Little Secrets

I devoured Little Secrets. This book is one of those that the rest of your life goes on hold for!

I found myself totally gripped from the end of the first chapter and then it just got more intense! This is a page turner and a half! Marin isn’t a character that you like but you can feel her desperation through the pages

The only downside is I suspected who the antagonist was and was correct. Minor issue really!

The title of the book is a red herring there’s no little secrets here. Just huge life destroying ones.

5/5! Highly recommended.

Marin's life falls apart when her son is taken while she is distracted at the market. She hires a private investigator to try to find her son, and gets her hopes up when they get in touch over a year later to say she has some news. Unfortunately it isn't about her son, but rather she finds out that her husband is having an affair. Rather than completely fall apart, Marin decides she will do anything it takes to prevent her losing her husband as well. The story is told from both the perspectives of Marin and also her husband's mistress Kenzie. The plot is thrilling and is full of suspense and shocking twists, and the tense tale leads to a fantastic ending. A captivating read that I can't recommend enough. I can't wait to read more of Jennifer's books.

Thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tautly-plotted, compelling and utterly addictive - a must-read for 2020. Psychological thrillers don't get any better than 'Little Secrets'. I was hooked from the first page. Hillier is a natural storyteller, and this, the story of Marin, Derek, Sebastian and the proverbial cuckoo in the nest, MacKenzie, has class written all over it. The story begins with the abduction of Marin and Derek's young son, Sebastian. Enormously wealthy and super successful, the golden couple of Marin and Derek had it all until the fateful day when their little boy disappeared without a trace. Fast-forward a year, and not only is Marin understandably struggling with the loss of her only son, but she finds out that Derek is having an affair with the twenty-something MacKenzie Li. It is not Derek that feels Marin's wrath, however, but his young mistress. It is the steps that Marin decides to take in response to the MacKenzie question that sees things start to unravel in spectacular fashion.... and then... wow.... Hillier goes through the gears to deliver a mesmerising, epic thriller. This is a story of the frailties of the human condition and deception, where no one is who they seem. It is about loss, longing, but also something more insidious at play in the concentric circles that ripple forth from the intimate lives of the Machado family - Derek, Marin and Sebastian. With pitch-perfect plotting, imagination, rich, yet crisp prose, Hillier goes to the top of the class with 'Little Secrets'. A first-class thriller that comes highly recommended.

Loved this book it was so heartbreaking and exciting all at the same time I felt so sad for Marin and how awful to have a child missing and having to go through that trauma it was beautifully written and the story was fabulous and couldn’t put it down the twist at the end was awesome it’s a must read.

I got Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier free from NetGalley for an honest review

This book has trigger warnings for Suicide, depression and child abduction

Little Secrets tells the story of Marion, Derek and their son Sebastian, who live the perfect life, until shortly before Christmas, Sebastian his taken by some one dressed as farther Christmas. A year later the FBI have put it on the back burner and Marion life has fallen apart suffering from depression and having attempted suicide. Then all of a sudden Marion gets contacted by a private detective who she hired to find her son, finds out her husband Derek is Having an Affair.

Jennifer Hillier, tells a story that is based on every parents nightmare the abduction of a child, and the description of the Marion and her depression after that event, while building up her character really built her into one of the most rounded individuals I have ever read in a thriller. With the way that her depression was described drew you into her as an individual, which means that her actions later on were within what you expect her to do. In addition all the other individuals in the book are also given enough, individual attributes dripped in to enhance this Thriller.

The plot of this mystery thriller kept me gripped throughout the book and this was raised to fever pitch, in the last 20% of the book, as each revelation is drip fed into the story it builds up the tension to a climatic conclusion.

I loved this book and would recommend it to any one you does not usually read thrillers as part of their normal reading diet, or if you have fallen out of love with them then Jennifer Hillier has written the book for you in Little Secrets.

Disclaimer: I have been sent a copy of this book for review purposes. This has not influenced or affected my opinions in this review.

