Member Reviews
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Mystery
✨ Family Drama
✨Who is it to blame?
✨ first of all, Tamsin Kennard. ( chefs kiss) always has the best voice over! I always - always request an audiobook when she was doing the voice over and never disappoint. She did this story come to life again!
✨ one call can ruin everything!
Eve has having a night catch up with her Bea friend neighbour when she got a call from her son- having his 16th birthday.. when suddenly a girl collapse and taken a drugs.
The story was a little slow burn yet the story of the woman, mother and a friend try to solve everything to her power.
She did not stop even though she lost everything.
✨ definitely worth the read and the best to listen in an audiobook.
✨ Thankyou @bookouture for the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.
🫶🏼shaye.reads
The tension of Everyone Has Secrets started from the very first chapter and the story was full of twists and turns which didn’t let up until the very end. I did find the whole Griffiths family extremely annoying - being someone who finds it difficult not to talk about my feelings, I found myself yelling (luckily inwardly) for Eve and her husband to ‘just talk to each other’! However I guess that would ruin a good story and is the whole point of the book!
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. The narrator had a strong, clear voice and did a very good job of identifying the different characters making the story easy to follow.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of this book.
This book kept me guessing the whole time. The storyline was interesting and everyone having their own secrets made them all so suspicious and hard to figure out who the culprit was until it was revealed. The narration was great as well.
The quiet village of South Langley is suddenly upended after a freak disaster leaves a teenage girl fighting for her life. Eve’s sixteen-year-old son is targeted by the town as the culprit behind the disaster, but Eve is not convinced. She goes on a quest to untangle the mess and find answers.
Everyone Has Secrets is a wonderful fast-paced thriller, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden or Lisa Jewell. It is a twisted family drama that will leave you guessing and sleuthing until the last page. The small cast of characters makes the surprises and twists even more exciting as you get to know each character more personally. Because of the family drama aspect, I found this book more emotional than many thrillers. Drugs, friendships, and relationships are explored in a heart-pounding way that is highly relatable and close-to-home for many. This book will be swimming around in my mind for a while!
Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Thank you to AJ McDine for writing such a unique book that had me entranced from beginning to end.
This is my third book from A.J. McDine , having previously read The Baby and The Photo. She is an excellent suspense writer, with a real life past in the true crime field herself, and the authenticity always rings through.
In this book Eve, Noah and their teenage son Joe are living an idyllic life in the UK when Joe asks to have a few friends over to celebrate his 16th birthday. His parents allow this, and Mom will be just down the street with her best friendLisa, whose daughter, Annie, is attending the party and has grown up with Joe. Mom supplies some beer and cider, hoping it will keep the kids away from bringing in hard liquor.
But alcohol proves to be the least of their worries. Eve gets a frantic phone call from Joe and soon Annie is in a coma. She has either taken or been given Ecstasy, and she may or may not ever wake up. When Lisa shuts Eve completely out of their lives, Eve vows to get to the bottom of the story, whatever it takes. She owes it to her best friend and, most of all, to Annie.
What I like here is that no one is simply drawn. I found Eve somewhat unlikable, and she becomes a bit more unlikable when you learn that Noah was married when she helped break up his first family. Noah may or may not be cheating on Eve, the cycle repeating itself. There are not good guys and bad guys here so much as there are shades of gray to everyone. What I like most about this author is that I have rarely guessed where she is going with the plot twists, which keeps me very engaged throughout. Yet somehow, the twist never feels inauthentic, like a gotcha.
If you enjoy a well-crafted thriller that keeps you guessing until the end, give this book a read, and I recommend checking out her other two I mentioned as well! I listened to the audiobook, which I felt captured Eve’s voice just as I would have imagined it, and I thank #NetGalley #Bookouture #AJMcDine for the advance listen. This publishes on Oct. 21!
