All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret.
Details
- Title: Little Secrets: A Novel
- Author: Jennifer Hillier
- Publisher: Minotaur Books
- Publication Date: April 21, 2020
- Pages: 352
As parents, we are aware of how a young child can easily disappear in a crowd. But to Marin, it becomes a reality when she is momentarily distracted with a phone call. In what seems like seconds her 4-year-old son, Sebastian vanishes.
According to video from the Seattle Pike Place Market, Sabastian was lured away by someone dressed in a Santa Claus suit. The video also shows Sabastian carrying a large lollipop that he had been asking his mom for.
Marin’s life begins to fall apart. Not only has her son disappeared, but she is also dealing with guilt over not keeping better track of him.
This slow-burn story starts as you might expect. Marin’s relationship with her husband deteriorates. And in time, with no leads, the police begin to turn to other cases.
Marin’s once wonderful life heads downhill quickly. Her husband Derek who owns his own company has to travel out of town often. But after Sebastian’s disappearance, those trips become more frequent. Marin, who owns her own upscale hair salon, is no longer interested in working. She relies more and more on Sadie, her help, to carry on without her
With nothing happening with the investigation, Marin turns to a private investigator. But she decides not to share that with anyone. Will this be the start of a chain of lies, or secrets, or did those start much earlier?
It’s only a matter of time before the lies start unraveling. But will you know what is the truth and what isn’t?
Marin finds herself relying more and more on Sal, her old college boyfriend and now best friend. We are being left with all sorts of open doors as the story progresses.
But just when you think the story is simply treading water, the PI comes up with some new evidence that just might turn our treading water characters into reckless and wild swimmers!
My Thoughts
To be honest, my first thought when I started this book was, Hmmm, a child who disappears. I’ve read that type of book several times. But this story slowly drew me into the lives of each character. The page-turner aspect of the book almost sneaked up on me. At first, the pages turned more as a curiosity factor. But in time the pages were flying!
This is the first book I’ve read by Hillier and I wasn’t disappointed. As I mentioned, the characters felt real and the dialog completely natural. Not to mention a complex plot.
Though I try not to overthink and analyze this type of book, I hate it when an author creates a grand finale that is completely unbelievable. A little bit of suspended disbelief, sure, no problem. And, I guess this story might have had some questionable coincidences, but it all worked for me.
What Concerned Me
Though a small concern, at times it felt a little long and didn’t move quite as fast as I would have liked.
My Conclusion
It felt original and the characters’ actions and reactions, though at times extreme, all felt true to life. Especially given their background and prior history.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #Minotaur for the ability to read this ARC and to post my thoughts on this book.
About the Author
Jennifer was born in Toronto, Canada, but the setting for her novels is the Seattle area, where she spent eight years. Interesting facts about her:
- She is a Seahawks fan but married a Packers fan.
- Her young son looks most like her when she’s crying.
- Surprise! This writer of psychological thrillers has a favorite author: Stephen King.
- Yet another surprise from a scary writer. She checks all of her locks several times before climbing into bed at night.
- And hello! Jennifer is a tiny bit, or maybe a tiny bit more, afraid of the dark.
Bring a big flashlight and follow this great writer on her blog.
