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One Little Secret
Everyone has a secret. For some, it's worth dying to protect. For others, it's worth killing.
The glass beach house was supposed to be the getaway that Susan needed. Eager to help her transplanted family set down roots in their new town -- and desperate for some kid-free conversation -- she invites her new neighbors to join in on a week-long sublet with her and her workaholic husband.
Over the course of the first evening, liquor loosens inhibitions and lips. The three couples begin picking up on the others' marital tensions and work frustrations, as well as revealing their own. But someone says too much. And the next morning one of the women is discovered dead on the private beach.
Town detective Gabby Watkins must figure out who permanently silenced the deceased. As she investigates, she learns that everyone in the glass house was hiding something that could tie them to the murder, and that the biggest secrets of all are often in plain sight for anyone willing to look.
A taut, locked room mystery with an unforgettable cast of characters, One Little Secret promises to keep readers' eyes glued to the pages and debating the blinders that we all put on in the service of politeness.
The glass beach house was supposed to be the getaway that Susan needed. Eager to help her transplanted family set down roots in their new town -- and desperate for some kid-free conversation -- she invites her new neighbors to join in on a week-long sublet with her and her workaholic husband.
Over the course of the first evening, liquor loosens inhibitions and lips. The three couples begin picking up on the others' marital tensions and work frustrations, as well as revealing their own. But someone says too much. And the next morning one of the women is discovered dead on the private beach.
Town detective Gabby Watkins must figure out who permanently silenced the deceased. As she investigates, she learns that everyone in the glass house was hiding something that could tie them to the murder, and that the biggest secrets of all are often in plain sight for anyone willing to look.
A taut, locked room mystery with an unforgettable cast of characters, One Little Secret promises to keep readers' eyes glued to the pages and debating the blinders that we all put on in the service of politeness.
9 pages, Audiobook
First published July 9, 2019
699 people are currently reading
11173 people want to read
About the author
Cate Holahan
16 books893 followersCate Holahan is a screenwriter and USA Today Bestselling author of psychological suspense books. Her sixth novel, The Darkness of Others, was published in 2022. She has had books named to Kirkus' Best Books of the Year and Book of the Month Club's official selections. Notable works include: One Little Secret, Lies She Told, The Widower's Wife.
Her film, Deadly Estate, was on Fox's Tubi in March, and her upcoming film, Dancers on the Darkside, will be coming out this year.
An award-winning journalist and former television producer, she has written for BusinessWeek, The Boston Globe, and The Record newspaper. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and dogs.
She has an MFA in dramatic writing from NYU's Tisch and graduated from Princeton University in 2002.
She is represented by Paula Munier at Talcott Notch Literary.
Her film, Deadly Estate, was on Fox's Tubi in March, and her upcoming film, Dancers on the Darkside, will be coming out this year.
An award-winning journalist and former television producer, she has written for BusinessWeek, The Boston Globe, and The Record newspaper. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and dogs.
She has an MFA in dramatic writing from NYU's Tisch and graduated from Princeton University in 2002.
She is represented by Paula Munier at Talcott Notch Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 832 reviews
July 14, 2019
A locked room beach mystery at a dreamy vacation get-away rental.
Three couples rent a pricey house on a private beach. Sounds like a wonderful way to relax and enjoy a neighborly vacay, BUT when all the doors shut, secrets and darkness abound.
These three couples have a lot going on in their lives and when they crack open the bottle of rose, someone gets a bit loose lipped. She said what???
When one of the wives is found dead on the beach, everyone begins to panic and give each other the side eye. Who would want her dead? Who has a motive?
This domestic thriller has an air of toxic friendships, hidden agendas and a who-dunnit that could have turned several directions. The author does a great job bringing the characters to life and many were unlikeable and even annoying. The end was quite explosive and surprising.
This one verged on becoming too wordy, but was able to capture my attention with the locked room mystery and investigation. I would definitely pick up more from this author.
Published July 9,2019
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
August 3, 2019
3.5*
A little vacation time at the beach with the new neighbors. All the essential goodies…BBQ, drinks sunshine and ocean water. So what could possibly go wrong...right!?
A great time for both kids and parents. Three couples drop their kids off for summer camp. Let the kids go enjoy their freedom from their parents, while the grown-ups enjoy their own version of carefree time!
As the three couples settle into the exclusive beach house, tensions already are rising! Is it the heat? The long drive? Or are there secrets about to be exposed!
I have to admit I did get a bit confused between the couples, perhaps a scorecard would have come in handy! But to be fair, this book did keep me guessing all the way through and was pleasantly surprised by the ending!
This was the second book I’ve read by Cate Holahan and will definitely be on the lookout for her next!
A buddy read with Susanne!🌸
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holahan for an ARC to read and review.
A little vacation time at the beach with the new neighbors. All the essential goodies…BBQ, drinks sunshine and ocean water. So what could possibly go wrong...right!?
A great time for both kids and parents. Three couples drop their kids off for summer camp. Let the kids go enjoy their freedom from their parents, while the grown-ups enjoy their own version of carefree time!
As the three couples settle into the exclusive beach house, tensions already are rising! Is it the heat? The long drive? Or are there secrets about to be exposed!
I have to admit I did get a bit confused between the couples, perhaps a scorecard would have come in handy! But to be fair, this book did keep me guessing all the way through and was pleasantly surprised by the ending!
This was the second book I’ve read by Cate Holahan and will definitely be on the lookout for her next!
A buddy read with Susanne!🌸
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holahan for an ARC to read and review.
September 20, 2019
Three well-to-do couples/neighbors, a pricey vacation house on a private beach and secrets that they'll do anything to keep hidden...including murder!
The premise definitely captured my attention - couples getting to know each other and one ends up dead. I love a good whodunnit when it seems like everyone has something to lose or secrets to protect. That's when ALL the skeletons start tumbling out the closet and I am so there for it.
The story is told from various POVs and alternated between the day before, the day of and the day after revealing itself in little tidbits at a time. It's a twisty plot which definitely keeps you guessing and second guessing yourself.
I didn't really feel connected with the couples which lowered my overall rating a bit but this turned out to be an entertaining whodunnit with an explosive ending. I probably won't remember the book in much detail over time but I definitely enjoyed it while reading. 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The premise definitely captured my attention - couples getting to know each other and one ends up dead. I love a good whodunnit when it seems like everyone has something to lose or secrets to protect. That's when ALL the skeletons start tumbling out the closet and I am so there for it.
The story is told from various POVs and alternated between the day before, the day of and the day after revealing itself in little tidbits at a time. It's a twisty plot which definitely keeps you guessing and second guessing yourself.
I didn't really feel connected with the couples which lowered my overall rating a bit but this turned out to be an entertaining whodunnit with an explosive ending. I probably won't remember the book in much detail over time but I definitely enjoyed it while reading. 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 24, 2019
One Little Secret is the second novel written by Cate Holahan that I've read. Part mystery and thriller, it tells the story of six neighbors (three couples) who rent a house on the eastern shores of Long Island for part of the summer. As each chapter unfolds in third person perspective, we learn of the drama transpiring in their individual and combined households.
This book was a very easy read. I devoured it in two chunks over a twenty-four hour period, finding myself unwilling to put it down except for meals and priorities that I couldn't skip out on. The characters are vivid, realistic but with a slight caricature-like tendency, and will clearly show their motivation for each move they make. Holahan has weaved clever tension beyond just the normal marital problems of infidelity and monotonous boredom. At times, I thought these people were all horrible, yet at others, I saw moments of intimacy and pain that provoked sentimental feelings for them.
Given where they rented a summer home, it's obvious they came from money, though some try to indicate they do not. Doctors, lawyers, tech start-ups, and sports reporters earn a lot in this world, so be prepared for a high amount of affluence and the drama that comes with it. From the start in the prologue where someone is being pushed under water, you know there is a secret worth protecting, but which of the six is the victim and which is the murderer is the game you've signed on to play when you picked up this book. Love it!
By 15% in, all the major clues are dropped. We know the victim's hair color or body type, then one by one the author described the six people so that it became obvious who died. The detective from the Suffolk County police force is also a key focus, as she's called to scene of this crime and another one which has a connection we've yet to realize. It's also personal for the detective given her young daughter was innocently sucked into a party gone wrong, and that party was attended by one of the six house guests.
My favorite aspect of the book is how the story alternates across three days--day before, day of, and day after. There are flashbacks, and information dropped about the past, but the critical elements are what's not being said in conversations and which neighbor has a connection we don't understand to someone else. I adore that suspense, especially trying to guess not only who but what happened.
