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The Secret
‘Everyone has secrets. And now, one of mine is yours…’
Best friends Hollie and Niamh tell each other everything. Behind the village of Abingworth’s closed doors, every family has its secrets – and their doors might hide the worst ones of all.
One day Hollie tells Niamh about a devastating discovery, swears her to secrecy, then vanishes. The villagers claim to know nothing. But when Hollie’s body is found, the police know one of their number isn’t just a liar, but a killer…
What did Hollie tell Niamh before she died? And who would kill to keep it hidden?
After all, two can keep a secret – if one of them is dead…
A completely unputdownable suspense thriller that will leave you reeling at the final twist…Perfect for fans of BA Paris and Claire McGowan.
Best friends Hollie and Niamh tell each other everything. Behind the village of Abingworth’s closed doors, every family has its secrets – and their doors might hide the worst ones of all.
One day Hollie tells Niamh about a devastating discovery, swears her to secrecy, then vanishes. The villagers claim to know nothing. But when Hollie’s body is found, the police know one of their number isn’t just a liar, but a killer…
What did Hollie tell Niamh before she died? And who would kill to keep it hidden?
After all, two can keep a secret – if one of them is dead…
A completely unputdownable suspense thriller that will leave you reeling at the final twist…Perfect for fans of BA Paris and Claire McGowan.
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2022
25 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Howells
43 books748 followersDebbie self-published three women's fiction novels before writing The Bones of You, her first psychological thriller. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and selected for the Richard and Judy book club.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.
Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.
Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
January 6, 2022
Elise Buckley is on duty as cabin crew when she views a headline of a passengers magazine which states that ‘Only 10% of people are good’. She reflects on this and understands only too well how tenuous her family life with GP husband Andrew and daughter Niamh is. Niamh’s friend Hollie has a barrel load of baggage, what does she confide to Niamh before she disappears? The story is told by Elise, Niamh and by DS Jo(anna) May.
This novel confronts a number of very difficult issues and does so well. It’s a good examination of coercive control with all its horrifying ramifications. The book is quite sinister in a number of ways. There are several characters living in fear for a variety of reasons, some are controlled in ways that range from vicious to blackmail and there are several forms of abuse. The perspectives of Elise and Jo are done effectively, I’m a bit less certain of Niamh but as she’s a teenager then maybe her motivations are understandable. She’s caught between a rock and a hard place. The character of Andrew is done extremely well, what a vile excuse for a human being he is. The portrayal of the small Sussex village closing its protective ranks like the high hedges or walls that surround their multi million pound properties is also conveyed well although I’m not entirely convinced everyone would stay schtum, I know I wouldn’t! However, let’s keep that headline about the other 90% in mind!
Although it’s fair to say I do enjoy the book and find it a compelling read, towards the end the revelations are not that much of a surprise as they kind of had to be. However, full credit to the author for her stark portrayal of the issues covered in the book and especially via the character of Elise where she really digs deep into the psychology of her situation which leads to greater understanding of her actions.
Overall, it’s not an easy read in places nor is it meant to be but it’s well worth reading.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This novel confronts a number of very difficult issues and does so well. It’s a good examination of coercive control with all its horrifying ramifications. The book is quite sinister in a number of ways. There are several characters living in fear for a variety of reasons, some are controlled in ways that range from vicious to blackmail and there are several forms of abuse. The perspectives of Elise and Jo are done effectively, I’m a bit less certain of Niamh but as she’s a teenager then maybe her motivations are understandable. She’s caught between a rock and a hard place. The character of Andrew is done extremely well, what a vile excuse for a human being he is. The portrayal of the small Sussex village closing its protective ranks like the high hedges or walls that surround their multi million pound properties is also conveyed well although I’m not entirely convinced everyone would stay schtum, I know I wouldn’t! However, let’s keep that headline about the other 90% in mind!
Although it’s fair to say I do enjoy the book and find it a compelling read, towards the end the revelations are not that much of a surprise as they kind of had to be. However, full credit to the author for her stark portrayal of the issues covered in the book and especially via the character of Elise where she really digs deep into the psychology of her situation which leads to greater understanding of her actions.
Overall, it’s not an easy read in places nor is it meant to be but it’s well worth reading.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 5, 2021
The Secret is a tense psychological thriller that kept me reading late into the night.
In the village of Abingworth, everyone has a secret to hide.
Best friends Niamh and Hollie are the only two teenagers in this small community. They tell each other everything. One day, Hollie shares the secret of all secrets with Niamh and makes her promise not to tell anyone, no matter what.
Not long after this, Hollie goes missing, and her body turns up days later.
When Detective Sergeant May gets assigned with solving this case, she quickly learns that this village is full of people who don’t say much but are quick to point fingers at one another.
This psychological thriller is slowly paced and intricately plotted and has multiple POVs. The chapters are fairly short and had me eagerly turning the pages. It deals with some dark themes, so it won’t be one that everyone can digest.
I think the author accurately shows how debilitating emotional and physical abuse can be.
I recommend this to those prepared for a psychological thriller that takes it time examining dark subject matter.
CW: emotional and physical abuse/violence, child exploitation (non-descriptive).
Thank you to Avon for the arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
In the village of Abingworth, everyone has a secret to hide.
Best friends Niamh and Hollie are the only two teenagers in this small community. They tell each other everything. One day, Hollie shares the secret of all secrets with Niamh and makes her promise not to tell anyone, no matter what.
Not long after this, Hollie goes missing, and her body turns up days later.
When Detective Sergeant May gets assigned with solving this case, she quickly learns that this village is full of people who don’t say much but are quick to point fingers at one another.
This psychological thriller is slowly paced and intricately plotted and has multiple POVs. The chapters are fairly short and had me eagerly turning the pages. It deals with some dark themes, so it won’t be one that everyone can digest.
I think the author accurately shows how debilitating emotional and physical abuse can be.
I recommend this to those prepared for a psychological thriller that takes it time examining dark subject matter.
CW: emotional and physical abuse/violence, child exploitation (non-descriptive).
