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Keep Her Secret
In this sinister tale from 4 million copy bestselling author Mark Edwards, a deadly secret turns a couple’s new romance into a nightmare. And they’re not the only ones who know the truth…
After twenty years apart, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are away in Iceland on their first holiday together. Swept up in the romance on a mountain hike, one moment they are taking the perfect photo, the next Helena is plunging over the cliff edge…
Terrified, Matthew almost misses Helena’s sudden and shocking confession—but what he hears chills him to the bone. And when Helena reveals the full truth Matthew is horrified, not only by what she’s done, but why she did it. Does he really know her at all?
His shock turns to horror when, back in England, they discover that someone not only overheard Helena’s confession but plans to blackmail her. Now Matthew must decide whether to go to the police or help Helena keep her secret—and as events spiral out of control, how far is Matthew willing to go to protect his ‘perfect’ girlfriend?
After twenty years apart, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are away in Iceland on their first holiday together. Swept up in the romance on a mountain hike, one moment they are taking the perfect photo, the next Helena is plunging over the cliff edge…
Terrified, Matthew almost misses Helena’s sudden and shocking confession—but what he hears chills him to the bone. And when Helena reveals the full truth Matthew is horrified, not only by what she’s done, but why she did it. Does he really know her at all?
His shock turns to horror when, back in England, they discover that someone not only overheard Helena’s confession but plans to blackmail her. Now Matthew must decide whether to go to the police or help Helena keep her secret—and as events spiral out of control, how far is Matthew willing to go to protect his ‘perfect’ girlfriend?
333 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2023
2639 people are currently reading
9219 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edwards
24 books5,941 followersMark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 650 reviews
March 7, 2023
3.5 rounded down
It’s September 2022 and two hikers separate from their walking group in Iceland. This is Helena and Matthew, exes from university days but recently back together following the death of Helena’s husband Lee. The Icelandic scenery is superb and Helena is determined to have a final attempt at that Insta worthy picture when disaster strikes. She is now desperately clinging to the rock face, a certain death awaits, she’s held only by the sturdy strap of her rucksack. Matthew is terror struck, he can neither leave her nor pull her up when Helena makes some very strange statements in her panic.....
The start of this is terrific and I’m on the edge of my seat and hooked for the first half which is really good as it explores the extraordinary lengths people will go to in order to keep secrets as things go from bad to worse. The pace is definitely fast as we barrel from one disastrous situation to another and it’s an entertaining ride.
However, whilst the plot certainly keeps you guessing it starts to become OTT and a bit Fred Karnos. The twists become less and less believable but at the same time there’s one that is so predictable! As for the ending, that is deliciously good. Ha ha!!!!
Overall, it does keep you focused, it’s an easy read which is engaging and diverting which is always a plus!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
It’s September 2022 and two hikers separate from their walking group in Iceland. This is Helena and Matthew, exes from university days but recently back together following the death of Helena’s husband Lee. The Icelandic scenery is superb and Helena is determined to have a final attempt at that Insta worthy picture when disaster strikes. She is now desperately clinging to the rock face, a certain death awaits, she’s held only by the sturdy strap of her rucksack. Matthew is terror struck, he can neither leave her nor pull her up when Helena makes some very strange statements in her panic.....
The start of this is terrific and I’m on the edge of my seat and hooked for the first half which is really good as it explores the extraordinary lengths people will go to in order to keep secrets as things go from bad to worse. The pace is definitely fast as we barrel from one disastrous situation to another and it’s an entertaining ride.
However, whilst the plot certainly keeps you guessing it starts to become OTT and a bit Fred Karnos. The twists become less and less believable but at the same time there’s one that is so predictable! As for the ending, that is deliciously good. Ha ha!!!!
Overall, it does keep you focused, it’s an easy read which is engaging and diverting which is always a plus!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2023
Spill the beans
While traveling in Iceland, Helena ends up hanging from a cliff and believes she deserves whatever is going to happen to her. It seems like a thrilling start for a book, with anticipation of sinister surprises and eerie events. However, the story takes a different turn and becomes a mystery involving blackmail. The plot moves along nicely, although it stretches credibility at times. It was a bit exaggerated, but I still enjoyed it. The characters were likable, so it was good enough for me!
