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The Hidden Things
A hair-raising, atmospheric thriller from the acclaimed author of the “ripping good” (The New York Times) novel Three Graves Full, inspired by the real-life unsolved theft of a seventeenth-century painting.
Twenty-eight seconds.
In less than half a minute, a home-security camera captures the hidden resolve in fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell as she fends off a vicious attack just inside her own front door. The video of her heroic escape appears online and goes viral. As the view count climbs, the lives of four desperate people will be forever changed by what’s just barely visible in the corner of the shot.
Carly’s stepfather is spurred to protect his darkest secret: how a stolen painting—four hundred years old, by a master of the Dutch Golden Age—has come to hang in his suburban foyer. The art dealer, left for dead when the painting vanished, sees a chance to buy back her life. And the double-crossed enforcer renews the hunt to deliver the treasure to his billionaire patrons—even if he has to kill to succeed.
But it’s Carly herself, hailed as a social-media hero, whose new perspective gives her the courage to uncover the truth as the secrets and lies tear her family apart.
Twenty-eight seconds.
In less than half a minute, a home-security camera captures the hidden resolve in fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell as she fends off a vicious attack just inside her own front door. The video of her heroic escape appears online and goes viral. As the view count climbs, the lives of four desperate people will be forever changed by what’s just barely visible in the corner of the shot.
Carly’s stepfather is spurred to protect his darkest secret: how a stolen painting—four hundred years old, by a master of the Dutch Golden Age—has come to hang in his suburban foyer. The art dealer, left for dead when the painting vanished, sees a chance to buy back her life. And the double-crossed enforcer renews the hunt to deliver the treasure to his billionaire patrons—even if he has to kill to succeed.
But it’s Carly herself, hailed as a social-media hero, whose new perspective gives her the courage to uncover the truth as the secrets and lies tear her family apart.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2019
109 people are currently reading
8089 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Mason
3 books329 followersJamie Mason was born in Oklahoma City, but grew up in Washington, D.C. She's most often reading and writing, but in the life left over, she enjoys films, Formula 1 racing, football, traveling, and, conversely, staying at home.
Jamie lives with her husband and two daughters in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Jamie lives with her husband and two daughters in the mountains of western North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
May 29, 2019
This is typical plot-driven thriller fare with the creative premise of the reappearance of a long lost painting from the Gardner Museum heist at its center. Secrets, lies, attempts at selling the masterpiece combined with a plucky, precocious protagonist round out a quick and fast paced read.
March 6, 2019
I love everything about this book--the characters and their relationships, the complex plot and syncopated pacing, the red herring that launches everything, the credible conflicts and mounting tension, and especially the small observations and clever turns of phrase that give the prose so much depth and personality. The story flirts with being ludicrous but never falls off that cliff, imbuing a sense of fun to the whole endeavor, punctuated with poignant moments of raw emotion. A rare combination of action-filled page-turner with beautiful writing about genuine characters.
July 26, 2019
Received this book from Goodreads for an HONEST REVIEW.
I'm barely giving this a 3. BARELY.
Takes way too long to make a point on what's going on.
Redundant - REDUNDANT.
There is no meat to this story. Takes 3 or 4 pages to describe a tiny event and then repeats it over and over again. It is not a page-turner. Although I did fast forward - really fast.
On to the next book.
I'm barely giving this a 3. BARELY.
Takes way too long to make a point on what's going on.
Redundant - REDUNDANT.
There is no meat to this story. Takes 3 or 4 pages to describe a tiny event and then repeats it over and over again. It is not a page-turner. Although I did fast forward - really fast.
On to the next book.
July 2, 2019
To be honest, I couldn’t finish this book. Maybe I expected too much, but the writer’s style irritates me on a level I cannot explain with words. The descriptions about the characters’ feelings and other stuff are extremely redundant and also annoying after some point, especially as they don’t have an added value to the story— maybe they’re just there to fill the pages... This novel is not for me.
Thanks for Gallery Books for the ARC.
Thanks for Gallery Books for the ARC.
August 29, 2019
This story totally hooked me.
The writing has a literary flair, with beautifully crafted sentences and poignant observations throughout.
Pacing is the kind of slow burn that invites us into the characters' minds so we feel the emotions, then gradually builds in urgency and intensity as the truth unravels.