Little Secrets is a novel in which you are immediately thrown into the chaos which ensues throughout this book. I was instantly hooked into this fast-paced thriller and I flew through this book over two days. The main character and their emotions are easy to connect with and continue to resonate with you throughout. I was deeply invested in this book and the multiple storylines which are intertwined in the best way possible. The layers of this book are crammed full of tension and thrills with a final twist you won’t see coming. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, especially to those who enjoy a fast-paced thriller!

*5 stars*

In these disturbing times I need books to engross me so that I forget, if only for a few hours, all the heartbreak and worry that there is in the world right now. This book hit the spot one hundred percent.

A few days before Christmas, Marin's son Sebastian is kidnapped. Over a year later she and her husband Derek still don't know what happened to him. The FBI have given up and no-one seems interested any more. Marin has hired an private investigator without her husband's knowledge and when she gets a call from her one day, she fears the worst. However what Vanessa has discovered has nothing to do with Sebastian. Derek has been having an affair. Having already lost her son, she is determined not to lose her husband. In her rage, Marin turns to a dangerous course of action.

I was completely engrossed by this book. A missing child is always a hard thing to read about and Marin's grief is terribly real (as is that of the parents in the support group she attends). Yes, it's over the top in places and a bit predictable but it's a real page turner and I thoroughly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I have been waiting for a thriller to gobble up this year and Little Secrets ticked every box. A really great variety of characters who I had mixed feelings for. Marin is especially likeable, despite having her own flaws. In fact, I'd argue all of the characters (the good and the bad) are. It was a fast-paced plot that provided the right dose of every emotion - sadness, fear, excitement, thrill. I was pleased that just the right amount of time was spent on Sebastian's disappearance, instead, more time was dedicated to Marin's unravelling as a result. The author did (what I imagine to be) a really great job of portraying the total devastation of losing a child. Others might have seen the ending coming but I didn't and enjoyed the twists that got me there. Looking forward to reading more by Jennifer after this entertaining read.

Jar of Hearts was such a brilliant book so i was very excited to have the chance to read this and i wasn't disappointed. Little Secrets was amazing. Marin is living in hell after her son is abducted, every part of her life is affected and then she discovers her husband is having an affair. You expect to hate the other woman, after all who would do that to a woman who has lost her son? What kind of man cheats on his wife when they are going through that? But in this book it's never that simple. The twists and turns in this story were unbelievable and you will have the rug pulled out from under you.

Wow! What a book! This story starts off in one direction and then it keeps flitting in different ways to an epic ending which I really didn't see coming! Jennifer Hillier has absolutely excelled herself with this book and it was an absolute pleasure to be lucky enough to get an early read during Lockdown!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping book

every parents worst nightmare their child abducted

this is what happened to marin and derek whilst out shopping just before christmas

over a year later there is still no signs of their son sebastian...

but marin has an private detective looking for any signs of him with instructions to look into her work colleagues and her husband colleagues....and she has news....

oh my word this book is challenging to read as it deals with all sorts of issues but also its a fast read and one that you cant put down...

brilliantly written and you feel for everyone cant recommend this author enough...only my second book by this author but already she is on my list of authors to go to when a new book is out

5 stars

This was a great read.

It grips you from the start and doesn't let go till the end such a great story about a missing child but all is not what it seems. I recommend going in blind don't read the reviews.
Great characters and very well written this is a must read for fans of psychological thrillers.

What can I say about this book? Well, it’s absolutely brilliant! I read this during the Coronavirus lockdown in the UK, whilst we had some sunny weather. I devoured it, sat in the garden, in just over a day. I literally could not put it down. If you love a well written and thought out thriller, then this is definitely the book for you. I didn’t know much about the author prior to reading the book so had no preconceptions about it or the style of her writing but it certainly didn’t disappoint. The characters are well formed, and the author touches on some very difficult situations, but does so with compassion and understanding. I can highly recommend this thriller.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first Jennifer Hillier novel so much so that I stayed up to 2am to finish it.

I was immediately drawn to the story in this book, which keeps you on the edge of your seat and is beautifully written.

It’s strange as I didn’t like any of the characters in this book, even the main character Marin whose child is kidnapped, but despite this I still really enjoyed this book.