Overall, I waffled between a 4 and 4.5 stars, but settled on the higher rating. There were a few items that needed a better closure or clarity, so I couldn't give it a perfect rating. The ending was apropos, but I felt like the detective lingered in the story and made too many mistakes. I didn't always believe she was smart enough to solve the puzzle and felt like a distraction to the story. It was minor, but enough that I noticed it. Also, we didn't get enough time with the victim to understand exactly who (s)he was as a person and parent. I felt bad for the death, but one or two more scenes to show the vibrant life and charisma once held would've made it pop even more.
Holahan's writing style is engaging and has a stellar fluidity that makes you believe you're standing in the rental house or on the beach as everything occurs around you. I look forward to her next book as it will be at the top of my reading list.
This book was a very easy read. I devoured it in two chunks over a twenty-four hour period, finding myself unwilling to put it down except for meals and priorities that I couldn't skip out on. The characters are vivid, realistic but with a slight caricature-like tendency, and will clearly show their motivation for each move they make. Holahan has weaved clever tension beyond just the normal marital problems of infidelity and monotonous boredom. At times, I thought these people were all horrible, yet at others, I saw moments of intimacy and pain that provoked sentimental feelings for them.
Given where they rented a summer home, it's obvious they came from money, though some try to indicate they do not. Doctors, lawyers, tech start-ups, and sports reporters earn a lot in this world, so be prepared for a high amount of affluence and the drama that comes with it. From the start in the prologue where someone is being pushed under water, you know there is a secret worth protecting, but which of the six is the victim and which is the murderer is the game you've signed on to play when you picked up this book. Love it!
By 15% in, all the major clues are dropped. We know the victim's hair color or body type, then one by one the author described the six people so that it became obvious who died. The detective from the Suffolk County police force is also a key focus, as she's called to scene of this crime and another one which has a connection we've yet to realize. It's also personal for the detective given her young daughter was innocently sucked into a party gone wrong, and that party was attended by one of the six house guests.
My favorite aspect of the book is how the story alternates across three days--day before, day of, and day after. There are flashbacks, and information dropped about the past, but the critical elements are what's not being said in conversations and which neighbor has a connection we don't understand to someone else. I adore that suspense, especially trying to guess not only who but what happened.
Overall, I waffled between a 4 and 4.5 stars, but settled on the higher rating. There were a few items that needed a better closure or clarity, so I couldn't give it a perfect rating. The ending was apropos, but I felt like the detective lingered in the story and made too many mistakes. I didn't always believe she was smart enough to solve the puzzle and felt like a distraction to the story. It was minor, but enough that I noticed it. Also, we didn't get enough time with the victim to understand exactly who (s)he was as a person and parent. I felt bad for the death, but one or two more scenes to show the vibrant life and charisma once held would've made it pop even more.
Holahan's writing style is engaging and has a stellar fluidity that makes you believe you're standing in the rental house or on the beach as everything occurs around you. I look forward to her next book as it will be at the top of my reading list.
August 11, 2019
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a mystery that literally takes place in a glass house where there are plenty of stones being thrown. Three couples leave the city to spend a child-free week together at a beach house. The six friends, while relaxing and over-enjoying drinks, begin to reveal secrets which include adultery, spousal abuse, lawsuits, etc. By the next morning, one of them is found dead on the beach and the remaining five are pointing fingers at each other. Gabby Watkins is the detective assigned to the case. She soon finds that any of them had a reason to commit this murder. One by one are interviewed and later released. Who is the killer? And why was the victim murdered? I recommend this novel to readers who like to be kept guessing until the end. Nothing is as it seems. This is my first Cate Holahan mystery but I look forward to reading all of her books. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2019
THREE SO-SO STARS
Three couples rent a fabulous beach house for a get-to-know-each-other kind of vacation. After driving up to the house for the first time, they find it to be not as gorgeous as the online photos led them to believe. Hey, no problem, they make the best of it and get on with the eating, drinking and relaxing. It's going to be an amazing week!
What the three couples didn't sign up for is MURDER. Yep, we've got a classic locked room murder mystery to solve!
The peeps should've been soaking up the sunshine and chilling out, instead they let grievances and tensions build at an alarming rate. It appears there is much more than "One Little Secret" brewing in this group. Before you even know what in the H-E-double-L is going on, one of the six is found dead on the beach.
Who is responsible? Which character can be trusted? This is a case for the local detective and YOU, the reader. A legit whodunnit!
I loved Cate Holahan's previous novel Lies She Told. To me, that is a far superior psyche thriller to this one. All the characters in One Little Secret are unlikeable and superbly irritating! The pace is slow and wordy, definitely not a terrible story, but not one I will remember either.
DANGER WILL ROBINSON: domestic violence is a real big theme in this book!
Three couples rent a fabulous beach house for a get-to-know-each-other kind of vacation. After driving up to the house for the first time, they find it to be not as gorgeous as the online photos led them to believe. Hey, no problem, they make the best of it and get on with the eating, drinking and relaxing. It's going to be an amazing week!
What the three couples didn't sign up for is MURDER. Yep, we've got a classic locked room murder mystery to solve!
The peeps should've been soaking up the sunshine and chilling out, instead they let grievances and tensions build at an alarming rate. It appears there is much more than "One Little Secret" brewing in this group. Before you even know what in the H-E-double-L is going on, one of the six is found dead on the beach.
Who is responsible? Which character can be trusted? This is a case for the local detective and YOU, the reader. A legit whodunnit!
I loved Cate Holahan's previous novel Lies She Told. To me, that is a far superior psyche thriller to this one. All the characters in One Little Secret are unlikeable and superbly irritating! The pace is slow and wordy, definitely not a terrible story, but not one I will remember either.
DANGER WILL ROBINSON: domestic violence is a real big theme in this book!
August 4, 2019
3 Stars
Eat, drink and be merry...
We were above
You were standing underneath us
We were not yet lovers
Dragons were smoked
Bumblebees were stinging us
I was soon to be crazy
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow, we’ll die
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow, we’ll die
“Tripping Billies” Dave Matthews Band
Three couples, neighbors, vacation together in the Hamptons, renting a house on a private beach. The plan sounds like a good one but the house leaves something to be desired. What becomes readily apparent is that there are lots of secrets being kept amongst this close knit group (or not so close knit group .. as the case maybe).
Good thing there’s alcohol and lots of it!
One thing leads to another and someone ends up dead. Funny that never happens when I throw a party! (Am I right or am I right?).
“One Little Secret” is a slow paced character driven mystery/suspense that left a little something to be desired even though this novel included little clues left behind waiting for me to figure them out.. lol! If only.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and to Cate Holahan for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads on 8.3.19.
Eat, drink and be merry...
We were above
You were standing underneath us
We were not yet lovers
Dragons were smoked
Bumblebees were stinging us
I was soon to be crazy
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow, we’ll die
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow, we’ll die
“Tripping Billies” Dave Matthews Band
Three couples, neighbors, vacation together in the Hamptons, renting a house on a private beach. The plan sounds like a good one but the house leaves something to be desired. What becomes readily apparent is that there are lots of secrets being kept amongst this close knit group (or not so close knit group .. as the case maybe).
Good thing there’s alcohol and lots of it!
One thing leads to another and someone ends up dead. Funny that never happens when I throw a party! (Am I right or am I right?).
“One Little Secret” is a slow paced character driven mystery/suspense that left a little something to be desired even though this novel included little clues left behind waiting for me to figure them out.. lol! If only.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and to Cate Holahan for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads on 8.3.19.
August 13, 2019
Alcohol and secrets never go well together. This is a domestic thriller about three couples that share a beach rental in the Hamptons. Initially, it was difficult to track the individuals and which spouse they belonged to 😝. Once I was able to keep the characters/couples straight, the story became easier to follow.
Tension built as the suspects were slowly narrowed, but I didn’t feel drawn to any character. I enjoyed the writing, so I’m chalking this “ok-but-not-great” read up to domestic thriller overload.
Ben / Rachel - Ben is a stay-at-home father and Rachel is the breadwinner. A ruthless lawyer that is painted as an ambulance chaser.
Louis / Jenny - They went to medical school together. Louis became an ER doctor, while Jenny’s career took a more successful turn.
Nadal / Susan - Nadal’s firm designed a tech company, “Doc2Go”. A workaholic, who passed on his parental duties to his wife. Susan is raising their twin boys after giving up her career.
This well-needed mini vacation sounded heavenly. Just what the doctor ordered...the beach, sun, good food, great booze and, most of all, no kids. But tension builds as secrets surface and we find out someone is willing to do anything to keep their secret buried. The suspects are slowly narrowed and we find out who the killer is....or do we?
