The depths of this book were seriously impressive. The premise of a thriller based on the a disappeared child was different than many of the domestic thrillers I read, and I was interested to see how the pacing of the plot played out. Man, did it pack a punch. Hillier packed so much into this book! Luckily, it was pretty lengthy, so it never seemed like too much was happening at once to the point of disbelief.

Marin struggles to live with herself each day after her son is kidnapped from her side at a busy market. Some days she is more successful than others. Hillier paints a rounded picture of Marin’s work life, her grief group, and her relationship with her husband and her best friend Sal, and how each is impacted and influenced by her loss. Marin has also hired her own private investigator, employed after the police have long given up actively searching for her boy, Sebastian. Marin keeps the investigator secret from her husband, but she soon learns that she is not the only one in their marriage keeping secrets.

As Marin focuses in on the deceit in her relationship, the other parts of her life seem to distort around her. Reading this book was like watching a carefully constructed life fall apart piece by piece. It highlighted the darkest corners of the human psyche, and the truly twisted ways different people react and lash out when they are hurting.

I never could have guessed how each thread of this story was interconnected, and what elements of Marin’s past were informing her present. I’m not sure how, as a thriller-lover, I am just now discovering Jennifer Hillier, but I can say with confidence that I’ll be seeking out more of her work!

My Rating: 🍪🍪🍪🍪.5

Review posted on April 12 to:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-5KmpngFWI/
https://treatyourshelf.home.blog/2020/04/12/little-secrets-by-jennifer-hillier-book-review/

Marin Machado seemed to have it all – a beautiful four-year-old son, three premiere hair salons in Seattle, and a loving husband who was extremely successful. They were an enviable power couple, people who had such a perfect life that it was almost unreal. Sebastian’s abduction, right before Christmas, gutted Marin and Derek. They offered a million dollar reward, had the police and FBI searching, but eventually all the leads evaporated as easily as Sebastian had. Marin blamed herself for letting go of his hand in crowded Pike Place Market, and seeing the security footage of Sebastian leaving with Santa, holding the large lollipop he had been asking for, four minutes after Marin realized he was gone, left her despondent and suicidal.

Derek’s guilt took a different track, as he began a six-month long affair with McKenzie Li, a barista and grad student who played married men for a hoped for financial payout. The private investigator Marin hired to find Sebastian was the first to inform Marin of the affair, and Marin reacted badly, seeking help from her best friend Sal, who owned a bar and knew people who could eliminate the problem. Meeting up with Sal’s friend Julian was a surreal experience, and Marin paid a quarter of a million dollars to have McKenzie eliminated, all the while working at her salon and grieving for her missing son.

Wow. This was a fascinating read, full of twists and turns and excitement on nearly every page. I can’t say much more without getting into spoiler territory, so I’ll just say that this is definitely one for the TBR stack. I read it in one sitting – just couldn’t put it down.

A lollipop, a Santa suit and 480 seconds is all it takes to kidnap a child.

Sebastian who is the 4-year-old son of Marin and Derek is kidnapped while out shopping with his mother one afternoon at Pike Place Market. Marin lets go of Sebastian’s hand for a brief period to return a text only to find him missing from her side.

Unbeknownst to Derek, Marin hires a private investigator to look into Sebastian’s disappearance as the FBI case has gone cold. Sixteen months after Sebastian’s disappearance the private investigator calls Marin one morning and asks her to come into the office. The news Marin receives is not about her missing son but is to inform Marin that her husband is having an affair with a younger woman for the last 6 months. This is the point in which you break out the popcorn and let the story tell itself.

Hook. Line. Sinker. This book had me hooked at the first chapter. As with all mysteries I find this book difficult to review without giving away any spoilers. I loved peeling away each little layer of this story and found myself not wanting to put the book down which is why I finished it in less than 24 hours.

If you love a good suspense novel pick this up and give it a read.

Big thank you to NetGally/St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title!

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier was an emotional story from page one. I was immediately hooked. Starting out with the disappearance of Marin and Derek's four year old son, Sebastian. If, that doesn't pull at your heartstrings, nothing will.

A month later the case is put on the back burner and Marin hires a Private Investigator. The majority of the book takes place 16 months after Sebastian has gone missing. That is where things start coming together or unraveling, depending on what way you are looking at the story.

About three fourths of the way into the book, I had to put the book down and do a little pondering. At that point there were about six ways I could see this book coming to a close. Of course, I had to move forward to find out the conclusion. It was not what I was expecting at all.

This book kept me reading and fully invested in what the outcome would be. It was a very good mystery. This was my first book by Jennifer Hillier and I'm sure it won't be my last.

I received this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.

Wow, a roller coaster ride of a read! I really loved this book! I found Marin's story very compelling and there were many wonderful twists which took me by surprise! This won't be my last book by this author!

hat a ride! Though I kinda saw where the story was going I was still excited to see how Hillier would pull all the pieces together. A fast paced read that I literally could not pull myself away from. 4.5 stars.

