Francesca's husband goes out to get cigaretttes one night and ends up jumping from a bridge. What drove Robert to commit suicide? Turns out that this family is hiding some really nasty secrets, telling some self-serving lies, and covering up most of the truth. You see, Robert had a brother...and parents. And they all seemed to be good at only one thing -- deception. What a dysfunctional collection of people making up the Tennant clan. Francesca included.

Domestic drama populated by a cast of completely despicable characters! Not a one was honest or moral and though I read it all in one sitting, it was only to verify that I had correctly anticipated its conclusion. I had a hard time with this book and probably will be in the minority opinion so will just leave it at that. I did like the author's previous book, LITTLE LIAR, much better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Three Secrets by Clare Boyd a brand spanking new psychological thriller which have your head spinning with the secrets and lies.

Francesca a widow, her husband Robert committed suicide, leaving her with a young child to bring up on her own. Roberts family The Tennants are somewhat unbalanced, all holding secrets of their own. When Francesca has to move from London due to financial issues, Francesca seems to become embroiled in the Tennant family more than she ever was, a house has been obtained for her to live in with her daughter and she is now under the control of the Tennant family.

The book sets itself out to try and understand the reasons behind Robert’s suicide, the who’s, the why’s and the what’s was the overall hypothesis laid out by Clare. The secrets and lies which every family member held, who was lying, what were the secrets, how am I going to unravel this tangle of knots which contain the answers to who has the key to what was going on in Roberts mind the night he killed himself.

The characters within Three Secrets are flawed in so many ways, Francesca seemingly sweet, innocent but with an inbuilt tough exterior where she wont take any flack from anyone, least of Roberts mother, except when her world starts to crumble around her. Everyone is portrayed as being afraid of the family dynamics with the Tennants, I at some points wanted to launch my kindle through the air at several key areas and shout get a backbone, grow up, you are your own self and what your family are capable of doesn’t define you.

Three Secrets is slow paced book at the beginning, but soon heats up burning your fingertips with desire and knowledge that the secrets are becoming more intense the lies unfolding and the truth is just around the corner, I know it, I feel it, BANG another wallop to the side the head another explosive secret is exposed.

Clare trailed me round the garden and up the garden path, like a maze, for every wrong turn I doubled back, for every secret exposed the sense of euphoria overwhelms me, bringing me closer to the connections, the truth, to the lies and inevitably the end.

Thanks to Clare Boyd, Bookouture and Noelle for the advanced readers copy of Three Secrets in exchange for and honest, unbiased review. Many thanks to Noelle who has put up with me and still lets me participate in her Blog tours xx

After having dinner with his wife, Francesca (aka Fran), and his brother, John, Robert Tennant, leaves the house under the pretense of “running to his friend’s store”, but instead, jumps to his death apparently committing suicide. The question is WHY?

Each family member that Robert leaves behind feels guilty, wondering if they played a role in his decision to end his life because of their own actions, or inactions.

Told alternately between Fran and John, the plot slowly reveals itself.
Fran and her daughter, Alice, leave their house and move closer to the Tennants, in an effort to be near to family. Soon Fran begins to suspect there may have been more to Robert’s death than she knew or realized. There seem to be secrets even darker than those she’s hiding.
As her life entangles with John, his wife Dilys, their three children and Robert’s parents; she becomes increasingly uncomfortable with her surroundings.

The novel, though slow-paced (and a tad too descriptive at places), was intriguing enough to keep wanting to read.
The book description hints that as Francesca gets closer to uncovering the truth her own life is also in danger. However, neither did I feel, nor was it implied that she’s ever in danger.
The blurb and the marketing are inaccurate – or else, it is a decent one-time read.
It will appeal to readers who enjoy family dramas, because this is most definitely not a psychological thriller.

3.5/5 for me.

5☆ Deliciously Twisting Psychological Thriller, i couldn't put Down!

Three Secrets is a book filled with secrets and lies, betrayal, twists and turns. An action packed psychological thriller I couldn't put down.

