Hidden

by Mary Perrine

Mary Claire O'Brien has hidden for as long as she can remember. During the week, with her father away in the city, Mary Claire feels like every other child - but on Fridays, everything changes. On Friday mornings, she rises onto her tiptoes and wraps her nightgown tightly around her legs to silence the swooshing sound she loves. She slowly becomes invisible. Hiding is how she remains safe; it's how she protects her mother.

At ten years old, Mary Claire begs God to take her father away, but someone else has plans for him, and those plans will change everything.

Years later, Claire Stanton struggles with the secrets of her past, secrets she didn't know existed, secrets her mother holds tightly, right to the very end. After Claire's daughter becomes sullen and angry, she fears history may be repeating itself. With this new information taunting her, she takes matters into her own hands and vows to make the abuser pay, no matter who she destroys in the process.

Life is complicated. Secrets are destructive. But the truth is explosive.

Genres: Book Club

Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2021

About the author

Growing up in McGregor, Minnesota, Mary Perrine learned to write at the tender age of four when her mother told her to “watch people and tell their stories—just make them bigger”. Essentially, her mom taught her to lie. After thirty-six years of teaching, Mary stepped into the career she always wanted—writing. With six books and numerous awards, she continues to tell stories that make her mother proud, and readers can’t put down.

Reviews

[Kate Knoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! I found myself using every free minute to keep reading!

[Ann Berne-Rannow]

Remaining invisible is the only way young Mary Claire knows how to avoid enraging her father whenever he is around. This is not just self preservation, as she knows her mother will suffer from his brutality as well and wants to keep her safe from harm. Author Mary Perrine skillfully provides insight into this complex character's thoughts and motivations. The reader will also experience the power of a mother's unconditional love, through the eyes of 3 women. Though the story has many disturbing images, it grabbed and held my attention to the final pages because of a yearning for a hopeful ending.

[Nicole Pelowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you guessing and re-guessing the ending. From start to finish I could not put it down. I finished this book in less than 24 hours and was looking for more. You will be sucked in and you will not be able to quit reading until the end! Great read and super storytelling! You will NOT be disappointed!

[N.J. Mastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Domestic thrillers are not my preferred genre, but I found this an exceptionally good story of a woman whose memories haunt her. I don't do spoilers, but Perrine did a terrific job weaving in past memories to round out the present day challenges that Claire (MC) faces. I found Claire relatable, and her inner conflict compelling. I look forward to more books by this writer!

[Sydney Siegle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good and sad because it shows how much trauma in childhood is carried with someone. But man the characters bothered me- how they went about handling very serious issues was so bad; it seemed unbelievable people would actually act like they were.. so that’s why I rated it a 1 star. It was good entertainment and story-wise but it bugged me enough to not like it as much

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story telling would be fine for a debut novel if it wasn't so depressing. It's so heavy on childhood abuse that it's a drudgery to read. I don't even want to pass the book along because I don't want anyone else to experience such a downer.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an engaging story. I felt like the characters were my own friends and I couldn't put it down. It also delivers some very powerful life lessons.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author expertly and sensitively handles topics that are tough to read about. I was drawn in immediately to the main character’s story and — wow — all the emotions! Highly recommend this book.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of abuse and justice. Well written. Hard to read, but important.

[JENNIFER SCHMIEG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know it could get any better with the twists and turns.

[Dawn Flaskerud · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books, you don't want to put down.