Thank you to Avon for the arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
January 4, 2022
The quaint village of Abingworth is cloaked with deception. Everyone has a secret and no one is to be trusted. Hollie and Niamh are best friends. After Hollie reveals one of her darkest secrets, she vanishes. Later when her body is discovered; many of the villagers suddenly go from being neighbors to suspects. What secret is worth killing for? Who is responsible for Hollie’s death? This mystery has many secrets, some of which are disturbing. The story was a little slow paced at the beginning, but picked up towards the end. The final twists were jaw dropping and unexpected. Thank you NetGalley and Avon for my copy.
December 27, 2025
4.5 / 5
It’s one of those books where you’re so engrossed that you realise you’re at the last page and time has flown by.
The story, pacing and level of cohesiveness makes this book an easy read. The twist and turns, this book has you feeling all sorts of emotions. This book really knows how to grab at your emotions. I didn’t think too much of the book, initially it did feel slightly slow to me, but once you get into the book and the characters it picks up. I was really not ready for the ending but it was a good finishing point of the book.
Truly, an outstanding piece of work. Highly recommend this book. It will not disappoint.
It’s one of those books where you’re so engrossed that you realise you’re at the last page and time has flown by.
The story, pacing and level of cohesiveness makes this book an easy read. The twist and turns, this book has you feeling all sorts of emotions. This book really knows how to grab at your emotions. I didn’t think too much of the book, initially it did feel slightly slow to me, but once you get into the book and the characters it picks up. I was really not ready for the ending but it was a good finishing point of the book.
Truly, an outstanding piece of work. Highly recommend this book. It will not disappoint.
February 1, 2023
Shhhh.............
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Adultery, Child Pornography, Domestic Abuse, and ?????
The "secret" trigger warning is the book's spoiler.
I am usually not a fan of books showcasing adultery, child pornography, domestic abuse, and this book's "secret" trigger warning.
However, author Debbie Howells made this book work.
The author's characterizations were strong and the book's pacing was on-point.
The end result? The book was compulsively readable and impossible to put down.
I listened to the audiobook read by Claire Morgan, Antonia Whillans, and Helen Colby.
The book unfolded from three POVs and all three narrators did a superb job with the narration.
This is my third Debbie Howells book and I am a fan!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Adultery, Child Pornography, Domestic Abuse, and ?????
The "secret" trigger warning is the book's spoiler.
I am usually not a fan of books showcasing adultery, child pornography, domestic abuse, and this book's "secret" trigger warning.
However, author Debbie Howells made this book work.
The author's characterizations were strong and the book's pacing was on-point.
The end result? The book was compulsively readable and impossible to put down.
I listened to the audiobook read by Claire Morgan, Antonia Whillans, and Helen Colby.
The book unfolded from three POVs and all three narrators did a superb job with the narration.
This is my third Debbie Howells book and I am a fan!
March 9, 2023
Review coming soon.
December 9, 2021
“Only ten percent of people are good.”
Elise Buckley is a flight attendant, and as this book opens, she is watching a woman on her flight read a magazine with this headline. Ten percent doesn’t sound like good odds - that would mean there are only about a dozen “good” people on her plane. Really though, this statistic shouldn’t have surprised her, as Elise knows all too well how many bad people there are in the world.
Elise and her husband, Andrew, seem like the perfect power couple. He’s a lead doctor in their small English village, and Elise is always jetting around Europe for her job. As every thriller reader knows though, those “perfect couples” are usually the ones who are worst off. That’s kind of a guide for real life as well, but yes - they are far from a perfect couple, whatever that may be.
Their daughter, Niamh, is a moody teenager, as is her best friend, Hollie. Elise feels distant from her husband, but she knows why that is. What she doesn’t know is why she also feels a distance from her daughter. She doesn’t realize that Hollie has shared a dark secret with Niamh, and now the young girls are dealing with very adult things all on their own.
Soon after Hollie’s secret is revealed, she goes missing. Her father and stepmother are hysterical with grief when her body is found, and the police go from looking for a girl who’s prone to running away, to trying to find out who killed her. As their investigation goes forward, some village secrets start coming out, some people start clamming up, and families start falling apart.
This book started good, kept getting better as it went along, and had a great ending. At one point, almost everyone in the book seemed to have a secret that could have theoretically led them to murdering Hollie. I guessed the killer, but only because I was suspicious of everyone - the author makes sure you are nice and twisted up before dropping that bomb. I liked this quick and enjoyable read; it was quite the mystery with a lot of different facets. 3.5 stars.
(Thank you to Avon Books UK, Debbie Howells, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Elise Buckley is a flight attendant, and as this book opens, she is watching a woman on her flight read a magazine with this headline. Ten percent doesn’t sound like good odds - that would mean there are only about a dozen “good” people on her plane. Really though, this statistic shouldn’t have surprised her, as Elise knows all too well how many bad people there are in the world.
Elise and her husband, Andrew, seem like the perfect power couple. He’s a lead doctor in their small English village, and Elise is always jetting around Europe for her job. As every thriller reader knows though, those “perfect couples” are usually the ones who are worst off. That’s kind of a guide for real life as well, but yes - they are far from a perfect couple, whatever that may be.
Their daughter, Niamh, is a moody teenager, as is her best friend, Hollie. Elise feels distant from her husband, but she knows why that is. What she doesn’t know is why she also feels a distance from her daughter. She doesn’t realize that Hollie has shared a dark secret with Niamh, and now the young girls are dealing with very adult things all on their own.
Soon after Hollie’s secret is revealed, she goes missing. Her father and stepmother are hysterical with grief when her body is found, and the police go from looking for a girl who’s prone to running away, to trying to find out who killed her. As their investigation goes forward, some village secrets start coming out, some people start clamming up, and families start falling apart.
This book started good, kept getting better as it went along, and had a great ending. At one point, almost everyone in the book seemed to have a secret that could have theoretically led them to murdering Hollie. I guessed the killer, but only because I was suspicious of everyone - the author makes sure you are nice and twisted up before dropping that bomb. I liked this quick and enjoyable read; it was quite the mystery with a lot of different facets. 3.5 stars.
(Thank you to Avon Books UK, Debbie Howells, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
February 23, 2023
Behind the village of Abingworth's closed doors, every family has its secrets - and the Hampton family’s doors might hide the worst ones of all.
Remember back to your teenage years, hanging out with your bestie and sharing secrets?! Well, I’m pretty sure those secrets were nothing compared to what Niamh and Hollie share with each other. The girls come to rely on each other as they are the only teenagers in the village. Not only that, they both have workaholic parents who aren’t always around to provide the support the girls need. One day, Hollie shares a devastating secret with Niamh and then vanishes.
