleasure to scroll through. It's actually funny in its set up as well - I mean, the POOR wife's family (the one that supposedly can't pay for heat and all) lives in Sweden. At first, I almost wanted to put the book down and thought it simply wasn't researched but then realized that the only things I actually do know about Sweden are IKEA and the usual stereotypes. OK, so maybe it's possible.
And even if that one detail was farfetched, this story is still entertaining as hell, with a bunch of psych elements. But not too brainy, not too much analyzing who did what. More like a silent action thriller that gets so farfetched at times it's funny. Hell, it's Tarantino meets American Psycho at times. Because "the killer" here is also handsome, rich, calculating and utterly disturbed.
It's just different. Not for everybody probably. But highly likable where other "thrillers" bored me at least.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Maybe because her name was also Olivia but I constantly kept seeing Olivia Wild as the narrator.
I would love to say this was a different kind of serial killer story, but since I usually steer clear of those, I'm afraid I wouldn't be objective. BUT I do think it's SAFE, as in the gruesome details of killings read more like a psych background of what's going on (and WHY) inside the man's head than just sheer slaughtering with bloodstreams Tarantino style.
It's more of a game as both narrators are actually guilty, of different crimes in life but still. This is no Silence of the Lambs. More like a Bonnie and Clyde gone up against each other.
In my opinion, the cover art doesn't do this book justice. The story is such pleasure to scroll through. It's actually funny in its set up as well - I mean, the POOR wife's family (the one that supposedly can't pay for heat and all) lives in Sweden. At first, I almost wanted to put the book down and thought it simply wasn't researched but then realized that the only things I actually do know about Sweden are IKEA and the usual stereotypes. OK, so maybe it's possible.
And even if that one detail was farfetched, this story is still entertaining as hell, with a bunch of psych elements. But not too brainy, not too much analyzing who did what. More like a silent action thriller that gets so farfetched at times it's funny. Hell, it's Tarantino meets American Psycho at times. Because "the killer" here is also handsome, rich, calculating and utterly disturbed.
It's just different. Not for everybody probably. But highly likable where other "thrillers" bored me at least.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2021
Wow, I love a good psychological thriller that starts with a banger. From the first page, the action was full-blown. Ashley, Olivia, and Betty .... Ladies who shared individual snapshots of troublesome previous existences yet what they uncover to one another make a firestorm, with potential hints to a progression of sex violations that have stayed strange. If you are a scary cat I wouldn't recommend reading this book at night. I highly recommend reading this one; it was a mind-blowing read. As Sick as Our Secrets owned the title. Everything is tested from friendships, marriage, and a jaw-dropping serial killer.
March 22, 2018
I read and really enjoyed this authors first psychological thriller 14 Days To Die so I was really looking forward to As Sick As Our Secrets, her second book in this genre……..and I wasn’t disappointed!
This author has once again used some wonderfully strong character relationships to weave a twisted and breathtaking thriller. I actually wasn’t sure about it from the first chapter when we meet the very creepy psychopath who will later become known as The Fifty Shades serial killer. But following his journey really built up the tension as we watched how his relationships and life experiences shaped the person he was to become in the future. Once Olivia was introduced to the plot in the present day, I became much more involved in the storyline as I began to predict what I thought was about it to come.
What stood out most for me here wasn’t the suspense or the “who and why” (although these plot points did blow me away) but the relationship and connection between the three women. Olivia with her friends Ashley and Betty came together in a real show of sisterhood as they searched for the missing girl. There were some shocking secrets revealed along the way and beware of some explicit content at times but everything was relevant as the story unravelled before the readers eyes. Ashley was probably my favourite character, a hard drinking, drug taking, mess of a psychiatrist who becomes concerned when her client goes missing. Olivia was more of an ice queen but when she started to open up, her past experiences went towards explaining more about her personality and why she stayed in a marriage that wasn’t working so that in turn made me warm to her more.
This was a dangerously addictive thriller that I read with my mouth wide open at times as things started to take some unexpectedly nasty turns! It may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to some scenes of sexual violence but nothing was so graphic that it spoiled my enjoyment of the powerful narrative and immersive plotline, which I have to say reminded me of “Big Little Lies” at times. Well worth a look!
This author has once again used some wonderfully strong character relationships to weave a twisted and breathtaking thriller. I actually wasn’t sure about it from the first chapter when we meet the very creepy psychopath who will later become known as The Fifty Shades serial killer. But following his journey really built up the tension as we watched how his relationships and life experiences shaped the person he was to become in the future. Once Olivia was introduced to the plot in the present day, I became much more involved in the storyline as I began to predict what I thought was about it to come.
