Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier was such a thrilling and suspense filled read. I could not put it down. This is my favorite type of gripping mystery. Marin seems to have the perfect life. A successful career married to a just as successful man and a son they both love. But in one moment, he is kidnapped and everything changes. Now a year later she is barely living, but she wants to find her son. Marin discovers her husband is having an affair and she determines she will not lose him too. Here is where the mystery truly begins and we are taken on a journey full of surprises, twist and turns!

Happy reading!

Marin’s little boy is missing. It’s been over a year and she is struggling to accept it. She has hired a private investigator to keep looking after the police investigation has gone cold. From this investigation, she discovers her husband is having an affair. Marin does something to fix this problem.

Marin is a character which pulls at your heart. You just want to hug her and at the same time…you want to shake her. She makes some questionable decisions. But, you understand why. Marin is definitely an enigma.

There is so much I want to say about this book, talk about wicked! It just keeps twisting till it cannot twist any more. I have never been a fan of books where a child is missing. I will be honest…I am surprised I did not put this story aside. It is just not what I like to read. But, this book just keeps coming at you. It does not stop!

I loved another book by this author called Jar of Hearts. Check it out as well. It is fantastic. Little Secrets is a good story but it does not carry the intensity which Jar of Hearts does. But, you cannot go wrong with either book.

If you are looking for a book which keeps you guessing, THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I have had this author on my to be read list for awhile now, in particular, Jar of Hearts. I was very excited to read this book and I was definitely not disappointed. On one fateful day, Marin and Derek's son vanishes from a busy marketplace. A year there is still no lead on his whereabouts. Marin's PI that she has hired has discovered something, not about her son, but her husband. With some twist and turns and a well written plot, you will not want to put this book down.

A few days before Christmas, Marin and Sebastian were at a market in Seattle when she let go of Sebastian's hand for just a minute and then he was gone. Despite searching frantically for him, he was nowhere to be found.

Sixteen months later Marin is still grieving for Sebastian's loss, is going to therapy, and is trying to work at her salon where people paid a small fortune for services. No trace of Sebastian has been found, but Marin has a private detective searching for leads as the police seem to no longer be looking.

This book has some twists and turns which kept me interested. There were a couple of moments where I was stunned by a surprise twist. I never got really attached to the characters though I found the situation devastating for any parent to endure. The ending was a total surprise for me. All in all, a good read.

Thanks so St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Talk about a Wild ride !! This book is filled with shocking secrets and brilliant twists and turns ! Masterfully written by a gifted storyteller ! I highly recommend ! Thanks to Netgalley , St Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book ! Opinions are solely my own ! #Netgalley #MinotaurBooks #St.Martin'sPress #LittleSecrets

Little four-year-old Sebastian and his mother Marin Machado are shopping in a crowded shopping centre in Seattle, just before Christmas. The air is filled with excitement and anticipation, when as Marin drops Sebastian’s hand to respond to a text message, the next two hundred and forty seconds will see the Machado's world fall apart as the unimaginable happens and someone kidnaps their son.

A month after Sebastian went missing, the police and FBI have all but given up hope, while the case will remain open their attention is now drawn to the more recent missing child abductions. Marin hires a private investigator, Vanessa Castro, to continue looking for her son, “She couldn’t live with the thought that nobody was looking for him. Someone always has to be looking.” Marin and her husband, Derek, are wealthy, she owns her own chain of salons and Derek owns his own company and invests in many more. Their marriage is barely functioning now, as silence and distance have become the norm.

Marin’s only comfort comes from her best friend and previous college sweetheart Sal Palermo, who has always been there for her and seems to know her best.
“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.”
Derek spends considerable time at work but inadvertently his activities cross path with Vanessa’s investigation and she soon discovers that Derek is having an affair with McKenzie Li, a beautiful art student.

Jennifer Hillier creates a wonderful array of characters with a fascinating mix of personalities that help build a twisted plot that feels horrifying. With each character, there is a notable suspicion that they are keeping something hidden, and as the story develops the diverse machinations and hidden secrets start to unfold. The backgrounds to the characters are explored in detail and often I felt this slowed the momentum of the story for no significant benefit.

Hillier cleverly illustrates the damage and lingering despair a parent faces for an abducted child and uses a parent support group to paint the various situations that parents are likely to encounter. There are only three possible scenarios for the children: they remain missing, they’re found safe or they’re found dead.