Howells is such a fantastic psychological thriller author! She masterfully doles out just enough information to keep readers in the dark yet craving more clues. Although I did figure out the twist in this one, I was more invested in the ‘why’ than the ‘who,’ and feverishly flipped pages as I neared the end. Howell’s short chapters, despicable and moody characters, and well-paced narrative made this a quick, yet heart-pounding read.
Be forewarned; this is a dark domestic psychological thriller. Howells tastefully writes about difficult issues and complex relationships. The small village setting and gossipmongering are essential to the propulsion of the plot, as is the need for secrets to be kept. Howells writes to explore the idea that if only 10% of people in our world are good people, then we must know or be living with someone who isn’t as they appear to be. You’ll have to read to find out what secrets Abingworth is hiding and if the statistics can be applied to this village. Who is hiding a secret and what is it?
Debbie Howells, the irony/significance of Niamh’s name is not lost on me!
I was gifted this advance copy by Debbie Howells, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Remember back to your teenage years, hanging out with your bestie and sharing secrets?! Well, I’m pretty sure those secrets were nothing compared to what Niamh and Hollie share with each other. The girls come to rely on each other as they are the only teenagers in the village. Not only that, they both have workaholic parents who aren’t always around to provide the support the girls need. One day, Hollie shares a devastating secret with Niamh and then vanishes.
Howells is such a fantastic psychological thriller author! She masterfully doles out just enough information to keep readers in the dark yet craving more clues. Although I did figure out the twist in this one, I was more invested in the ‘why’ than the ‘who,’ and feverishly flipped pages as I neared the end. Howell’s short chapters, despicable and moody characters, and well-paced narrative made this a quick, yet heart-pounding read.
Be forewarned; this is a dark domestic psychological thriller. Howells tastefully writes about difficult issues and complex relationships. The small village setting and gossipmongering are essential to the propulsion of the plot, as is the need for secrets to be kept. Howells writes to explore the idea that if only 10% of people in our world are good people, then we must know or be living with someone who isn’t as they appear to be. You’ll have to read to find out what secrets Abingworth is hiding and if the statistics can be applied to this village. Who is hiding a secret and what is it?
Debbie Howells, the irony/significance of Niamh’s name is not lost on me!
I was gifted this advance copy by Debbie Howells, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 30, 2021
2.5 ⭐
With the central topics such as a murder of a teenager, domestic abuse and child porn, this book will hardly ever end up on anyone's list of pleasant reads. But it was an ok thriller/mystery that I’d probably liked more if I haven't encountered similar plot twist in a couple of other recent reads.
The good news is that the book was able to suck me in. Not for a second did I think about DNF-ing it - I had to know what's going to happen. However, once I got to the end, I’m not sure it was worth it.
Plus, I had two huge problems with the narration.
First - it was really repetitive. So many times there would be a scene, then someone would be repeating it word for word to someone else.
And second - the way they've been acquiring evidence was a bit off. Basically, lots of people knew more that they were saying, and they were pretty much adding a bit more every next time they were questioned. It killed all the excitement after a while.
On the positive note, the character work was done really well. Most characters were nicely fleshed out and I could almost imagine getting to know them as if they were real people.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Secret by Debbie Howells in exchange for an honest review.
With the central topics such as a murder of a teenager, domestic abuse and child porn, this book will hardly ever end up on anyone's list of pleasant reads. But it was an ok thriller/mystery that I’d probably liked more if I haven't encountered similar plot twist in a couple of other recent reads.
The good news is that the book was able to suck me in. Not for a second did I think about DNF-ing it - I had to know what's going to happen. However, once I got to the end, I’m not sure it was worth it.
Plus, I had two huge problems with the narration.
First - it was really repetitive. So many times there would be a scene, then someone would be repeating it word for word to someone else.
And second - the way they've been acquiring evidence was a bit off. Basically, lots of people knew more that they were saying, and they were pretty much adding a bit more every next time they were questioned. It killed all the excitement after a while.
On the positive note, the character work was done really well. Most characters were nicely fleshed out and I could almost imagine getting to know them as if they were real people.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Secret by Debbie Howells in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2021
Wow, this was a brilliant book. It was full of twists and I was guessing everybody in the book did the crimes. This was a real page turner and I loved the way that each chapter was told by a different character. I was not prepared for the twist at the end which totally took me by surprised. I loved this book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
This is an article headline that haunts the entire story. Elise spots this on a magazine cover whilst working as an air stewardess. It prompts her thinking about the other 90% and I think the writer cleverly reflects this ratio in the story.
A thrilling read, I was anticipating the final twist at the end – because there has been so much hype about it! Despite predicting some of the novel’s outcomes, I still enjoyed my first read by this author and am definitely going to seek out Howells’s other books.
Set in the sleepy village of Abingworth, it would appear that the mysterious death of local teenager, Hollie, leaves police stumped. The community seems to be full of secrets as the locals close off to the investigations. Told from the perspectives of Elise, Niamh and Jo, the police detective, the narrative details the events leading up to Hollie’s death and how Elise and Niamh are part of an even bigger story. Parallel to this, readers learn that the police are investigating a further, bigger crime that is linked to Abingworth, proving that this quiet village is anything but. This subsequently ties in nicely with the article headline, leaving readers question which category the different characters fall in to – good or not?
The way that characters alter over this story adds to the thrill of this read. Appearances can be deceiving and even though Howells demonstrates truths about particular relationships quite early on in the book, I enjoyed watching how so much alters over the police enquiry. Character reactions evolve and seeing how the community responds to Elise was especially interesting, considering how she is married to the local doctor. There is a lot of suspicion and distrust amongst the villagers and I think this added to the intensity of Hollie’s death.
Although there is a lot of sadness behind the story, I think Howells handles this in a sensitive manner. Elise’s loveless marriage, coupled with her desire to protect Niamh, adds to a lot of tension in the narrative. Indeed, Elise’s intentions at protecting Niamh after Hollie’s death proves significant to the police investigations and, added with the fact that Niamh’s narrative is few and far between, meant that Howells really builds the intensity of the story before any revelations come to light.