While traveling in Iceland, Helena ends up hanging from a cliff and believes she deserves whatever is going to happen to her. It seems like a thrilling start for a book, with anticipation of sinister surprises and eerie events. However, the story takes a different turn and becomes a mystery involving blackmail. The plot moves along nicely, although it stretches credibility at times. It was a bit exaggerated, but I still enjoyed it. The characters were likable, so it was good enough for me!
October 1, 2025
Gosh, so much going on in this one. I had to put bunches of disbelief aside to enjoy the book, but when I did and managed to control my pulse, I must say it was plenty entertaining and slightly scary as well. Off course there was several twists that were far-fetched but still believable somehow!
June 28, 2023
An absolutely brilliant read!
I'm sure that Mark Edwards must have had his tongue in his cheek when he wrote this story, it's absolutely brilliant and, bonkers at the same time. On the surface it's a dark thriller showing how far a besotted boyfriend will go to protect his lover. After saving her from certain death on an Icelandic mountain she confides in him her darkest secrets. Unfortunately, someone else is listening in on their conversation. What follows is a tale told at breath taking speed, of dark deeds that have unforseen consequences. Just how quickly will events spiral out of control? No one will have been able to predict the ending. This is a book you just cannot put down until the final chapter. Absolutely brilliant!!!
I'm sure that Mark Edwards must have had his tongue in his cheek when he wrote this story, it's absolutely brilliant and, bonkers at the same time. On the surface it's a dark thriller showing how far a besotted boyfriend will go to protect his lover. After saving her from certain death on an Icelandic mountain she confides in him her darkest secrets. Unfortunately, someone else is listening in on their conversation. What follows is a tale told at breath taking speed, of dark deeds that have unforseen consequences. Just how quickly will events spiral out of control? No one will have been able to predict the ending. This is a book you just cannot put down until the final chapter. Absolutely brilliant!!!
February 12, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Amazon publishing UK and the author Mark Edward's for an early copy of his book.
I would like to read more of Mark Edward's crime book,this book is more of a romantic storyline. Matthew and Helena get back together and decide to go to Iceland when Helena has an accident over a cliff thinking she was going to die she says something to Matthew. Do they really know each other?an okay read prefer his earlier books.hope to read more of his scary crime reads.
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon UK.
I would like to read more of Mark Edward's crime book,this book is more of a romantic storyline. Matthew and Helena get back together and decide to go to Iceland when Helena has an accident over a cliff thinking she was going to die she says something to Matthew. Do they really know each other?an okay read prefer his earlier books.hope to read more of his scary crime reads.
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon UK.
July 10, 2024
Helena Phone Home...
KEEP HER SECRET by Mark Edwards
No spoilers. 3 1/2 stars. Former college sweethearts Matthew and Helena are on a hiking trip in Iceland hoping to rekindle their previous romance...
When...
Helena goes over a mountain ledge while taking the perfect selfie, and while she dangles in space by a rucksack strap...
She says to Matthew: I deserve this. This is my punishment for what I've done...
Later that night...
After being rescued by her hiking Companions, Helena confessed to Matthew that she had killed her husband...
But...
Someone else had overheard Helena's admission and is blackmailing her with a recording of the confession...
Things go from bad to worse...
When the couple tries to cover Helena's murderous tracks. How many people must die to keep her secret?...
This author rarely puts out a boring novel, and this one was no exception but the lead-up to the story's plot was quite unbelievable, but if you are able to suspend logic and wink at some of the situations the couple get into, the story will keep you guessing.
I found one blooper in the story early on when Helena claimed that her husband wouldn't allow her to have a phone, but shortly after, she said she had called 999 to alert police that her husband was missing and had possibly drowned.
This is a story that wavered between ridiculous and downright unbelievable throughout, but it was not boring.
KEEP HER SECRET by Mark Edwards
No spoilers. 3 1/2 stars. Former college sweethearts Matthew and Helena are on a hiking trip in Iceland hoping to rekindle their previous romance...
When...
