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The Things You'll Never Know

A Novel

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Pub Date Jan 12 2027 | Archive Date Mar 13 2027

Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books


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Description

“Nobody delves as deep into the guts of motherhood as Ashley Audrain; she really is in a league of her own.” —Lisa Jewell

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Push, a bold, unputdownable story of motherhood, desire, betrayal, and loss told by a mother after her own death.


“All those moments in life that mark a before, and an after. Before the death of me, and after. Before they knew the truth of what happened, and after.”

Fiona stares up at the faces of her husband, Adam, and their children. They’ve found her on the hallway floor. The double doors slam on the ambulance, and Fiona watches it take her body away—but how can that be, if she’s still here in her home, with her family? That’s when she realizes her worst fear has come true: Fiona is dead.

In the days that follow, Fiona moves quietly among them, as they become increasingly suspicious about her death. Everyone seems to be hiding something—her depressive husband, her devoted best friend, her estranged younger sister, her precocious six-year-old son, and most of all, Fiona herself. That is, until her teenage daughter discovers Fiona’s diary—and the stunning betrayal she had been hiding.

Exploring the performative identities of womanhood, the cost of being good, and what we owe ourselves and each other in the face of desire, Ashley Audrain's daring, thought-provoking novel asks: will you find who you really are, before you die?
“Nobody delves as deep into the guts of motherhood as Ashley Audrain; she really is in a league of her own.” —Lisa Jewell

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Push, a bold, unputdownable...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780593832059
PRICE $32.00 (USD)
PAGES 400

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Average rating from 293 members


Featured Reviews

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Another absolutely five star, unputdownable read by Ashley Audrain. This is going to be a hit with the GP and BookTok girlies – easily one of the best thrillers I've read so far this year. There are several POVs from a variety of times, and it all comes together really nicely at the end in a way that I didn't see coming. (Disclaimer here that I'm reading for entertainment, and there's not a whole lot of trying to piece things together, so every surprise is a delight to me!) More detailed review to come closer to pub date!

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Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Incredible!! I couldn’t put this book down. The interesting characters and descriptive scenes grabbed my attention from the very beginning.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

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The Things You'll Never Know by Ashley Audrain is an emotionally powerful psychological drama that explores the complexities of family, motherhood, and the secrets that shape our lives. Audrain masterfully combines emotional depth with suspense, creating a story that keeps readers invested not only in the mystery but also in the relationships between the characters. The novel gradually uncovers hidden truths, showing how one life-changing event can affect an entire family for years.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its realistic and emotionally layered characters. Ashley Audrain has a remarkable ability to portray complicated family dynamics, making each character feel authentic and relatable. The alternating perspectives provide insight into each person's motivations and emotions, allowing readers to understand how grief, guilt, love, and resentment can exist at the same time. The pacing is steady, with each chapter revealing new pieces of the story while maintaining a sense of suspense.

Beyond its mystery, the novel explores themes of identity, forgiveness, trauma, and the lasting impact of the choices people make. Audrain's writing is thoughtful and engaging, encouraging readers to reflect on how well we truly know the people closest to us. The emotional tension is just as compelling as the plot twists, making the story feel both intimate and unforgettable.

Overall, I would rate The Things You'll Never Know 5 out of 5 stars. Ashley Audrain once again delivers a beautifully written novel that combines psychological suspense with heartfelt family drama. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven stories filled with emotional complexity, compelling mysteries, and unforgettable relationships.

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Audrain has a way of exposing all the feelings and thoughts people have in her stories. I always feel so vulnerable when I'm reading them and she somehow finds a way to accurately describe some of the deeper, darker feelings people sometimes have surrounding marriage, families, children, and self-identity. I found myself hating the main characters but also feeling so sad for them and what they were going through. I wasn't expecting that ending. I think this book will be one that many people will be talking about. I'll definitely handsell this to customers who enjoy a good twist and a deep dive into messed-up family dynamics.

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Nobody writes oppressive family dynamics or creepy children quite like Ashley Audrain! I was hooked from the first page and tore through this book in a single sitting. The short chapters propelled the story forward at a breakneck pace, and the perspective of the main narrator added an interesting twist. I look forward to the next spooky kid Audrain cooks up.

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I was impressed by this domestic suspense novel/mystery told from the POV of a mom who has died and is watching the aftermath of how her death has affected her family from beyond the grave. This is a very unique premise that grabs the reader right away, and the author keeps this momentum going with fast pacing and interesting characters.

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