This was an exciting, twisting book but I do wish less attention had been paid to the final surprises. I think this would have made the story give a greater impact if I had not been anticipating it! Despite this, I thought the story thrilling and intense. I loved how the narrative switched perspectives to add further dimension to the plot and, with the very short chapters, it was difficult to not read this quickly.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A thrilling read, I was anticipating the final twist at the end – because there has been so much hype about it! Despite predicting some of the novel’s outcomes, I still enjoyed my first read by this author and am definitely going to seek out Howells’s other books.
Set in the sleepy village of Abingworth, it would appear that the mysterious death of local teenager, Hollie, leaves police stumped. The community seems to be full of secrets as the locals close off to the investigations. Told from the perspectives of Elise, Niamh and Jo, the police detective, the narrative details the events leading up to Hollie’s death and how Elise and Niamh are part of an even bigger story. Parallel to this, readers learn that the police are investigating a further, bigger crime that is linked to Abingworth, proving that this quiet village is anything but. This subsequently ties in nicely with the article headline, leaving readers question which category the different characters fall in to – good or not?
The way that characters alter over this story adds to the thrill of this read. Appearances can be deceiving and even though Howells demonstrates truths about particular relationships quite early on in the book, I enjoyed watching how so much alters over the police enquiry. Character reactions evolve and seeing how the community responds to Elise was especially interesting, considering how she is married to the local doctor. There is a lot of suspicion and distrust amongst the villagers and I think this added to the intensity of Hollie’s death.
Although there is a lot of sadness behind the story, I think Howells handles this in a sensitive manner. Elise’s loveless marriage, coupled with her desire to protect Niamh, adds to a lot of tension in the narrative. Indeed, Elise’s intentions at protecting Niamh after Hollie’s death proves significant to the police investigations and, added with the fact that Niamh’s narrative is few and far between, meant that Howells really builds the intensity of the story before any revelations come to light.
This was an exciting, twisting book but I do wish less attention had been paid to the final surprises. I think this would have made the story give a greater impact if I had not been anticipating it! Despite this, I thought the story thrilling and intense. I loved how the narrative switched perspectives to add further dimension to the plot and, with the very short chapters, it was difficult to not read this quickly.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2021
As the only two teenagers in a small village, Hollie and Niamh tell each other everything. Behind Abingworth's closed doors, every family has it's secrets - and theirs might hide the worst secret of all. One day Hollie tells Niamh about a devastating discovery, swears her to secrecy.... then vanishes. All the villagers claim to know nothing. Until a body is found, and the police know one of heir number isn't just a liar, but a killer.
Elsie and Andrew are not happy, neither is their daughter Niamh. Niamh's best friend Hollie had had told her a secret before she disappeared. Was it the secret that Hollie knew the reason why she disappeared? All the villagers claim they don't know anything about Hollie's disappearance, but someone must know something.
This is a fast paced, thrilling and twist filled and easy to read. The characters are well developed and believable. Filled with secrets, lies and an ending I wasn't expecting. The plotline covers some pretty brutal secrets.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #DebbirHowells for my ARC of #TheSecret in exchange for an honest review.
Elsie and Andrew are not happy, neither is their daughter Niamh. Niamh's best friend Hollie had had told her a secret before she disappeared. Was it the secret that Hollie knew the reason why she disappeared? All the villagers claim they don't know anything about Hollie's disappearance, but someone must know something.
This is a fast paced, thrilling and twist filled and easy to read. The characters are well developed and believable. Filled with secrets, lies and an ending I wasn't expecting. The plotline covers some pretty brutal secrets.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #DebbirHowells for my ARC of #TheSecret in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 -- A cracking good read!
First, I am just going to say, Netflix needs to make this book into a series ASAP! In fact, does anyone know who I email to get this done?? 👀 This was just a thoroughly entertaining read. Well written. Fast-paced. A plot full of secrets, lies, twists and turns. Characters you will love and loathe. All wrapped up in an ending that will shock you. So why not 5 stars? I was anticipating a twist that, alas, didn't happen. 🤷🏻♀️ That said, this was still a huge two thumbs up read!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
First, I am just going to say, Netflix needs to make this book into a series ASAP! In fact, does anyone know who I email to get this done?? 👀 This was just a thoroughly entertaining read. Well written. Fast-paced. A plot full of secrets, lies, twists and turns. Characters you will love and loathe. All wrapped up in an ending that will shock you. So why not 5 stars? I was anticipating a twist that, alas, didn't happen. 🤷🏻♀️ That said, this was still a huge two thumbs up read!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 7, 2021
Elsie Buckley is married to Andrew who is a doctor and they have a teen daughter, Niamh. Niamh has a close relationship with her friend Hollie. One day Hollie tells Niamh a huge secret that she is forbidden to share. After this, Hollie goes missing and soon after her body is found. Detective May is now forced to question everyone in this small village that they live in. She uncovers some pretty horrible secrets and she is left to discover what happened to Hollie. Was it murder and why?
This was a very detailed book with a lot of characters. Some parts were harder to read than others but the story was well written. The ending was a surprise and had some great twists. I would read more books by Debbie Howells. She knows how to tell a great story.
TW: Domestic abuse
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest review
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was a very detailed book with a lot of characters. Some parts were harder to read than others but the story was well written. The ending was a surprise and had some great twists. I would read more books by Debbie Howells. She knows how to tell a great story.
TW: Domestic abuse
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest review
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
June 6, 2022
Well-written, fast paced, thrilling, full of suspense, great read.
February 23, 2022
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Two can keep a secret – if one of them is dead...
Wow! A multi-faceted thriller that begins as a slow burn with a strong focus on coercive control, amidst other evil secrets, THE SECRET does require a trigger warning for its abuse scenes of domestic violence, suicide and child pornography, which may be uncomfortable for some. The complexities buried deep beneath layers of congeniality and community make for a chilling and somewhat disturbing read. And despite its slow start, I was soon immersed within the secrets that were bubbling just below the surface.
Set in a quaint but affluent English village in Sussex, Abingworth appears to chocolate box and sleepy...but beneath the layers something far more sinister is at play. Elise Buckley is a flight attendant often away for short hauls and is on a return flight when we first meet her. She appears aloof and distant at first but this is just a mask to hide the dismal reality of her life in which she finds herself trapped. Her husband Andrew is a local GP in nearby Chichester who, for all intents and purposes, likes to keep the facade of a perfect image he portrays to all around him. But Andrew is a bully and a serial adulterer, using emotional and psychological abuse to keep his wife exactly where he wants her. He knows she'll never leave him and proudly states that fact whenever she's brave enough to confront him...because Andrew has a hold over her. But is it worth it in the end?