Helena goes over a mountain ledge while taking the perfect selfie, and while she dangles in space by a rucksack strap...
She says to Matthew: I deserve this. This is my punishment for what I've done...
Later that night...
After being rescued by her hiking Companions, Helena confessed to Matthew that she had killed her husband...
But...
Someone else had overheard Helena's admission and is blackmailing her with a recording of the confession...
Things go from bad to worse...
When the couple tries to cover Helena's murderous tracks. How many people must die to keep her secret?...
This author rarely puts out a boring novel, and this one was no exception but the lead-up to the story's plot was quite unbelievable, but if you are able to suspend logic and wink at some of the situations the couple get into, the story will keep you guessing.
I found one blooper in the story early on when Helena claimed that her husband wouldn't allow her to have a phone, but shortly after, she said she had called 999 to alert police that her husband was missing and had possibly drowned.
This is a story that wavered between ridiculous and downright unbelievable throughout, but it was not boring.
May 23, 2023
After twenty years apart, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are away in Iceland on their first holiday together. Swept up in the romance on a mountain hike, one moment they are taking the perfect photo, the next Helena is hanging from the cliff edge. Terrified, Matthew almost misses Helena's sudden and shocking confession - but what he hears chills him to the bone. And when Helena reveals the full truth Matthew is horrified, not only by what she's done, but why she did it. Does he really know her at all?
Matthew and Helena have rekindled their romance and are on an impromptu trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Helena has an accident where she makes a sudden and shocking confession. Now they are back home and one of their fellow travelers arrives unexpectedly at Helena's door. But why are they there?
with secrets, abuse, romance, murder, and plot twists, there's plenty going on in this book. Things start to spiral out of control as soon as Matthew and Helena get home. Things go from bad to worse. There's also a big surprise twist. I never knew how this story would resolve itself. You do have to suspend your beliefs whilst reading this book. It's a quick and easy book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUK and the author #MarkEdwards for my ARC of #KeepHerSecret in exchange for an honest review.
Matthew and Helena have rekindled their romance and are on an impromptu trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Helena has an accident where she makes a sudden and shocking confession. Now they are back home and one of their fellow travelers arrives unexpectedly at Helena's door. But why are they there?
with secrets, abuse, romance, murder, and plot twists, there's plenty going on in this book. Things start to spiral out of control as soon as Matthew and Helena get home. Things go from bad to worse. There's also a big surprise twist. I never knew how this story would resolve itself. You do have to suspend your beliefs whilst reading this book. It's a quick and easy book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUK and the author #MarkEdwards for my ARC of #KeepHerSecret in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
Very tightly woven plot filled with twists and turns, some anticipated, and some not. Well worth a read.
June 8, 2023
I have completely decided that Mark Edwards is just not for me. This is my 4th book of his and all have been 3 ⭐️. Fans of Freida McFadden, this is right up your alley!
Helena and Matthew reconnect after 20 years. They decide to take a once in a lifetime trip to Iceland. While there, Helena has a brush with death and confesses a terrifying secret to Matthew. As they return back home, Matthew is conflicted with her shocking secret. As time passes, horrible events begin to unravel.
Here's the deal, you have to be able to believe just about anything to follow this story. So much crap begins to happen that it made my head hurt, and I already had a headache yesterday. It's like the story just got too busy. And this happened, and this happened, and oh wait! There's more! (Just like the old commercial)
I started really loving this book but it just became too much. If you love Freida McFadden, you will absolutely love this one. At this point, I'm breaking up with Mark Edwards 😔
Helena and Matthew reconnect after 20 years. They decide to take a once in a lifetime trip to Iceland. While there, Helena has a brush with death and confesses a terrifying secret to Matthew. As they return back home, Matthew is conflicted with her shocking secret. As time passes, horrible events begin to unravel.
Here's the deal, you have to be able to believe just about anything to follow this story. So much crap begins to happen that it made my head hurt, and I already had a headache yesterday. It's like the story just got too busy. And this happened, and this happened, and oh wait! There's more! (Just like the old commercial)
I started really loving this book but it just became too much. If you love Freida McFadden, you will absolutely love this one. At this point, I'm breaking up with Mark Edwards 😔
July 17, 2023
It's no secret that "Keep Her Secret" is a well-plotted thriller that is compulsively readable, yet extremely far-fetched.
