Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Jennifer Hillier for the opportunity to read and review her latest book. I loved Jar of Hearts but this one was even better - 5 stars for a book that I read with my heart in my throat and literally could not put it down.

What would you do to try and save whatever is left of your family? It took just minutes - a quick decision to answer a text while with your son in a crowded market days before Christmas. Then he was gone. That was Marin's new reality. She blamed herself for the fact that 4-year-old Sebastian was gone. The FBI exhausted all leads and even the PI that Marin hired had only more bad news for her - while investigating Sebastian's kidnapping, she discovers that Marin's husband, Derek, is having an affair with much younger McKenzie. Marin feels such rage and needs to do whatever she can to hold on to whatever family she has.

That's enough information. Such a heartbreaking premise - what mother hasn't experienced that hopefully momentary panic of not knowing where your child is in a crowded place? And what would you do afterwards if it came true that your child was gone?

Fabulous read - highly recommended!

This was an awesome and fast paced mystery that kept me up late into the night so I could finish it. Marin is barely alive since her son was kidnapped over a year ago, but she is rejuvenated when she realizes that her husband (Derek) is having an affair. Now I hate the women who are angrier at the other woman than they are at the man who cheated. That just makes no sense to me. Derek was the one who took the vows after all. But in this case, I kind of understood. Marin lost her son and I get why she would want to hang on to her husband so much. She was trying to control the one thing she could. Meanwhile, Mackenzie (the other woman) has her secrets, as does her best friend Sal and her husband. I do think the blurb gave a little too much away and there was one part of it that I guessed WAY in advance. But there were still plenty of twists and the suspense still kept me on the edge of my seat. Another win from Jennifer Hillier!

I was more than a little worried when I decided to read “Little Secrets.” I had previously tried one of the author’s other books, and had come away disappointed. However, the description of this book caught my interest, and I reasoned if the book was half as good as it sounded, I would be satisfied.

In the Author’s Note, Jennifer Hillier talks about the main character, explaining that she “…didn’t want to shy away from or sugarcoat her struggles,” acknowledging that Marin’s “…thoughts and actions may have been disturbing and difficult for some readers.” I felt the grittiness of the story and thus could understand Marin, someone who had already lost her son and now was in danger of losing her husband to another woman. Ms. Hillier allowed those feelings to be expressed at times with coarse language. Based upon the subject matter and as we were privy to the raw emotions of someone who felt her life was continuing to shatter, my opinion is that the language was appropriate for the plot. Those who prefer not to read any sort of objectionable language should pass on this book.

Although that would be a shame, as this is a good story that allows us to experience the deep emotions that Marin struggles with on a daily basis. Imagine losing a child, and over the next sixteen months you know that you are losing your spouse also. There is no easy way to live through these experiences.

Halfway through the book I realized there were no good guys. Sure, some characters had shades of grey but everyone had broad streaks of humanistic darkness within them. My allegiance (who to cheer for) switched more than once. By the end, Ms. Hillier had expertly steered me back to where she wanted her readers to be. The Big Reveal caught me by surprise, and as everything wound down at the end, I realized the author had balanced the slate when it came to her books that I had read. I am sure I will act with less trepidation the next time around. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.

Marin’s 4 year old son goes missing in the beginning of the book and then the story goes on to show how her life changed completely after her son went missing. She has the support of her husband Derek and her best friend Sal. But weird things start to happen and she begin to question what happened after all. I like how the story unfolds and a few of the surprising plot twists. More towards the end I couldn’t put down the book because I really wanted to know what happened.

At the risk of sounding like I'm giving a backhanded compliment, I was a little wary when I started reading this, thinking it was going to be one of those switcheroo book. You know the ones--they're allegedly mystery/thriller, but they're really about feelings. (If this sounds unsympathetic, then just know that I'm sympathetic irl. Book folks ain't real.) But I was pleasantly surprised to find out that not only was this a gen-yoo-wine mystery/thriller, but it was also very good. Even though I figured it out, it still kept me reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy for review.