Elise remains in her loveless and abusive marriage for one reason and one reason only - her fourteen year old daughter Niamh. The eyes and ears who remains seemingly unseen holds many a secret of what occurs behind the closed doors of their perfect house. But at her age, Niamh sees and hears far too much...and it is a burden she shouldn't have to bear. Her one consolation and escape from her house of horrors is her friendship with sixteen year old Hollie. But free-spirited Hollie has her own issues some of which she shares with Niamh.
One day Hollie shares a dark secret she has uncovered with Niamh and suddenly the two young girls are having to deal with some very adult things on their own. And then soon after Hollie discloses her secret, she goes missing leaving her father and stepmother frantic with worry.
DS Joanna May is called in by her boss DI Saunders when Hollie is reported missing. Having just returned from extended leave due to the downfall of her own abusive marriage, Jo is at first reluctant before being reminded of the close proximity the village is to another case she had been working on. Operation Rainbow. At once, Jo knows she is best placed within the village on this investigation whilst working parallel on the other more covert operation which is about to be blown wide open with the police presence in the once sleepy village of Abingworth.
When Hollie's body is soon discovered in the grounds of a neighbouring property, the community closes ranks and suddenly no one is giving up anything...leading the police to believe there is something bigger at play. Meanwhile, Hollie's father and stepmother are over-wrought with grief and yet reveal nothing. And then there is the dark secret that Hollie shared with Niamh shortly before her disappearance and subsequent death. What bearing does it have on what happened to her? But as the layers of secrets in this once sleepy village gradually unfold, suddenly there becomes a new and disturbing aspect that sheds a whole different light on Hollie's death. Just exactly what had the young girl stumbled onto?
As the investigation continues, Jo comes up against a wall of secrets she has trouble breaking down...but having come from an abusive marriage herself she believes Elise is scared about the fallout that will surely come should she reveal what she knows. But is that all Elise is hiding? Is it fear or is it something far more calculating?
As Niamh watches in silence, she knows she can never reveal the secret Hollie shared with her. A promise is a promise...even in death.
Layered with plenty of suspense and sinister secrets, THE SECRET is told from the viewpoints of Niamh, Elise and Jo in which we are drip-fed enough information that sheds just enough light on the story as it gradually unfolds. Each of the characters are well-developed as their developing narratives add to the thrill and building suspense of the story. The plot is cleverly crafted and expertly told with the triggering issues within handled sensitively.
Despite the initial focus on Elise and her loveless marriage in the beginning, THE SECRET is an intriguing and addictive read once the pace gets going. All throughout the reader is tantalised as to what this deep dark secret could possibly be, as many possibilities go through our minds. Howells drip-feeds us many as we ponder "is this it? Or is it something else?" Because in all honesty, there are loads of secrets we are left to unravel...but can we unravel the biggest of them all? What was it Hollie told Niamh?
A crime story as well as a domestic thriller, THE SECRET is riddled with so many secrets that are hidden beneath the facade of respectability. There is also a sadness in the tale behind the story which leaves you pondering about the goodness of mankind, or lack thereof. It is, however, an engrossing domestic thriller with several twists throughout and while I did work out the biggest one, I didn't see the ending coming. But it was most certainly the coup de grâce with a sad but fitting end.
I love the short snappy chapters as well as the alternating narratives which keep the pace moving through this easy read that is just bursting with secrets. As my first read by this author, I was pretty impressed with the tangled web Howells wove for us and I look forward to reading more from her.
A disturbing domestic thriller, THE SECRET is perfect for those who enjoy darker and sinister reads.
I would like to thank #DebbieHowells, #Netgalley, #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #TheSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Two can keep a secret – if one of them is dead...
Wow! A multi-faceted thriller that begins as a slow burn with a strong focus on coercive control, amidst other evil secrets, THE SECRET does require a trigger warning for its abuse scenes of domestic violence, suicide and child pornography, which may be uncomfortable for some. The complexities buried deep beneath layers of congeniality and community make for a chilling and somewhat disturbing read. And despite its slow start, I was soon immersed within the secrets that were bubbling just below the surface.
Set in a quaint but affluent English village in Sussex, Abingworth appears to chocolate box and sleepy...but beneath the layers something far more sinister is at play. Elise Buckley is a flight attendant often away for short hauls and is on a return flight when we first meet her. She appears aloof and distant at first but this is just a mask to hide the dismal reality of her life in which she finds herself trapped. Her husband Andrew is a local GP in nearby Chichester who, for all intents and purposes, likes to keep the facade of a perfect image he portrays to all around him. But Andrew is a bully and a serial adulterer, using emotional and psychological abuse to keep his wife exactly where he wants her. He knows she'll never leave him and proudly states that fact whenever she's brave enough to confront him...because Andrew has a hold over her. But is it worth it in the end?
Elise remains in her loveless and abusive marriage for one reason and one reason only - her fourteen year old daughter Niamh. The eyes and ears who remains seemingly unseen holds many a secret of what occurs behind the closed doors of their perfect house. But at her age, Niamh sees and hears far too much...and it is a burden she shouldn't have to bear. Her one consolation and escape from her house of horrors is her friendship with sixteen year old Hollie. But free-spirited Hollie has her own issues some of which she shares with Niamh.
One day Hollie shares a dark secret she has uncovered with Niamh and suddenly the two young girls are having to deal with some very adult things on their own. And then soon after Hollie discloses her secret, she goes missing leaving her father and stepmother frantic with worry.
DS Joanna May is called in by her boss DI Saunders when Hollie is reported missing. Having just returned from extended leave due to the downfall of her own abusive marriage, Jo is at first reluctant before being reminded of the close proximity the village is to another case she had been working on. Operation Rainbow. At once, Jo knows she is best placed within the village on this investigation whilst working parallel on the other more covert operation which is about to be blown wide open with the police presence in the once sleepy village of Abingworth.