This book is everything! I really enjoyed it and flew through it in 2 days (which in quarantine time is unheard of). I recommend not knowing too much going in- just that a successful woman will go to the ends of the Earth to find out what really happened when her son was taken from her at Seattle's busy Pike Place Market. This one is full of lies (obviously), domestic suspense, and believable twists. I was rooting for Marin throughout! I definitely need to go back and read some of Hillier's back list (like last year's JAR OF HEARTS)- she's quite talented. Recommend!

Unputdownable psychological suspense.

Marin owns a chain of salons with celebrity clientele and is married to Derek, who is even more successful. But all the money in the world can’t prevent the unthinkable: their young son, Sebastian, disappears while he and Marin are Christmas shopping in packed Pike Place Market.

Sixteen months later, the FBI has pretty much abandoned the search; Marin and Derek are distant from one another; and Marin relies on the support of her best friend and former lover, Sal. When the private detective Marin hired tells her she’s learned something new, Marin is stunned to learn that its Derek has a lover—a young graduate student/Instagram influencer named McKenzie. MeKenzie provides a target for Marin’s suppressed anger, setting into motion a chain of circumstances that even the most jaded mystery/suspense reader will predict.

I’ve had a hard time concentrating on books during this time, but once I started LITTLE SECRETS, I could not stop reading. #LittleSecrets #NetGalley

4.5 twisted stars!

Wow, I really liked this one. While some of it was hard to read (I feel like your child being abducted is most parents WORST nightmare) I appreciate the brutal honestly the author attacked the story with. The beginning completely sucked me in from the get go, then it drug a bit for me around the halfway mark but when it started to pick up again it was a crazy series of revelations till the very end. I didn't completely guess what was going on and I always enjoy when an author can blindside me a bit.

For those who like thrillers/suspense I highly recommend!

I absolutely loved "Jar of Hearts" and was thrilled to have the chance to read the ARC of "Little Secrets". Once again Jennifer Hillier pulled me right in with her writing and a story that is dark from the start.

Marin and Derek have been together since college. They are both incredibly successful and in love with their 4-year old son, Sebastian. But their lives are about to take a tragic turn.

A few days before Christmas, Marin and Sebastian are at the bustling Pike Place Market in Seattle where Derek is coming to meet them. Marin answers a call on cell phone...she lets go of Sebastian's hand for just a few seconds...and then he's gone. It's as if he disappeared into thin air.

More than a year later Marin is a shell of her former self. The FBI never found Sebastian. Marin has never forgiven herself. She and Derek barely speak. And she's barely keeping it together.

"And that's what life is these days, isn't it? A series of slips and catches, mistakes and remorse, a constant juggling act of pretending to feel okay when all she wants to do it fall apart."

Desperate for answers Marin enlists the help of a P.I., but she uncovers a new secret Marin wasn't even looking to find - her husband is having an affair. Despite the problems in her marriage, Marin has already lost her son and she will stop at nothing to make sure she doesn't lose her husband too.

This was a fast read with short chapters that left me wanting to flip *one more page* that of course never stopped at one more. We get multiple perspectives, which I always love, and a twisted tale of dark and messed up people doing dark and messed up things. I love flawed characters that I am simultaneously hating, yet somehow rooting for. Thoroughly enjoyed this read!

Big thanks to Jennifer Hillier, NetGalley Minotaur Books and St, Martin's Publishing Group for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

The son of a wealthy couple is taken days before Christmas by someone dressed as Santa Claus. Sixteen months later Marin is still struggling with the lose and guilt of her son’s disappearance. Her whole world has seemingly slipped away from her until the private investigator she secretly hired has news. Marin braces for it to be about her son but instead finds out husband is having an affair with a 24 year old Instagram influencer with pink hair. Marin refuses to let the last member of her family go and fixes to take care of the problem. The mistress, Kenzie, is used to dating married men - it’s actually her side hustle but this time is different since she’s falling in love. Everyone has little secrets, but which one will lead to the truth about the couple’s son.

This book had so many fun surprises and twists I just couldn’t wait to see how they all unfolded. I found Marin to be a very strong character even when she was at the worst time in her life. The feelings of lose, unsureness, and anger felt real and were easy to connect with. The relationships between every character were rich with deep past and their dialogue and decisions felt grounded in the details we are given as readers. While this is a book about vulnerable, deep, and dark issues facing the main character it does not feel slow or stilted but instead is so exciting and heartfelt. I thought the pacing was superb and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. I did correctly guess the accomplish a little before halfway done, but even so finding out why was very satisfying.

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this novel. The suspense kept me flipping pages the entire reading experience. I was intrigued and eager to find out what happened next.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Hillier skates you right into an iceberg with this story. The manipulation and greed of people is shown full force with very appropriate characterization. You do not want to miss this psychological thriller. Enjoy! 📚

This is my first time reading this author and Holy Cow. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I really felt for Marin and could totally get where she was coming from and almost wanted to see her end up with Sal. Phew, the twists and turns surprised me and kept me on the edge of my seat. Definitely putting this author on my to buy list from now on.