The plot is complex without ever becoming convoluted.
Characters are well developed, realistic, and, I thought, fascinating. I loved Carly! When someone is called "fearless," it doesn't really mean they have no fear, only that they have the strength needed to move beyond the fear. That's Carly, and she's a badass teen!
The Hidden Things isn't a throwaway thriller. This is a character study, a look at the lies we tell others and ourselves, and a glimpse at what people are capable of when pushed to the edge.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
The writing has a literary flair, with beautifully crafted sentences and poignant observations throughout.
Pacing is the kind of slow burn that invites us into the characters' minds so we feel the emotions, then gradually builds in urgency and intensity as the truth unravels.
The plot is complex without ever becoming convoluted.
Characters are well developed, realistic, and, I thought, fascinating. I loved Carly! When someone is called "fearless," it doesn't really mean they have no fear, only that they have the strength needed to move beyond the fear. That's Carly, and she's a badass teen!
The Hidden Things isn't a throwaway thriller. This is a character study, a look at the lies we tell others and ourselves, and a glimpse at what people are capable of when pushed to the edge.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
September 5, 2019
Originality is something that readers crave but don't often get. That doesn't mean that great reads don't exist without being considered original. But, when I refer to originality, it is a reference to something unique, a story based on an idea other writers wish they'd thought of, a smack your head moment of creative recognition. Jamie Mason in The Hidden Things has achieved the pinnacle of uniqueness, starting with a brilliant idea and developing it into a story full of unexpected twists and consequences. The characters are some of the most interesting and distinctive you're likely to encounter, and they will all surprise you in some way. No one will surprise you more than fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell, smart and capable beyond her years. At the center of the tale is a painting, a 400-year-old painting, that has had an unusual journey since its theft as a part of the art heist of paintings from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. All the stolen paintings disappeared, and the fear is they will never resurface. But, in an extraordinary set of circumstances in a most ordinary setting, the most popular of online activity reveals one of the treasures. Social media meets ancient art in an explosion of secrets unearthed.
Carly Liddell doesn't notice the boy following her until she's on her doorstep ready to let herself in with her key. She attempts to slip inside her house and shut the door on him, but he pushes his way in, and a struggle ensues, one that doesn't go the way the intruder intends. An interior camera in Carly's hallway records an unbelievable maneuvering by Carly in which she frees herself from the boy and knocks him out with a boot kick to his jaw. However, by the time Carly runs to her neighbor's house and the police arrive, the intruder has fled the scene. The police use the video from the exterior and interior security cameras to post online and find their suspect.
But, while celebrating Carly's narrow escape, she and her mother, Donna, realize that Carly's stepfather hadn't informed them of the interior camera in the foyer. The stepfather, John Cooper, has some explaining to do, and, yet, that's the least of his worries. The video of Carly's ninja capabilities has gone viral on YouTube, with people all over the country interested to see how this young teenager defeated her attacker. John's got a big problem with the popularity of the video because his painting that his wife had insisted on hanging in that hallway has a corner of it visible to viewers, and that painting is a 400-year-old stolen masterpiece worth millions. There are people who are looking for it and for John, and his new life and safety zone is in danger of becoming a minefield of danger if the wrong people see the video.
John has created his new identity carefully, and his wife and stepdaughter are clueless about the painting and his part in an art deal gone terribly wrong four years ago. People died because of the painting, and people have been waiting for some flicker of John, or Jonathan, to show. And, show it does through that small corner of a painting from a video inside an ordinary house in an ordinary neighborhood. First, John hears from a man whose homelessness has kept him drifting in and out of John's life for a handout, a man who knows way too much about John's previous life. Then, two other people, who have a vested interest in the painting and a sour taste from past dealings with John, show up in town. The man and woman both want the painting, and while their motivations are different, it's the personal stake that drives them. As John becomes more and more nervous about being discovered and held accountable for his past actions, Carly becomes more aware that her stepfather harbors some serious secrets. And, Carly also becomes cognizant of a strength inside her that started with an innate ability to save herself. John and Carly engage in a cat-and-mouse game of high stakes and potentially deadly outcomes. Who ends up with the painting will bring both closure and new beginnings.