What stood out most for me here wasn’t the suspense or the “who and why” (although these plot points did blow me away) but the relationship and connection between the three women. Olivia with her friends Ashley and Betty came together in a real show of sisterhood as they searched for the missing girl. There were some shocking secrets revealed along the way and beware of some explicit content at times but everything was relevant as the story unravelled before the readers eyes. Ashley was probably my favourite character, a hard drinking, drug taking, mess of a psychiatrist who becomes concerned when her client goes missing. Olivia was more of an ice queen but when she started to open up, her past experiences went towards explaining more about her personality and why she stayed in a marriage that wasn’t working so that in turn made me warm to her more.
This was a dangerously addictive thriller that I read with my mouth wide open at times as things started to take some unexpectedly nasty turns! It may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to some scenes of sexual violence but nothing was so graphic that it spoiled my enjoyment of the powerful narrative and immersive plotline, which I have to say reminded me of “Big Little Lies” at times. Well worth a look!
January 7, 2022
@authorabwhelan made my top 10 of 2021 so I figured it was a good place to start 2022. I also have the 3 other thrillers by her ordered! 📚
There were duel timelines of past and present and I wish there had been a bit more of the past. Those chapters were so twisted!
I really enjoyed this book and flew through it.
If you enjoy the dark, twisted thrillers you need to check this author out!
There were duel timelines of past and present and I wish there had been a bit more of the past. Those chapters were so twisted!
I really enjoyed this book and flew through it.
If you enjoy the dark, twisted thrillers you need to check this author out!
April 5, 2018
Another great book by this Author ....
I really liked the plot of the book....
One missing girl, a discovered hidden journal, and secrets galore fill this book ....
I really enjoyed her first book 14 days to die and this one is as good the Author is getting better and better ....
Thank you to the author and netgalley for the copy
I really liked the plot of the book....
One missing girl, a discovered hidden journal, and secrets galore fill this book ....
I really enjoyed her first book 14 days to die and this one is as good the Author is getting better and better ....
Thank you to the author and netgalley for the copy
February 6, 2018
As Sick as Our Secrets opens with a killer's perspective. This opening grabbed my attention and I was excited to keep reading. But then the story is told through the narratives of 3 women. Olivia, an immigrant trophy wife who is lonely and really doesn't like her husband. Ashley, a drug addict just starting her career as a psychologist. And Betty, a mother and a cop's wife who seems bored at home. Friends, kind of, but each with their own secrets. Ashley thinks her patient was held captive by the Fifty Shades Killer. Now missing, she enlists the help from her friends to find her patient. As they uncover more clues, Olivia thinks her husband could be the infamous serial killer.
I thought the all 3 women were unlikable and the story moved along slowly. There was no wow factor. I kept thinking there has to be a big twist in the end. Sadly the ending was just long and drawn out.
Thank you to NetGalley and InMotion Capitol for supplying me a copy of A.B. Whelan's "As Sick as Our Secrets" in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the all 3 women were unlikable and the story moved along slowly. There was no wow factor. I kept thinking there has to be a big twist in the end. Sadly the ending was just long and drawn out.
Thank you to NetGalley and InMotion Capitol for supplying me a copy of A.B. Whelan's "As Sick as Our Secrets" in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2018
WARNING!! GRAPHIC, DISTURBING, VIOLENT REVIEW!
I wanted this book because it said it was a mystery. After receiving it, my husband opened it and the first phrase that jumped out at him was about the wife finding sexual toys her husband had used on his many victims!
I'm pretty disappointed in the author for not labeling this giveaway with ANYTHING alluding to the graphic sexual nature of the book. It was beyond disturbing.
I am also a bit disappointed that goodreads would allow a giveaway like this WITHOUT a better warning! Although I completely understand that the people at goodreads probably do not have the resources to investigate each book posted, they should most certainly now require this author to label her SEXUALLY GRAPHIC novel as such, NOT just as a murder mystery.
I'm all good for a murder mystery, murder is NOT the problem I have with this.
RAPE, however, is NOT what I wish to read (victims of sexual assault usually don't want to be reminded of these things!) and really am disgusted that there were no such warnings.
I wanted this book because it said it was a mystery. After receiving it, my husband opened it and the first phrase that jumped out at him was about the wife finding sexual toys her husband had used on his many victims!
I'm pretty disappointed in the author for not labeling this giveaway with ANYTHING alluding to the graphic sexual nature of the book. It was beyond disturbing.
I am also a bit disappointed that goodreads would allow a giveaway like this WITHOUT a better warning! Although I completely understand that the people at goodreads probably do not have the resources to investigate each book posted, they should most certainly now require this author to label her SEXUALLY GRAPHIC novel as such, NOT just as a murder mystery.
I'm all good for a murder mystery, murder is NOT the problem I have with this.
RAPE, however, is NOT what I wish to read (victims of sexual assault usually don't want to be reminded of these things!) and really am disgusted that there were no such warnings.