When Fran's husband Robert commits suicide, it send Fran and her childrens life into turmoil.
Fran has plenty of Secrets as did her husband Robert.
But will these secrets seep out or can they be kept secret.
We all know that secrets have a way of coming out, and have a potential to blow apart even the strongest relationships.

For me there are so many secrets within this story I think the title should be called secrets! As there was more than just the 3.

Three Secrets is told by Fran and Richard's brother John. Which I actually enjoyed as there stories weaved perfectly together.
You will understand when you read it.

Three Secrets is a Compulsive Read, it's a Fast Moving, page Turner, with an enticing mix of suspense, which is a dark deliciously twisty thriller, with one hell of an ending I didn't see coming!

If you love deliciously twisting psychological thrillers, that contains deceit, secrets and lies, then you will love this fast paced suspenseful thriller!

Thank you to Bookouture for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Francesca's husband Robert commits suicide. She blames herself. Robert's brother John blames himself. Are they the cause or something else? This book will not let you sleep because you have to finish the book. I really enjoyed this book which lists itself as a psychological suspense thriller. It reminded me of Rebecca by
Du Maurier.

I originally gave this book a three, then a four, then contemplated a three. I guess it's a three and a half star book for me, and I rarely do that!

My struggle was that I loved the writing and the characters were written in a way that you loved to hate them, or hated that you loved them. In my book, that tells me that the author did a great job of pulling me into the story and making me care. Still, the characters frustrated me. The decisions they made did not always make sense to me. I wanted to shout at them, "Why don't you just call the police?" But obviously that wouldn't have gotten me an answer to my question, and the author did not volunteer an explanation for why characters did not choose the simple way. Though in some respects I think she intended for the reader to chalk it up to, "That's just not what this family did..." but that was not enough for this reader.

That said, the twists this book takes are completely unexpected. The author gives no hint at any foreshadowing so you simply cannot guess where this story will lead you. For that reason, it kept my attention and made for a much improved rating.

While this was not my most favorite book, I would not discourage others who like psychological thrillers to forego this one. It was a good read, and I suspect will provide other readers with a few hours of enjoyment/escape as it did for me.

Dysfunctional doesn’t even start to describe the Tennant family dynamics. When son Robert commits suicide, Camilla asks Francesca and granddaughter Alice to move closer to the family home, not knowing that that decision would change their lives forever.

I did not like the book as much as I thought I would. My biggest problem was that I couldn’t connect to any of the characters. Francesca was too whiny, selfish, and weak. Camilla was inconsistent. I’ve read books where I didn’t like any of the characters before, but I still loved the plot. That did not happen this time. The big reveal at the end – the third secret – was not big enough for me. There were enough hints throughout the book to know what had happened. I wanted more!! I loved Boyd’s Little Liar, so I may have gone into this book with too high expectations. Still, I would recommend readers who love psychological thrillers to give it a try!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Robert Tennant commits suicide leaving behind his wife Francesca and a young daughter. In the aftermath of the suicide Robert’s mom , brother John and Francesca are left with guilt , lies and secrets. When Francesca moves closer to the Tennant family for a new beginning, the secrets come tumbling out but which one was deadly enough driving Robert to commit suicide.

Three secrets is a story of one dysfunctional family filled with twisted lies and secrets. Told by John’s and Francesca’s perspective and in alternating timelines the story has enough tension to keep me up late in the night trying to figure out what happens next. A definite recommend to all psychological thriller lovers.

I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

What an intriguing novel! On one hand I was all 'the pace is slow, I'm not too sure...', yet on the other hand I couldn't help but think 'I have to find out more. I have to find out the reasons behind Francesca's guilt'. So, whilst there was part of me that was battling with the slow burning storyline, the other part of me was too nosy NOT to find out the truth.

The more of the storyline I read, the more intrigued I became. Even though truths were coming out regarding a couple of the characters secrets, there seemed to be a lot of information still being withheld by Francesca, John and even Robert and John's mum. As for Dilys, well, the less said about her the better!!

