Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ for this excellent book from this happy reader.

CherAnn Wright’s “Where Secrets Stay” is a masterful blend of psychological thriller and paranormal mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story centers around Kevan Renee, an artist who stumbles upon a long-buried secret on an abandoned estate. As she delves deeper into the mystery, her own past traumas resurface, intertwining with the dark history of the estate.

Wright’s narrative is haunting and captivating, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide. The pacing is expertly managed, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep the suspense high without giving away too much. The twists and turns are well-crafted, ensuring that readers are constantly guessing and re-evaluating their theories.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is its character development. Kevan is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and healing is as compelling as the mystery she seeks to unravel. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story.

The setting plays a crucial role in the novel, with the eerie, abandoned estate serving as a character in its own right. Wright’s descriptive writing brings the estate to life, creating a chilling atmosphere that enhances the overall sense of dread and anticipation.

“Where Secrets Stay” explores themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of the past on the present. Wright handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, adding a layer of emotional depth to the thriller.

“Where Secrets Stay” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries with a paranormal twist. CherAnn Wright has crafted a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will linger in readers’ minds.

This book is a testament to her skill as a storyteller and her ability to weave complex, engaging narratives.

While this started as good read I did not finish.

It has abusive situations including animal abuse,so for me this was not for me.

What I did read was well developed and was written well but I found it triggering and the animal abuse if a definite no no

An intriguing tale of hidden truths and complex relationships. Wright’s engaging narrative unravels mysteries while delving into the emotional depths of her characters.

I genuinely enjoyed this story. This was my first book by CherAnn Wright and I will hopefully be reading more. This was one that was constantly suspenseful with an ending I didn’t predict. That is something I look for in my thriller reads. It was very well written and thought provoking, which I found to be interesting since it was a fictional book.

Thank you Netgalley & CherAnn Wright for the chance to read this book.

You know a book is good, when the writing goes straight to your bones...

You think you know what the answer is, but as the book begins to unfold..you realise you don't know it at all!

Really well written and grips you in, the writing is perfect

This is a great read, I really enjoyed it! I was drawn into the story right away with great writing. I love how I kept getting more details as it went on. Using the names for more suspense is genius! It was mysterious, heartfelt, honest, brutal. One of the best books I’ve read all year! Truly a gem!

Firstly, if you're the type who does not want to read abusive situations, including a graphic scene of animal abuse, this book is absolutely not for you. After one of the scenes, I nearly put down the book without intending on picking it up again. It was a hard thing to read, and I'm pretty sure I could have gotten that the character was a horrible person without the dog abuse scene.

Overall, however, I'm conflicted - parts of this book were (for me) a 2 star, but other parts (and the concept) were a solid 4. While some parts flew by (like the ending that felt pretty rushed) other parts seemed to drag on far too long. I'd guessed the twists pretty early, but that didn't detract from the overall book.

Although I feel like with a bit more editing, this could have been a solid 4 stars, it was still a good read and overall, I'd recommend it to fans of a paranormal thriller.

This book took a bit for me to get into. It was a bit far fetched, but I also kind of guessed certain pieces of it mid way through. I am glad I stuck with it, however! I think it would make a good movie! There are some pieces of it that could trigger some, and I didn't see a trigger warning. There is rape and spousal/child abuse several times throughout.

"Where Secrets Stay" by CherAnn Wright is an absolute page-turner that captivated me from the very first chapter. This was the first book I've read by this author, and I am already eagerly looking forward to exploring more of her work. Wright masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and deep emotional undertones, creating a story that is as haunting as it is compelling.

Inspired by true events, the novel follows Kevan Renee, an artist haunted by her traumatic past, as she inherits a forgotten estate with a dark secret. Wright's writing brings the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned estate to life, with every detail painting a vivid picture of a place that holds far more than just memories. The way she portrays Kevan's gradual unraveling of the past is both chilling and deeply moving, keeping the reader on edge with each new revelation.

Nathan Hill's subplot, centered on the decades-long disappearance of his sister, adds another layer of mystery and emotional depth to the story. Wright skillfully weaves together these two narratives, leading to a climax that is as satisfying as it is surprising.

The themes of buried secrets, childhood trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity and insight, making "Where Secrets Stay" not just a thrilling read but also a profound exploration of the human psyche.