The Hidden Things is the first book I've read by Jamie Mason, but I already have a past book of hers in my TBR lineup, Three Graves Full, and I'm looking forward to her next one. Mason's writing is a smooth flow of building suspense, with sentence structure I appreciate as a former English teacher. Sentence structure can be an art form, a mixture of complex and simple sentences that move a story forward in its natural state. No awkwardness here. The dialogue does its job, too, revealing character and story. As I've already mentioned, this author's character development and creation of interesting characters is a large part of this reader's enjoyment of this book. I can't wait to read other books by Jamie Mason to see what captivating characters appear. I purposefully didn't describe all of the characters in this story because I wanted readers to come to three other of the major players in the story with the same delight and discovery as I did. As the story is told from the characters' different points of view, a complete picture is formed by the end, with each character building on knowledge as the reader does. With The Hidden Things, I think Mason has established herself as an awards contender and go-to author for thrilling reads.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this review is an honest description and reaction to this amazing read.
Carly Liddell doesn't notice the boy following her until she's on her doorstep ready to let herself in with her key. She attempts to slip inside her house and shut the door on him, but he pushes his way in, and a struggle ensues, one that doesn't go the way the intruder intends. An interior camera in Carly's hallway records an unbelievable maneuvering by Carly in which she frees herself from the boy and knocks him out with a boot kick to his jaw. However, by the time Carly runs to her neighbor's house and the police arrive, the intruder has fled the scene. The police use the video from the exterior and interior security cameras to post online and find their suspect.
But, while celebrating Carly's narrow escape, she and her mother, Donna, realize that Carly's stepfather hadn't informed them of the interior camera in the foyer. The stepfather, John Cooper, has some explaining to do, and, yet, that's the least of his worries. The video of Carly's ninja capabilities has gone viral on YouTube, with people all over the country interested to see how this young teenager defeated her attacker. John's got a big problem with the popularity of the video because his painting that his wife had insisted on hanging in that hallway has a corner of it visible to viewers, and that painting is a 400-year-old stolen masterpiece worth millions. There are people who are looking for it and for John, and his new life and safety zone is in danger of becoming a minefield of danger if the wrong people see the video.
John has created his new identity carefully, and his wife and stepdaughter are clueless about the painting and his part in an art deal gone terribly wrong four years ago. People died because of the painting, and people have been waiting for some flicker of John, or Jonathan, to show. And, show it does through that small corner of a painting from a video inside an ordinary house in an ordinary neighborhood. First, John hears from a man whose homelessness has kept him drifting in and out of John's life for a handout, a man who knows way too much about John's previous life. Then, two other people, who have a vested interest in the painting and a sour taste from past dealings with John, show up in town. The man and woman both want the painting, and while their motivations are different, it's the personal stake that drives them. As John becomes more and more nervous about being discovered and held accountable for his past actions, Carly becomes more aware that her stepfather harbors some serious secrets. And, Carly also becomes cognizant of a strength inside her that started with an innate ability to save herself. John and Carly engage in a cat-and-mouse game of high stakes and potentially deadly outcomes. Who ends up with the painting will bring both closure and new beginnings.
The Hidden Things is the first book I've read by Jamie Mason, but I already have a past book of hers in my TBR lineup, Three Graves Full, and I'm looking forward to her next one. Mason's writing is a smooth flow of building suspense, with sentence structure I appreciate as a former English teacher. Sentence structure can be an art form, a mixture of complex and simple sentences that move a story forward in its natural state. No awkwardness here. The dialogue does its job, too, revealing character and story. As I've already mentioned, this author's character development and creation of interesting characters is a large part of this reader's enjoyment of this book. I can't wait to read other books by Jamie Mason to see what captivating characters appear. I purposefully didn't describe all of the characters in this story because I wanted readers to come to three other of the major players in the story with the same delight and discovery as I did. As the story is told from the characters' different points of view, a complete picture is formed by the end, with each character building on knowledge as the reader does. With The Hidden Things, I think Mason has established herself as an awards contender and go-to author for thrilling reads.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this review is an honest description and reaction to this amazing read.
June 21, 2020
A strong 3.5 ⭐️ for this book. The plot in this book centers on Carly, a teenager living with her Mom Donna and stepdad John. Early in the story, Carly is the victim of a crime that is captured on hidden cameras in the foyer of her home. Fortunately Carly isn’t physically harmed in the encounter, but in ways she could never imagine, life as she knew it will be forever changed. As the story continues to unfold, the video of Carly’s attack is put on social media to the chagrin of John. In a tiny corner of the videos is a painting 🖼 with a history behind it and which sets a chain of events in motion that snakes through the rest of the story.