Personally, I didn't feel that the pace picked up all that much, yet the strength of the storyline itself seemed to mature over the duration of the book. The characters seemed to come into their own, and the dynamics within the storyline increased in-depth. Therefore, even though I would have enjoyed the book more if the pace had been slightly faster, the fact that the author had written such an intense and gratifying read meant that I wasn't as bothered by the pace to the level I usually am.

I loved how busy the storyline was, as it meant that I was able to sink my teeth into so many things without being bored or the story becoming stagnant. Clare Boyd made every little piece of information flow incredibly well, alongside the larger and more intrusive moments.

The conclusion was a shocker and a half, even though I did feel like it ended far too abruptly for my liking, I could easily have read more of the book without any issues! Hooked? I think so!

'Three Secrets' made me doubt every truth I had been told, every lie, and every single person for the duration of the novel. Clare Boyd, unknowingly made me prisoner of her characters secrets and I couldn't have been happier and no, that isn't a secret!

Having read Little Liar Clare Boyd's debut novel i read Three Secrets hoping it would be just as good and i think it was.Francesca is married to Robert Tennant who one night goes out and never comes back after throwing himself off a bridge.That is the start of a series of secrets and lies that come tumbling out about the Tennant family,mum Camilla,dad Patrick and their other son John who Francesca as always been close to,she moves to the same village but comes to regret it as Camilla attempts to take over her life The book was decent read but i wouldn't exactly call it a gripping psychological thriller but it keeps you guessing to the end,a 4 star read for me.

Two years after her husband’s suicide, Francesca and her daughter move to live closer to his family. But living this close means Francesca starts to pick up on dynamics within the family that she hadn’t really noticed before. Soon, she begins to suspect there may be more to Robert’s death than she first realised.

Hello, incredibly dysfunctional family! If ever there was an award for this kind of thing, Robert and his family would be an absolute shoe-in! Ruled by the, quite frankly, awful mother-in-law, this family has secrets like no other. A few of them have a huge impact on the lives of these characters, leading to devastating consequences. You never know what goes on behind closed doors and honestly, if you read this story, me thinks that’s a blessing!

There are way more secrets than just three. A few are revealed quite early on and some I felt were a bit predictable. But overall, the suspense was highly entertaining. This story deals with a multitude of issues, from depression to addiction, from suicide to affairs … it’s like a wee soap opera all wrapped up into a psychological suspense tale. It left me both desperately wanting Francesca to find out the truth, and thinking maybe it was better if she never did at all. Who do you trust when all around you people are obviously lying to hide their secrets?

Three Secrets is a twisted and gripping story about lies, secrets and family. Some characters I could almost sympathise with, others I felt like slapping. Written from two perspectives and switching between the past and the present, it held my attention from start to finish. I had no idea where things were heading and didn’t see that ending coming at all. Quite satisfying though, I must say.

All in all a brilliantly written, tense, suspenseful and twisty domestic drama that will keep you hooked.

Wow. I loved this book. Secrets Lies Deception... The writing in this book made me feel like I really knew the characters and their emotions. The ending was spectacular. I don't want to give too much away as you will have to read it to experience what I have. This is just what a psychological thriller should be. I will be recommending this to all my book loving friends.

I thought this was a cracking good read and couldn't put it down. The authors style of writing is excellent and ensures that you cannot wait to turn the page to find out what is going to happen next.
A really addictive story,with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing and wanting more and with an ending that I did not see coming.
Having now read two superb books by Clare Boyd she is definitely an author I will be on the look out for each new future realease. Highly receommended.

What an opening chapter. This book will have you hooked from the very start. If you love a book with family dramas, lies, love, guilt, secrets and much much more, you definitely need to read this book.

It all begins after Frans husband, Robert, jumps to his death one evening. Two years on Fran moves home with her daughter to be nearer Roberts family. But not everything is as it seems. Gradually we find out snippets of information about the events leading up to Roberts death, including some family secrets. As the title suggests there are three main secrets that have been hidden away but who’s secrets are they ?

You also can’t help loving most of the characters, apart from a couple which I’m sure you will know who I mean once you read it !! The children are absolutely great and you can’t help having a lot of love and sympathy for Fran and John.

