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My Daughter's Secrets
Grace has the perfect life.
Then her husband replaces her with a younger, blonder version.
Three years later, Grace’s sixteen-year-old daughter Tara is stabbed to death in a seedy hotel.
Grace’s life stops.
After a harrowing trial, Tara’s boyfriend is convicted of her murder. At least now it’s over.
Until someone breaks into Grace’s house and ransacks Tara’s belongings.
And now the questions have only just begun.
Grace thought she knew her daughter. But Tara had been keeping secrets from her. Very dark secrets.
Previously published as Don’t Tell Anyone
Then her husband replaces her with a younger, blonder version.
Three years later, Grace’s sixteen-year-old daughter Tara is stabbed to death in a seedy hotel.
Grace’s life stops.
After a harrowing trial, Tara’s boyfriend is convicted of her murder. At least now it’s over.
Until someone breaks into Grace’s house and ransacks Tara’s belongings.
And now the questions have only just begun.
Grace thought she knew her daughter. But Tara had been keeping secrets from her. Very dark secrets.
Previously published as Don’t Tell Anyone
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2016
2013 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
E.V. Seymour
19 books66 followersSee the author's blogspot at http://www.evseymour.co.uk
Aka Eve Isherwood
Aka Eve Isherwood
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 8, 2022
Wow. This book left me speechless. This author is amazing, delving into all aspects of a mother's grief when a child is lost to murder. Then turning everything you think you know about the killer on its head, not once, but three or four times. Be sure you have several hours to read when you start this one. You will not want to put it down. Highly recommend. Nora Wolfenbarger author of The Promise and The Defiant the first two books in the Blackbird series.
October 11, 2022
I downloaded this book as part of Kindle Unlimited and it had barely any reviews, 3 I think. was a bit skeptical, however I had no expectations going into this which was great because sometimes they can change how I view the book.
I thought this book would hit deep and elicit a lot of emotion. Losing a child is never ever going to be a nice story.
Grace is struggling to let go of her ex-husband who left her 4 years ago for a slightly younger woman. Tall, blonde, rich - you get the picture. I'm not entirely sure what Grace looks like but it seemed all she did throughout her relationship with Archie was to try and please him. The typical tall, good-looking, charming character.
Grace is wrestling with trying to be a great mum, put her daughter first and not let her emotions get the better of her which is extremely difficult when trying to co-parent. She's hurt and still loves Archie but wants to do what's best for her daughter - a situation I'm sure many people can relate. I just want to give her a big hug.
Since then, her beloved daughter Tara has been murdered, her boyfriend Jordan Dukes found guilty of the murder. Tara seemed like she was easily pleased with the promise of money and material things. A typical, moody, secretive teenager. Do we ever really understand what our children our doing when they aren't with us and the relationships, they are having?
A few of the characters - Tiff, Grace's sister. I didn't connect with her, although supportive in lots of ways, she seemed a bit like a bully towards the more timid grace. Allan Dukes - Jordan's father, I liked this relationship, he seemed like a good man fighting for justice for his son. Kristina - I don't feel like I knew her character at all or what Archie saw in her beyond her good looks. There wasn't any depth at all.
This book had a few twists and turns and for once, I didn't guess the ending which was great. I had always suspected Kristina and Tiff for some reason they just gave me bad vibes, I never thought Archie was involved (trigger warning - there is a small incest storyline) - I won't go into more details for spoiler reasons. The book was maybe a little far-fetched towards the end, as in it was a little weak and not quite connected in a way I would have liked. There wasn't much explanation for the culprit's behaviour, how, why etc. However, I could not put this book down and finished in a matter of days.
I thought this book would hit deep and elicit a lot of emotion. Losing a child is never ever going to be a nice story.
Grace is struggling to let go of her ex-husband who left her 4 years ago for a slightly younger woman. Tall, blonde, rich - you get the picture. I'm not entirely sure what Grace looks like but it seemed all she did throughout her relationship with Archie was to try and please him. The typical tall, good-looking, charming character.
Grace is wrestling with trying to be a great mum, put her daughter first and not let her emotions get the better of her which is extremely difficult when trying to co-parent. She's hurt and still loves Archie but wants to do what's best for her daughter - a situation I'm sure many people can relate. I just want to give her a big hug.
Since then, her beloved daughter Tara has been murdered, her boyfriend Jordan Dukes found guilty of the murder. Tara seemed like she was easily pleased with the promise of money and material things. A typical, moody, secretive teenager. Do we ever really understand what our children our doing when they aren't with us and the relationships, they are having?