Definitely a gripping story, though I wouldn't classify it as a thriller. A house party for teenagers goes terribly wrong when one of the attendees takes drugs and becomes unresponsive. The parents rush back from where they are to try to make sense of the situation and find out: who gave her the drugs and will she make it? More of a domestic drama as the attendee in question is the god-daughter of the main character. A good story, well written and well narrated.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookoture, and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
This book was the best audiobook I've listened to so far! The narrator was perfect for the storyline and the plot was interesting to try to determine. When everyone has secrets, do you adopt them or expose them? I enjoyed the different aspects of trying to identify the culprit. This was my first book by A J McDine and it won't be my last. Not everyone gets a happy ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everyone Has Secrets by A.J. McDine is a thriller wrapped in lies, revenge, jealousy and heartbreak.
This book will examine the families and dark shadows that cover them. It will touch on delicate topics such as drug use and its consequences. This is not a typical thriller where you can't wait for the twists; you just want to know! For your peace of mind, for understanding of what happened?
Some twists come in unexpectedly, and there are some gasp-out-loud moments, but most importantly it felt like this book had a soul!
When events at Joe's 16 birthday party go horribly wrong, many lives are shattered in pieces!
Eve, who lives in her own world (at least this is how it felt) finally is made to land on the ground and look into the eyes of harsh life reality! It kind of felt like she built that perfect life in her head and completely ignored the reality, the pain, the dark side of things. Sometimes you must experience tragedy to open your eyes and see that things are not how they look!
Her husband Noah felt like a guy without a backbone. Selfish! No awareness about others. It felt like he lived in a world where he was a centre that everything rotates around.
Don't let me start on Joe - a spoon-fed golden baby who knows how to take but forgets to give!
When tragedy hit the ground, finally they were present! I enjoyed following their journey to learn that life is so much more than they build around! There is so much more! Nothing was how it looked like - no one was who they pretended to be!
I am starting to believe that A.J. McDine can't write a book that I don't like!
This is my third book by her and next year I want to be up to date with all her books!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this copy!
Omg gripping this had me hooked from the blurb. The narration was spot on and high quality. The chapters were short and kept my attention as the increasing number of secrets were revealed from multiple characters. I loved the premise that any parent would do anything to help their child but as the truth was revealed the lines were blurred
This dealt with lots of complex issuses and emotions in a realistic easy to flow and care format. The pov made it so real. The final epilogue gave me chills as it was a final twist that left scope for other stories. Listening to this I was so engrossed the various characters and side secrets thst contributed to the final reveal were so captivating. I loved the misdirection and often went down the same thought process as the characters. I would highly recommend this but be warned the skillful writing and perfect narration in this realistic story may leave you feeling it's too close to the stories in the media and also you might look differently at that kid with the new trainers.
Thank you so much netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
Everyone Has Secrets - A J McDine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narrator: Tamsin Kennard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was filled with lies and twists! I was hooked from the first chapter.
A peaceful neighborhood is shattered when 15 yr old Annie is found unresponsive at Eve's home. Eve's son was celebrating his 16th birthday when Eve suffered an overdose The neighborhood instantly blames Eve for the incident and she must uncover the truth before her son is convicted.
4.5⭐️
A fantastic psychological thriller by A.J. McDine, who I've had the pleasure of reading some of her other books previously so was not disappointed by this.
When Joe is turning 16 he asks his dad if he can have a party to which his mum Eve automatically says and Annie of course (a family friend, the daughter of their best friend Lisa and neighbour) to celebrate. Joes mum decided as it is only a few friends to play xbox what harm can there be although she goes into autopilot mum mode oh we will stay here with her husband saying no we will go to Lisa's (Annie's parents) for the evening we are still close by.
The evening of the party comes and Eve can't shake the feeling of doom that something isn't right but dismisses it and goes to Lisa's where the two couples enjoy an evening together looking over the street where all looks quiet and they feel at peace that all is well until the fateful phonecall that will change everyone's life...!!!