I really liked the author’s use of cell phone tracking in the book 📖
Happy reading
I really liked the author’s use of cell phone tracking in the book 📖
Happy reading
October 19, 2021
Working on my WWCD (what would Carly do?) bracelet.
Even better on the 2021 reread.
Even better on the 2021 reread.
July 24, 2019
It was an art theft that went very wrong, but that was years ago and who would think that one man’s twisted greed would backfire when a home invasion and attack on a young girl exposes the truth.
THE HIDDEN THINGS by Jamie Mason is a tense and alluring read as greed meets revenge head on and one man’s big secret is caught on video and goes viral. Proof that in today’s technology, nothing is private, double-crossing powerful people is dangerous and Karma has no expiration date.
Taut and edgy throughout, prepare to get familiar with the edge of your seat as this twisted plot unravels at the hands of a teenage girl.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gallery Books! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Gallery Books (August 13, 2019)
Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
THE HIDDEN THINGS by Jamie Mason is a tense and alluring read as greed meets revenge head on and one man’s big secret is caught on video and goes viral. Proof that in today’s technology, nothing is private, double-crossing powerful people is dangerous and Karma has no expiration date.
Taut and edgy throughout, prepare to get familiar with the edge of your seat as this twisted plot unravels at the hands of a teenage girl.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gallery Books! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Gallery Books (August 13, 2019)
Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 8, 2019
I almost gave up on this novel about a third of the way through. It got better after that and I truly did enjoy the character of Carly very much. She was bright, intuitive, quick on her feet, and independent and I enjoyed all her scenes. I detested her stepfather, John, and that grew the more I read about him. If you can get through the first 100 pages, the book gets better, but I can't give it more than 3 stars because of the slow start. Thanks to Gallery Books for a free copy of this book won through a Goodreads giveaway.
October 25, 2019
This was an ARC from Netgalley and I would definitely recommend it. At the same time, I'm realizing how hard it can be for me to click the 5 star button! I liked this one. I would recommend this one. It kept me hooked and reading and I enjoyed it. But it didn't 100% live up to my expectations and convince me to click that fifth star. That's ok! It's still excellent and you should still read it.
I really liked this author. She has a knack for showing not telling, so that you get really sucked into the book and it feels like a movie playing in your head. My favorite kind of writing!
I lived in Boston, so have been aware of the heist for awhile, and really enjoyed the Art Forger. I get why people are so interested in the whole thing: it was pulled off by people who seem to be relative amateurs and there have been no reported signs of the paintings. The podcast Empty Frames also discusses the heist., although I've only listened to the first episode or so. In addition to the the robbery itself, it seems crazy that people could afford artwork that valuable just to keep hidden. So this book jumps into that blank space with a very large splash.
It focuses on one, much lesser known, piece from the theft and where it is today. But it is much less a book about art and the heist itself, and more a cat and mouse game between the few people who recognize this painting and are trying to get their hands (back) on it. Carly's character is fresh, the way the story is un-spooled so we can get a handle on who each person is and what they want is well done.
Those looking for a fast paced mystery/thriller that can't be neatly categorized into one or another subgenre will like this one. It feels fresh, even though it follows a reliable addictive thriller model.
Personally, I think I expected more of a tie in to the actual heist itself, which didn't come full circle for me. I also found most of the characters to be a little less complex than I ideally would have liked. It works for the genre, it worked for this book, but it kept it slightly short of an absolute favorite, 5 star read, for me.
I really liked this author. She has a knack for showing not telling, so that you get really sucked into the book and it feels like a movie playing in your head. My favorite kind of writing!
I lived in Boston, so have been aware of the heist for awhile, and really enjoyed the Art Forger. I get why people are so interested in the whole thing: it was pulled off by people who seem to be relative amateurs and there have been no reported signs of the paintings. The podcast Empty Frames also discusses the heist., although I've only listened to the first episode or so. In addition to the the robbery itself, it seems crazy that people could afford artwork that valuable just to keep hidden. So this book jumps into that blank space with a very large splash.