The pace of the story starts to accelerate towards the end as some atrocious actions are exposed and emotional bonds are forged or shattered. I really appreciated that each main character played a part as the story came to an enthralling end.

I would recommend Little Secrets as a great psychological thriller that is alarming, intriguing and cleverly plotted. I would also like to thank Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC copy in return for an honest review.

There is nothing small about Little Secrets. Hillier's novel is full of entertaining drama and suspense. Marin's beautiful life crumbles when her four year old son Sebastian is kidnapped at a crowded Seattle market just days before Christmas. His abductor is dressed as Santa Claus. Marin and her husband Derek are devastated by the kidnapping. Although both Marin and Derek are well known and have very successful businesses they never receive a ransom call. More than a year later Sebastian is still missing. Marin confides daily in her best friend Sal, Sal is also Marin's former college boyfriend. Hillier does a fantastic job of slowly revealing the lies. This steady stream of suspense makes Little Secrets a big, entertaining novel with an amazing reveal. It is definitely a must read.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had no idea I was going to enjoy this so much. Wow! I couldn’t put it down and when I did, I couldn’t fall asleep.

A heartbreaking, suspenseful roller coasters ride of emotions. Very well executed. The book lived up to the hype and holds the readers attention throughout the story. It delivers a potent look at relationships gone wrong.
This was gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend it. This was my favorite thriller, mystery of 2020.

This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and I have given an honest review. All opinions are my own. Happy Reading!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Marin and Derek had the perfect life up until the moment that their 4 year old son was abducted while shopping at Christmas-time. 16 months later, Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. Marin is falling apart and suffering each day with the loss of her son. She confides in her longtime best friend, Sal, who gives her options to handle this new enemy.

This was my first Jennifer Hillier book and WOW, she did not disappoint. A tragic beginning gave a very women’s fiction feel to the first half of the book. The emotions I felt for Marin dealing with this process were just so heartbreaking. As a mother, it was difficult to read. Then the suspense kicks into gear and I flew through the pages. I found comfort in a bit of predictability, yet so many twists and turns! The ending definitely left me surprised!! Highly recommend this one!

There are a significant number of trigger warnings here: kidnapping, suicide, suicidal ideation, infidelity.

Completely enjoyed this book. It was a perfectly paced and engaging. However, there were certain things that kind of missed the mark for me.

The story starts out with Marin and her going down a dark spiral downward after she looses her son Sebastian. He was taken in a public place, with no ransom, she can only think of the worst that has happened to him. The story continues 16 months after the incident. Even though Marin and her husband have all the money they could need to use to find for this search, they aren't able to. Their own marriage has been failing, as both are grieving in different ways. There's blame, and like I said, downward spirals. The dark world of Marin was interesting to see, and totally realistic. She has that darkness and sadness in her that is so obvious.

When we're introduced a second POV I was a bit let down. I didn't really think it worked for this particular story, as it changed the ambiance of the whole feel. Kenzie is way younger, and very immature even for her age. The way she thinks and acts, was just off putting. I understand it explained some of the plot through her eyes, but I felt like it could have done without her POV.

The twist wasn't something I saw coming, but seriously wasn't very impressed with it. It kind of felt boring. There was one part I was shocked by, but it wasn't such a big part of the story that it didn't really feel exciting.

It was a solid story with some great explorations of grief, suicide, abuse. It was my first novel by this author, but definitely not the last - she has a way to write a story that keeps your attention, and I'm all here for it.

I don’t have words for how much I love this book!! Don’t read my review. Honestly, just buy the book and start reading it.

You’re still here? Fine. Alright. If you’re going to be stubborn...

The book had me in its grips once I hit the support group scene towards the beginning of the book. Yowzers, what a scene. It conveys so much truth about what parents with missing children must go through, while also having sharply drawn and distinctive characters and a wonderful sense of humor. This is writing that is so skilled that it almost makes me want to give up and never write another word again.

Anyway, the type of insightful truth-telling about human emotions and behavior that exists in that scene continues throughout the book. There is so much that I could rave about when it comes to this story — from the solid plotting, to the great descriptions, to the brilliant twists — but the thing that really stands out to me are the characters. When it comes to thrillers, this stands out as one that actually has real depth. The emotions of the characters seem so real, and they are written with such empathy and understanding.