June 29, 2018
An unbelievable psychological thriller! This story grabs you right away, showing you some horrifying moments that people go through years ago,all coming together years later with three women. Some secrets do not stay that way, catching up to you when you least expect it! Dark and intense, we find out that other people in our lives also have their own secrets. Should we really try to find out what they are, or stop before we are in too deep and find that a person has become a full-fledged monster!
This story creeps up on you , although it feels dark and disturbed from the start. We hear what is happening from the women, showing just how far someone will go to protect themselves and others. They tell us the story from different sides, Olivia, Ashley and Betty, trying to tell all as it happens in the present.
I received an ARC of this story from Hidden Gems, who I thank for an entertaining read and my ability to write this review for others to enjoy.
This story creeps up on you , although it feels dark and disturbed from the start. We hear what is happening from the women, showing just how far someone will go to protect themselves and others. They tell us the story from different sides, Olivia, Ashley and Betty, trying to tell all as it happens in the present.
I received an ARC of this story from Hidden Gems, who I thank for an entertaining read and my ability to write this review for others to enjoy.
April 22, 2018
4 Stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A super powerful account of marital lies and terrible sadistic secrets. But the most powerful story in all of the darkness was the friendship between three women who each needed one another to find themselves. Each one of these women had secrets from their past that broke them in some way. But together they weren’t as sick as their secrets anymore.
Murder, deceit, drug addiction...it’s all in there too. Then there’s Richard. But he’s such a disgusting and vile person that there’s nothing more to say about him. You need to read the book :)
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 🙌🏻📚
A super powerful account of marital lies and terrible sadistic secrets. But the most powerful story in all of the darkness was the friendship between three women who each needed one another to find themselves. Each one of these women had secrets from their past that broke them in some way. But together they weren’t as sick as their secrets anymore.
Murder, deceit, drug addiction...it’s all in there too. Then there’s Richard. But he’s such a disgusting and vile person that there’s nothing more to say about him. You need to read the book :)
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 🙌🏻📚
July 6, 2018
What would you do if you found out your husband was a serial killer? I loved the start of this book - the slightly sour-marriage where Olivia exacts vindictive revenge on her husband for his marital misdemeanors. However, this book soon takes a psychological dive, when Olivia discovers her husbands journal and realises that she is married to a serial-killer. Her own secrets were bad, but what she discovered was far, far worse.
The story is told from the points of several characters, where the author brings them together to solve the crime. I did find it a little difficult to follow which character was in the present, which could have been made a little easier on the reader - a minor point that detracted little from the book. Overall, an enjoyable read and an author to keep an eye on for future publications.
The story is told from the points of several characters, where the author brings them together to solve the crime. I did find it a little difficult to follow which character was in the present, which could have been made a little easier on the reader - a minor point that detracted little from the book. Overall, an enjoyable read and an author to keep an eye on for future publications.
April 1, 2018
An amazing thriller
I received this one from the author for an honest review.
I really liked the plot it was an amazing rollercoaster.
Olivia surprised me since she endured so much but she also grew better from each situation.
Richard I don't know i'm conflicted about him, but I must admit he was a great portrait of what he was. And in real life I imagine that kind of people just like that.
The characters were so complex and alive that made me get lost in the story since I could feel the emotions right through them.
A perfect book to read if you like noir novels.
I received this one from the author for an honest review.
I really liked the plot it was an amazing rollercoaster.
Olivia surprised me since she endured so much but she also grew better from each situation.
Richard I don't know i'm conflicted about him, but I must admit he was a great portrait of what he was. And in real life I imagine that kind of people just like that.
The characters were so complex and alive that made me get lost in the story since I could feel the emotions right through them.
A perfect book to read if you like noir novels.
January 22, 2018
I requested this book through NetGalley because the synopsis appealed to me. I've been reading a lot of mysteries lately, and this seemed up my alley. Olivia is an immigrant married to a wealthy man, but her marriage has grown stale. Her husband, Richard, is different than when they met and cruel to her, and she begins to suspect him of being a serial killer. Sounds awesome, right?
Unfortunately, the execution doesn't live up to the premise. The characterization is odd. For instance, one character is a psychologist. We're introduced to her as she waits for a patient who doesn't show. To blow off steam, she goes out and picks up a guy, and when she takes him back to her place, she excuses herself to go snort some cocaine in the bathroom. Rather than feel like an innate part of her character, it feels out of nowhere. Additionally, the dialogue is weak and, at times, unbelievable.
The story opens with the killer's perspective. I'm okay with this decision creatively, but to make it work, you have to limit the time readers are exposed it. Here, it drags on for too long. Instead of being introduced to this guy who's unstable and has terrible thoughts about women at the heart of his impulse for violence, the length of this chapter almost makes it seem like we're supposed to side with him. I would've preferred the author limit our exposure to being in the killer's head. I don't want to sympathize with him; I just want to see him get taken down.