It focuses on one, much lesser known, piece from the theft and where it is today. But it is much less a book about art and the heist itself, and more a cat and mouse game between the few people who recognize this painting and are trying to get their hands (back) on it. Carly's character is fresh, the way the story is un-spooled so we can get a handle on who each person is and what they want is well done.
Those looking for a fast paced mystery/thriller that can't be neatly categorized into one or another subgenre will like this one. It feels fresh, even though it follows a reliable addictive thriller model.
Personally, I think I expected more of a tie in to the actual heist itself, which didn't come full circle for me. I also found most of the characters to be a little less complex than I ideally would have liked. It works for the genre, it worked for this book, but it kept it slightly short of an absolute favorite, 5 star read, for me.
August 21, 2019
When 14-year-old Carly is attacked at her own doorway, the entrance camera captures more than just her fighting off her attacker bravely. The footage becomes viral, everyone meeting her on the street salutes her for her bravery and strength. But some viewers are more interested in the painting shown hanging at Carly's foyer rather than her heroic act...
What an idea! I picked this one up without second thought. The plot did not disappoint. The characters are a complete puzzle, from smart and sexy to daredevil and pitiful, I couldn't get enough of them. Thank god for multiple POV's.
I've seen people commenting on the social media aspect of the story and I couldn't help but notice that the book touches the issue, indeed, from a very subtle yet meaningful aspect. Nothing stays hidden, not even illegal artworks hung in your foyer.
A very intriguing book, perfect for those who seek a modern mystery with a twist.
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC! 🖤
What an idea! I picked this one up without second thought. The plot did not disappoint. The characters are a complete puzzle, from smart and sexy to daredevil and pitiful, I couldn't get enough of them. Thank god for multiple POV's.
I've seen people commenting on the social media aspect of the story and I couldn't help but notice that the book touches the issue, indeed, from a very subtle yet meaningful aspect. Nothing stays hidden, not even illegal artworks hung in your foyer.
A very intriguing book, perfect for those who seek a modern mystery with a twist.
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC! 🖤
December 8, 2019
I won this book on Goodreads. The description sounding interesting. However, I thought it was one of the most boring books I have read.
It starts off with a teenager being attacked as she enters her home. There is a video camera which films the whole incident. She fights him off, and while viewing the video people can see part of a painting hanging on the wall.
After that I couldn't figure out what was going on. The characters were not likable, there was no great mystery, and honestly I almost stopped reading it. However I thought perhaps it would get better. It didn't.
I never hears of this author, and will never read anything by her again.
It starts off with a teenager being attacked as she enters her home. There is a video camera which films the whole incident. She fights him off, and while viewing the video people can see part of a painting hanging on the wall.
After that I couldn't figure out what was going on. The characters were not likable, there was no great mystery, and honestly I almost stopped reading it. However I thought perhaps it would get better. It didn't.
I never hears of this author, and will never read anything by her again.
July 22, 2019
I read - and thoroughly enjoyed - the author's debut novel six years ago, so I was excited to hear about this latest title! This book, centering around the aftermath of a shady art deal four years prior to the opening of the novel, immediately hooks in the reader. Told in five perspectives, Mason develops her characters well - even the more villainous ones have their moments of humanity. It's really an exciting book that very quickly becomes quite hard to put down. Carly, though, of all of the characters is the real show-stealer. I have a soft spot for these types of thrillers that feature "regular" people (no cops, private investigators, lawyers or journalists) and I also really enjoyed the art angle.
The book is just a lot of fun to read. Not only does it quickly grip the reader, but it really exudes a certain cinematic flair. The use of coincidence can be difficult to feel truly plausible in a novel, but Mason uses to dramatic - and sometimes darkly comedic - effect here. I can easily see this a one-sitting read! It's a lot of fun to read and I am looking forward to catching. up on the book that I missed in the interim period! I like Mason's writing and am looking forward to new releases from her as well!
The book is just a lot of fun to read. Not only does it quickly grip the reader, but it really exudes a certain cinematic flair. The use of coincidence can be difficult to feel truly plausible in a novel, but Mason uses to dramatic - and sometimes darkly comedic - effect here. I can easily see this a one-sitting read! It's a lot of fun to read and I am looking forward to catching. up on the book that I missed in the interim period! I like Mason's writing and am looking forward to new releases from her as well!