When Hollie's body is soon discovered in the grounds of a neighbouring property, the community closes ranks and suddenly no one is giving up anything...leading the police to believe there is something bigger at play. Meanwhile, Hollie's father and stepmother are over-wrought with grief and yet reveal nothing. And then there is the dark secret that Hollie shared with Niamh shortly before her disappearance and subsequent death. What bearing does it have on what happened to her? But as the layers of secrets in this once sleepy village gradually unfold, suddenly there becomes a new and disturbing aspect that sheds a whole different light on Hollie's death. Just exactly what had the young girl stumbled onto?
As the investigation continues, Jo comes up against a wall of secrets she has trouble breaking down...but having come from an abusive marriage herself she believes Elise is scared about the fallout that will surely come should she reveal what she knows. But is that all Elise is hiding? Is it fear or is it something far more calculating?
As Niamh watches in silence, she knows she can never reveal the secret Hollie shared with her. A promise is a promise...even in death.
Layered with plenty of suspense and sinister secrets, THE SECRET is told from the viewpoints of Niamh, Elise and Jo in which we are drip-fed enough information that sheds just enough light on the story as it gradually unfolds. Each of the characters are well-developed as their developing narratives add to the thrill and building suspense of the story. The plot is cleverly crafted and expertly told with the triggering issues within handled sensitively.
Despite the initial focus on Elise and her loveless marriage in the beginning, THE SECRET is an intriguing and addictive read once the pace gets going. All throughout the reader is tantalised as to what this deep dark secret could possibly be, as many possibilities go through our minds. Howells drip-feeds us many as we ponder "is this it? Or is it something else?" Because in all honesty, there are loads of secrets we are left to unravel...but can we unravel the biggest of them all? What was it Hollie told Niamh?
A crime story as well as a domestic thriller, THE SECRET is riddled with so many secrets that are hidden beneath the facade of respectability. There is also a sadness in the tale behind the story which leaves you pondering about the goodness of mankind, or lack thereof. It is, however, an engrossing domestic thriller with several twists throughout and while I did work out the biggest one, I didn't see the ending coming. But it was most certainly the coup de grâce with a sad but fitting end.
I love the short snappy chapters as well as the alternating narratives which keep the pace moving through this easy read that is just bursting with secrets. As my first read by this author, I was pretty impressed with the tangled web Howells wove for us and I look forward to reading more from her.
A disturbing domestic thriller, THE SECRET is perfect for those who enjoy darker and sinister reads.
I would like to thank #DebbieHowells, #Netgalley, #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #TheSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 18, 2021
What an ending.... this was such a great book.
So much going on and not sure who to blame.
Well worth the read.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
So much going on and not sure who to blame.
Well worth the read.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
January 9, 2022
Wow just wow! This is one of these books you just start with and all of a sudden you are drawn in and can't stop.
Debbie Howells is a new author to me but certainly one to watch out for!
The story is about Elsie, a (in my humble opinion) very strong woman and her daughter Niamh who is such a strong character as well. There is also the father, Andrew, a GP who does not behave as one would guess.
I really do not want to give more away, than Hollie, a teenage girl, who happens to be Niamh's friend, disappears one day.
Jo, a police detective investigating her case soon finds, that a lot of secrets are hidden in all those people's lives.
This is a very very heavy and dark domestic thriller written and worked out in a perfect way!
I really enjoyed the narration a lot!
Thanks #NetGalley #Harper Collins UK, Avon for this advanced audio copy
Debbie Howells is a new author to me but certainly one to watch out for!
The story is about Elsie, a (in my humble opinion) very strong woman and her daughter Niamh who is such a strong character as well. There is also the father, Andrew, a GP who does not behave as one would guess.
I really do not want to give more away, than Hollie, a teenage girl, who happens to be Niamh's friend, disappears one day.
Jo, a police detective investigating her case soon finds, that a lot of secrets are hidden in all those people's lives.
This is a very very heavy and dark domestic thriller written and worked out in a perfect way!
I really enjoyed the narration a lot!
Thanks #NetGalley #Harper Collins UK, Avon for this advanced audio copy
January 6, 2022
Set in a small village, Niamh and Hollie are the only youngsters that live there. They are very close friends and tell each other everything until one day Hollie goes missing but she told Niamh something before she went missing but Niamh promised she wouldn't tell anyone. Then Hollie's body is found but who killed her? suspicions grow around all the villagers but which one killed her? secrets, lies and betrayals all surface. Will Niamh be able to tell the police everything she knows. I think this is my first book by Debbie and I would read more of hers, this was a good paced thriller that kept me engaged throughout, I did find the middle part a little slow but the ending was a shocker and one I didn't see coming.
November 6, 2021
i so love this authors books . always addictive how well do we know our neighbour s . Elise is married to Andrew she is an air hostess her husband a doctor they have a daughter Niamh they live in a village where everyone knows everyone but each neighbour has secrets Niamh friend Hollie is very troubled and scared . but Elise hides from everyone how cruel her husband is but one night Hollie does not come home and the police are called it is so good will have you gripped to the last chapter
January 4, 2022
Thank you to the publishers at Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this e-ARC of The Secret.
The Secret is a multi POV novel set in a quaint English village. Elise, wife to a doctor and mother to daughter, Niamh, is in a loveless marriage with a serial adulterer. Niamh is one of only two teenagers in her small village, and Jo is the police officer called in to inspect the death of Niamh’s friend, Hollie.
Secrets are fervent in this village, with everyone seeming to be holding something back. While Jo investigates the disappearance and subsequent death of Hollie, secrets will begin to unravel in every direction. You’ll never guess the biggest secret of them all.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. While it was a bit repetitive at times, I was definitely interested in figuring out the secret that Hollie shared with Niamh shortly before her untimely death, and I have to say that I definitely didn’t see it coming. The ending was also a great twist. Overall though, the characters and dialogue were kind of bland and cliché-y.
The Secret releases January 6th!
The Secret is a multi POV novel set in a quaint English village. Elise, wife to a doctor and mother to daughter, Niamh, is in a loveless marriage with a serial adulterer. Niamh is one of only two teenagers in her small village, and Jo is the police officer called in to inspect the death of Niamh’s friend, Hollie.
