This was such a unique thriller. I definitely enjoyed it, though I have a hard time deciding exactly how much. Ruby has distanced herself from her family and finds herself living in an apartment with a view into a mysterious man’s home. As she slowly builds a relationship with this man, his secrets keep building until Ruby no longer knows if she can trust him. Suspense with a bit of Gaelic folklore, you won’t know what to believe until it is too late. I would recommend this book!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. #netgalley #TheHidden

Rating: 3/5

This went in a direction that I wasn't expecting, but I liked it. If you don't like even a possibility of fantastical elements in thrillers, then I wouldn't recommend this.

A thriller mixed with fantasy had me intrigued. A little mythology mixed in with the mystery.

I am not always a fan of multiple points of view with changing timelines from past to present, but it worked seamlessly in this one.

It's a December night and police receive two calls, which seem unrelated. A store is the location of an upset child who cannot find her mother. Her "mother" arrives to claim her, and all seem swell on that front. In an apartment, a man is found nearly dead in a bathtub, apparently beaten within an inch of his life. Joanna Harper is an officer working the apartment case, and some comes to think the two cases may be related. An even more disturbing, that her daughter, now estranged, could be a link to the two.

You'll be taking through the twists and turns to figure these cases out. Mythology and thriller made for an interesting storyline.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

**4.5-stars rounded up**

The Hidden was one of my most anticipated Mysteries of the year. As you can see, it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved Little Darlings by Melanie Golding when I read it back in 2019. At the time, I thought that was a stand-alone novel. Because of that, I was absolutely elated when I discovered Golding was writing this new book also featuring DS Joanna Harper. Harper's character really drew me in during the investigation in Little Darlings, so I was psyched to get the opportunity to crack another case with her.

Called to the home of a seemingly-single man, Joanna initially believes it will be a homicide investigation, as the man was found bludgeoned to a pulp, unconscious in his bathtub, but it turns into much more than that. Observing children's toys and other evidence of a family, Joanna wonders where they could be.

Just prior to the man in the bathtub, in a small seaside town, the police are called after a little girl is found wandering alone down a beachside street. After the stricken mother suddenly appears, she is briefly questioned and the officers involved believe it was an accident; the child slipped away, nothing more. The two are released.

Watching video footage of the abandoned toddler incident, Joanna is shocked to discovered she knows the alleged mother. It's her estranged daughter, Ruby. Are these two cases related? That's what Joanna needs to find out, and if they are, what is Ruby doing with this little girl? It's certainly not her child, is it?

I love Golding's writing style. The way she sets up her stories with that captivating 'is it supernatural, is it not supernatural' feel. I absolutely adore it. In this story, there is a character who purports to be descended from the mythological selkies. I loved how that lore was woven into this story.

There were many different layers to the mystery and I was completely engaged the entire way through. As it all started to come together, my mind was spinning, how was it going to end!? Golding did a great job of pulling it together, while also continuing to build intensity. Additionally, I loved having the opportunity to learn more about Joanna and her family. I hope this means this won't be the last we see of her.

I did listen to the audiobook and I would highly recommend that. There is an element related to the selkie lore that required a bit of singing on the narrator's part, and wow, what a great job she did! It was haunting. I felt the narration style truly added to the story. I was hooked once I started listening.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I had such a great time reading this novel and will be keeping my fingers crossed that Golding delivers more DS Joanna Harper in the future!!!

This is the first book by this author that I have read. Melanie Golding’s second book and The Hidden is another atmospheric thriller. Story starts off with a lot going on. Nearly three-year old Leonie is drawn to a shop with a Christmas tree; the shop keeper is worried she has been abandoned by her parents and calls an Officer. Diane from Social Services is called. A woman identified herself as the mother states the child just wondered off.
The little girl is calling Momma. The woman says yes “Baby Girl, Momma Bee is here.
She identifies herself as Constance (which just happens to be the real mother’s name ~ however her name is Ruby.). The pace is slow to begin with as we get some background and character information. The novel is composed of multiple POVs meeting different timelines, causes some confusion. We are then taken on a dark journey which could be terrifying at times. The story is told over a dual timeline and from multiple points of view. The book combines a police procedural with a bit of folklore and mystery. The characters were an interesting bunch. Without giving too much away with descriptions, I highly recommend this edgy, gorgeous story

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Publication Date: November 9, 2021

My rating: 4.5 stars.

Golding has crafted a perfect blend of thriller and fantasy/mythology. The story explores the complexity of motherhood and what it takes for a mother to leave her child to someone else. Meanwhile, one of the main characters, Constance, is a selkie. The story focuses on her being held captive on land, need to return home, and the quest for her daughter to be safe… Quotes about selkies from literature start every chapter to remind the reader of the Celtic mythology.