If you're a fan of suspenseful, emotionally charged mysteries, this book is a must-read. CherAnn Wright has proven herself to be a talented storyteller, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next. Highly recommended!

Thank you @netgalley and @cherannwright for the ARC!
***All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone***

Dnf 30% read the 2 main characters didnt hold my attention in order for the story to develop found reading this mundane. And was waiting for something to happen to grab me into story but it didnt.

This novel is so dynamic. The mystery instantly gripped my me and held my attention the entire time. As more of the story unraveled, it also incorporated heartbreaking family dynamics as the female main character learned more about her past and grieved. This was the first book I’ve read from CherAnn Wright, and I look forward to more.

3.5 stars, rounded up. Really good for a debut. Kept me engaged throughout. I'm not big on books with supernatural elements but this one did work for me.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time in exchange for a review. You should read it!

I was mesmerized by the settings - the woods, lake, abandoned house. Wright painted a perfect picture for a psychological thriller setting.
The timeline unfolding with glimpses into the past and returning to the present was done very well. Plot details were revealed in a quick enough pace to keep the reader engaged throughout. Kevan's character was likeable. I enjoyed learning her backstory and seeing how she was remembering it all like it was the first time. Overall amazing debut book!

Where Secrets Stay by CherAnn Wright is a suspenseful story that was engaging from the very start.
This story grabbed my attention from the start but I absolutely could not put it down.
The plot unfolds with suspense, and the characters’ emotions are palpable. As the mystery deepens, you’ll be drawn into a web of secrets and uncertainty.

Thank You NetGalley and Sleuthing Sloth Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

"Where Secrets Stay" by CherAnn Wright is an enthralling novel that grips you from the very first page. From the outset, Wright’s masterful storytelling and rich, vivid descriptions pull you into a world brimming with mystery and emotion.

The story centers around Kevan, a woman who has survived a traumatic childhood thanks to the loving care of her grandmother, Gammie. After Gammie's death, Kevan is forced to revisit her painful past, confronting long-buried secrets and unresolved emotions. This journey is both harrowing and compelling, making it difficult to read at times, yet impossible to put down.

Nathan, another central character, has also endured a difficult past, never coming to terms with a childhood loss. His pain and Kevan’s intersect in unexpected ways, drawing them together through their shared experiences. With the help of Gammie’s best friend, Dotty, Kevan and Nathan manage to uncover long-searched-for answers about their pasts, offering a path toward healing and understanding.

Wright’s writing is nothing short of exquisite. Her prose flows effortlessly, with each sentence crafted to draw you deeper into the plot. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are portrayed with a realism that makes them feel incredibly authentic.

"Where Secrets Stay" is a testament to CherAnn Wright's skill as an author. It’s a beautifully written book that keeps you hooked until the very last page, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a powerful and gripping story of resilience and discovery.

Oh my, what a tangled web we weave. This book is haunting, compelling and so very intriguing.

When Kevan inherits her grandmother’s home, her childhood traumas finally come to light through secrets that her grandmother left behind. She can finally come to terms with her traumatic childhood and learn how family secrets can shape your life.

The characters are superbly written. I love when even the setting feels like a character because it is described so perfectly. The pacing is spot on, the multiple POV’s are richly crafted, and you’ll be taken on an emotional journey with this one. I highly recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sleuthing Sloth Press for the advanced copy.

This book was very good, Hope there will be more books like this one. I couldn't put the book down. It was very gripping and anxiety induced.

Absolutely amazing and heartbreaking story about generations of women who stuck together in the face of adversity. Kevan is a grown woman living her life trying to forget her abusive childhood. Her grandmother Francis, also a survivor of trauma, is Kevan's protector, mentor, and the only adult she ever trusted. Kevan's father was an abusive alcoholic who did unspeakable things to his family. Graphic details are written within the story about the extremes he went to control his family. Kevan's mother was an abused, submissive, religious woman who refused to leave Kevan's father. Luckily for Kevan, she comes from a long line of women going back as far as her Great Grandmother who did what it took to survive. In addition, there is a supernatural element to the story that is woven within. I want to read this story many times over, it was that good!

I read a lot and this was such a phenomenal story. I literally couldn’t stop and finished it in one sitting. It’s tragic and heart wrenching and yet you must read on. It’s also loving and touching too. It’s a story of struggle and hurt but also seeing that good can still come from broken pieces if you put them back together. Brilliantly written! I will be looking into what else this author has written!