Joe calls his mum Eve to come home immediately in a panic Eve is taken to hospital after taking drugs ecstasy (MDMA) which upon getting to hospital there is no treatment for she is in a coma fighting for her life. Lisa won't speak to Eve, and all of their lives begin to spiral. Where did the drugs come from? Why were there drugs, even in the house, who was involved, Eve makes it her mission to find out whatever the outcome!
There are so many twists and turns in this that make it a fantastic listen from beginning to end. I was absolutely immersed and committed to finding out the truth of the details as everything unfolded. Harsh realities of drug abuse, family dynamics, friendships, relationships, trust issues, teenage angst, and so much more! Highly recommended.
With thanks and gratitude to Netgalley & Bookouture Audio for this ARC in return for an open, honest review.
Gripping from the start, I was eager to race through this thriller. Brilliant narration that was so easy to listen to. This was my first read by this author but won’t be my last.
Suspense, suspect relationships, twisty, current relatable themes all mixed in around a fantastic story regarding 2 blended families.
Great read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review!
I recently listened to the audiobook of "Everyone Has Secrets" by AJ McDine, and I absolutely loved it! The story intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, each grappling with their own hidden truths and the complexities of their relationships. It's a thought-provoking exploration of trust and the impact of secrets on our lives.
The narrator was truly exceptional! Their voice added depth to the characters, and the flow was fantastic, keeping me engaged throughout. The pacing allowed me to fully absorb the emotional weight of the story without feeling rushed. Overall, this audiobook captured my attention from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling listen!
Eve is living a peaceful and happy life with her husband and son. She has a beautiful dream home and her life looks perfect. But after her best friend's daughter is found on their kitchen floor unable to breath at her son's 16th birthday party, things quickly start to unravel. Friends turn into accusing neighbors and everyone in her family seems to be keeping secrets and lying about what happened that night.
This thriller had me hooked following Eve to find answers of what happened at the party and what secrets her son and husband are keeping from her.
I listened to the audiobook and narration was done great and easy to listen to. (After you finish the book, go back to the prologue again! Shook!)
Thank you to Bookouture audio and NetGalley for this ELC for review. Expected publish date is Oct. 21, 2024.
Eve Griffiths is your average mom to a sixteen-year-old boy. She has a happy marriage with her husband Noah and a job as a maths teacher at the local girls school.
But her perfect life that she's taken for granted all comes crashing down when she allows her son Joe, to have a small gathering at the house for his birthday. She and Noah agree, going across the street to Eve's best friend Lisa's house, while her daughter Annie attends Joe's party.
It seems innocent enough, six kids playing x-box and hanging out at the house. But Eve can't shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong.
She gets her answer when her son calls her upset. Annie is seizing and they need to call an ambulance.
They discover that Annie, a straight A level headed girl has taken ecstasy and has now fallen into a coma.
The town blames their family, and Eve gets suspended from her job. For the sake of getting her life back and justice for Annie, Eve goes on a hunt to find who gave Annie the drugs and where did they get it from.
As Eve starts to dig, she learns of more and more secrets that have been kept from her, learning that her perfect life may not have ever been perfect in the first place.
Though predictable, AJ McDine keeps the audience captivated until the very end.
Everyone Has Secrets by A J McDinewas and narrated by Tamsin Kennardan was an excellent addictive audiobook/book, a great nail-biting psychological thriller which was very addictive, It was a gripping throughout with lots of twists and turns throughout that had you sitting on the edge of your seat!!!.
WoW this was so good, I found it hard to put it down, so glad I had the audiobook to listen to whilst I was renovating. I loved it.
A superb book I can not recommend it enough.......The narrator Tamsin Kennardan was excellent she drew you into the story.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio and bookouture for my ARC's.
Everyone Has Secrets
An utterly addictive and gripping psychological thriller with edge-of-your-seat suspense
by A J McDine
Narrated by Tamsin Kennard
I received an ARC of this audiobook from Netgalley.