A few of the characters - Tiff, Grace's sister. I didn't connect with her, although supportive in lots of ways, she seemed a bit like a bully towards the more timid grace. Allan Dukes - Jordan's father, I liked this relationship, he seemed like a good man fighting for justice for his son. Kristina - I don't feel like I knew her character at all or what Archie saw in her beyond her good looks. There wasn't any depth at all.
This book had a few twists and turns and for once, I didn't guess the ending which was great. I had always suspected Kristina and Tiff for some reason they just gave me bad vibes, I never thought Archie was involved (trigger warning - there is a small incest storyline) - I won't go into more details for spoiler reasons. The book was maybe a little far-fetched towards the end, as in it was a little weak and not quite connected in a way I would have liked. There wasn't much explanation for the culprit's behaviour, how, why etc. However, I could not put this book down and finished in a matter of days.
November 4, 2022
The most annoying drawn out book I have ever read...! Ok, get over it, get to the plot & ending already...!
January 10, 2023
Too many characters thrown into the beginning it makes it really hard to understand who is who. I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. I felt like I needed to take notes on the characters off the bat. It’s a hard pass for me.
April 12, 2023
Amazingly novel with many unpredictable twists. The story is well written, captivating, and solid.
I can't really understand why this novel has this small number of readers, while it's way better than many "New York Times best seller"s crap.
Highly recommend.
I can't really understand why this novel has this small number of readers, while it's way better than many "New York Times best seller"s crap.
Highly recommend.
April 16, 2023
dnf @ 3% which is ridiculous, i know, im sure it's a good book given it's overall rating but i just couldn't with the aussie slang lmao it was making me cringe so hard i had to put it down 🥴
May 21, 2023
Read in daaaays, so good, proper twists and turns that you really felt like the victims own perspective
October 26, 2022
Twists, indeed!
This is a captivating read, with lots of unexpected twists and turns. E.V. Seymour skillfully conveyed the pain, anxiety, and heartbreak Grace experienced with every new twist. Supporting characters were well-developed and each carried their plot responsibilities very effectively - and the characters were truly characters! A very entertaining read!
This is a captivating read, with lots of unexpected twists and turns. E.V. Seymour skillfully conveyed the pain, anxiety, and heartbreak Grace experienced with every new twist. Supporting characters were well-developed and each carried their plot responsibilities very effectively - and the characters were truly characters! A very entertaining read!
October 7, 2022
Finding the secrets.
Secrets in death. A Mother's love. Great book. I couldn't stop reading and thinking about the unexpected twist and turns. You won't be able to put it down so start in the morning. I do recommend and will read another by this author. Thanks, TMCM
Secrets in death. A Mother's love. Great book. I couldn't stop reading and thinking about the unexpected twist and turns. You won't be able to put it down so start in the morning. I do recommend and will read another by this author. Thanks, TMCM
December 23, 2022
The plot took a weird turn and was so drawn out and all over the place. I felt obligated to finish it just to find out if it ever came together in a way I could follow.
May 15, 2023
This is a challenge to me in terms of vocabulary as English isn't my first language. I read many of the same genre in English without much of a struggle as this one. It bothered me quite a bit to have to search for the meanings of academic (difficult) words. Though, I finished the book eventually.
What made this book standout was that no one knew who the culprit was until they revealed themself. Grace took an immense effort trying to find her daughter's (Tara) killer after believing Jordan (Tara's boyfriend) was innocent. Her conjectures were far off. Started, with Jordan, Archie (Her Ex-husband), Kristina (Archie's fiancée) and Ruby. By this point, I already forgot who Ruby is, so I had to go back and find out where did she appear in the story. It was a little too many suspects that turned out to be faulty accused by Grace. Even though, Mr. Smith-Arrow (Ruby's father, who Grace was send by her boss to interior-designed his paintings he bought from their gallery) confessed, I still feel like he would have gotten away. It doesn't seem to have strong evidence apart from his confession.
Everyone was fooled by the author's clevour twists. How would have thought it was him.
What made this book standout was that no one knew who the culprit was until they revealed themself. Grace took an immense effort trying to find her daughter's (Tara) killer after believing Jordan (Tara's boyfriend) was innocent. Her conjectures were far off. Started, with Jordan, Archie (Her Ex-husband), Kristina (Archie's fiancée) and Ruby. By this point, I already forgot who Ruby is, so I had to go back and find out where did she appear in the story. It was a little too many suspects that turned out to be faulty accused by Grace. Even though, Mr. Smith-Arrow (Ruby's father, who Grace was send by her boss to interior-designed his paintings he bought from their gallery) confessed, I still feel like he would have gotten away. It doesn't seem to have strong evidence apart from his confession.