My approval didn’t come until after the publication date, so my review is late, but I was excited to get a copy of this one. My first book by this author was enough to add her previous work to my TBR list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holahan for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 3 ⭐️’s
Published: July 9th 2019 by Crooked Lane Books
Pages: 313
Tension built as the suspects were slowly narrowed, but I didn’t feel drawn to any character. I enjoyed the writing, so I’m chalking this “ok-but-not-great” read up to domestic thriller overload.
Ben / Rachel - Ben is a stay-at-home father and Rachel is the breadwinner. A ruthless lawyer that is painted as an ambulance chaser.
Louis / Jenny - They went to medical school together. Louis became an ER doctor, while Jenny’s career took a more successful turn.
Nadal / Susan - Nadal’s firm designed a tech company, “Doc2Go”. A workaholic, who passed on his parental duties to his wife. Susan is raising their twin boys after giving up her career.
This well-needed mini vacation sounded heavenly. Just what the doctor ordered...the beach, sun, good food, great booze and, most of all, no kids. But tension builds as secrets surface and we find out someone is willing to do anything to keep their secret buried. The suspects are slowly narrowed and we find out who the killer is....or do we?
”Such entreaties were never answered by God. And the devil never did anything for free.”
My approval didn’t come until after the publication date, so my review is late, but I was excited to get a copy of this one. My first book by this author was enough to add her previous work to my TBR list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holahan for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 3 ⭐️’s
Published: July 9th 2019 by Crooked Lane Books
Pages: 313
January 26, 2020
Juicy, Mystery Drama!
Welcome to the Hamptons! Three financially successful couples rent a luxurious summer house together while their children who are friends are all staying at the same summer camp. They are neighbors as well as friends but not close enough to know that they all have secrets and want them to stay hidden. After the first dinner together including a little too much alcohol for some, tempers flare, jealousy arises and a few arguments have already raised their ugly little heads. This was not the way beautiful vacations were supposed to begin or end. This was going to be a long and heated summer. Unbeknownst to all the couples is that one of them would be found dead the following morning and they will all be suspects in their neighbor's murder.
I just devoured this tasty well-written story so much that I hated when I had to put the book down. The story is told from multiple points of view and the author did a marvelous job of keeping the reader in suspense about who the killer was and continuously pointing the finger at each character as a possible suspect with plenty of motives making their rounds. I just loved this book and will definitely be looking up other works written by Cate Holahan to read!
I want to thank the publisher "Crooked Lane Books" and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this terrific book!
I highly recommend to any reader who enjoys knowing about secrets that to on behind closed doors and I have given a rating of 4 Really Juicy 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Welcome to the Hamptons! Three financially successful couples rent a luxurious summer house together while their children who are friends are all staying at the same summer camp. They are neighbors as well as friends but not close enough to know that they all have secrets and want them to stay hidden. After the first dinner together including a little too much alcohol for some, tempers flare, jealousy arises and a few arguments have already raised their ugly little heads. This was not the way beautiful vacations were supposed to begin or end. This was going to be a long and heated summer. Unbeknownst to all the couples is that one of them would be found dead the following morning and they will all be suspects in their neighbor's murder.
I just devoured this tasty well-written story so much that I hated when I had to put the book down. The story is told from multiple points of view and the author did a marvelous job of keeping the reader in suspense about who the killer was and continuously pointing the finger at each character as a possible suspect with plenty of motives making their rounds. I just loved this book and will definitely be looking up other works written by Cate Holahan to read!
I want to thank the publisher "Crooked Lane Books" and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this terrific book!
I highly recommend to any reader who enjoys knowing about secrets that to on behind closed doors and I have given a rating of 4 Really Juicy 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
July 14, 2019
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a thriller that is a bit like taking a police procedural and fusing it into a domestic drama. The story in this one is told from multiple points of view and from different time frames of the day before, day of and day after a murder has occurred.
Detective Gabby Watkins is one of the only females in her profession so she tends to get assigned the more sensitive cases such as when a rape occurs. Just as Gabby is dealing with a victim that says she was raped Gabby also gets a call that a female body was found and finds herself investigating both cases.
Susan and her husband were planning a getaway to a beautiful glass beach house. Susan thought the time away would also be a perfect way to get to know some of their neighbors better so Susan invited along two other couples. The three couples however all have their own secrets and marital problems and by the end of the night one of the six is the murder victim the police find.
I’m always a huge fan of some good old fashion domestic drama when neighbors are hiding things from one another so One Little Secret by Cate Holahan should have been right up my alley. However, with this one I swear I had the hardest time connecting to any of the couples and kept having to remind myself who was who along the way. Others seem to have really enjoyed this one but to me the lack of connection made it a bit so-so in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Detective Gabby Watkins is one of the only females in her profession so she tends to get assigned the more sensitive cases such as when a rape occurs. Just as Gabby is dealing with a victim that says she was raped Gabby also gets a call that a female body was found and finds herself investigating both cases.
Susan and her husband were planning a getaway to a beautiful glass beach house. Susan thought the time away would also be a perfect way to get to know some of their neighbors better so Susan invited along two other couples. The three couples however all have their own secrets and marital problems and by the end of the night one of the six is the murder victim the police find.
I’m always a huge fan of some good old fashion domestic drama when neighbors are hiding things from one another so One Little Secret by Cate Holahan should have been right up my alley. However, with this one I swear I had the hardest time connecting to any of the couples and kept having to remind myself who was who along the way. Others seem to have really enjoyed this one but to me the lack of connection made it a bit so-so in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 12, 2019
4 Looks Can Be Deceiving Stars
One Little Secret tells the story of 3 neighbor couples that decide to go in together on a Hamptons beach rental for a week of “get to know you” style relaxation. On the surface, all three couples appear to have happy, healthy marriages. Of course, if everything was sunshine and unicorns, we wouldn’t have a story, now would we.
The book is told in a multi-POV format and from the beginning, all three marriages show signs of major cracking. Issues of domestic violence, career ambitions and cheating all play prominent roles and by the time one of our vacationing neighbors meets their maker, it’s clear any of the remaining five characters could easily be the killer. My favorite part of any mystery is trying to figure out whodunit and I’m happy to say this one kept me guessing until the end.
Without giving anything away, I will say once I started this book, I had an extremely difficult time putting it down. The characters are realistic, evocative and had me taking sides almost immediately. I don’t always appreciate being in so many different characters heads, but this time it absolutely made the book for me. I especially appreciate getting the detective’s point of view and how her own story played into the mystery.
One Little Secret is my first Cate Holahan book and I couldn’t have picked a better story to start with. Though I finished over a week ago, this cast of characters, with all of their secrets and deceptions, have managed to stick with me. It also makes me rethink any future travel plans I may have with my neighbors.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
One Little Secret tells the story of 3 neighbor couples that decide to go in together on a Hamptons beach rental for a week of “get to know you” style relaxation. On the surface, all three couples appear to have happy, healthy marriages. Of course, if everything was sunshine and unicorns, we wouldn’t have a story, now would we.
The book is told in a multi-POV format and from the beginning, all three marriages show signs of major cracking. Issues of domestic violence, career ambitions and cheating all play prominent roles and by the time one of our vacationing neighbors meets their maker, it’s clear any of the remaining five characters could easily be the killer. My favorite part of any mystery is trying to figure out whodunit and I’m happy to say this one kept me guessing until the end.
Without giving anything away, I will say once I started this book, I had an extremely difficult time putting it down. The characters are realistic, evocative and had me taking sides almost immediately. I don’t always appreciate being in so many different characters heads, but this time it absolutely made the book for me. I especially appreciate getting the detective’s point of view and how her own story played into the mystery.
One Little Secret is my first Cate Holahan book and I couldn’t have picked a better story to start with. Though I finished over a week ago, this cast of characters, with all of their secrets and deceptions, have managed to stick with me. It also makes me rethink any future travel plans I may have with my neighbors.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
September 17, 2019
Over the summer I fell into a reading slump. I was behind in everything - reading, reviewing, commenting - and I truly felt as though I needed to throw in the towel as a blogger and reviewer. And then I read One Little Secret. It completely turned everything around for me! I read the entire book within hours and immediately went on a search for all of Cate Holahan's books. I downloaded them and read them all as well. I was a fan! I was also out of my slump. Do I need to say more!?