Holy Secrets Batman! As the title implies everyone has little secrets including all the characters, though I wouldn't call all their secrets little! The story starts with the disappearance of Sebastian, a young boy. The book then picks up 16 months later with Sebastian still missing and seeing where the parents are in their lives. The author paints a vivid account of how the parents are struggling. The plot twists in this book were done well and it was full of surprises all the way to the end. The book really picked up pace in the second half as it was nearing the conclusion. The author covered all the emotions in this book and painted a picture so well that I felt I was there. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

When Marin’s life get flipped on its’ head, can she ever recover? He son gets taken right out from under her and the guilt she feels is overwhelming. A year later, she learns that her husband is having an affair with a much younger woman, and she is ready to fight. She will not lose another person in her life. With the help of her best friend, she develops a plan to fix things. She is willing to cross over all lines to keep her husband.

This was a fast paced read and I was hooked until the very end. I didn’t see the end coming so that was a pleasant surprise for a thriller. I really enjoyed this book.

This is my first book by Jenifer Hillier and she didn't disappoint! Little Secrets kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. I can't even imagine the anguish parents go through when losing a child. My only draw back was towards the end of the story....I started putting the pieces together and had it figured it out! (maybe because Psychological thrillers are my jam) Even though I did figure it out....the book was still great! Very suspenseful and thrilling! I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an early ARC copy for my honest review!

Hooked from the start. I love when you know something is off but you cant tell what it is.

Quick great read. Hillier is great.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

You must know, I am a fan of the author. I have devoured and enjoyed every book she has written. I enjoy her writing style. I love that she writes complicated characters, who don't quite always do the right thing or make the right decision. Jennifer Hillier writes real people, broken people, who have real problems, and may not always deal with them the way others think they should.

This novel is about Marin and Derek. Marin has been in a tailspin since her son Bash was abducted from a busy shopping plaza while Christmas shopping with her. She blames herself for letting go of his hand while texting her husband. Marin and Derek have been trying to get past this event and carry on with their lives as best they can. But honestly how much can you move on when your child is abducted? The main focus in the book is Marin and the fact that 16 months later she still cannot let go what happened. She still needs answers, but will she like what she starts to find on the trail once it has gone stale. She gets a call from her PI Castro and off we go.

I can't even imagine how horrible it must be to have a missing child. I cannot fathom. The choices she makes in this book, while not great choices, come from a place of utter desperation and need. I am not a perfect person and could easily see myself making some of the same choices. I love the writing. I love the character development. I love the plot premise. I love the thriller aspect. 5 big stars from me. Go read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.

I really wanted to love this one it’s been getting such hype but it wasn’t for me. I guessed what was going on early on and it felt so unbelievable to me. It was addicting and I finished it quickly but it’ll be one I forget about just as quickly.

In Little Secrets, the main character, Marin, is struggling with the aftermath of her son's kidnapping. She went from being a devoted wife and mother to being a shadow of herself with a cheating spouse. When Marin discovers her husband's infidelity, she decides to seek revenge on her husband's mistress.
Overall, I was engaged in the read but toward the end where several unexpected things were revealed, I did find myself wondering, How could she not have known certain details? However, it was refreshing to read a story with an ending I didn't expect.
Thank you #Netgalley

As she did in Jar of Hearts , Jennifer Hillier made me feel as if I found another family that I wouldn't like to meet. When Marin and Derek lose their young son, Sebastian, their world shatters and both retreat in different ways. For Marin, she becomes obsessed in her search and hires a private investigator but also struggles to stay alive. For Derek, he loses himself in his work and is often gone from home. But when the investigator discovers that Derek is having an affair with a young graduate student, Mackenzie, things take a turn no one expected.

This definitely had me riveted from beginning to end and it was dark and twisty. Both qualities I love in my books! I also appreciate that Hillier doesn't refrain from making her characters do some pretty despicable things in their pursuit of the truth. We get both Marin and Kenzie's viewpoint and these ladies are just downright shady! I loved it!