This being said:
From start to finish, author Mark Edwards had me.
When the book's female protagonist comes dangerously close to losing her life on an Iceland cliff, she reveals a secret that jumpstarts and frames the storyline of this book.
I especially enjoyed the book's compelling characterizations and jaw-dropping epilogue.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Simon Mattacks and Karen Cass. Both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
TW: Domestic violence.
4.5 stars rounded up.
This being said:
From start to finish, author Mark Edwards had me.
When the book's female protagonist comes dangerously close to losing her life on an Iceland cliff, she reveals a secret that jumpstarts and frames the storyline of this book.
I especially enjoyed the book's compelling characterizations and jaw-dropping epilogue.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Simon Mattacks and Karen Cass. Both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
TW: Domestic violence.
4.5 stars rounded up.
March 1, 2023
Helena and Matthew who were a couple at college when they were young meet up at a reunion and decide to get back together again but a lot of things have happen during the time they were apart and their past is about to catch up with them.
A fast paced thriller that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A fast paced thriller that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2023
Too ridiculous for me.
May 22, 2023
Now I love this author and he is one of my firm favourites. This was a good read but it did not get my racing. Sorry not even a flicker. As I said before I love this author's work but personally I prefer his earlier work. Saying that I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 16, 2023
It's been twenty years since their college romance and Matthew and Helena are back together. The decide to go on a trip to Iceland and are having a great time until Helena falls off the edge of a cliff. She is saved by the belt of her rucksack that gets caught on a rock. Their tour guide pulls her back up to safety and later that day, Helena confesses a dark secret to Matthew. When they return back home to London, Matthew loses his job and goes to see Helena. While at Helena's, a girl named Devon that was on their Iceland trip shows up at Helena's house with her lost journal. Devon overheard and recorded the secret Helena had told Matthew. What does she want and will they give it to her?
I am such a fan of Mark Edwards and have been reading his books since the beginning. KEEP HER SECRET was not as dark as his other books, but I did enjoy it! I felt bad for Matthew in the beginning of this, because he had no idea what he had in store for himself. As the story progressed there were some shocking revelations, but the ending is what really made the book for me! I loved it! I am happy to say I will read anything Edwards writes in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing, UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
I am such a fan of Mark Edwards and have been reading his books since the beginning. KEEP HER SECRET was not as dark as his other books, but I did enjoy it! I felt bad for Matthew in the beginning of this, because he had no idea what he had in store for himself. As the story progressed there were some shocking revelations, but the ending is what really made the book for me! I loved it! I am happy to say I will read anything Edwards writes in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing, UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
July 22, 2023
It seems like it has been a while since Edwards published a new book, so this was a pleasant surprise as I love his stuff.
Matthew is on a hiking trip in Iceland with his new girlfriend Helena and their group. Taking a picture, Helena slips off a cliff ledge. Luckily, her ruck sack strap caught, and she dangled below the ledge. The group guide pulled her to safety, but she had confessed something unsettling when she thought she was about to die that Matthew couldn't stop thinking about. She killed her ex-husband.
I was hooked almost immediately. And then I was completely captivated. The story just got juicier and juicier. A rock full of deceit, secrets, and trouble rolling down a hill. Excellent characters that I anticipated their choices and actions.
Matthew is on a hiking trip in Iceland with his new girlfriend Helena and their group. Taking a picture, Helena slips off a cliff ledge. Luckily, her ruck sack strap caught, and she dangled below the ledge. The group guide pulled her to safety, but she had confessed something unsettling when she thought she was about to die that Matthew couldn't stop thinking about. She killed her ex-husband.
I was hooked almost immediately. And then I was completely captivated. The story just got juicier and juicier. A rock full of deceit, secrets, and trouble rolling down a hill. Excellent characters that I anticipated their choices and actions.
January 7, 2023
This had me hooked right from the start - I loved how the story unfolded and the characters were revealed. I had no idea if anyone was who they said they were, if they were telling the truth or what they might be hiding. I had no idea what was going to happen next and was pleasantly surprised not to see things coming.