Fine. One Little Secret is a marvelous "locked-room mystery." Susan wanted nothing more than a peaceful get-away at the beach. She invited a few other couples to join her and her husband at a beach house rental. Susan thought it would be a dream vacation for them, a time of fun and games and a way to reconnect with one another. She thought wrong - deadly wrong. A night of drinking leads to diminished inhibitions, secrets are revealed and the next morning one of them is found dead on the beach. Who wanted this person dead and why, more importantly how?
One Little Secret is well written, suspenseful to the end and is one of the best "locked room" mysteries I've read in a while. It very easily could have slipped into campy but the craftily worded plot never allows it to go there. While many have called this a "summer beach read" because it set at a holiday house at the beach, this is a mystery that will be a good read any time of the year. When you're finished with this one, go find Holahan's other books. You will enjoy them as well!
Fine. One Little Secret is a marvelous "locked-room mystery." Susan wanted nothing more than a peaceful get-away at the beach. She invited a few other couples to join her and her husband at a beach house rental. Susan thought it would be a dream vacation for them, a time of fun and games and a way to reconnect with one another. She thought wrong - deadly wrong. A night of drinking leads to diminished inhibitions, secrets are revealed and the next morning one of them is found dead on the beach. Who wanted this person dead and why, more importantly how?
One Little Secret is well written, suspenseful to the end and is one of the best "locked room" mysteries I've read in a while. It very easily could have slipped into campy but the craftily worded plot never allows it to go there. While many have called this a "summer beach read" because it set at a holiday house at the beach, this is a mystery that will be a good read any time of the year. When you're finished with this one, go find Holahan's other books. You will enjoy them as well!
January 29, 2020
Juicy, Mystery Drama!
Welcome to the Hamptons! Three financially successful couples rent a luxurious summer house together while their children who are friends are all staying at the same summer camp. They are neighbors as well as friends but not close enough to know that they all have secrets and want them to stay hidden. After the first dinner together including a little too much alcohol for some, tempers flare, jealousy arises and a few arguments have already raised their ugly little heads. This was not the way beautiful vacations were supposed to begin or end. This was going to be a long and heated summer. Unbeknownst to all the couples is that one of them would be found dead the following morning and they will all be suspects in their neighbor's murder.
I just devoured this tasty well-written story so much that I hated when I had to put the book down. The story is told from multiple points of view and the author did a marvelous job of keeping the reader in suspense about who the killer was and continuously pointing the finger at each character as a possible suspect with plenty of motives making their rounds. I just loved this book and will definitely be looking up other works written by Cate Holahan to read!
I want to thank the publisher "Crooked Lane Books" and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this terrific book!
I highly recommend to any reader who enjoys knowing about secrets that to on behind closed doors and I have given a rating of 4 Really Juicy 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars
Welcome to the Hamptons! Three financially successful couples rent a luxurious summer house together while their children who are friends are all staying at the same summer camp. They are neighbors as well as friends but not close enough to know that they all have secrets and want them to stay hidden. After the first dinner together including a little too much alcohol for some, tempers flare, jealousy arises and a few arguments have already raised their ugly little heads. This was not the way beautiful vacations were supposed to begin or end. This was going to be a long and heated summer. Unbeknownst to all the couples is that one of them would be found dead the following morning and they will all be suspects in their neighbor's murder.
I just devoured this tasty well-written story so much that I hated when I had to put the book down. The story is told from multiple points of view and the author did a marvelous job of keeping the reader in suspense about who the killer was and continuously pointing the finger at each character as a possible suspect with plenty of motives making their rounds. I just loved this book and will definitely be looking up other works written by Cate Holahan to read!
I want to thank the publisher "Crooked Lane Books" and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this terrific book!
I highly recommend to any reader who enjoys knowing about secrets that to on behind closed doors and I have given a rating of 4 Really Juicy 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars
June 29, 2019
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a book that will suck you in from the start. I read this one quite quickly, needing to know how it was all going to play out. Nobody is who they seem in the beginning and the twists keep coming. A great, fast paced read for anybody who likes a good whodunnit.
3 couples, a weeks holiday with no children in a beach house in the Hamptons. A chance to relax and get to know new people - what could go wrong? Murder - that is what! Copious amounts of alcohol has all the secrets being spilled - work stress, martial tensions, kids - you name it. In the morning a woman is dead on their private beach - who wanted their secrets kept secret that badly? Enter Detective Gabby Watkins - an investigator who is like a dog with a bone and determined to get to the bottom of it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
3 couples, a weeks holiday with no children in a beach house in the Hamptons. A chance to relax and get to know new people - what could go wrong? Murder - that is what! Copious amounts of alcohol has all the secrets being spilled - work stress, martial tensions, kids - you name it. In the morning a woman is dead on their private beach - who wanted their secrets kept secret that badly? Enter Detective Gabby Watkins - an investigator who is like a dog with a bone and determined to get to the bottom of it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
June 26, 2019
“Marriage was like a poker game in that the stakes increased the longer each player sat at the table. After a dozen years with the same person, the pot became so large that’s no one could walk away over anything less than a monumental display of cheating. All other grievances had to be shrugged off.”
Love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage or perhaps more like a long walk of a short pier as we learn in this tale.
A kid-free vacation (every parents dream vacation, am I right?😂) turns into a murderous adventure then the inevitable mayhem ensues in, One Little Secret.
This is a solid, well written read as expected by the very talented Holahan. Yet, it’s sadly not my favorite read of her books so far but still deserving of 4 stars.❤️
Love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage or perhaps more like a long walk of a short pier as we learn in this tale.
A kid-free vacation (every parents dream vacation, am I right?😂) turns into a murderous adventure then the inevitable mayhem ensues in, One Little Secret.
This is a solid, well written read as expected by the very talented Holahan. Yet, it’s sadly not my favorite read of her books so far but still deserving of 4 stars.❤️
July 27, 2019
This group of friends had so many secrets!!! One secret after another as the story moved along. At first I had a little difficulty keeping track of the characters--who was married to who, what their profession was, etc. Once I remembered, the story went more smoothly for me. Three sets of married friends decide to go on a week long vacation to the beach. After one night of drinking, secrets start coming out. And damn if there aren't a lot of them!!! By the next morning, the vacation becomes even more dramatic. Going back and forth to the night before and the next morning, we begin to unravel the mystery. Very well-written, high paced, keeps you guessing.....everything I love my mysteries to be. Definitely would read more by Cate Holahan.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2019
3.5 stars
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Susan Ahmadi, a former attorney, is now a stay-at-home mom for her two sons. She is home-schooling her autistic son Jonah. Her husband Nadal is the CEO of a tech start-up and very busy, so she decides they need a break when the kids are going off to camp. She also feels that she needs to create a more family-like atmosphere with their new neighbours. She convinces her work-a-holic husband and two other neighbourhood couples whose children will also be away, to split the rental cost of a rather expensive place on a private beach. Rachel Klein and Ben Hansen are a personal injury attorney and a writer, respectively, and live behind Susan and Nadal with their two children. Jenny and Louis Murray are a CBS Sports commentator and a doctor, and live beside Susan and Nadal with their daughter. The three couples are looking forward to their week at the beach.
But the anticipated holiday does not go as planned. There is so much going on behind the scenes that Susan was unaware when she set up this little vacation. The first evening the couples start unwinding with booze. By the next morning, one of them is dead.
Detective Gabby Watkins is responsible for solving this crime. Unfortunately, it turns out that everyone is a suspect, and her own daughter may be an alibi to one of them.
My Opinions:
I struggled getting into this one. It seemed dis-jointed. It started out with a possible rape victim being interrogated, and then moved on to the introduction of the couples, but not in a straight-forward manner, leaving me unsure of who was partnered with who, and which had kids..... Then the book alternated chapters: before the murder, the day of the murder, after the murder. That part worked okay.
This book is about secrets and lies and affairs and spousal abuse and sexual abuse....and it's a wee bit dark...which is generally fine in my realm, as most of the books I read have at least one of these characteristics. Unfortunately, it was also very wordy (okay, a little like me). As well, I didn't actually like any of the characters, so it made it difficult to truly enjoy the book. As far as I am concerned, all of their behaviours sucked.
All that being said, the overall plot was very interesting, and the red herrings sent the reader into many directions as to the possible perpetrator. Although I did guess the identity of the killer, the path wound around many other possibilities. This really made up for quite a lot of the things I didn't like about the book, although not quite enough for 4 stars, and I am sure I will be in the minority, but.....my opinions only really count to me, and I can live with it.