A book that you need to help you get through staying at home. Trust me, the kids can have cereal!


Goodreads review published 13/04/20
Expected publication date. 21/04/20

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mesmerizing And An Edge Of Your Seat Thriller!

Marin and Derek are an upscale young couple who seemed to have it all until their five year old son Sebastian disappeared a few days before Christmas sixteen month ago. Naturally they are devastated and just trying to get by each day although Marin is completely broken and only exists with the hope that her precious boy will be found alive one day. Marin had hired a private detective and one day discovers that Derek has been having an affair and this brings Marin's breaking point to boiling instead and a new level of emotional strength that she never knew she was capable of having. This downward spiral will uncover so many dark and vicious secrets that will have your mind spinning like a top.

This book was deliciously devious, dark and demented in many ways. I don't want to give too much away so you can enjoy the thrill of being shocked or ridiculously surprised by the twists that keep occurring throughout the story. The writing is sensitive as it deals with the immense feelings of grief that a mother might feel when her child is missing and how one might be willing to sell their soul to the devil for some release from pain when their emotional and mental stability are compromised by the darkness and despair that become one with their mind and heart.

I want to thank the publisher "St. Martins Press" / Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the privilege of reading this marvelous Advanced Reading Copy and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

I highly recommend to all readers and have given a rating of 5 Darkly, Delicious 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!

Who exactly is Kenzie? That's what Marin wants to know. She does know that her son Sebastian disappeared a year ago, her marriage to Derek has fallen into nothingness, and there doesn't seem to be any hope on the horizon. She knows Derek blames her but enough to have an affair with Kenzie- a young social media user/barista/artist who has no scruples. But what secret does Kenzie have? I liked that this was told alternately by Kenzie and Marin. Admittedly, I was more sympathetic to Marin (of course) but switching pov's kept me guessing about what was happening. Not a fan of Derek, brtw. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This one is a page turner- well crafted with good characters and a storytelling style that's just right at amping up the tension.

Absolutely LOVED this book. A refreshing domestic thriller told through impeccable writing. I started it this morning and finished it before 10pm because I literally couldn’t stop.

Love love love

Wow this book was great! Having previously read Jennifer Hillier's book Jar of Hearts, I anticipated a great thrill ride of a book - and boy did this book deliver! Little Secrets follows the story of a couple whose son gets kidnapped and the fallout that brings. The book had lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I loved every minute of it. I couldn't put the book down! Can't wait for her next book!

This is my first book by Jennifer Hillier and won't be my last. This book had me at the edge of my seat. A page turner. Its every mother's fear of losing her child. Marin tries to live her life as best she can after her son disappears without a trace (every mother's fear), but finding out her husband is having an affair with a younger woman has caused her to lose that balance and determined not to lose him as well. A must read for sure.

I've been a big fan of Hillier's writing for some time now and so I was really looking forward to reading her latest novel. And it's been well worth the wait! I really enjoyed it - really, I couldn't put it down! It opens with a parent's worst nightmare - three days before Christmas, Marin's son is taken when she is briefly distracted at a crowded Seattle public market. The book moves forward sixteen months and Sebastian is still missing. When Marin learns from her private investigator that her husband is having an affair, Marin's anger cuts through her oppressive grief and sadness.

The title is certainly apt as it quickly becomes apparent that all of the characters here are keeping secrets from one another - though some are certainly not so little. It's a gripping read that guarantees grabbing the reader's attention as soon as Sebastian is snatched away. And while some of the plot are a bit more predictable than others, there are still some really surprises to these secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish - I gasped, I cried and I even laughed. It's definitely a dark novel, but well-written. It's a satisfying read and one that leaves me excited as ever to see what Hillier will write next!

A mother of a missing son learns, that her husband and best friend have secrets that can destroy her whole world. Buckle up and pay attention, because this is defiantly a bumpy ride.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jennifer Hillier for the ARC.