Because the books through NetGalley are ARCs, I usually don't worry about the formatting all that much. I don't care about a small number of typos or tiny grammatical details. The formatting here, though, was distracting and substandard. New paragraphs weren't indented. Very often, two words didn't have a space between them. I don't know if this was overlooked or somehow happened in conversion, but it's hard to get into a book when you're slowed down by improper formatting.
All that said, the story IS interesting. There's a lot of promise. I appreciated that the three female protagonists teaming up. The end was intriguing, if not completely satisfying. I do think some readers will still enjoy this despite its flaws, but I wish the author had done another draft or the manuscript had been edited more thoroughly.
Thank you to NetGalley, InMotion Capitol, and A.B. Whelan for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, the execution doesn't live up to the premise. The characterization is odd. For instance, one character is a psychologist. We're introduced to her as she waits for a patient who doesn't show. To blow off steam, she goes out and picks up a guy, and when she takes him back to her place, she excuses herself to go snort some cocaine in the bathroom. Rather than feel like an innate part of her character, it feels out of nowhere. Additionally, the dialogue is weak and, at times, unbelievable.
The story opens with the killer's perspective. I'm okay with this decision creatively, but to make it work, you have to limit the time readers are exposed it. Here, it drags on for too long. Instead of being introduced to this guy who's unstable and has terrible thoughts about women at the heart of his impulse for violence, the length of this chapter almost makes it seem like we're supposed to side with him. I would've preferred the author limit our exposure to being in the killer's head. I don't want to sympathize with him; I just want to see him get taken down.
Because the books through NetGalley are ARCs, I usually don't worry about the formatting all that much. I don't care about a small number of typos or tiny grammatical details. The formatting here, though, was distracting and substandard. New paragraphs weren't indented. Very often, two words didn't have a space between them. I don't know if this was overlooked or somehow happened in conversion, but it's hard to get into a book when you're slowed down by improper formatting.
All that said, the story IS interesting. There's a lot of promise. I appreciated that the three female protagonists teaming up. The end was intriguing, if not completely satisfying. I do think some readers will still enjoy this despite its flaws, but I wish the author had done another draft or the manuscript had been edited more thoroughly.
Thank you to NetGalley, InMotion Capitol, and A.B. Whelan for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2018
What would you do if you discovered your husband was a serial killer?
An interesting premise indeed. There haven't been too many books about it. The only other one I can think of right now was Stillhouse Lake, and that was completely different. So kudos to Whelan for giving us something a little different. I mean, seriously, what the heck would you do? Olivia Chapman seems to have it all, a handsome and wealthy husband who looks after her every need. But Olivia has secrets, and when she finds out that her husband also has secrets the fun begins. The all girl amateur detectives that swoop in to deal with this thorny issue do everything wrong but there's a dark thread of humour running through this tale.
It starts with the hunt for newly qualified psychiatrist Ashley's missing only patient and Olivia and Ashley enlist the help of Betty because she is married to a police officer. Clever detectives these women are not but they persevere and they find chilling evidence of abuse by Richard of his wife Olivia when she was drugged. When the police and courts can do nothing because the evidence is not iron clad, the ladies decide to take matters into their own hands. Oh dear, amateur hour is here. It was a serious subject but also a bit of fun to read. The women were really great characters and I was barracking for them throughout the book.
An interesting premise indeed. There haven't been too many books about it. The only other one I can think of right now was Stillhouse Lake, and that was completely different. So kudos to Whelan for giving us something a little different. I mean, seriously, what the heck would you do? Olivia Chapman seems to have it all, a handsome and wealthy husband who looks after her every need. But Olivia has secrets, and when she finds out that her husband also has secrets the fun begins. The all girl amateur detectives that swoop in to deal with this thorny issue do everything wrong but there's a dark thread of humour running through this tale.
It starts with the hunt for newly qualified psychiatrist Ashley's missing only patient and Olivia and Ashley enlist the help of Betty because she is married to a police officer. Clever detectives these women are not but they persevere and they find chilling evidence of abuse by Richard of his wife Olivia when she was drugged. When the police and courts can do nothing because the evidence is not iron clad, the ladies decide to take matters into their own hands. Oh dear, amateur hour is here. It was a serious subject but also a bit of fun to read. The women were really great characters and I was barracking for them throughout the book.
October 10, 2018
Absolutely chilling and unfathomable! A vivid look into the mind of a sociopath. A.B. Whelan has a new fan in me!
#AsSickAsOurSecrets
#AsSickAsOurSecrets
May 17, 2021
I loved this book, it was a very well written psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
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