Kept me on my toes. Recommended.
Kept me on my toes. Recommended.
December 2, 2023
Fast-paced and entertaining, just what I wanted for a weekend read!
June 11, 2025
My Gf has been at me to read this book for some time now. Well, I finally did! Mark Edwards is a good author. But after reading books by T.R. Ragan and then listening to this book, well, it fell short of me rating it 5 stars. But don't get me wrong, this is definitely a good book. I mean, I can't even count how many twists and turns this story has! It was like, "oh, Oh, OHH D*MN!! Lol! It was an awesome and crazy ride and made for a solid 4 stars!!
April 30, 2023
OMG. This is going to be a bestseller for sure. This has to be one of Marks' best books yet. Wow. Omg. I'm in shock over that twist. The ending. It's such a cleverly written story. Face paced, thrilling, gripping. I was hooked. Did not expect the outcome at all, and it changed the whole story for me. I really enjoyed reading this one. It does have a little cliffhanger, which leaves it up to the reader to decide, but wow. Amazing. He's done it again. I'd love to write more about the story, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I urge you to go buy this. Pre-order. Find out for yourself. You will not be disappointed. A well-deserved five stars from me. Highly recommend.
February 23, 2023
I did not love this one as much as I wanted to.
While I was curious about the blackmail aspect, I quickly realized that I hated everyone and wanted everyone to die. I mean…there was no one to root for.
The situations they get themselves into were kind of silly to me and my logic sensors kept sounding alarms at every turn.
I finished the book and found parts of it entertaining, but it wasn’t something I loved.
• ARC via Publisher
While I was curious about the blackmail aspect, I quickly realized that I hated everyone and wanted everyone to die. I mean…there was no one to root for.
The situations they get themselves into were kind of silly to me and my logic sensors kept sounding alarms at every turn.
I finished the book and found parts of it entertaining, but it wasn’t something I loved.
• ARC via Publisher
May 30, 2023
Roller coaster of a ride with one event leading to another. As each event gets more and more out of control, you find yourself caught in a reader tornado until it drops you at the end with your mouth hanging open.
Spot on characters. In order to make this story work, the author needed to make the characters sympathetic but capable. He did exactly that with Helena and Matthew, the leads in this story. The supporting characters are just as interesting and lend a great voice to the story. There are limited characters in the book which makes it easy to follow and connect too.
An outstanding plot draws the reader into it’s web of deceit and doesn’t let you go. As the author keeps the suspense at high volume from page one to the final page, several twists and turns keeps the reader waiting with bated breath to get to the end.
The author’s writing style connects the reader to the characters and the story in an exciting and enjoyable way. The story is easy to read and follow and has a great flow to keep the reader quickly moving page after page.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
Spot on characters. In order to make this story work, the author needed to make the characters sympathetic but capable. He did exactly that with Helena and Matthew, the leads in this story. The supporting characters are just as interesting and lend a great voice to the story. There are limited characters in the book which makes it easy to follow and connect too.
An outstanding plot draws the reader into it’s web of deceit and doesn’t let you go. As the author keeps the suspense at high volume from page one to the final page, several twists and turns keeps the reader waiting with bated breath to get to the end.
The author’s writing style connects the reader to the characters and the story in an exciting and enjoyable way. The story is easy to read and follow and has a great flow to keep the reader quickly moving page after page.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
February 9, 2023
I used to consider myself a big Mark Edwards fan and really enjoyed the claustrophobic domestic suspense novels that made his name. However, his recent books set in America have been more conventional action thrillers that lacked his trademark intensity and I was beginning to question the sense of anticipation that I feel upon the release of a new Mark Edwards novel.
I am happy to report therefore that ‘Keep Her Safe’ represents a stunning return to form. Mark Edwards is back on home soil doing what he does best. In this case, the central character Matthew reunites with his university sweetheart Helena and, after an idyllic holiday in Iceland, they move in together. At this point, events take several turns for the worse and Matthew begins to wonder what he’s let himself in for and whether Helena is the innocent victim she claims to be. There are plenty of twists and turns and, although some of them are easy to predict, I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster the reader travels along to get to them.