The only small negative for me was I managed to pretty much predict who the kidnapper was about half way through the book, but that’s probably more down to the fact I have read a ton of these kind of books before.

This book is definitely worth a read and I am going to check out Jennifer Hiller’s other book Jar of Hearts which is apparently equally as good.

I’d like to thank NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

Marin, the main character has a rocky road to travel as she searches for her missing child. She uncovers information she wishes never existed. A gripping story with plenty of unexpected outcomes.

OMG I loved this book! I didn’t think Jennifer Hillier could top “Jar of Hearts” which was my favourite of her books so far but Little Secrets is just as good if not better in my opinion! Dark, sometimes distressing and twistier than spaghetti playing Twister, I devoured this book within a couple of hours! If you want a book full of unlikeable characters who all seem to have hidden agendas who keep making you shout at them because they are doing something they SHOULD NOT BE DOING then Little Secrets is one for you! Talk about a “blood pressure raiser”…

The opening scenes where Marin is out shopping with her young son, Sebastian, are ones that every single mother will be able to relate to. In a busy shop, Marin let’s go of her sons hand but just a few minutes but it’s long enough for her to lose sight of him and for him to disappear into the crowds. Now, over a year later, Marin still has no idea what happened to her son that fateful day. I did feel so sorry for Marin and her husband Derek as they suffered following their child’s disappearance. Both seemed to be handling things very differently though!! It was hard to take to them due to the way they were handling it but I suppose no one has a right to judge unless they have also worked in this pairs shoes (Laboutins no less for Marin!) I think their money and celebrity status added a different dimension to the story as automatically I felt they were less sympathetic because of it. And this became even more of a realisation when Marin hears from the PI she has engaged to keep looking for Sebastian when all avenues of formal investigation have been explored. She reports back to Marin that her husband is having an affair with a much younger woman. This meant I lost even more sympathy for Derek especially after reading texts he was sending to his young lover. Marin then became obsessed with his affair, seeking out the young woman and eventually making a decision that really didn’t help the situation! And that made me lose even more respect for her character! Honestly what were these two doing? But then I began to see their self destruction for what it was and knowing the figures for how many relationships fall apart after a child goes missing, I began to understand them a little more…not that I agreed with the routes they were taking! And any sympathy I felt for Kenzie, the younger “other woman” ebbed and flowed with the tide of anger that started to grip me as I watched this group of self entitled characters self destruct.

Jennifer Hillier has created a dark, twisty game where no one appears to win. I was gripped, heavily invested in finding out what happened to Sebastian whilst watching the adults who should have known better play with other people’s lives. This is a compelling psychological thriller from start to finish and it will certainly grab you, dragging you down into Marin’s personal hell alongside her. Cunningly crafted and expertly executed, get yourself a copy of Little Secrets and hide yourself away as once you start you will not be letting go for anyone or anything! Highly recommended!

There are many books out there telling stories about abducted children. But what Jennifer Hillier does here is on a completely different level. This book is just perfection.

Sixteen months ago Marin had it all. Married to a handsome self-made millionaire whom she also is still in love with, three successful hair saloons where she styles the rich and the famous and –most important- an adorable son. She has friends, money, love. Then the unthinkable happens. On a visit to a Christmas market she let the hand of her four year old son Sebastian slip for a moment to answer to a text from her husband. When she looks up Sebastian is gone. Surveillance cameras show that he was abducted from a man in a Santa Claus costume. But the police could not find him and the case went cold.

Marin’s life fell apart. She still has her saloons but she fell into a deep hole, even tried to kill herself. Her marriage fell apart and she and Derek are hardly speaking. Without his knowledge she hired a private investigator. One day the PI has something for her. She discovered that Derek has an affair with a young woman. Marin is not willing to let the last of her family, Derek, go away. So she is determined to keep him by her side and not lose him to another woman. Her best friend, who was also once her boyfriend before she met Derek, has an idea how to handle this.