But man, oh, man —- this is just a fun, shocking, can-not-put-it-down read. Don’t let the mention of emotional depth make you think this isn’t a heart-pounding page-turned, because it most certainly is. Hats off to @jenniferhillier

I don’t normally say this, but this needs to be made into a movie!! It’s practically screaming ‘film script!’

Thank you to #NetGalley @stmartinspress and @minotaurbooks for the ARC!

#LittleSecrets

Book description:

Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They're admired in their community and are a loving family―until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken.

A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She's lost her son; she's not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.

Permanently.

Once again, Hillier has written another 5 star thriller that was absolutely FANTASTIC! It starts off with the kidnapping of power couple Derek and Marin’s son Sebastian, and is a reminder of how someone, especially a child, can disappear in seconds. Fast forward a year later, Sebastian is still missing, and Marin is only surviving with the little hope that one day he will be found. Derek is doing the same, however he is coping by sleeping with a twenty-something grad student, which Marin doesn’t know about. That is until the PI she hired to find her son discovers the relationship, and suddenly, Marin discovers that rage is suddenly more motivating than grief ever was….

That twenty-something is Kenzie Li, who is struggling with debt, has a sick mom with lots of medical bills, and believes that mega-rich Derek is her ticket out. Except she has fallen for him, a big no-no in the execution of her plan, and when he breaks it off with her she can’t let him go that easy.

This is one WILD ride that I could not put down once it got going. There were twists that I did NOT see coming, brilliant twists, and when this was all over I needed a minute to decompress. Which is exactly the way I like my thrillers done. Hillier is on auto-read status for me now, and she should be for those that like thrillers too. Add this one to your list now.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ecopy to review.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.

This emotional mystery/thriller about a woman's downward spiral after the kidnapping of her 4 year old son, and the crumbling of her 20 year marriage, will suck you in and not let go until the end. I loved the author's previous book "Jar of Hearts", https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., so was thrilled when I got the chance to read and review this book.

Marin and Derek appear to have it all. Both have successful businesses and live a happy life with their four year old son Sebastian. That is, until one day at a market Sebastian is taken. One year later all police and FBI leads have dried up, Marin and Derek barely speak, and a PI Marin hired to find her son discovers that Derek is having an affair with a young woman that may know something about Sebastian's disappearance. Marin is finally sparked to take action and get her life back, but isn't prepared for the depth of betrayals she will uncover.

The writing in this book is effortless and a joy to read. The story sucked me in and I found myself reading the book in one sitting. The story itself isn't necessarily that original, but the author's ability to develop characters and capture and hold the reader's attention with the story development is why this book is not your average ho-hum mystery/thriller.

The book is a quick read. It's told in short chapters that beg the reader to read "just one more chapter" before they turn out the light. In my case, I ended up reading "just one more chapter" to the satisfying end. Is this the "end all, be all" in mystery writing? No. But, it's a good, satisfying book that you will be glad you read. I recommend you add this book to your TBR shelf.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Marin and Derek came from nothing, but they have worked hard to become wealthy, successful business owners. Their comfortable world is shattered when their young son is abducted. Somehow Marin survives the year, but is devastated again when she learns her husband is having an affair. Secrets, lies, misplaced trust, betrayal hurtle this thriller forward to resolution.

I never try to figure out “who done it” when reading a story, but it became evident to me about halfway through this book. Yet, that didn’t interfere with my interest or enjoyment of it. This was a quick read, well written and engrossing.

Seriously guys, this audiobook is one of the BEST I've listened to in YEARS!!!! LIKE YEARS!! I have no doubt that it will be a best selling book anywhere it can be. First, if you have triggers with child abduction stories than go in cautiously. This will make your heart ache and yearn like nothing I've ever experienced in a book. I felt so many emotions that I'm honestly struggling remembering everything I felt. There was so much anger and sadness, some empathy and grief. The anger and betrayal was strong and abundant. I wanted to hit things! 🤣 I have never fully related to another character like I have Marin. I was totally on her side and she shows some balls and class like MacKenzie can only wish for... yeah, I've got some anger issues toward that girl!!