I really enjoyed "Lies She Told" by this author, so I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 28, 2019
Susan and her family are new to the neighborhood and she thought it would be fun to get away for an adults only vacation with the neighbors. She and her husband could sure use a little rest and relaxation. The house is picturesque with windows all around and right on the beach. They're a close group as far as neighbors go. As soon as they all start arriving the alcohol comes out and cheers all around. As soon as the liquor starts to settle, things are said that normally wouldn't be shared. Perhaps there's a little animosity bubbling under the surface that even Susan was unaware of and then one of them is found dead on the beach the next morning.
The novel really picks up speed from here and accusations fly. The one person who has to pull apart the tangled web of people and stories is detective Gabby Watkins and slowly but surely she may have her suspect, but is she in time? Lies have a way of catching up to a person in the most unexpected ways and like hot gossip this was a shockingly fun read.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Cate Holahan for the arc
The novel really picks up speed from here and accusations fly. The one person who has to pull apart the tangled web of people and stories is detective Gabby Watkins and slowly but surely she may have her suspect, but is she in time? Lies have a way of catching up to a person in the most unexpected ways and like hot gossip this was a shockingly fun read.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Cate Holahan for the arc
July 9, 2019
Three couples rent a vacation residence for the week their children are attending camp. Although the couples are all neighbors, they really don't know each other very well.
Throw in an abundance of alcohol into the mix and the differences among them are glaring. There's a doctor, a lawyer, a housewife, an abusive husband, a workaholic, and at least one person who's having an affair.
The next morning, a dead body is seen on the private beach. It will be Detective Gabby Watkins who will have to comb through everyone's private lives to find the killer. What she finds is that each and every one of the people sharing the house have a secret ... one someone might kill to keep quiet.
CON: The one and only thing I found unsatisfactory is an instance where the abusive husband, in a fit of anger, calls his wife by another woman's name. There is no character in the book that has this name. I would have liked to see some kind of explanation .. but nothing more was forthcoming.
Otherwise, this is a well written, intense, psychological thriller. There's a cast of six who may or not be what they want the others to see. Many secrets are to be discovered. This was a riveting read .... not soon to be forgotten.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for this intriguing novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Throw in an abundance of alcohol into the mix and the differences among them are glaring. There's a doctor, a lawyer, a housewife, an abusive husband, a workaholic, and at least one person who's having an affair.
The next morning, a dead body is seen on the private beach. It will be Detective Gabby Watkins who will have to comb through everyone's private lives to find the killer. What she finds is that each and every one of the people sharing the house have a secret ... one someone might kill to keep quiet.
CON: The one and only thing I found unsatisfactory is an instance where the abusive husband, in a fit of anger, calls his wife by another woman's name. There is no character in the book that has this name. I would have liked to see some kind of explanation .. but nothing more was forthcoming.
Otherwise, this is a well written, intense, psychological thriller. There's a cast of six who may or not be what they want the others to see. Many secrets are to be discovered. This was a riveting read .... not soon to be forgotten.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for this intriguing novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 19, 2019
One Little Secret by Cat Holahan was a book that once I started reading it, I really could not put it down!!! Plot twists that are delightfully unexpected with characters that the reader wants to know better. I could relate to the insecurities that Susan had in trying to make friends and feeling a bit lost when it came to confidence and identity. She books a house for three couples to share, only she doesn't expect that one of her new found friends would end up dead. As they each become suspects, more secrets are unraveling all the way to the very end of the novel.
Author Holahan writes with skill and a clever way of allowing the characters to really get underneath the reader's skin so that the reader isn't sure who the killer is. The detective, Gabby is smart and genuine...even feeling regret for treating someone as a suspect when she finds out that person did not deserve it. Definitely found the ending satisfying!!!!
I can actually see this novel as a movie...with all the side plots and twists... edge of your seat in some scenes and sitting in soaking up the drama in others.
Trigger warnings: Rape and domestic violence
Author Holahan writes with skill and a clever way of allowing the characters to really get underneath the reader's skin so that the reader isn't sure who the killer is. The detective, Gabby is smart and genuine...even feeling regret for treating someone as a suspect when she finds out that person did not deserve it. Definitely found the ending satisfying!!!!
I can actually see this novel as a movie...with all the side plots and twists... edge of your seat in some scenes and sitting in soaking up the drama in others.
Trigger warnings: Rape and domestic violence
November 23, 2019
2.5 Stars
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Going in, this book seemed like it would be right up my alley in terms of the types of mystery/thriller novels I enjoy. So I am disappointed to say that I came out with rather mixed feelings about it—it was just a bit underwhelming for me. On the one hand, this story is packed with a few too many clichés and there are a number of elements of the plot that could have been executed better. On the other hand, it is a fast and fairly entertaining read that still completely held my attention all the way through. All this being said, I have come to the conclusion that the majority of my issues with the narrative are simply connected to my personal taste.
The characters that make up the intriguing cast of this story are definitely not particularly likable people. The tension in the house is incredibly palpable with the constant stilted interactions, nasty thoughts, and full-blown arguments. And they will immediately have you questioning why in the world they would ever agree to go on vacation together for a week in the first place. Despite this, there are still redeemable qualities in some of them and not everyone is quite as bad as they seem in the beginning.
Though my mixed feelings really apply to every aspect of this novel, I thought the characterization was decent. I found most of the characters to be realistic and thought they had a good amount of dimension. The majority of them evolved—along with my opinion of them—as the story progressed and as more of their backgrounds were revealed. Many of them are dislikable, but in a very purposeful way—you are meant to be suspicious of them for a while, and almost all of them do end up acting poorly at some point. I did feel like this only added to their believability. There are a couple characters—only one main one—who are quite one dimensional and somewhat unrealistic, but this is avoided for the most part.
Quite honestly, this novel is absolutely full of adult mystery novel clichés. Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Commonly used elements can still make for a great story and I do not think that this is an entirely negative thing when it comes to this one. I do think it is a bit overdone. The topics used to create drama between the couples and in the plot of the novel overall are well written for what they are. There are scenes of domestic abuse that are so realistically portrayed they are quite intense and hard to read. The themes of betrayal are very vivid and the moments of insecurity are extremely relatable. All in all, Holahan truly brings every theme dealt with in this novel to life in a multi-dimensional way.
The issue here—and it is certainly more related to personal preference than an actual problem with the story—is that these commonly used plot points became too overwhelming. Trying to crowd all of them in caused the originality of the narrative to take a significant hit. Every unique moment is overshadowed by tropes like infidelity, abuse, alcoholism, and petty arguments. Though these topics are common in many novels and add a good deal of tension and drama, there needs to be more substance. In this novel, it felt like one was being piled onto the next just for the sake of raising more issues for the couples rather than actually building or progressing the plot.
The most major element of the novel that I feel could have been executed better is the creation of suspicion in the reader’s mind. A mystery novel should allow the reader to form their own thoughts about and distrust in the possible culprits by subtly directing their attention to potential motives. While Holahan does do that in some ways, it lacks a lot of that subtlety and ends up coming across as a bit forced. Though every person in the house is clearly going to be a suspect, there are constant and far too obvious reminders of why they could be guilty. It becomes very over-the-top and detracts from the suspense of the plot.
I definitely think Holahan could have left a little room for the reader to come to their own conclusions about each of the characters’ potential for being the killer. Developing them more naturally and relying solely on laying out personalities and backstories with the progression of the plot would have allowed for this. It is easy to get a clear picture of each character and form one’s own opinion based on the way she does these things over the course of the novel. However, too often the narrative strays toward a less delicate way of weaving in distrust of the characters, instead, pointing the finger quite plainly from one person to the next.
Another element of the novel I feel could have been executed better is the narrowing down of suspects over the course of the story. As the narrative progresses, each of the potential killers is cleared one by one until there are only two left in the end. This approach, for me, sort of killed the suspense. It would have kept me more on the edge of my seat if Holahan had left a few more options in there. This, though, is undeniably something that did not work for me personally and could easily be perfectly fine for a different reader. As it stands, I found the ending to be extremely predictable and it fell rather flat. I have to say, the choice of the killer upset me a bit for a number of reasons as well.
The writing itself is a strong point in this book. I really like Holahan’s writing style—it flows very naturally and is easy to get into. Her descriptions are very vivid and help to pull the reader into the story. She sets the scene for all the mystery and deception well, forming an environment that reflects the tone and emotion of each scene. The narrative never lacks realism, helping to immerse the reader and connect them with the setting and characters.
Now, after all that I have said, it may seem like this reading experience was a primarily negative one, but that is not entirely true. There were a lot of issues I personally had with it but, as I said before, I doubt they would apply to everyone. Personal taste was a big factor here. Also, I was very engaged in the story. I did not absolutely love it but it held my attention from beginning to end and I was truly interested in finding out how everything would resolve. Despite the predictability of many plot points, there were still enough surprises to keep me guessing. Overall, this is a novel that I would recommend giving a try. I know it is something that plenty of readers will find enjoyment in.