Secrets are fervent in this village, with everyone seeming to be holding something back. While Jo investigates the disappearance and subsequent death of Hollie, secrets will begin to unravel in every direction. You’ll never guess the biggest secret of them all.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. While it was a bit repetitive at times, I was definitely interested in figuring out the secret that Hollie shared with Niamh shortly before her untimely death, and I have to say that I definitely didn’t see it coming. The ending was also a great twist. Overall though, the characters and dialogue were kind of bland and cliché-y.
The Secret releases January 6th!
December 26, 2021
Hollie and Niamh Buckley tell each other everything, one day Niamh learns a secret from Hollie and swears to keep quiet about it. But when Hollie is found dead everyone is a suspect in the village of Abingworth.
Elise Buckley who works in an airline as one of the cabin crew has her own secret to hide – she also has a husband who has always have extra marital affairs – it’s also very well known to almost everyone in the village.
The cops have to find out what happened to Hollie and why was she killed – was it the secret which killed her?
An intense psychological thriller, started off very well – an awesome narration by Claire Morgan; Helen Colby; Antonia Whillans.
Thanks to Netgalley & HarperCollins UK Audio for the advance audio copy!
Elise Buckley who works in an airline as one of the cabin crew has her own secret to hide – she also has a husband who has always have extra marital affairs – it’s also very well known to almost everyone in the village.
The cops have to find out what happened to Hollie and why was she killed – was it the secret which killed her?
An intense psychological thriller, started off very well – an awesome narration by Claire Morgan; Helen Colby; Antonia Whillans.
Thanks to Netgalley & HarperCollins UK Audio for the advance audio copy!
January 13, 2022
Gripping and twisty thriller with a chilling end.
Hollie and Niamh are best friends, the only teenagers in a small village community. When Hollie disappears the police are convinced the residents must know more than they're admitting, and gradually layer upon layer of secrets are revealed.
Hollie and Niamh are best friends, the only teenagers in a small village community. When Hollie disappears the police are convinced the residents must know more than they're admitting, and gradually layer upon layer of secrets are revealed.
January 23, 2022
Hollie and Niamh are best friends, living in the sleepy village of Abingworth. Both have secrets and unhappiness in their families. When Hollie is found dead, suspected of being murdered, the local police are stumped. As they try to investigate they come upon one wall after another. The police detective, Jo, knows something is going on in this little village and both Hollie's and Niamh's famiies seem to be in the middle of it. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent to the reader that there is another investigation, a huge one that is linked to Abingworth and some locals, that will blow this sleepy little village out of the water and never leave them the same. How these two stories are linked will bring these two storylines together in an interesting way.
Told from the perspectives of Niamh's mother Elise, Niamh and Jo, the police detective. This is a crime story with suspense and a few twists that added to that suspense. There are a lot of secrets in this story that cause the police to take longer to solve both crimes. There are a lot of social problems brought to light in this book that may trigger some readers, but Debbie Howells deals with them in a sensitive way. There is suicide, child pornography, infidelity, spousal abuse and emotional abuse mentioned and involved in this story, although not in graphic ways. Elise's husband and Niamh's father is the local, well-respected doctor and he can say anything and is usually believed without question. This puts Elise between a rock and a hard place. She is living in fear and that adds one more storyline for the police to deal with. It is an easy story to follow, despite what appears to be several crimes and plotlines to deal with. The final twist at the end was a not unexpected and ended this story in the perfect way. The audiobook was narrated by cast including Claire Morgan, Helen Colby, and Antonia Whillans. This gave each of the characters narrating the story their own voice. Expression, emotion, and intensity were all brought out by the performers and added to my enjoyment of this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Told from the perspectives of Niamh's mother Elise, Niamh and Jo, the police detective. This is a crime story with suspense and a few twists that added to that suspense. There are a lot of secrets in this story that cause the police to take longer to solve both crimes. There are a lot of social problems brought to light in this book that may trigger some readers, but Debbie Howells deals with them in a sensitive way. There is suicide, child pornography, infidelity, spousal abuse and emotional abuse mentioned and involved in this story, although not in graphic ways. Elise's husband and Niamh's father is the local, well-respected doctor and he can say anything and is usually believed without question. This puts Elise between a rock and a hard place. She is living in fear and that adds one more storyline for the police to deal with. It is an easy story to follow, despite what appears to be several crimes and plotlines to deal with. The final twist at the end was a not unexpected and ended this story in the perfect way. The audiobook was narrated by cast including Claire Morgan, Helen Colby, and Antonia Whillans. This gave each of the characters narrating the story their own voice. Expression, emotion, and intensity were all brought out by the performers and added to my enjoyment of this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
December 29, 2021
This is a brilliant psychological thriller.
The title of the book suggests one secret but most people in this village are hiding something from others.
Hollie and Niamh are best friends but when Hollie is found dead, the Police start to look into the lives of the people in the village.
Niamh’s Dad, Andrew, is a nasty piece of work and has made her Mum’s life a misery for many years. Elise has had enough and starts to build the courage to leave him, but he then beats her so badly, she ends up in hospital.
The Police are supportive of Elise and persuade her to get away from Andrew just as evidence is found of his link to other crimes.
There’s lots going on in this book and it will definitely keep you guessing who killed Hollie.
A brilliant book that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The title of the book suggests one secret but most people in this village are hiding something from others.
Hollie and Niamh are best friends but when Hollie is found dead, the Police start to look into the lives of the people in the village.
Niamh’s Dad, Andrew, is a nasty piece of work and has made her Mum’s life a misery for many years. Elise has had enough and starts to build the courage to leave him, but he then beats her so badly, she ends up in hospital.
The Police are supportive of Elise and persuade her to get away from Andrew just as evidence is found of his link to other crimes.
There’s lots going on in this book and it will definitely keep you guessing who killed Hollie.
A brilliant book that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 23, 2022
I was underwhelmed by the clumsy depiction of coercive control, domestic abuse and would you believe it child pornography. I felt that one character in particular was so vile he was totally unbelievable.
Everyone has a secret in this story and the police investigation seems to be based on gut feeling rather than evidence or detection and the central crime is unsolved.
The multiple view points were repetitive and everyone spoke in the same voice. For example, A 14 year old describes a Couple’s romance as filling the house with light and laughter and a pensioner says everyone could tell it was true love just by looking.
I didn’t hate the book, I just felt like it needed better editing
Everyone has a secret in this story and the police investigation seems to be based on gut feeling rather than evidence or detection and the central crime is unsolved.