First, I want to say the narrator was fantastic from start to finish!
The main character, Eve, discovers that everyone around her has secrets that she had never thought they would have. Of course everyone has secrets - but the secrets around her change her life and the life of her family forever.
Eve was way too naive and blaise in her thoughts to be believable. She’s painted as an intellectual with teacher abilities and the ability to reason things out, but as being someone who never truly searched for the truth before and all of a sudden becomes a hardened amateur sleuth.
I kept thinking is she naive or has she been purposefully blind? Is she mentally competent or not? I mean the sheer number of truths she uncovers can only have happened because she was stupid, too self-involved, or careless or all 3.
I liked the book, but it could have been better. The last hour was awesome though - so I do suggest this book!
A serious slow burn psychological thriller with a final quarter that brings everything together in a way that is completely satisfying. As a parent I already knew having teenagers was hard, but wow this book showed me that it could be a lot worse! The epilogue especially gives a new perspective to everything that came before!
I found myself feeling for Eve throughout as she threw herself into collecting clues to ensure her beloved son wasn't accused of murder. There were parts where I found myself angry at her naivety towards situations - though I know this is all necessary to understand her true character.
I liked the hook that was presented in the first line. The crime itself was introduced very early on (I hate when you have to wait for a crime to occur). It's quite fun to play along with Eve as she gets to the bottom of the crime.
Appreciate that I guessed the murderer incorrectly.
Loved the way the characters turned on the family once the crime was committed - lots of shady character work in this one.
My only critique would be the level of suspense or narrative momentum didn't seem to hold throughout.
I would recommend this book to fans of domestic (household) mystery books. Easy very quick read.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Title: Everyone Has Secrets
Author: A.J. McDine
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: Tamsin Kennard
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Pub Date: October 21, 2024
Star Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 361
Eve and Lisa are neighbors as well as best friends. They share a special bond ever since Eve and husband Noah moved to the area. Eve and Lisa were both expecting and ended up having babies two weeks apart. Joe, Eve’s son was born first and then Lisa had Annie.
Now Joe will be turning 16 and would like to have a few friends over to hang out and play Xbox. Eve isn’t sure about this however Noah convinces Eve it is time to cut the apron strings. Annie is friends will Joe so will be at the party. Eve and Noah plan to spend the evening at Lisa’s which is next door so it would be easy to check for party crashers and also not let things get out of control.
However Eve gets a panic call from Joe that Annie has passed out and he is worried. The adults rush over and find Annie on the floor. It appears there were drugs at the party and Annie had Ecstasy. Joe is immediately a suspect. Lisa explodes and doesn’t want anything to do with Eve.
Although Annie’s life hangs on by a thread, Lisa does come around as she knows how much Eve loves Annie. Eve vows she will find the truth as to what happen and whodunit.
Although I am a fan of this author as well as Tamsin Kennard - I had I hard time with these foul-mouth characters. I thought most were unlikeable. I wanted to like Eve. I do understand being a mom of a teenage is difficult. As teems are not yet young adults but beleive they know it all.
As the story unravels we learn that Eve is not the saintly wife we thought - seventeen years ago she was the 'other woman'. Noah was married to Jenny and had a young son Billie. Not going to say any more about this but will keep you wondering if this played any role in Joe’s situation.
I do think this story will make a great book club discussion.
This is my third A.J. McDine story, my favorite was "The Photo".
A.J. lives in Kent, UK and is married to A.J. Willis; also a psychological thriller author. They have two sons and three rescue cats.
She worked as a journalist and police press officer until she realized writing fiction was much more fun. Now she is the author of six dark, domestic thrillers. Her goal is to keep readers guessing till the very last page.
She writes dark, domestic thrillers about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. When she’s not writing, playing tennis or attempting to run a 5k, she can usually be found people-watching in her favorite café.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this early audio Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 21, 2024.