Rawlins does an exemplary job of narrating the story. The audiobook was a thoroughly enjoyable listen…or reading with the ears.

What a good little psychological thriller with a few twists and a tie in with the Celtic mythology. The police are trying to solve an assault that seems to tie to a found little girl. You follow the weeks leading up to the assault and the police team working on solving the case.

I don’t think I’ve ever read anything with ties to Celtic mythology and I had to stop and look it up. Penelope Rawlins does a good job narrating the audiobook. I recommend this to anyone that likes slow burn thrillers.

I loved the synopsis of this book. It drew me in. I knew nothing of Selkies or the folklore involved and was eager to dive in (pun very much intended).

The first quarter of this book drew me in and then things changed. It all became very repetitive, very slow and very boring. Some of the plot choices were odd and unnecessary. I found myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes more than I would care to admit. I was curious to see where it was all headed but not enough to keep reading before my file expired. I ran out of time to finish, so I gave it a go on audio.

The audio did help move things along, but I also found myself rushing through sections just to get on with it already.

I should mention that the narrator did an excellent job differentiating the characters and bringing them to life. As I said- this made the reading experience more enjoyable than simply reading off the page. (Especially with some of the more musical elements and differing accents.) Excellent performance!

Sadly, this one just wasn't for me. I can see that I am in the minority on this one, so I am sure I am just the wrong audience.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for the opportunity access this file in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Rating: 4.75 leaves out of 5
Characters: 4.5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Mythology
Type: Audiobook
Worth?: Yes!

First want to thank Netgalley for letting me listen to this audiobook.

Second I want it to be known I am not a fan of detective books but this one was very much worth the pick up. You have multiple point of views but they are done so well that it isn't a problem. This story had me wanting to know more and more and I just NEEDED to know how it ended. I will admit the ending left me a bit sad, wasn't what I really wanted but it was still good enough to give it such a high rating.

My first book by Melanie Golding did not disappoint!

If you are looking for your next fall mystery that is steeped in folklore, this one is just the ticket for you!

The novel opens with a little toddler girl alone and abandoned by the seaside looking for her mother. When her mother arrives the authorities release them as the mother claims that she is a speedy little girl who is prone to running off. The next chapter starts with a man named Gregor Frank who has been bludgeoned in his bathtub and a woman named Constance who is desperately searching for her seal skin so she can return home. The last opening scene introduces us to DS Joanna Harper who is trying to figure out where this mother/daughter combo has gone and who in the world beat this man. How the four stories come together is an unforgettable journey of folklore, a mother’s love, and who we become when our back is against the wall.

The novel is told in alternating perspectives and timelines which I am usually a huuuuuuge fan of, but in this case there were a few perspectives I wanted to hear from more than the other perspectives. I loved the elements of folklore and would have liked to hear more about that part of the story as opposed to some of the storylines we were given. All of the characters have an interesting story and they are all unique and multidimensional, but some of the characters I just had a hard time connecting with. From the early release feedback I seem to be in the minority, so if you want to read something original and learn a little more about the Selkie world, give this one a whirl.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio production of The Hidden! I enjoyed Penelope Rawlings singing and voices very much during this production!

I couldn't get into this one. The narrator was fine, but I kept forcing myself to read it but wasn't drawn in quick enough for my liking and for me to want to continue readng it.

Golding expertly mixes fantasy with a crime thriller in The Hidden.. I could not stop listening and ended up doing so instead of doing my job. That's the sign of a good book! I also read and enjoyed Little Darlings. Golding knows how to grab your attention and keep it. This novel centered around protagonist Ruby Harper, sister? to Joanne Harper who we recall as the detective from Little Darlings. Ruby becomes embroiled in a gradually unfolding drama involving a sketchy, camera-obsessed male neighbor, a toddler and an other-worldly mother. There's a crime and Joanne enters the scene, soon realizing that that Ruby is somehow involved. Recommended for fans of police procedurals, mystery/thrillers and Selkies.

A thriller with a bit of folklore spun throughout, this was one I couldn't stop listening to. I instantly connected with a couple of the characters and was drawn in to learn more about them. The audiobook was one of the most beautiful I have listened to. All the voices of the various characters were distinct despite this being a one narrator audiobook and it was very easy to follow even though this is a novel told from multiple points of view and moves back and forth in time. I turned this audiobook on in the morning while getting ready and had finished it by the next morning. I don't believe I have ever moved through an audiobook so quickly but I was hooked from the first chapter!

Celtic Myth, psychological thriller, a dash of magical fairy tale vibes and unique folklore set against the backdrop of a modern day coastal town.