I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the twist and turns and the little secrets that was in the story and the characters and the cover and this was my first book by this author. will love to read more by her. can't wait to read more.

You got me again, Jennifer Hillier. I like this one even better than "Jar of Hearts." I don't want my review to ruin anyone else's reading experience, so I will be brief in my comments. To those of you contemplating this title, I just want to say it was not what I expected. Little secrets become big problems and I could not look away.

Thank you to St. Martins and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

An incredibly addictive, edge of your seat thriller that will have you feeling all the feels and emotions as you ride this roller coaster of a novel. I loved Marin's character, and I felt so truly bad for her. Not only did she lose her son, but she has also lost herself - now living in a shell of what her former self was. Then she finds out her husband is having an affair. I mean how much can one single person handle?

I loved how fast paced this book was, and I flew through the chapters and completed devoured this book. It kept me guessing and I loved that. There are many complex and interesting characters in this novel, and they all come with their own flaws and setbacks. I couldn't help but despise Marin's husband Derek for what he was doing to his wife, and having the affair with Kenzie Li. I also despised Kenzie Li for not only being a homewrecker and having the affair with Derek knowing full well that he was married, but for all the shenanigans and schemes she set in motion.

Amazing job Jennifer, you've done it again with another incredibly addictive read. Well deserved! I am highly anticipating your next amazing read!

When I first started this book, I had high hopes and then I thought I had the plot figured out early and almost skipped to the back of the book to check. I was only partly right and this book was definitely worth the read. It became a twisty thrill ride with an interesting ending.
This is the story of Marin and her family, Derek and Sebastian. When their son, who is 4 years old, goes missing at a busy shopping area during the Christmas rush, it is unclear if Marin and Derek can pull togetherness or if their relationship will shatter as so many do. To make matters worse, young Sebastian is taken from his mother by a person dressed as Santa. This leaves few leads and Marin becomes desperate. There are several good plot twists that I liked. There were also various relationships throughout the story that were fun to read as well.
Overall, I would recommend this book to thriller lovers.
Thank you for the early copy.
#Netgalley #LittleSecrets #StMartinsPress #Minotaur

After finishing Little Secrets, I can see why people are obsessed with both this book and Jennifer Hillier 💕.

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What grabbed me right away was her writing style. It was dark, gritty, and unapologetic. She isn’t scared to toe the line of uncomfortable thoughts. This paired with her masterful character development made this a book to add to you tbr if you haven’t already. While I can’t relate to Marin or even Kenzie, getting a chance to go inside their minds took the story to a new level.

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Marin was a rebel. She didn’t care about what others thought she should be doing now that her son was gone. Or subscribe to their belief in what progress she should be making mentally. Instead we got to see her grapple with grief to then trade that feeling in and harness anger as a way to feel alive for the first time in over a year. She let it fully consumer her and the way Hillier presented it made it incredibly believable. I could see anyone doing this had they been through as much as Marin had.

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I will admit with all the hype I was expecting something more when it comes to plot. I don’t exactly know what more could’ve been done here but I went in thinking this would be an explosive novel. In some aspects it was and I was left thinking “what the hell” at the end of multiple chapters. However it just felt like something was missing.

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This is definitely a book you should look out for. It deals with a lot of important topics, namely suicide, that are important to shed light on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I have heard so many amazing things about Jennifer Hillier, even purchased Jar of Hearts, but this is my first read of hers. It surely didn't disappoint and I will be adding Jar of Hearts to my immediate TBR. If you're looking for an edge of your seat thriller, this is the book for you. There is some sensitive content including kidnapping, self hard and suicide.

Marin Machado and her husband, Adam, are both wildly successful, self-made business people. Their 4 year old son, Sebastian, is the light of their life and the glue that binds them together. But four hundred and eighty seconds can change an entire person's life, which is what happens when Marin's son is kidnapped from a Christmas shopping market. A web of lies begins to weave itself around the couple sixteen months after Sebastian's disappearance, until they all start spilling out to reveal even more secrets, lies and deceit.

This book was unbelievable. Throughout the first half, nothing wild happened, but it was so incredibly well written, it felt so real and almost relatable, one of the 'would I do the same thing, in her shoes?' type of books, it kept me interested and engaged, desperate to find out what happens. I couldn't put it down. And then the "oh my god, oh wow, oh boy' starts happening and even though I had an inkling of what was going to play out, I couldn't have imagined it would the way it did.

There were so many elements to this one - the mistress, the best friend, the PI, the successful business woman exterior. The characters were so well thought out, with their development and emotions portrayed to make the reader feel so connected to them. Your heart ached for Marin and her grief, her anger, and her sadness. While McKenzie was supposed to be the enemy and a lot of the time extremely unlikable, it was hard no to sympathize with her at times. Adam was another character who wasn't very likeable, with poor decision making, lies and betrayal, but Hillier's writing makes you understand why her characters are the way they are and why they make the decisions they do.

I highly recommend this book, for any thriller lover. The thriller genre was getting a bit stale for me, with the same plot lines, but this book has pulled me out of that hole and made me want to dive back into thrillers!