October 11, 2022
There were several times I thought to set this book aside because it just wasn't doing anything for me. Then, more than halfway through it started getting interesting. But after a couple more chapters it went back to dry and dragging. But I did finish it, and I can only say, "finally!". I can't imagine why this book has 4 stars. It just wasn't really all that good. Too dry and slow.
December 10, 2023
Man this one was a tough finish for me. Did not keep me engaged, didn’t find any of it thrilling really, multiple point of views that aren’t all that easy to follow, story is wordy, extremely wordy and redundant with numerous sections of the storyline. Repeats them with basically no change from different characters and even the same character a couple of times. Definitely don’t recommend.
June 24, 2022
For some reason this book took me so long to finish. I just couldn't get into it. There are quite a few characters. I just feel like it dragged on for me. The story line is good. At the beginning it starts with action then fizzles out then toward the end starts picking up again. I will try to reread it again someday maybe and see how I feel about it if I give if a second go around. My favorite character in the story are Carly and Owen. I think he need a story of his own he's intriguing and mysterious.
December 3, 2019
3.5 rounding up. When this started I hated it, not some stalked young girl being attacked again, I can't read this stuff any more, why on earth did I queue up for this at the library... Luckily, the girl survives and the story begins 😊 it was different, but I did feel it was a bit long but I liked the plot
June 17, 2019
This started out as a really interesting novel about a stolen painting that is mistakenly caught on a video of young Carly being randomly attacked at her home after school. As her stepfather is the only one who knows its history, he then becomes frantic as he worries about who will see the video and who will know it's in his possession. But of course, in this day and age anything unusual goes viral almost immediately so those that were involved in the scheme years ago see it and the hunt begins. Many twists but I just got bored for some reason in the middle. The end was satisfying though so I count it as a good read!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 15, 2019
I received an ARC edition of The Hidden Things in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Jamie Mason for thinking of me and sending me your book.
First the Facts: This book is a multi-person POV. A suspenseful, crime-fiction story that brings an art deal gone wrong four years ago full circle in the present day when a snippet of the painting from “the deal” is seen in a home a security video that has gone viral of a young girl being attacked in the foyer of her home.
My thoughts: I enjoyed the story, and was particularly drawn to two of the main characters, Carly and Marcelline. The Carly and Marcelline at the beginning of the book are not the same Carly and Marcelline at the end of the book, and that was exciting to see how their characters evolved. Their perspectives of what had happened, and what was happening, unfolded the mystery behind the secrets and lies. True agendas come into play as a result of one unrelated incident that stemmed with Carly being attacked at her home.
There was a gasping WOW moment about three-fourths into the book that completely caught me off guard and heightened the suspense of the imminent question: What the heck was going to happen now?!?! The ending, or ending climactic scenes, wasn’t rushed and was played out with movie-script quality. Without any spoilers, Jamie nails the gripping effects and emotions for any good suspense-thriller-mystery ending.
Plum Report full review coming soon :)
First the Facts: This book is a multi-person POV. A suspenseful, crime-fiction story that brings an art deal gone wrong four years ago full circle in the present day when a snippet of the painting from “the deal” is seen in a home a security video that has gone viral of a young girl being attacked in the foyer of her home.
My thoughts: I enjoyed the story, and was particularly drawn to two of the main characters, Carly and Marcelline. The Carly and Marcelline at the beginning of the book are not the same Carly and Marcelline at the end of the book, and that was exciting to see how their characters evolved. Their perspectives of what had happened, and what was happening, unfolded the mystery behind the secrets and lies. True agendas come into play as a result of one unrelated incident that stemmed with Carly being attacked at her home.
There was a gasping WOW moment about three-fourths into the book that completely caught me off guard and heightened the suspense of the imminent question: What the heck was going to happen now?!?! The ending, or ending climactic scenes, wasn’t rushed and was played out with movie-script quality. Without any spoilers, Jamie nails the gripping effects and emotions for any good suspense-thriller-mystery ending.
Plum Report full review coming soon :)
March 23, 2020
A home security camera captures an attack on fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell. The video also shows her heroic escape. The video appears online and becomes a viral hit. As the popularity of the video grows, the lives of four people will be forever changed by an object that is barely visible in the corner.