I have to admit that I wasn't fully sure what I was expecting going in. I think I was so entranced by the Celtic aspects and cover that I decided what the heck and dove in pretty blindly. I do not regret it. A psychological thriller drives the majority of this storyline as two women flee the grasp of a killer. I enjoyed the different perspectives between Ruby, her detective sister and Gregor kept the plot on it's toes. I have not read The Mermaid Wife but loved the way Golding ties excerpts into this book.

This is a slow build with a timeline that bounces between the past and the present. Letting the past unfold to explain the current day happenings. I personally like thrillers that have this kind of direction and watching the puzzle pieces fall into place.

I had the ability to listen to this on audio and read the ebook when I could finally settle down for the day. Though I enjoyed both versions I do think that readers who don't enjoy the slow build of psychological thrillers would do better with the audiobook than the ebook. If you are the type of reader who prefers snuggling in for the long haul than the ebook/physical is one you'll adore.

The narrator, Penelope Rawlins, kept to character tones and differences expertly. I especially loved her rendition of little Leonie. It was like having a little toddler right in your lap! Even the male tones were well done and not overly feminine which I appreciated. A narrator I will seek out for future novels.

This was a well crafted psychological thriller that hints at the existence of folkloric things. It leaves you to wonder and imagine at the possibilities. The connection between Ruby and Leonie was beautiful and heart wrenching all at the same time. The found sisterly bonds and true sisterly bonds drove an engaging plot of feminine strength and resilience. There is physical and mental abuse among other types that should be mentioned.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and Crooked Lane Books for opening up my bookish horizons to Melanie Golding and her wonderful story skills. All thoughts are my own.

I have a slight unpopular opinion on this one.

I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and alternating timelines and really appreciated the uniqueness and intriguing blend of mystery and mythology/folklore.

Although the second half does pick up once the story gets rolling, unfortunately I found the first half a little too much of a slow burn for my liking.

I thought that this was a well done story, just not necessarily for me! I am however interested to read more from Golding!

I loved that The Hidden was like a typical British police procedural and yet it had selkies. A wonderful twist on a genre that could be stale; Melanie Golding made it fresh. I look forward to more from her.

I was pulled in right away when 2-year-old Leonie was found with no parent in the harshest of winter outside a shop. After the cops were called, a lady claiming to be her mother shows up. As the reader, you know that she gives a false name of Constance to the police, but you don’t yet understand the reason why. Told from multiple points of view you get to hear from Ruby, the main character, her sister Joanna, a detective that is investigating a murder and at the end, Gregor. Ruby, was neither likable nor unlikable. She felt just sort of there as most of the conflict in the story was with other characters. The story was told back and forth between THEN and NOW.
I was intrigued while reading and wanted to know the rest of the story. It was written well, and every part of the story had a reason for being there. This was a good psychological thriller with some mystery and magic realism sprinkled in. As a mother, the choice that Constance makes at the end of the book is not one I could ever imagine making. I won’t give away any spoilers you will just have to read it for yourself.

4 stars

This was an interesting story that blended psychological thriller features with elements of mythology and magic realism. Some sections were actually a bit creepy as well, which I enjoyed. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting (in a good way); I like fiction that can keep me guessing.

Ruby has been watching her handsome neighbor for a while. Her apartment window has the perfect view right into his flat. Only once has she gotten a glimpse of the woman who lives with him. It seems like he is hiding her, but why?
When Ruby finally meets her neighbors, she is sucked into a surreal situation plucked from Scottish Folklore. The woman, Constance, claims to be a Selkie. She insists her seal coat has been hidden and she is trapped on land. Only Ruby can help her get home.

This was an excellent story. It is a mystery, thriller, suspense read, and a little fairy tale all in one. I was sucked into it very quickly, and consumed the book in only two days.
Listening to the story was the right choice. Each character became real and believable. The narrator, Penelope Rollins,has a lovely singing voice that captured the magic of the selki songs. She could easily go from the hypnotic voice of Constance, to the gruff male voice of Gregor. It completely pumped up the atmosphere of the story.
This is one of those books where things are not as they seem, and you question what is real or just a distraction. I really found myself questioning situations often, and trying to piece the puzzle together with the clues that slowly roll out. I thought the folklore aspect would be too much, but it was perfect. It brought the heart to the plot, and a bit of whimsy. Golding managed to make me a believer in Selkies. Which also sent me down the Google rabbit hole...

This is my second book by this author. I think it will be my last. The story was just ridiculous and I could not make myself interested in the characters or their plight. The connections were both obvious and unbelievable at the same time. I found the writing style to be tedious to continue reading or even listening to. I tried both. Not a huge fan of the narration.