This really is a great read and one that keeps you guessing with a few twists and turns along the way. If you love a family based psychological thriller with a bit of everything thrown in you will love this book.

This book was probably 3.5 stars so I’ll round up to four. Sort of predictable but a fun read anyway. A fun, easy to read mystery good for summer reading!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed the authors previous books and was looking forward to this one,i think I will say I hope this book is a blip and the next book is as good as the first 2!!!!, the saving grace of the book for me is Camilla who is described wonderfully and love her snobbery etc but the book,sadly,for me was really just not very good as nothing much happened in it! Will leave it at that

I loved Clare Boyd’s first novel Little Liar and found this book even better. Francesca and Robert are married with a little girl but Francesca has always preferred his brother John with whom she has a past. Robert goes out one evening to buy cigarettes and never returns. His body is found on a busy motorway after having taken his own life after jumping off a bridge. Francesca, his parents and his brother cannot understand why he would do this, but they all have hidden secrets which could have contributed to this.
This book is full of twists and turns and when these well kept secrets are revealed it is a very sinister read. A definite 5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

**4 Goodreads Stars**

Clare Boyd's Three Secrets started off slowly for me, but it picked up by the 30% mark. I struggled to figure out who was who at the beginning because there are a number of characters, though there are only two people telling the story (John and Francesca). I admit I wasn't quite sure what the "three secrets" were because there are SO many secrets in this book. 

What made me enjoy it, however, was the lead character of Francesca, who makes a life-altering decision to marry Robert, a movie executive from a wealthy family. Francesca makes this decision after being rejected by Robert's handsome brother, John. John marries Dilys, a piercingly beautiful real estate mogul who is sharp, callous, and shrewd. Robert is an equally difficult partner to love, though Francesca accepts him for who he is in the face of John's rejection.

What propels the story forward is Robert's death, which was ruled a suicide. His death is shrouded in suspicion. Why would he kill himself? What would propel him to do such a thing when he has a loving wife and a beautiful young daughter?

The book seeks to understand Robert's reasons for killing himself, and through this process, we discover he had demons and secrets of his own. The characters will keep you turning the pages wanting to know what happened to Robert the nights leading up to his death.

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Clare Boyd for the advanced reader copy of Three Secrets.

This book hooked me from page one. After the tragedy of her husbands death, Francesca is determined to find out why. Three Secrets is full of twists, turns, and of course secrets and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My review is written with thanks to Noelle at Bookouture for inviting me on the tour, and for my copy of the book through Netgalley.
When Robert Tennant leaves the house to go to the shop, his wife Francesca thinks nothing of it. However, Robert does not return, having jumped from a bridge on to a dual carriageway. Two years later, Francesca and her daughter, Alice are looking for a fresh start. They move from London to West Sussex to be nearer to Robert's family. As Francesca begins to spend more time with them, she realises that the Tennant family might know more about Robert's death than they want to disclose. Francesca also has a secret of her own. What are they hiding from each other?
Firstly, I'd like to mention how beautiful the cover is. It was the cover that enticed me to read Three Secrets. However, all that glitters is not gold - and I don't mean that in a bad way! Don't be fooled by the pretty butterfly. Three Secrets is dark and twisted and full of secrets and lies, and I was fascinated by every twist and turn. There is so much depth to the plot that I often had no idea where it was going (and that's not a bad thing) and there seemed to be so much to unravel that I was on the edge of my seat waiting for each new revelation.
None of the characters in Three Secrets are particularly likeable, but they do have qualities that I recognise in other people, and this made me able to believe them. I know families like the Tennants, who will do anything to keep up appearances; I know siblings like Robert and John who are fiercely competitive, and I know people like Francesca who make mistakes, but ultimately would do anything for the people they love. It is this that makes the novel so compelling, as being able to recognise their traits gave them a realistic edge that made it impossible to tell who was being truthful and who was lying.
I mentioned earlier that Boyd manages to pack a lot into Three Secrets and in doing so, explores a lot of highly relevant themes, including domestic violence, mental illness and disability. Her research file must be the size of the Bible, and I am so grateful to her for choosing to tackle these themes, and handling them with such sensitivity.