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Going in, this book seemed like it would be right up my alley in terms of the types of mystery/thriller novels I enjoy. So I am disappointed to say that I came out with rather mixed feelings about it—it was just a bit underwhelming for me. On the one hand, this story is packed with a few too many clichés and there are a number of elements of the plot that could have been executed better. On the other hand, it is a fast and fairly entertaining read that still completely held my attention all the way through. All this being said, I have come to the conclusion that the majority of my issues with the narrative are simply connected to my personal taste.
The characters that make up the intriguing cast of this story are definitely not particularly likable people. The tension in the house is incredibly palpable with the constant stilted interactions, nasty thoughts, and full-blown arguments. And they will immediately have you questioning why in the world they would ever agree to go on vacation together for a week in the first place. Despite this, there are still redeemable qualities in some of them and not everyone is quite as bad as they seem in the beginning.
Though my mixed feelings really apply to every aspect of this novel, I thought the characterization was decent. I found most of the characters to be realistic and thought they had a good amount of dimension. The majority of them evolved—along with my opinion of them—as the story progressed and as more of their backgrounds were revealed. Many of them are dislikable, but in a very purposeful way—you are meant to be suspicious of them for a while, and almost all of them do end up acting poorly at some point. I did feel like this only added to their believability. There are a couple characters—only one main one—who are quite one dimensional and somewhat unrealistic, but this is avoided for the most part.
Quite honestly, this novel is absolutely full of adult mystery novel clichés. Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Commonly used elements can still make for a great story and I do not think that this is an entirely negative thing when it comes to this one. I do think it is a bit overdone. The topics used to create drama between the couples and in the plot of the novel overall are well written for what they are. There are scenes of domestic abuse that are so realistically portrayed they are quite intense and hard to read. The themes of betrayal are very vivid and the moments of insecurity are extremely relatable. All in all, Holahan truly brings every theme dealt with in this novel to life in a multi-dimensional way.
The issue here—and it is certainly more related to personal preference than an actual problem with the story—is that these commonly used plot points became too overwhelming. Trying to crowd all of them in caused the originality of the narrative to take a significant hit. Every unique moment is overshadowed by tropes like infidelity, abuse, alcoholism, and petty arguments. Though these topics are common in many novels and add a good deal of tension and drama, there needs to be more substance. In this novel, it felt like one was being piled onto the next just for the sake of raising more issues for the couples rather than actually building or progressing the plot.
The most major element of the novel that I feel could have been executed better is the creation of suspicion in the reader’s mind. A mystery novel should allow the reader to form their own thoughts about and distrust in the possible culprits by subtly directing their attention to potential motives. While Holahan does do that in some ways, it lacks a lot of that subtlety and ends up coming across as a bit forced. Though every person in the house is clearly going to be a suspect, there are constant and far too obvious reminders of why they could be guilty. It becomes very over-the-top and detracts from the suspense of the plot.
I definitely think Holahan could have left a little room for the reader to come to their own conclusions about each of the characters’ potential for being the killer. Developing them more naturally and relying solely on laying out personalities and backstories with the progression of the plot would have allowed for this. It is easy to get a clear picture of each character and form one’s own opinion based on the way she does these things over the course of the novel. However, too often the narrative strays toward a less delicate way of weaving in distrust of the characters, instead, pointing the finger quite plainly from one person to the next.
Another element of the novel I feel could have been executed better is the narrowing down of suspects over the course of the story. As the narrative progresses, each of the potential killers is cleared one by one until there are only two left in the end. This approach, for me, sort of killed the suspense. It would have kept me more on the edge of my seat if Holahan had left a few more options in there. This, though, is undeniably something that did not work for me personally and could easily be perfectly fine for a different reader. As it stands, I found the ending to be extremely predictable and it fell rather flat. I have to say, the choice of the killer upset me a bit for a number of reasons as well.
The writing itself is a strong point in this book. I really like Holahan’s writing style—it flows very naturally and is easy to get into. Her descriptions are very vivid and help to pull the reader into the story. She sets the scene for all the mystery and deception well, forming an environment that reflects the tone and emotion of each scene. The narrative never lacks realism, helping to immerse the reader and connect them with the setting and characters.
Now, after all that I have said, it may seem like this reading experience was a primarily negative one, but that is not entirely true. There were a lot of issues I personally had with it but, as I said before, I doubt they would apply to everyone. Personal taste was a big factor here. Also, I was very engaged in the story. I did not absolutely love it but it held my attention from beginning to end and I was truly interested in finding out how everything would resolve. Despite the predictability of many plot points, there were still enough surprises to keep me guessing. Overall, this is a novel that I would recommend giving a try. I know it is something that plenty of readers will find enjoyment in.
March 3, 2019
**4 Stars**
In Cate Holahan's One Little Secret, three couples who are neighbors decide to rent out a gorgeous beach house for a getaway. By the end of the trip, one person is dead and the remaining "friends" are all murder suspects.
The book reads like a modern twist on an Agatha Christie novel; though the book's title suggests only one person has a secret, it appears as though every person on the trip is hiding something that could easily incriminate them. There are affairs - including ones between not just one but possibly TWO couples on the trip; there are financial issues between the couples; and, finally, there is a pending lawsuit involving two couples on the trip. Yes, this is absolute recipe for disaster, to say the least.
Why any of these couples would willingly go on vacation with each other is beyond me, but it sure makes for a suspenseful read.
Readers should be aware that there is domestic violence in this book, and the author has dealt with it in the most delicate, critical way possible. It's clear she has researched the psychology and manipulation involved in domestic violence. In this case, the women who is being abused is successful, smart, and has a fantastic career; her husband, the abuser, also has a successful career as a physician. He uses his career and training to mask the violence he is inflicting on his wife; his training grants him the knowledge of how to 1) conceal the bruises/physical trauma he causes, and 2) provide medications to his wife so that she can cope with the pain of abuse.
The ending of this book was satisfying, if not emotional. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy suspense, thrillers, and crime novels.
I was really excited to get a copy of Holahan's book because I really enjoyed her last book, Lies She Told, which I reviewed. If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it (I gave it 5/5 stars!). Thank you to NetGalley, Cate Holahan, and Crooked Lane Books for an advanced reader copy of One Little Secret!
For more of my book reviews visit me here:
Book Review Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
In Cate Holahan's One Little Secret, three couples who are neighbors decide to rent out a gorgeous beach house for a getaway. By the end of the trip, one person is dead and the remaining "friends" are all murder suspects.
The book reads like a modern twist on an Agatha Christie novel; though the book's title suggests only one person has a secret, it appears as though every person on the trip is hiding something that could easily incriminate them. There are affairs - including ones between not just one but possibly TWO couples on the trip; there are financial issues between the couples; and, finally, there is a pending lawsuit involving two couples on the trip. Yes, this is absolute recipe for disaster, to say the least.
Why any of these couples would willingly go on vacation with each other is beyond me, but it sure makes for a suspenseful read.
Readers should be aware that there is domestic violence in this book, and the author has dealt with it in the most delicate, critical way possible. It's clear she has researched the psychology and manipulation involved in domestic violence. In this case, the women who is being abused is successful, smart, and has a fantastic career; her husband, the abuser, also has a successful career as a physician. He uses his career and training to mask the violence he is inflicting on his wife; his training grants him the knowledge of how to 1) conceal the bruises/physical trauma he causes, and 2) provide medications to his wife so that she can cope with the pain of abuse.
The ending of this book was satisfying, if not emotional. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy suspense, thrillers, and crime novels.
I was really excited to get a copy of Holahan's book because I really enjoyed her last book, Lies She Told, which I reviewed. If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it (I gave it 5/5 stars!). Thank you to NetGalley, Cate Holahan, and Crooked Lane Books for an advanced reader copy of One Little Secret!
For more of my book reviews visit me here:
Book Review Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
June 21, 2019
Affluent couples keeping secrets and committing crimes during a beach holiday in the Hamptons...
Told in a third person perspective over a 3-day period (day before, day of, and day after), this is a super quick read...and an addictive one! Although the characters (three separate couples) are mostly ass-hats, they all had moments during which I found myself relating to them in some way. Moments when I found them to be beautifully human and empathetic. And although I was fairly certain, following chapter 2, who the killer was, I found it didn't really detract from the story. There were a couple times I second-guessed myself, but ultimately ended up being correct.