I read a lot of books about missing or murdered children. I almost did not want to read “Little Secrets” because of that topic. Those stories are beginning to stress me out. Finally I decided to read it because of the author. I loved Hillier’s “Jar of Hearts” and I wanted to read another book from her. And I am glad I did. Hillier handles this story just perfect. At first I could not connect to Marin. To be honest, I never could but that was not a problem. Her character is so real, so full of human flaws. And her grieve and guilt is raw and honest. I just loved how the author created all of the characters. They are all not very nice but feel so real, so honest. The story itself is centered on the missing child but it is also going in a totally different direction and it is full of twists and turns. Every character, even small ones, have a distinctive voice and I could easily see them before my eyes and remember them even when they don’t turn up for many pages. Sometimes in a book I have problems to remember minor characters but that was not the case in this book.

Jennifer Hillier has a real talent to tell a twisted and complex story. I am also stunned how she described the deep and dark emotions people have when they go through unbearable times. She manages to sell me this story although it has some unrealistic elements which I would have maybe criticized in another book. But here it was just perfectly told and mastered and it all felt real and believable.

WOW! Read this in two days. Didn’t want to put it down. Would have been one but had things to do 🤦‍♀️ This was awesome, loved it. Was intrigued throughout and the action started at the very beginning and kept you hooked on every page. I was immediately drawn into the depths of the story and hungry to work my way through it.

Hellier takes you on a personal and uncomfortable journey. Retribution, vengeance, lies, deceit, revenge, it’s all in this novel. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

‘She welcomes it. It’s been a long time since she felt anger like this, and she’ll take anger over sadness, any day. For the past four hundred eighty-six days, sadness has knocked her sideways, debilitated her, confused her, made her weak, talked her into settling for things she doesn’t want, and never did. Rage, on the other hand, will get shit done.’

Marin was smart, self made, however she wasn’t quite as smart as she should have been. But how would you react if your son had been kidnapped and you found out that your husband was having an affair, and not for the first time? Naturally you’d turn to your bestest, however a tad short sighted to end up in the sack with him, her bestest was male, Sal, which did surprise me. 🤦‍♀️ Don’t feel that was necessary, but it didn’t detract from the overall essence of the plot. It was fast paced and there was always something turning up and going on to keep you on the edge of your seat.

‘Marin has come to realize that trust is better than love. Love is unpredictable, and love hurts. Trust is reliable, dependable, and solid.’ 🤔😉😳

So many secrets, not that little, twists and turns and you never know who you can trust and who knows who or what. She keeps you guessing until the end and the ending is incredibly powerful.

Hellier is a great writer and the story is well plotted providing a riveting read that you won’t want to put down. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading crime and thrillers.

Most definitely 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

Thank you to the Jennifer Hillier, Netgalley and Atlantic Books for this ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

Well what can I say, I loved this book!! Had me gripped and couldn't turn the pages quick enough.

This intense thriller of a child abduction and the complicated relationship between the parents, Derek and Marin who are husband and wife.

Both blame themselves but does one have reason to feel justified. Both spiral into their own ways of coping and their marriage is holding by a thread. The tradegy of their son going missing makes Marin resort to desperate attempts to find him and save her marriage.

Over a year later she hires a private investigator who reveals some shocking truths. Both Marin and Derek have secrets to hide. The private investigator discovers that Derek has been dealing with things by having an affair with a much younger woman. Marin can't bear to lose everything and will save all she can, no matter what the price.

A great thriller, didn't guess the ending but I was close! Jennifer Hillier is a genius writer!

This is my first book that I have read by this author, but it will not be my last. As a real fan of this genre I have been fortunate to give numerous reviews on NetGalley in exchange for the opportunity to read the book for free and I can honestly say that is one of the best books I have ever read. Will definitely not disappoint.

Terrific read, excellent characters and a great plot. Very descriptive so you feel you are in the house, the support group, hotel room, the Maserati even. You love them , you hate them , you understand how and why but would you? A real page turner.

