I loved the decade-old secrets and the (partial) academic setting of Our Secrets Were Safe. Based on the premise, I assumed it's exactly the kind of book I can't put down. And it might have been, had the beginning held my attention more. The first few chapters felt so focused on internal monologue and scene-setting that it felt like the plot wasn't really moving. Additionally, many of the characters came off as one-dimensional or stereotypes, which didn't encourage me to keep reading. Based on the glowing reviews from other readers, I'm confident a lot of other people will really enjoy this book — it just isn't right for me.

This was fantastic!!

The story follows a group of friends as they are forced to revisit a dark time in their lives. Sofia's been gone for ten years, but someone wants to dig up the truth and spill all their deepest, darkest, secrets.

This gave me Pretty Little Liar feels and kept me on my toes the whole time! The twists were great, the writing was smooth; it was all-around enjoyable. Well done! Virginia Trench will be on my radar for any future publications from here on out.

Virginia Trench's debut novel delivers everything I look for in a thriller—college and childhood friends, wealth and jealousy, flashbacks, double-crosses, psychological twists, and social media stalking. What sets Trench's work apart is the seamless integration of all these elements. Nothing feels forced or overly polished. Instead, she weaves them together naturally, creating a truly immersive experience.

Trench has crafted complex psychological backgrounds for her characters, which adds authenticity and depth to the story. She effortlessly bridges the characters' pasts to their present-day challenges—navigating careers, dealing with corporate pressures, and grappling with the pervasive influence of social media, all while adding the compelling layer of sexism in the workplace. The information about these issues is meticulously detailed, adding a dimension that many female readers will particularly appreciate. This nuanced approach gives the novel an elevated level of interest and relatability.

The book is set ten years after college, and through flashbacks, we learn about a tragic event that continues to haunt the main characters. Sofia was killed in a car accident, and her friends Brooke and Caroline were also in the vehicle. As the story unfolds, we see Brooke and Caroline navigating their successes in life, while also delving into the struggles of Caroline's brother, Leo, who has been battling to stay sober. The plot becomes increasingly tense with the presence of a stalker who has begun harassing the group of friends.

The stalker's messages eerily reference the accident, claiming to be from Sofia herself. What really happened that night? Has Sofia somehow returned, or is someone playing a cruel game? Trench keeps the reader guessing until the very end, masterfully blending suspense with psychological complexity. This is a gripping read that will keep you turning the pages, making it a standout thriller for fans of character-driven mysteries with unexpected twists.

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#crownpublishing #oursecretsweresafe #virginiatrench

This was such a strong thriller novel and had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the genre. The overall feel worked with the story being told and was hooked from the first page. Virginia Trench wrote this perfectly and was glad it was so well written. The characters had that realism that I was looking for and was glad I got to read this.