The object is a stolen four-hundred-year-old painting by a master of the Dutch Golden Age. Carly's stepfather is the only person in their house who knows the history behind the painting and how it came into his possession. An art dealer who was betrayed and had the painting stolen from her sees the chance to get her life back. An enforcer hired by billionaires to hunt and deliver priceless treasure will stop at nothing to get his prize. However, as Carly comes to terms with newfound fame, she uncovers the secrets behind the painting. Will these secrets destroy her family and everything she holds dear?
The book had an interesting premise. However, I couldn't stand the writing style. I found myself rereading several passages over and over again. I found the story to drag on and on. I didn't find myself relating or even liking any of the characters. Unfortunately, I couldn't be bothered to waste more time on this book and didn't finish the book.
The object is a stolen four-hundred-year-old painting by a master of the Dutch Golden Age. Carly's stepfather is the only person in their house who knows the history behind the painting and how it came into his possession. An art dealer who was betrayed and had the painting stolen from her sees the chance to get her life back. An enforcer hired by billionaires to hunt and deliver priceless treasure will stop at nothing to get his prize. However, as Carly comes to terms with newfound fame, she uncovers the secrets behind the painting. Will these secrets destroy her family and everything she holds dear?
The book had an interesting premise. However, I couldn't stand the writing style. I found myself rereading several passages over and over again. I found the story to drag on and on. I didn't find myself relating or even liking any of the characters. Unfortunately, I couldn't be bothered to waste more time on this book and didn't finish the book.
December 27, 2019
The Hidden Things by Jamie Mason has a super interesting premise that immediately sucked me in. A young girl, Carly, is attacked at her home. The entire attack is caught and recorded at different angles on security cameras. Within hours, the footage has gone viral. The security cameras just happened to catch the corner of a painting hung in the home's entryway -- a multi-million-dollar painting that had been stolen four years before.
Before John married Donna, Carly's mom, he was Jonathan. And now he's in trouble, and he's not sure what to do. The people who hired him to do a job are still looking for him. As are a few other sundry characters. And they've seen the viral video and know what's at stake.
This book had incredible potential but moved a bit slowly, especially at the beginning. The pace picked up later. But I don't think this book came anywhere near living up to what it could have been. Even so, it was a solid read. Carly is definitely the hero and is incredibly precocious beyond her 14 years. 4/5 stars.
Before John married Donna, Carly's mom, he was Jonathan. And now he's in trouble, and he's not sure what to do. The people who hired him to do a job are still looking for him. As are a few other sundry characters. And they've seen the viral video and know what's at stake.
This book had incredible potential but moved a bit slowly, especially at the beginning. The pace picked up later. But I don't think this book came anywhere near living up to what it could have been. Even so, it was a solid read. Carly is definitely the hero and is incredibly precocious beyond her 14 years. 4/5 stars.
June 27, 2019
The Hidden Things by Jamie Mason starts with a bang, and doesn’t let up! A random attack on a 14 year old girl in her house sets off a chain of events when the home’s security cameras capture the attack, and a brief glimpse at a piece of art that hangs on the wall gets the story going. The author deftly introduces the characters and the back story in such a way that it feels like the reader is putting the pieces of a large puzzle together until we see the whole picture. What a great way to tell the story, and the action never stops. You root hard for the good guys, (or girls), and it all comes together nicely. Great dialogue, interesting characters and a fantastic plot makes this a great read. Well done! This ARC was provided by the publisher via @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2019
[I received an ARC from the publisher.] This was such a page turner, and so compellingly written from the first sentences. The premise of a viral video that affects so many lives in such unpredictable, twisty ways is just fabulous. The Tana French blurb on the front is no exaggeration--highly recommended!
October 15, 2019
A very interesting plot that fizzled after a bit. In my opinion, sometimes less is more. And that applies to character introductions and unnecessary over-description. An OK read.
On a positive note, I do think this story would do well as a TV mini-series.
Or just take the Owen character and send him on adventures.
On a positive note, I do think this story would do well as a TV mini-series.
Or just take the Owen character and send him on adventures.
August 13, 2019
3.75⭐ rounded up
We are told over and over again that secrets don't stay secret forever, and that's no different for Johnathan. I'm still thinking about his character and the quote that stuck with me the most was, "This situation needed a good bad guy or a bad good guy. You can decide where you’ll put me in this story”. It makes you wonder if a person is only one thing.