Anyways, Jennifer Hillier is one of the best and a serious up-and-coming author. Be on the lookout for this author. Her storylines are not only insane and compulsive but her writing is spot on. I was LIVING in Marin's red souled Louis Vuitton's 👠 (OK I might wish I could afford them but I'm not walking in those). The writing was so descriptive and just so heart-wrenching real feeling. Then add in the narration by Kirsten Potter and I was floored!! The way she speaks has you feeling it so fully. I found myself bitterly talking back to her and mumbling at all the things I wanted to do to MacKenzie (Marin was a way better woman than I). I was just impressed with Miss Potter. I'm honestly unable to recall if I've listened to her narrate previously but she is one that can hold your attention through an entire book... no other person needed. This is incredibly rare IMO. Most books would benefit from dual or duet narration. Potter owned this book! These characters came to life.

This is a 5 STAR audiobook all around! There is nothing that could have enhanced it!

Our children are precious to us. We are their protectors and their safe haven. What happens when that safety is instantly taken away?

Seconds is all it takes for Marin's life to be shattered. One turn of the head and life as she knows it will never be the same. All of the relationships that's she has cherished are now put to the test. The foundations of the life she has built will be put under a strain she never knew existed.

While trying to find her little boy Marin is faced with new challenges. After discovering her husband's affair her eyes are wide open or she thinks they are. Turning to those that know her best she tries to unravel the strings of deceit that now line her life.

An emotional story about what one family will have to endure to get one of their own back. Battling against one person's underlying obsession.

This is the good thriller I've been hoping for for awhile! I was hanging on every word, through every twist and turn with my jaw dropping several times. The story flows easily with no dull spots making it very difficult to put down. I'll be recommending this one to my friends who love suspense and you can bet I'll be seeking out more of Jennifer Hillier's books in the future.

I loved Jar of Hearts, and this one sounded interesting and started with so much promise. So where’s the disconnect? I feel like it suffered from a bit of an identity crisis... was it a book about grief? A mystery/thriller? A revenge story? Marin’s 4 year old son Sebastian is missing, but that storyline takes a back seat to her dealing with her grief, confronting the reality of her husband’s affair, and contemplating the value of getting even, and with whom, and then it doesn’t dwell enough on any one of those to make it a cohesive story.

It was still compulsively readable but not nearly as compelling in characters or plot as Jar of Hearts and as I kept guessing each”twist” far ahead of its reveal, I got more and more disappointed as the story unfolded. Initials and nicknames are such dead giveaways for subversion, and the answer to this question was incredibly obvious, as well as the answer to where Sebastian was based on a way too revealing scene.

I never really bought into the friendship between Sal and Marin, especially with her extremely pretentious moments and his obvious low-life vibes. Not a single character in the entire story was likable except maybe the missing kid that’s barely even in it.

I’m annoyed that the author tried to make a scummy person better by giving her a mother with Alzheimer’s and then that absolutely ridiculous ending (the first chapter of part 4) blew my mind in such a negative way that I ended up shaving a half star off my original rating.

The best thing I can say is that the quality of the writing is good despite my issues with the way the story was crafted.

If you are looking for a dark and twisty page turner, look no further. Jennifer Hiller's "Little Secrets" is a fast paced psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. A kidnapping, a scandalous affair, and truths revealed. This book has it all.

I highly recommend, Hiller's novel as it is the perfect book to get your pulse racing and your mind moving, that is if you're ready to hear " Little Secrets."

This was my first novel by Hillier and it will not be my last! I devoured this title in two days; yes, it's that good! Despite the page length, the chapters are fairly short and there is so much action that occurs that readers will not even notice how quickly they are turning the pages.

Marin's character is a grieving mother who is still trying to recover her lost son, who disappeared over a year ago while they were out on a shopping trip. Derek, Marin's husband, is coping with the loss by starting an affair with a much younger woman named Mckenzie; Marin is informed of the relationship through a private investigator she hired to locate her missing child.

With everything in her world slowly slipping away, Marin feels more alone than ever. Luckily, she has her best friend Sal to keep her sane. The pair dated in college and have retained a close bond ever since, despite Sal wishing they could return to their original status. It doesn't come as a surprise when he has a proposal to help Marin out of her latest problem, but will it cost her more than she originally believes?

Becoming unsure of her acceptance to Sal's offer, she tells him that she is no longer interested in the deal; however, has events already transpired beyond the point of return? If so, what consequences will it cause for Marin and everyone she's placed in the line of fire?

The events of this novel build up to one explosive ending that you will not want to miss out on!