I am happy to report therefore that ‘Keep Her Safe’ represents a stunning return to form. Mark Edwards is back on home soil doing what he does best. In this case, the central character Matthew reunites with his university sweetheart Helena and, after an idyllic holiday in Iceland, they move in together. At this point, events take several turns for the worse and Matthew begins to wonder what he’s let himself in for and whether Helena is the innocent victim she claims to be. There are plenty of twists and turns and, although some of them are easy to predict, I enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster the reader travels along to get to them.
February 4, 2023
Keep Her Secret by Mark Edwards is another thrilling page-turner from this always reliable author who has become a very fast favourite.
After being apart for twenty years, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are enjoying a trip to Iceland. Things take a dramatic turn, however, when Helena finds herself dangling precariously from a cliff. Terrified, she makes a confession that has Matthew questioning her shocking claim. But he is not the only one who has heard her admission, and back at home in England the life-altering moment will continue to plague the couple. Just how well do they really know each other after all?
This one had me gripped from beginning to end. I look forward to reading much more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
After being apart for twenty years, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are enjoying a trip to Iceland. Things take a dramatic turn, however, when Helena finds herself dangling precariously from a cliff. Terrified, she makes a confession that has Matthew questioning her shocking claim. But he is not the only one who has heard her admission, and back at home in England the life-altering moment will continue to plague the couple. Just how well do they really know each other after all?
This one had me gripped from beginning to end. I look forward to reading much more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
June 4, 2023
This is my third Mark Edwards book and unfortunately this was just another ok book for me. You really have to suspend your disbelief to high heavens for this one. What I will say is that I really enjoyed his writing in this and the fast paced of it all. Although highly ridiculous, I did keep flipping the pages wanting to know more. The twists were good, but the way it was wrapped up was cliche/convenient. If you can get past some of the nonsensical parts or stretch your imagination slightly then you’ll really enjoy this book.
This hasn’t deterred me from reading more of his books as I really do enjoy the author. I’ve been told his earlier works are phenomenal so I’m going to give them a go.
3.5 ⭐️
This hasn’t deterred me from reading more of his books as I really do enjoy the author. I’ve been told his earlier works are phenomenal so I’m going to give them a go.
3.5 ⭐️
August 3, 2023
Oh those twists just kept coming. Very clever, really enjoyed it
May 30, 2025
Mark Edwards is one of my favorite authors and I love his original mixes of horror and thriller. This one is a straight thriller and a very fast read but not up to the quality of his other work. This starts out with a bang when a couple newly back together after dating in college are on a vacation in Iceland. Trying to get a good picture, Helena falls off of a mountain and is only saved by the strap from her backpack hooking onto a rock. While waiting to be rescued she confesses a deadly secret to Matthew. The tension was great in this part of the novel but it comprises only a small amount of the book.
When the couple return home to England, Helena's secret surfaces when a young woman shows up to try to blackmail her. At this point the novel is almost like a three ring circus as people keep showing up and Helena and Matthew make increasing bad decisions on handling her problem. The third part has another twist and also my most disliked thing in literature: A villain who is holding someone at gunpoint while describing step by step something bad they did. I liked Edwards style of writing but didn't find these characters likable or interesting.
When the couple return home to England, Helena's secret surfaces when a young woman shows up to try to blackmail her. At this point the novel is almost like a three ring circus as people keep showing up and Helena and Matthew make increasing bad decisions on handling her problem. The third part has another twist and also my most disliked thing in literature: A villain who is holding someone at gunpoint while describing step by step something bad they did. I liked Edwards style of writing but didn't find these characters likable or interesting.
May 9, 2023
Finished reading: May 8th 2023
"And I knew without a shadow of a doubt: nothing was ever going to be the same again."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 22, 2023
Helena and Matthew are on a holiday in Iceland, they’ve only got back together recently after 20 years apart!
With secrets shared on the holiday, the pair are in for a shock once they return to the U.K, repercussions were never expected!