Wow. This is the best book I have read for a long time. Genuine twists and turns that had me thinking one way then another. Marin and Derek had their son kidnapped over a year ago. Their marriage is in an unhappy place, Derek is having an affair and Marin is barely coping. Their affluent lifestyle cannot compensate for their missing son. At least Marin has her best friend Sal, to keep her sane. Although he loves her, which isn't reciprocated, he gives her the mental strength to carry on with life. Marin hires a private investigator and learns about Derek's affair. She becomes a little unhinged and makes rash decisions. Soon she learns that she isn't the only one with secrets....

And that’s how it’s done! I read so many psychological thrillers but this one really stood out for me as the intrigue and tension are full-on throughout. From the heart-stopping opening scene when “all it takes is a lollipop, a Santa suit and 4 minutes” for someone to lure away Marin’s 4 year old son, through the revelations and twists that follow, I was consumed by the story. The characters are flawed and fascinating. Marin and Derek make terrible decisions, the potential consequences of which can be seen looming which makes for a terrific read. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a review copy

I was lucky enough to be sent an advanced copy of ‘Little Secrets’, Jennifer Hillier’s new psychological thriller, before its publication date, in an exchange for an honest review. So thank-you NetGalley and Minotaur books !!!

AAAAAND THANK-YOU JENNIFER HILLIER FOR THAT INSANELY ADDICTIVE, NAIL BITINGLY BRILLIANT, EMOTIONALLY WRETCHING, INTENSE AND JUST OUTSTANDING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER. THAT was the fastest I’ve read a book in aaaaaaaaaages. I was completely sucked in from the opening chapter and entirely invested in the story for TWO.WHOLE.DAYS. TWO. The entire book felt like a cinematic experience. And, I nearly cried last night when it all came to an end. Ohmygodimsuchaloser.

Its really hard to pinpoint why I LOVED this book so much, but I’ll give it a go. Little Secrets was a fascinating exploration of the darkest corners of relationships, completely captivating. I felt so many emotions whilst reading it, and when I when I wasn’t reading it, it was taking over all my conscious thoughts. I didn’t want a break from this book, and I.DID.NOT.WANT.TO.BE.DISTURBED.WHILE.READING.THIS.BOOK. a compulsive read. Totally enthralling.

Everything about it was just PERFECT for me.. THE WRITING, PACING, CHARACTERS, ENDING, TWISTS.. there were no eye-roll moments, and absolutely zero plot holes. The main character Mairin is self-destructive, inconsistent but a really lovable, heart-breaking and unique character that I found myself really emotionally invested in and rooting for. And, although I did guess whodunnit towards the end, I wasn’t even disappointed because it was SUCH A REFRESHING READ, and an incredible reminder to WHY I LOVE THIS GENRE SO MUCHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

‘Little Secrets’ is released in the UK on May 7th, that’s just before the first May bank holiday weekend. SO SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY THRILLER LOVERS, IF YOU WANT THE PERFECT BOOK TO LOSE YOURSELF IN OVER A FEW DAYS THEN PLEASE PREORDER THIS BOOK MUFUX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer Hillier’s other book ‘Creep’ has been in my TBR list for a while, and after reading that masterpiece I will read every single book she has ever wrote and will continue to write forever forevaaa-evvaaa forever-evaaaa

Marin has a charmed life. Married to her childhood sweetheart Derek, successful business woman, husband with his own company and finally life was complete when they had Sebastian.

We meet Marin 16 months after the abduction of 4 year old Sebastian. On a christmas shopping trip she let go of his hand for the slightest moment and he was never seen again. Living a life blaming herself and growing further and further apart from Derek, Marin thinks life can't get any worse until she finds out,through the PI she hired to find Sebastian, Derek is having an affair. She couldn't do anything about losing Sebastian but now she has something that she can do something about.

When Marin finds out where Kenzie works things start to take a turn for the worse. With the help of her best friend and "a fixer" she decides Kenzie has to go. But just who is double crossing who and who can be trusted? And what actually happened to Sebastian?

I found this a bit slow to start then boom. Loved it. Such a page turner and so many twists and turns that the slow build up at the beginning was worth it. I was lucky enough to receive and ARC copy through Netgalley and will definitely be recommending it. 5 stars!!