The multiple view points were repetitive and everyone spoke in the same voice. For example, A 14 year old describes a Couple’s romance as filling the house with light and laughter and a pensioner says everyone could tell it was true love just by looking.
I didn’t hate the book, I just felt like it needed better editing
January 7, 2022
Families, villages, money and lies. Plenty of shocks and twists in this page turner. 5 sparkly stars for this one!
January 8, 2022
A slow-paced thriller that deals with coercive control among other evils, this one does require a trigger warning for a few descriptive abuse scenes.
The death of a local teenager in the tiny village of Abingworth unravels a string of secrets concealed under a toxic layer of lies, abuse and gaslighting.
Despite the many glowing reviews that prompted me to request for this book, I simply couldn't bring myself to like it. While the subject matter does deal with a heinous crime, the plot itself was stretched out. For over 70% of the narrative, the various characters reiterated that 'they couldn't reveal the truth' or 'there was no point in saying the truth.' Instead of adding to the intrigue, this held the story in a sort of loop where after a point, it began to feel repetitive.
The characters are well fleshed out - be it the tyrannical psycopath husband Andrew, abused wife Elise or traumatised teenager, Niamh. It was irksome to note that Dylan was mentioned only in broad strokes despite being an important link in the mystery. While I was invested in the investigation part of the storyline, the domestic abuse and coercive control part seemed way too preachy, especially in Jo's POV. Instead of allowing the story to speak for itself, parts of the narrative read like an article imparting information rather than a scene unfolding to evoke emotion or outrage in the reader. While the author's prose is commendable, her story telling technique needs much work. I really did like the ending though; that was one plot twist that I didn't see coming.
Overall, a decent plotline whose execution was found wanting. I believe there was a good story in there that could have been written better. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The death of a local teenager in the tiny village of Abingworth unravels a string of secrets concealed under a toxic layer of lies, abuse and gaslighting.
Despite the many glowing reviews that prompted me to request for this book, I simply couldn't bring myself to like it. While the subject matter does deal with a heinous crime, the plot itself was stretched out. For over 70% of the narrative, the various characters reiterated that 'they couldn't reveal the truth' or 'there was no point in saying the truth.' Instead of adding to the intrigue, this held the story in a sort of loop where after a point, it began to feel repetitive.
The characters are well fleshed out - be it the tyrannical psycopath husband Andrew, abused wife Elise or traumatised teenager, Niamh. It was irksome to note that Dylan was mentioned only in broad strokes despite being an important link in the mystery. While I was invested in the investigation part of the storyline, the domestic abuse and coercive control part seemed way too preachy, especially in Jo's POV. Instead of allowing the story to speak for itself, parts of the narrative read like an article imparting information rather than a scene unfolding to evoke emotion or outrage in the reader. While the author's prose is commendable, her story telling technique needs much work. I really did like the ending though; that was one plot twist that I didn't see coming.
Overall, a decent plotline whose execution was found wanting. I believe there was a good story in there that could have been written better. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
Hollie and Niamh are the only two teenagers in the village and they tell each other everything. Hollie has a secret, a big one. And Niamh promised she would keep it. But when Hollie goes missing and ends up dead, it becomes clear the two teenagers aren't the only ones in the village hiding things. Suddenly, neighbours become suspects and secrets come to light. What secret could be so bad that it meant the death of Hollie? And who killed her?
"Only ten percent of people are good."
This was a great psychological thriller, but it does contain a lot of heavy themes and even though the author handles them very well (in my opinion), it will probably still be a bit of a tough read for some people. (TW: physical and emotional abuse, manipulation, violence, toxic home environment, toxic relationships, betrayal, child exploitation). The story is told from multiple POVs, which are all strong female characters (definitely a bonus, if you ask me!). The short chapters and multiple POVs make it a quick and easy read. There were a lot of plot twists (which I thought was a good thing) and the author definitely kept me guessing right up until the end.
"I used to believe that even the worst behaviour could be explained by abusive childhoods or desperation. But that was before I realised people have choices; make decisions. Before I realised that brutality can be intentional."
Reading this does make a person wonder: how well do we know our neighbours? After all, who can ever really be sure of what goes on behind closed doors?
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for my e-ARC.
Overall rating: ★★★★
"Only ten percent of people are good."
This was a great psychological thriller, but it does contain a lot of heavy themes and even though the author handles them very well (in my opinion), it will probably still be a bit of a tough read for some people. (TW: physical and emotional abuse, manipulation, violence, toxic home environment, toxic relationships, betrayal, child exploitation). The story is told from multiple POVs, which are all strong female characters (definitely a bonus, if you ask me!). The short chapters and multiple POVs make it a quick and easy read. There were a lot of plot twists (which I thought was a good thing) and the author definitely kept me guessing right up until the end.
"I used to believe that even the worst behaviour could be explained by abusive childhoods or desperation. But that was before I realised people have choices; make decisions. Before I realised that brutality can be intentional."
Reading this does make a person wonder: how well do we know our neighbours? After all, who can ever really be sure of what goes on behind closed doors?
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for my e-ARC.
Overall rating: ★★★★
January 6, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately I haven’t read much over the holidays but started this in the New year and finished last night just in time for release day today! So this is out now and if you like a psychological thriller this is well worth picking up.
It was easy to read and had my interest quickly which is what I really needed to be able to forget the real world for a while.
The writing was a slightly different style for me although I can’t put it into words why. I did wonder if I’d get on with it at the very beginning but the story quickly got me hooked.
Told from the points of view of two women and a girl it tells the story of two families in one very small English village and, as the title lets us know, everyone seems to have a Secret.
Trigger warning for domestic abuse and coercive control and general talk of child porn.
I really enjoyed this story and liked the characters especially Elise and Jo.
It was easy to read and had my interest quickly which is what I really needed to be able to forget the real world for a while.
The writing was a slightly different style for me although I can’t put it into words why. I did wonder if I’d get on with it at the very beginning but the story quickly got me hooked.
Told from the points of view of two women and a girl it tells the story of two families in one very small English village and, as the title lets us know, everyone seems to have a Secret.
Trigger warning for domestic abuse and coercive control and general talk of child porn.
I really enjoyed this story and liked the characters especially Elise and Jo.
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