This is one of those books where as you read it, you tell yourself that surely so much can’t happen to one couple, then you can’t stop reading because you want to see just what else could possibly happen!
This was a great story that takes you on one heck of a fast ride. Some great characters, and some pretty loathsome ones too. It’s one of those stories that when I finished I was gobsmacked and the first word out of my mouth was wow! An intense thriller that had me enthralled from the very start.
My thanks to Mark Edwards, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
With secrets shared on the holiday, the pair are in for a shock once they return to the U.K, repercussions were never expected!
This is one of those books where as you read it, you tell yourself that surely so much can’t happen to one couple, then you can’t stop reading because you want to see just what else could possibly happen!
This was a great story that takes you on one heck of a fast ride. Some great characters, and some pretty loathsome ones too. It’s one of those stories that when I finished I was gobsmacked and the first word out of my mouth was wow! An intense thriller that had me enthralled from the very start.
My thanks to Mark Edwards, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2024
This was an okay book. One of the main characters needed shaking. There were a few twists and turns, but the storyline was a bit far-fetched for me.
June 4, 2023
How far would go to protect the one you love...?
It's been awhile since I've sunk my teeth into a Mark Edwards thriller so I thought with the release of this new one, I should take the leap and delve into its chilling depths and peel back the layers of secrets, lies and twisted deception. Because even though you think you know what is going on, you really don't.
Helena and Matthew are on a spontaneous hiking trip in Iceland having just reconnected after twenty years apart. Having recently lost her husband Lee several months before, Helena throws caution to the wind and agrees to join Matthew on a Northern Lights tour to Iceland. The couple are completely loved up and enjoying their newly rekindled affair when they find themselves separated from the group. Helena is in search of the perfect ultimate photo and will stop at nothing from getting it, posing for selfies in the most precarious of places. She convinces Matthew to follow her to something akin to the top of the world that inevitably holds the best views of the mountains, its valleys and stretching to the sea beyond. It is perfect. Giving Matthew her her phone she poses on the cliff edge, the stunning views behind her.
And then...three seconds is all it takes. Matthew swipes his face, the phone slips, Helena steps back to avoid a collision...into nothingness. And then she's gone.
Matthew freezes. He scrambles to the cliff edge expecting to see Helena's broken body in the valley below. But instead she is a few feet away, the strap of her rucksack having caught on a ledge. But it won't hold for long. Matthew is torn. Should he go for help as there is no phone service here? But Helena pleads with him not to leave her. But he cannot save her on his own. And then, he doesn't have to. Their tour guide has seen them and is leading the group to their location where together, they haul Helena to safety. But not before she whispered an ambiguous confession of sorts. That this was her punishment. What did she mean?
Later in the safety of their cabin, Helena confides in Matthew the truth about what she said up on that cliff edge when she thought she was going to die. A confession that shocks him. But one which he promises to keep and take to the grave. He will keep her secret.
Days later, they have returned to England and to their respective homes. Helena in Brighton and Matthew to London. But when Matthew suddenly finds himself out of a job (cutbacks etc.), Helena invites him to come and stay with her in her stunning house on the cliff above and old smuggler's cove. They had barely made themselves comfortable when the doorbell rings at quite literally the eleventh hour - 11pm at night. They are shocked and surprised to find Devon, one of their group from Iceland, on the doorstep. What on earth does she want? It seems she has come to return Helena's lost journal she had misplaced on the journey home...but she also has an ulterior motive. The secret Helena confided in Matthew about in Iceland? Devon had overheard the confession and what's worse, she recorded it. And now she wants something in return. But things only go from bad to worse and these two only dig themselves in deeper as it goes.
But the secrets have only just begun to resurface... There are so many and everyone is hiding something. So who wants what? And how will it all end? And who will keep her secret?
KEEP HER SECRET is somewhat far-fetched, as are many of Edwards' thrillers, but who cares? I'm here for the entertainment value and the thrills. And this was both of those plus a fast moving quick read I devoured in a day. It's hard to like any of the characters - Helena, Matthew, Devon, Lee - the only one I felt anything for was poor Robin. He was so blind and yet he meant well.