What I loved about this book:
~Carly was one of those characters who you can easily sympathize with and root for throughout the book. Although her character had to grow up quicker than anyone else her age, her growth and strength was one of the things I liked the most. I enjoyed her character's personality and all the tiny observations she made. While others often underestimated her, she used her ability to notice what others didn't to put them in their place.
~While the plot is somewhat predictable, it was unique. I like when an author takes and event from our history and incorporates that into the story. It makes the book more realistic and usually sends me down the Google rabbit hole for awhile (spoiler alert, I googled 😂). I also really liked the epilogue and felt it wrapped up the novel well. Where it doesn't give you specific details, it gives just enough detail to come to your own conclusions.
~This whole novel was spun off of a viral video and it emphasized how social media can effect your life and the wellbeing of those around you. I feel this is an important message that needs attention, especially with the younger crowds. So many people downplay the negative effects it can have and how it can change their lives forever.
What kept me from giving this book 5⭐?
~While reading this book I found it bit to descriptive at times. While I enjoyed the writing style of the author, there were parts that could have been cut or shortened. By editing those parts I would have found it more enjoyable. I also found most of the characters unlikable (which was necessary for aspects of this book) and that caused me to have a hard time relating to this book. Maybe if there had been more about Carly's Mom or friend, I would have felt more connected. Overall I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyes domestic drama or thrillers.
Thank you Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Jamie Mason for a review copy in exchange for honestly review. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
We are told over and over again that secrets don't stay secret forever, and that's no different for Johnathan. I'm still thinking about his character and the quote that stuck with me the most was, "This situation needed a good bad guy or a bad good guy. You can decide where you’ll put me in this story”. It makes you wonder if a person is only one thing.
What I loved about this book:
~Carly was one of those characters who you can easily sympathize with and root for throughout the book. Although her character had to grow up quicker than anyone else her age, her growth and strength was one of the things I liked the most. I enjoyed her character's personality and all the tiny observations she made. While others often underestimated her, she used her ability to notice what others didn't to put them in their place.
~While the plot is somewhat predictable, it was unique. I like when an author takes and event from our history and incorporates that into the story. It makes the book more realistic and usually sends me down the Google rabbit hole for awhile (spoiler alert, I googled 😂). I also really liked the epilogue and felt it wrapped up the novel well. Where it doesn't give you specific details, it gives just enough detail to come to your own conclusions.
~This whole novel was spun off of a viral video and it emphasized how social media can effect your life and the wellbeing of those around you. I feel this is an important message that needs attention, especially with the younger crowds. So many people downplay the negative effects it can have and how it can change their lives forever.
What kept me from giving this book 5⭐?
~While reading this book I found it bit to descriptive at times. While I enjoyed the writing style of the author, there were parts that could have been cut or shortened. By editing those parts I would have found it more enjoyable. I also found most of the characters unlikable (which was necessary for aspects of this book) and that caused me to have a hard time relating to this book. Maybe if there had been more about Carly's Mom or friend, I would have felt more connected. Overall I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyes domestic drama or thrillers.
Thank you Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Jamie Mason for a review copy in exchange for honestly review. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
October 9, 2019
3.5 stars. Here's a crime drama revolving around what might have happened to a lesser known work of art that had been stolen and those responsible for stealing it, hiding it, and trying to recover it. The plot was good: plenty of action and suspense. The characters were both a strength and a weakness. I liked how basically decent people could sometimes do things that weren't so decent and how even the bad guys could sometimes be decent. I like those shades of gray. However, some of the characters were just too...too. Roy, for example, was just too hapless, too feckless--can't come up with one just-right word for him. Carly. John. Can't go into details without spoilers, but it pushed the boundaries of what I found plausible. But all in all, an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free e-ARC of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free e-ARC of this book.
July 1, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.
It started out with a bang, but kinda fizzled out for me in the middle. The best part was teen Carly and her detective skills. Loved Mason’s other books and while this one not so much, it’s still a good mystery.
It started out with a bang, but kinda fizzled out for me in the middle. The best part was teen Carly and her detective skills. Loved Mason’s other books and while this one not so much, it’s still a good mystery.
May 5, 2020
Another good story from Jamie Mason.
December 4, 2020
3.5 stars. Quite a enjoyable read with a good mystery with a stolen painting and interesting characters to follow. Entertaining enough to make me wanna read more by Jamie Mason
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