Honestly, my biggest gripe with the book...the dimwit detective, Gabby Watkins.
I mean, come on. We're really supposed to believe this woman made sargeant? She's a total nincompoop. Beyond that, I found the rate of escalation to murder in this novel a bit implausible. One minute these couples are dropping their kids off at camp, the next they're committing murder. It just didn't ring true to me.
This has the potential to be an excellent mystery/thriller, with some mild tweaking. As it stands, however, I can't give it more than 3.5 stars.
**Much appreciation to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Cate Holahan for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: July 9, 2019
Review published on Goodreads: June 20, 2019
Told in a third person perspective over a 3-day period (day before, day of, and day after), this is a super quick read...and an addictive one! Although the characters (three separate couples) are mostly ass-hats, they all had moments during which I found myself relating to them in some way. Moments when I found them to be beautifully human and empathetic. And although I was fairly certain, following chapter 2, who the killer was, I found it didn't really detract from the story. There were a couple times I second-guessed myself, but ultimately ended up being correct.
Honestly, my biggest gripe with the book...the dimwit detective, Gabby Watkins.
"Oh, you had a motive? Well, you're under arrest. Oh, you mean you have an alibi? Never mind then."
Then she moved onto the next person.
"Oh, you had a motive? Well, you're under arrest. Oh, you mean you couldn't have? Never mind then."
I mean, come on. We're really supposed to believe this woman made sargeant? She's a total nincompoop. Beyond that, I found the rate of escalation to murder in this novel a bit implausible. One minute these couples are dropping their kids off at camp, the next they're committing murder. It just didn't ring true to me.
This has the potential to be an excellent mystery/thriller, with some mild tweaking. As it stands, however, I can't give it more than 3.5 stars.
**Much appreciation to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Cate Holahan for the advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: July 9, 2019
Review published on Goodreads: June 20, 2019
July 26, 2019
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the early read of One Little Secret in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
I am going to be participating in the blog tour on July 26th, so I will start by saying that is when the blog post is going up.
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is the perfect summer read. Three couples rent a beach house in the Hamptons while their kids are off at camp, hoping for a quiet vacation getaway. Good idea, right? When tensions go through the glass ceiling and one of the wives ends up murdered, it turns into ...quite the clusterf*ck.
This isn't a particularly difficult read, although I had trouble keeping all the names apart at first. The chapters alternate between the day before, the day of, and the day after the crime... This makes sense as it reveals bits and pieces of the before and after and lets us guess at what happened. I took the obvious suspect and guessed wrong, darn it. I liked the fast pacing and was about to read this in two days, finding Jenny's line to be the most interesting. The detective was a little annoying and I felt like she didn't really back Jenny up, despite the terrible situation she was in. Come on women, stick together.
So what I really liked was that there was a lot of tension between...everyone...and even though the action was contained to one area like a Clue game, there is still a feeling of danger to one character that I felt kept the plot moving. These are rather rich couples but the dialogue felt right, at least for the medical aspects. I know how doctors (and nurses) tend to either draft towards or away from medical conversations, and it was funny listening to Louis boast. I would have liked to spend more time inside the murder victim's head, instead of seeing her through the other's eyes only.
This was an absorbing and quick read and I easily rate it 4*. I can also remember the book fairly well, even though it's been two months since I read it, so it has some staying power! Definitely recommend to all fans of musteries and thrillers.
Content warnings for alleged rape, spousal abuse, and drowning.
I am going to be participating in the blog tour on July 26th, so I will start by saying that is when the blog post is going up.
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is the perfect summer read. Three couples rent a beach house in the Hamptons while their kids are off at camp, hoping for a quiet vacation getaway. Good idea, right? When tensions go through the glass ceiling and one of the wives ends up murdered, it turns into ...quite the clusterf*ck.
This isn't a particularly difficult read, although I had trouble keeping all the names apart at first. The chapters alternate between the day before, the day of, and the day after the crime... This makes sense as it reveals bits and pieces of the before and after and lets us guess at what happened. I took the obvious suspect and guessed wrong, darn it. I liked the fast pacing and was about to read this in two days, finding Jenny's line to be the most interesting. The detective was a little annoying and I felt like she didn't really back Jenny up, despite the terrible situation she was in. Come on women, stick together.
So what I really liked was that there was a lot of tension between...everyone...and even though the action was contained to one area like a Clue game, there is still a feeling of danger to one character that I felt kept the plot moving. These are rather rich couples but the dialogue felt right, at least for the medical aspects. I know how doctors (and nurses) tend to either draft towards or away from medical conversations, and it was funny listening to Louis boast. I would have liked to spend more time inside the murder victim's head, instead of seeing her through the other's eyes only.
This was an absorbing and quick read and I easily rate it 4*. I can also remember the book fairly well, even though it's been two months since I read it, so it has some staying power! Definitely recommend to all fans of musteries and thrillers.
Content warnings for alleged rape, spousal abuse, and drowning.
June 25, 2019
When their kids go off to summer camp, three couples who reside in the same neighborhood, take a trip together to the Hamptons, renting a house right along the beach. On the first night there, drama ensues—arguing, lies, and even murder.
The next morning, police are called to the beach, as a dead body has been found—one of our vacationing neighbors. What happened to this woman? And which one of these neighbors is responsible for her death?
Detective Gabby Watkins is on the case and she refuses to give up until she uncovers the truth.
A gripping mystery full of an unlikable cast of character. No one seems innocent—each and every one of them has a motive to kill, but who actually followed through with it?
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a twisty mystery that centers around one of my favorite thriller tropes—the “no escape" mystery with a set number of suspects. This was my first time reading one of Cate Holahan’s books and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced mystery. This reminded me a lot of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty—several couples with big secrets that ends in murder. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Gabby and her investigative style, I really loved the dual timelines where we see both the night of the murder, and the days afterward where Gabby connects the dots. I definitely will be reading more by this author in the future. 4/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holahan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The next morning, police are called to the beach, as a dead body has been found—one of our vacationing neighbors. What happened to this woman? And which one of these neighbors is responsible for her death?
Detective Gabby Watkins is on the case and she refuses to give up until she uncovers the truth.
A gripping mystery full of an unlikable cast of character. No one seems innocent—each and every one of them has a motive to kill, but who actually followed through with it?
One Little Secret by Cate Holahan is a twisty mystery that centers around one of my favorite thriller tropes—the “no escape" mystery with a set number of suspects. This was my first time reading one of Cate Holahan’s books and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced mystery. This reminded me a lot of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty—several couples with big secrets that ends in murder. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Gabby and her investigative style, I really loved the dual timelines where we see both the night of the murder, and the days afterward where Gabby connects the dots. I definitely will be reading more by this author in the future. 4/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holahan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2019
A tense, twisty and compelling thriller, this one had me staying up until the early hours. Despite finding it difficult to get into the book, owing to the number of characters, I found this book to be very hard to put down. My only other grouse is that this book is about many explosive secrets - secrets that can kill, so "One Little" Secret is probably not the most suitable title.
The glass beach house was supposed to be the getaway that Susan needed. Eager to help her transplanted family set down roots in their new town—and desperate for some kid-free conversation—she invites her new neighbors to join in on a week-long sublet with her and her workaholic husband.
Over the course of the first evening, liquor loosens inhibitions and lips. The three couples begin picking up on the others' marital tensions and work frustrations, as well as revealing their own. But someone says too much. And the next morning one of the women is discovered dead on the private beach.
Town detective Gabby Watkins must figure out who permanently silenced the deceased. As she investigates, she learns that everyone in the glass house was hiding something that could tie them to the murder, and that the biggest secrets of all are often in plain sight for anyone willing to look.
I was initially drawn to the book because I found the cover so alluring! Once I started, the characters were too many to keep track of, hence I found myself going slower, taking time to match the people to their spouses, then to their children...ughh! However, this is also what made the book so twisted. Every interaction between the spouses and the others at the house made for very tense reading. I liked the basic plotline in this book as well as the characters. Not that all were likable!! Detective Gabby Watkins is investigating one incident when she's called in to take over the murder at the beach. I liked that there were 2 "sub-plots" going although one considerably overshadowed the other. I had hoped for something more on the Mariel case, but that was shut down a bit abruptly in the end. I would have liked to see it to a more satisfying end. The chapters are paced well, so I could finish this book in one sitting(well, also because the thrill was so high!). In all, I liked this one; the twists are what kept me going!
Thank You, NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holohan for an arc!