I am a great fan of Edwards' psychological thrillers with three of them being huge favourites - and "Here to Stay" . He has the ability to draw the reader into a tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit and keeps you there until every last thread is unravelled. The suspense is high and the tension is palpable with several twists along the way, though I did guess most (if not all) of them. I thought the epilogue was an incredibly clever touch and those final words "what could possibly go wrong?" pure perfection!!
Thank you again, Mr Edwards, for another thrilling and addictive read. I was surely entertained from start to finish.
I would like to thank #MarkEdwards, #Netgalley and #AmazonPub for an ARC of #KeepHerSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It's been awhile since I've sunk my teeth into a Mark Edwards thriller so I thought with the release of this new one, I should take the leap and delve into its chilling depths and peel back the layers of secrets, lies and twisted deception. Because even though you think you know what is going on, you really don't.
Helena and Matthew are on a spontaneous hiking trip in Iceland having just reconnected after twenty years apart. Having recently lost her husband Lee several months before, Helena throws caution to the wind and agrees to join Matthew on a Northern Lights tour to Iceland. The couple are completely loved up and enjoying their newly rekindled affair when they find themselves separated from the group. Helena is in search of the perfect ultimate photo and will stop at nothing from getting it, posing for selfies in the most precarious of places. She convinces Matthew to follow her to something akin to the top of the world that inevitably holds the best views of the mountains, its valleys and stretching to the sea beyond. It is perfect. Giving Matthew her her phone she poses on the cliff edge, the stunning views behind her.
And then...three seconds is all it takes. Matthew swipes his face, the phone slips, Helena steps back to avoid a collision...into nothingness. And then she's gone.
Matthew freezes. He scrambles to the cliff edge expecting to see Helena's broken body in the valley below. But instead she is a few feet away, the strap of her rucksack having caught on a ledge. But it won't hold for long. Matthew is torn. Should he go for help as there is no phone service here? But Helena pleads with him not to leave her. But he cannot save her on his own. And then, he doesn't have to. Their tour guide has seen them and is leading the group to their location where together, they haul Helena to safety. But not before she whispered an ambiguous confession of sorts. That this was her punishment. What did she mean?
Later in the safety of their cabin, Helena confides in Matthew the truth about what she said up on that cliff edge when she thought she was going to die. A confession that shocks him. But one which he promises to keep and take to the grave. He will keep her secret.
Days later, they have returned to England and to their respective homes. Helena in Brighton and Matthew to London. But when Matthew suddenly finds himself out of a job (cutbacks etc.), Helena invites him to come and stay with her in her stunning house on the cliff above and old smuggler's cove. They had barely made themselves comfortable when the doorbell rings at quite literally the eleventh hour - 11pm at night. They are shocked and surprised to find Devon, one of their group from Iceland, on the doorstep. What on earth does she want? It seems she has come to return Helena's lost journal she had misplaced on the journey home...but she also has an ulterior motive. The secret Helena confided in Matthew about in Iceland? Devon had overheard the confession and what's worse, she recorded it. And now she wants something in return. But things only go from bad to worse and these two only dig themselves in deeper as it goes.
But the secrets have only just begun to resurface... There are so many and everyone is hiding something. So who wants what? And how will it all end? And who will keep her secret?
KEEP HER SECRET is somewhat far-fetched, as are many of Edwards' thrillers, but who cares? I'm here for the entertainment value and the thrills. And this was both of those plus a fast moving quick read I devoured in a day. It's hard to like any of the characters - Helena, Matthew, Devon, Lee - the only one I felt anything for was poor Robin. He was so blind and yet he meant well.
I am a great fan of Edwards' psychological thrillers with three of them being huge favourites - and "Here to Stay" . He has the ability to draw the reader into a tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit and keeps you there until every last thread is unravelled. The suspense is high and the tension is palpable with several twists along the way, though I did guess most (if not all) of them. I thought the epilogue was an incredibly clever touch and those final words "what could possibly go wrong?" pure perfection!!
Thank you again, Mr Edwards, for another thrilling and addictive read. I was surely entertained from start to finish.
I would like to thank #MarkEdwards, #Netgalley and #AmazonPub for an ARC of #KeepHerSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
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