Everyone was fooled by the author's clevour twists. How would have thought it was him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
A Mother's Love
Grace loved Tara with every fiber of her being. As her mother and like a majority of mothers, would do anything to protect her, even through death. Believing that someone who said they loved your daughter, then wonder how they could kill her. He was found guilty, sent to prison, chapter done.
How could Tara's dad be so clouded and judgemental when Grace felt a terrible injustice had been cast in the killer?
Grace loved Tara with every fiber of her being. As her mother and like a majority of mothers, would do anything to protect her, even through death. Believing that someone who said they loved your daughter, then wonder how they could kill her. He was found guilty, sent to prison, chapter done.
How could Tara's dad be so clouded and judgemental when Grace felt a terrible injustice had been cast in the killer?
November 12, 2022
This is not as described a thrilling page-turner. It is a drawn out family saga that I struggled with. Archie leaves Grace for a slightly younger woman. Their daughter Tara is daught in the middle of the divorce.
When Tara is killed, Jordan who had been seeing Tara is blamed and incarcerated. He has a history of offending and the guilty verdict isn't surprising until his father pitches up on Grace's doorstep and pleads with her, the innocence of his son. 3 stars.
When Tara is killed, Jordan who had been seeing Tara is blamed and incarcerated. He has a history of offending and the guilty verdict isn't surprising until his father pitches up on Grace's doorstep and pleads with her, the innocence of his son. 3 stars.
February 1, 2023
I had high hopes for this because I'd heard the twist was quite good, but I was pretty disappointed sadly.
I liked the drama and anticipation of going through all the potential leads and suspects - Dax, Archie, Kristina, Thea's potential involvement. I felt it was building to a significant moment, only to discover that Ruby and her Dad are at the centre of it all despite having only been mentioned a little in the first few chapters. It was a let down for me unfortunately.
I liked the drama and anticipation of going through all the potential leads and suspects - Dax, Archie, Kristina, Thea's potential involvement. I felt it was building to a significant moment, only to discover that Ruby and her Dad are at the centre of it all despite having only been mentioned a little in the first few chapters. It was a let down for me unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 14, 2023The Blame Game
What was the secret that ended her life? Who killed her? Who had the most to loose? Cryptic words perception verses reality! Teenagers are an enigma!Who are they? What do they mean? This book’s twists and turns makes you question and think then re-question and rethink!!! Thumbs up to the author’s insight into the minds of all the players on all the pages. Recommended read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What was the secret that ended her life? Who killed her? Who had the most to loose? Cryptic words perception verses reality! Teenagers are an enigma!Who are they? What do they mean? This book’s twists and turns makes you question and think then re-question and rethink!!! Thumbs up to the author’s insight into the minds of all the players on all the pages. Recommended read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 16, 2023
It’s very rare for me to not finish a book I’ve started, especially if I’m almost done. But I just couldn’t finish this one. It took me a month to make it 85% of the way through but I had stopped caring about the plot a loooong time before then. It was too drawn out and too long. Chapters and chapters where nothing would happen. I wasn’t enjoying it so I finally just decided to give up. A miss for me.
September 19, 2023
my daughters secret
Excellent story very sad what had happened Archie thought he could have it all, grace lost her daughter, Archie was somewhere in the blame what had happened grace has a very supportive family her sister tiff always looked out for her. I enjoyed the book was difficult to put it down toward the end of the book, glad Jordan was freed from prison and grace chose Allen his dad over Archie
Excellent story very sad what had happened Archie thought he could have it all, grace lost her daughter, Archie was somewhere in the blame what had happened grace has a very supportive family her sister tiff always looked out for her. I enjoyed the book was difficult to put it down toward the end of the book, glad Jordan was freed from prison and grace chose Allen his dad over Archie
November 2, 2022
just try to put it down, you can’t!
This is my first reading from this author, but believe me it won’t be the last! I was intrigued by the story and the twists and turns. Being 90 years old and having lived a long time I have seen similar things but not as much as was written. I am looking forward to reading more!
This is my first reading from this author, but believe me it won’t be the last! I was intrigued by the story and the twists and turns. Being 90 years old and having lived a long time I have seen similar things but not as much as was written. I am looking forward to reading more!