The glass beach house was supposed to be the getaway that Susan needed. Eager to help her transplanted family set down roots in their new town—and desperate for some kid-free conversation—she invites her new neighbors to join in on a week-long sublet with her and her workaholic husband.
Over the course of the first evening, liquor loosens inhibitions and lips. The three couples begin picking up on the others' marital tensions and work frustrations, as well as revealing their own. But someone says too much. And the next morning one of the women is discovered dead on the private beach.
Town detective Gabby Watkins must figure out who permanently silenced the deceased. As she investigates, she learns that everyone in the glass house was hiding something that could tie them to the murder, and that the biggest secrets of all are often in plain sight for anyone willing to look.
I was initially drawn to the book because I found the cover so alluring! Once I started, the characters were too many to keep track of, hence I found myself going slower, taking time to match the people to their spouses, then to their children...ughh! However, this is also what made the book so twisted. Every interaction between the spouses and the others at the house made for very tense reading. I liked the basic plotline in this book as well as the characters. Not that all were likable!! Detective Gabby Watkins is investigating one incident when she's called in to take over the murder at the beach. I liked that there were 2 "sub-plots" going although one considerably overshadowed the other. I had hoped for something more on the Mariel case, but that was shut down a bit abruptly in the end. I would have liked to see it to a more satisfying end. The chapters are paced well, so I could finish this book in one sitting(well, also because the thrill was so high!). In all, I liked this one; the twists are what kept me going!
Thank You, NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Cate Holohan for an arc!
March 3, 2022
One Little Secret has one of those covers that sort of breaks my heart. Now I'm an avid wine drinker and it's a complete sin in my house to even spill a drop of any fermented grape liquid. Okay, any liquid is a huge party foul. So, the broken wine glass definitely intrigued me and that's why I dove into this mystery thriller.
Throughout this you will follow three couples, who just happen to be neighbors as well. With each point of view, you see different parts and times within three days. In the beginning, I was a little confused as to who could be the suspects. So, it's pretty easy to assume that I was highly suspicious of everyone within this circle.
Each twist and turn that came my way made things even more difficult. I don't even think I put all the puzzle pieces together before the big reveal came. Then again, I'm not the best detective either so it could just be me.
In the end, I think this was an okay and interesting book. Not necessarily my favorite from this genre but it wasn't completely terrible either. Enjoyable to a point and I would totally dive into another book written by Cate.
Throughout this you will follow three couples, who just happen to be neighbors as well. With each point of view, you see different parts and times within three days. In the beginning, I was a little confused as to who could be the suspects. So, it's pretty easy to assume that I was highly suspicious of everyone within this circle.
Each twist and turn that came my way made things even more difficult. I don't even think I put all the puzzle pieces together before the big reveal came. Then again, I'm not the best detective either so it could just be me.
In the end, I think this was an okay and interesting book. Not necessarily my favorite from this genre but it wasn't completely terrible either. Enjoyable to a point and I would totally dive into another book written by Cate.
July 3, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I’m so sad to say that I found One Little Secret a little disappointing. I loved the previous book I read by Cate Holahan (the cleverly written Lies She Told) and had high expectations for this one. Unfortunately, while not a bad book, the mystery and the writing ended up falling a little short for me.
One Little Secret is told in alternating chapters from the POVs of three women. Jenny is a successful sports medicine commentator in an abusive marriage. Susan is a stay-at-home mom with a drinking problem and a workaholic husband. Together, with their husbands, they are renting a beach house with their other neighbors, Rachel and Ben. The third POV is from Gabby, the detective that investigates when one of the vacationing women is found dead. Out of the three of them, the only really likable character was Gabby, but I don’t feel like we ever really got to know her that well. I found both Jenny and Susan very frustrating. All three couples on vacation seemed pretty dysfunctional. I was actually expecting a lot more scandal from them, though, and was a little disappointed in how straightforward and cliched everything seemed to be.
I also felt like this almost read more like Women’s Fiction than Mystery/Thriller. While Holahan did do a good job of making me second guess myself at times, the mystery didn’t really involve anything surprising. Everything that happened seemed so coincidental and a little unbelievable. Also, I felt like every break in the case kind of just fell into Gabby’s lap instead of involving any real detective work from her. There was also a side plot involving the date rape of a young woman at a party that just barely tied into the main mystery. It felt tacked on as an effort to make some sort of relevant comment on today’s culture and was not given the attention such a topic deserves. The story seemed to focus much more on the women’s marriage, family, identity, and self-worth. The murder seemed almost an afterthought.
Overall, One Little Secret, was an ok read, but did not live up to my expectations. While the multiple narrators helped move the story along, I never really connected to any of the characters, which made it hard to care about what happened to them. While this isn’t one I would pick up again, I’d still be interested in reading more from this author.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
I’m so sad to say that I found One Little Secret a little disappointing. I loved the previous book I read by Cate Holahan (the cleverly written Lies She Told) and had high expectations for this one. Unfortunately, while not a bad book, the mystery and the writing ended up falling a little short for me.
One Little Secret is told in alternating chapters from the POVs of three women. Jenny is a successful sports medicine commentator in an abusive marriage. Susan is a stay-at-home mom with a drinking problem and a workaholic husband. Together, with their husbands, they are renting a beach house with their other neighbors, Rachel and Ben. The third POV is from Gabby, the detective that investigates when one of the vacationing women is found dead. Out of the three of them, the only really likable character was Gabby, but I don’t feel like we ever really got to know her that well. I found both Jenny and Susan very frustrating. All three couples on vacation seemed pretty dysfunctional. I was actually expecting a lot more scandal from them, though, and was a little disappointed in how straightforward and cliched everything seemed to be.
I also felt like this almost read more like Women’s Fiction than Mystery/Thriller. While Holahan did do a good job of making me second guess myself at times, the mystery didn’t really involve anything surprising. Everything that happened seemed so coincidental and a little unbelievable. Also, I felt like every break in the case kind of just fell into Gabby’s lap instead of involving any real detective work from her. There was also a side plot involving the date rape of a young woman at a party that just barely tied into the main mystery. It felt tacked on as an effort to make some sort of relevant comment on today’s culture and was not given the attention such a topic deserves. The story seemed to focus much more on the women’s marriage, family, identity, and self-worth. The murder seemed almost an afterthought.
Overall, One Little Secret, was an ok read, but did not live up to my expectations. While the multiple narrators helped move the story along, I never really connected to any of the characters, which made it hard to care about what happened to them. While this isn’t one I would pick up again, I’d still be interested in reading more from this author.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
February 27, 2020
ARC - release date July 9, 2019
Crooked Lane Books
2.5 honest stars
This could have been titled “Several Secrets” and not little ones either. Personally, I didn’t like any of the characters in this storyline. That means a lot to me in connecting with a novel. These neighbors that sublet a vacation beach house together for a week, sans kids, get to know each other better than they intended to, with liquor loosening their tongues. The characters each have undesirable qualities that did not endear this reader to them. Empathy is felt here and there, but this could have been a lot better constructed than it was, in my humble opinion. I realize others don’t agree with me.
This tapestry of domestic violence, infidelity, murder, substance abuse, power plays, is primarily domestic fiction. I wouldn’t call it a thriller. I wasn’t thrilled at any rate. I didn’t find myself enjoying the story, or fascinated with it in any way. Character development was lacking. Even the investigating female detective was disappointing. She jumps in with conclusions and accusations and even acts against her better judgment, tsk tsk ;)
The murder mystery and my obligation to read this ARC kept me plugging along. There are some unexpected twists, which helped some, but I didn’t find the ending altogether satisfying either.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Crooked Lane Books
2.5 honest stars
This could have been titled “Several Secrets” and not little ones either. Personally, I didn’t like any of the characters in this storyline. That means a lot to me in connecting with a novel. These neighbors that sublet a vacation beach house together for a week, sans kids, get to know each other better than they intended to, with liquor loosening their tongues. The characters each have undesirable qualities that did not endear this reader to them. Empathy is felt here and there, but this could have been a lot better constructed than it was, in my humble opinion. I realize others don’t agree with me.
This tapestry of domestic violence, infidelity, murder, substance abuse, power plays, is primarily domestic fiction. I wouldn’t call it a thriller. I wasn’t thrilled at any rate. I didn’t find myself enjoying the story, or fascinated with it in any way. Character development was lacking. Even the investigating female detective was disappointing. She jumps in with conclusions and accusations and even acts against her better judgment, tsk tsk ;)
The murder mystery and my obligation to read this ARC kept me plugging along. There are some unexpected twists, which helped some, but I didn’t find the ending altogether satisfying either.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 15, 2019
Rtc
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
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