Every Last Secret: a domestic thriller of neighbors, friends and secrets

Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre is a domestic thriller about neighbors, friends, and secrets. Catherine “Cat” Winthorpe worked hard to get where she is. She has a gorgeous home, great social standing and successful, handsome husband, William. When a new couple moves into the estate next door, She welcomes them, though cautiously, with open arms and friendly hospitality. Neena Ryder is not a fellow lady of leisure. She is a life coach who wants to move up in the world and moving into the neighborhood gets her one step closer. However, she’s not quite there yet. She is more aware of what she doesn’t have, namely a husband like William. As her infatuation with William grows, so does her friendship with Cat. However, beneath their friendly interactions, is a web of temptations, secrets and jealousy. Can their desire for the perfect life turn deadly? 

A.R. Torre is well known for her domestic thrillers. Every Last Secret is my second book by her and I was eagerly waiting to dive in. Unfortunately, from the very beginning, it was not the story I was expecting. It gave off Desperate Housewives vibes which is not my cup of tea. None of the characters had any redeeming factors. The women were catty, bitchy and downright psychotic while the men were weak and spineless. While seemingly realistic, these were not characters I wanted to really know more and understand on a deeper level. The thriller part of the story was a bit unbelievable and didn’t really make sense to me. Overall, I did not enjoy Every Last Secret, however I am looking forward to reading more of A.R. Torre’s domestic thrillers. If you enjoy Desperate Housewives and domestic thrillers, you may enjoy Every Last Secret. 

Every Last Secret is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Things We Wish Were: one community's struggles with life's ups and downs

The Things We Wish Were True by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is the story of the Sycamore Glen neighborhood of Matthews, North Carolina and one summer when tragedy strikes and they pull together. Soon it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret, a past and pain that they wish to hide. Zell Boyette is an older married woman with grown kids who becomes the caretaker of Cailey after her brother nearly drowns at the community pool. Lance Bryson is the newly single father of Alex and Lilah. He has been struggling with life after his wife, Debra, picks up and leaves. Bryte Lewis is struggling with her husband, Everett’s desire for another baby and her desire to go back to work. Jencey is returning to her hometown after a long absence with her two daughters. As old friends and old jealousies emerge, the community must come together to help a family in need. Will they be able to put their past behind them and help? Will old hurts keep friends apart?

The Things We Wish Were True is a great story of a small community where life seems perfect but closed doors hide a myriad of secrets. There are secrets and unique issues which bring the characters to life as if these people could be our next door neighbors right now. This fast paced story will keep your attention as you read everyone’s perspective on the events of one summer in North Carolina. I highly recommend The Things We Wish Were True.

The Things We Wish Were True

is available on Amazon

in paperback and Kindle

as well as on

Barnes and Noble

in paperback and audiobook

Fractured: a story of a seemingly perfect neighborhood

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie is a story of life in suburbia in which the neighbors are watching and a tragedy leaves it fractured. The story opens in the present day with John peering out the window at the house across the street. He is waiting for something. The story switches to Julie, twelve months ago, as she is new in the neighbor. She, her husband, Daniel, and kids moved in Mount Adams area of Cincinnati for Daniel’s new job. She slowly meets her neighbors as she tries to leave the memories what she left behind in Seattle. The story switches between the present as the past moves forward to current events. Tensions are building in the neighborhood as the perfect façade begins to crack. What tragedy finally broke the neighborhood apart? What role does John and Julie have in the events leading to it?

Fractured is an awesome story with great storytelling. It was suspenseful, keeping me on the edge of my seat as little details are revealed. The story keeps you guessing as what the mystery is until the great reveal and it won’t be what you’d expect. I loved the switch between past and present. I loved the reveal of the crime. I highly, highly recommend Fractured!

Fractured

will be available October 4, 2016

on Amazon in paperback and KindleUnlimited

and

Barnes and Noble in hardcover, paperback and audiobook