November 27, 2022
First time read of E.V. Seymour and won’t be my last
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I was not able to put it down. Read it in 2 days and got to say was entertained throughout. Twist and turns and a satisfying conclusion that made for a satisfying read. I highly recommend this!
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I was not able to put it down. Read it in 2 days and got to say was entertained throughout. Twist and turns and a satisfying conclusion that made for a satisfying read. I highly recommend this!
April 13, 2023
unputdownable!
From the first sentence to the last, this book captured my attention and heart. Written realistically and honest. Usually with this type of book, within 50 pages I can figure out where the story is going but not this time. I could not figure it out until the LAST 50 pages. Outstanding!
From the first sentence to the last, this book captured my attention and heart. Written realistically and honest. Usually with this type of book, within 50 pages I can figure out where the story is going but not this time. I could not figure it out until the LAST 50 pages. Outstanding!
April 21, 2023
An emotional rollercoaster
This book gave me all feelings; happiness, sadness, fear, and triumph. With unexpected twists on every page. This is a look into a family and their secrets and how protecting our family we could end up hurting ourselves in the process. E.V. Seymour has just gained a fan!!
This book gave me all feelings; happiness, sadness, fear, and triumph. With unexpected twists on every page. This is a look into a family and their secrets and how protecting our family we could end up hurting ourselves in the process. E.V. Seymour has just gained a fan!!
June 6, 2023
I found the language used in this book to be outdated. And the same with some of the phrases.
I can't think of any examples but while reading, I was surprised by them.
I like how the predator in this book is different and shows it's not what you always expect.
However I feel the ending was randomly selected (who the bad guy was).
I can't think of any examples but while reading, I was surprised by them.
I like how the predator in this book is different and shows it's not what you always expect.
However I feel the ending was randomly selected (who the bad guy was).
October 8, 2023
Grace’s daughter, Tara, has just been killed. Her boyfriend has been convicted and is in jail for 18 years. Grace doesn’t believe it and starts suspecting everyone: her ex-husband, his wife, Tara’s friend from school. Turns out she was right, but the reason for Tara being murdered was really stupid.
November 17, 2022
There are no such things as secrets
I enjoyed the quick flow of the book. It seemed very real of what goes on in todays world. It also kept your mind entertained on all the characters that you were not sure who did it and why.
I enjoyed the quick flow of the book. It seemed very real of what goes on in todays world. It also kept your mind entertained on all the characters that you were not sure who did it and why.
April 23, 2023
My Daughter's Secret
This was a very good book. It was challenging to guess who the killer was, but I liked not knowing until later in the book. I did have trouble remembering who was who, but everything came together at the end.
This was a very good book. It was challenging to guess who the killer was, but I liked not knowing until later in the book. I did have trouble remembering who was who, but everything came together at the end.
May 2, 2023
Great read
What a great book! Riveting, it kept me guessing. So many twists and turns. Just when I thought it figured out, Ms. Seymour threw me off. Just read it. You won't be sorry.
What a great book! Riveting, it kept me guessing. So many twists and turns. Just when I thought it figured out, Ms. Seymour threw me off. Just read it. You won't be sorry.
May 8, 2023
Wonderful book.
It keeps you on the edge of your seat. First you think he murdered her. Then oh, no, she murdered her. Finding out who the actual murderer is will leave you scratching your head saying “I didn’t see that coming”
It keeps you on the edge of your seat. First you think he murdered her. Then oh, no, she murdered her. Finding out who the actual murderer is will leave you scratching your head saying “I didn’t see that coming”
May 25, 2023
Keeping secrets.
This is a really brilliant book, it has you weaving everywhere, one minute you think you know who the killers are. Its definitely unputdownable, it kept me guessing. Unusual for me i didn't know till the end. Read it you won't be disappointed.
This is a really brilliant book, it has you weaving everywhere, one minute you think you know who the killers are. Its definitely unputdownable, it kept me guessing. Unusual for me i didn't know till the end. Read it you won't be disappointed.
May 26, 2023
Secrets and lies
Unusual book, some odd and larger than life characters. We all need a Doug in our lives. It helps if you know Cheltenham and area. I would certainly read another book by this author.
Unusual book, some odd and larger than life characters. We all need a Doug in our lives. It helps if you know Cheltenham and area. I would certainly read another book by this author.
October 11, 2023
okay read
This story took forever to liven up, I was close to not finishing it. It turned round about just over half way through and got quite interesting. I hung in there and it was worth it in the end
This story took forever to liven up, I was close to not finishing it. It turned round about just over half way through and got quite interesting. I hung in there and it was worth it in the end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews