Every Little Secret
by Ruby Speechley
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Pub Date 23 Apr 2020 | Archive Date 14 Apr 2020
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Description
She believed the lies... The truth will destroy her.
Maddy Saunders’ life is unravelling. After the heartbreaking, unexpected death of 5-year-old daughter Chloe, she’s trying desperately to keep her family together for other daughter, Emily. But when the police inform her that husband Max is missing, the rucksack found at the bottom of a local canal leading them to believe he has taken his own life, her grief takes a new and sharper turn.
Unable to believe that Max would abandon her and Emily, Maddy desperately searches for clues as to what has happened to her husband. But as she delves deeper into his secrets, Maddy finds a web of betrayal that forces her to re-examine everything about the life they have built together.
Maddened by grief, and forced into untangling Max’s lies, Maddy will stop at nothing to uncover the truth – even if it destroys her in the process.
A gripping, absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller that will have you hooked – perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Shalini Boland and B.A. Paris.
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9781912973255 |
PRICE | £1.99 (GBP) |
Featured Reviews
Completely destroyed by the death of her five year old little girl, Maddy Saunders is nevertheless trying to hold things together for the sake of her other child, Emily. Still, even her efforts falter when it appears that her husband Max, has committed suicide. How could Max leave her to face the future alone? Believing there has been some mistake, Maddie sets out to try to find out what really happened to her husband, but what she uncovers leaves her feeling more hurt, confused and enraged than ever. Some secrets are better never seeing the light of day
I enjoyed this mystery novel with its wonderful cast of characters and gorgeous prose. The storyline was engaging and flowed seamlessly.
Highly recommended!
My heart went out to Maddie when we first meet her. To lose a child is bad enough but then when her husband goes missing shortly after, well I could feel her whole world falling apart even further.
It’s hard to say to much about this story without giving any spoilers away. Things are not as clear cut as they first appear to be. In Maddie’s mission to discover the truth, she makes some shocking discoveries about her husband.
There is no way you can not get caught up in what is going on in Maddie’s life. There is a sense of foreboding, urging you to keep on going to see how things are going to turn out. I was desperate for Maddie and her daughter Emily to get a happy ending from all that is going on. Obviously you will have to read it for yourself to find out if they do get one or not.
Every Little Secret will leave you wondering how well you really know your partner. It makes for a compulsive read of which at times, pulled on my emotions. Who knows how any of us would react when pushed to the limit. A taut, gripping read that will have you turning the pages late into the night.
This book was good. I love this genre. I shall be looked more books by this author
I shall be recommending this author to others
When Maddy's husband Max goes missing, she is distraught. Still suffering with the loss of her youngest daughter Chloe, she is resolved to find out what happened to him. Maddy ends up finding out there is a whole other side to her husband she didn't know about...
This book gripped me from the start! The action started immediately, which i find isn't the case in many books, so I really appreciated that. Enough was given away throughout that you weren't frustrated reading it, and you were kept wrapped in the story to the end. It was pacy and exciting.
I thought the character development was done really well. Seeing Maddy's shift once she started finding out things she was unaware of was done expertly.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that are fast-paced and well developed.
A solid 4 star read for me!
I have been waiting for Ruby's second book to come out after reading Someone Else's Bay and I wasn't disappointed.
A great book that held my interest throughout, plenty of twists and turns with great characters and extremely well written.
Well done Ruby I look forward to number 3.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this great book.
Maddy is having a hard time after losing her 5-year-old daughter to meningitis, but things get even worse when her husband Max vanishes. Police think he has taken his own life but Maddy doesn't believe this. She takes matters into her own hands to find out the truth, but she may just find out more secrets than she ever could have imagined...
This is a gripping thriller that kept me enthralled to the very end. I liked how the story moved between the past and present and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters. A recommended read.
Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy. I love Ruby's books. I was a little confused at first with the "two guys" but then figured out what was going on. Secrets, lies, trust issues-all in this book. Poor Maddy just can't seem to catch a break, and shows what can happen to someone who has too many heartbreaking issues close together. I did like her first book better but this one was good as well.
WOW! Couldn't put this one down!
Maddy is visited by the local police to advise her that her husband, Max, is most likely dead. His rucksack was found in the water by a bridge not far from Maddy and Max's home. (But wasn't Max out of town for work?) A key is found bound to the rucksack later on by Maddy.
Heartbreak seems to run in Maddy's life. Their daughter, Chloe, died from meningitis at the age of 5 not long ago. But is Max possibly alive? If so - where IS he?
This story twists between 2011 and 2019 and all of the incidents that lead up to the ending. However, many twists along the way intersperse for a riveting read...
Highly Recommend!!!
Many Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for a wonderful adventure.
my 1st read from this author and very much enjoyed .Maddy and her husband Max .have to come to terms of there daughter s death .one afternoon Maddy opens the door to find 2 policemen on doorstep Max has gone missing all they find is his rucksack i not going to do spoilers but how this story unfolds is just brilliant this book would be any wifes nightmare very twisty and a can not stop reading book just brilliant
I really felt for each of the characters. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend if you enjoy psychological thrillers. Very well written. Will look for more by this author.
Mandy is mourning the death of her younger, five-year-old daughter, Chloe when police tell her that her husband, Max, has taken his life by jumping into a river leaving his rucksack behind. But his body isn't found and Mandy can't believe that Max is dead, too.
The book is written in two timelines so we learn what has led up to Max's disappearance and what Mandy discovers as a result of searching for the truth. Every Little Secret is a fast-paced psychological thriller perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh and Alice Feeney. Thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read and review it.
This has definitely been a gripping read. I haven’t been able to put this one down. It has gripped me and kept me guessing throughout.
Initially, the cover of this one attracted me but the story has been equally as good. Definitely one I recommend.
Maddy’s life is turned upside down. Shortly after her young daughter passes away she hears from the police that her husband has gone missing. Maddy starts to search for her husband and finds out things she never thought were possible.
This is my first read from Ruby Speechley and i really enjoyed it! It was a fast paced intriguing read. I needed to know what was going on! I felt a lot of feelings reading this book, shock, sadness, anger and happiness. It was quite a ride. I recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: April 23 2020
The first book I’ve read from this author and I was totally addicted to it.
Maddie is coming to terms with the death of her daughter Chloe aged 5 to Meningitis. When the police knock at her door she is distraught to hear that her Husband Max may have jumped off a bridge, his rucksack was found in the water below.
This story is told from several people’s perspectives and we get to see what Max was dealing with up to the night of his disappearance.
Maddy starts to investigate what has happened to Max and without giving anything away, discovers a side of her husband she never knew!!
I was completely swept away, with its numerous twists along the way. This will keep you hooked until the last page.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. If you want a thriller with twists and turns and great characters you will really enjoy this book. I loved it.
Every Little Secret hooked me in right from the start. Lonely girl Maddy Saunders hires down-on-his-luck Max to do some renovation work on her inherited badly-in-need-of-an-update house. Somewhat predictably, they fall in love, get married, and start a family. but what happens next is anything but predictable. Surprisingly to Maddy, Max takes his own life, and, after the police find his backpack, what she finds inside leads Maddy on a search to find some answers. It’s then that Ruby Speechley takes the reader on a twisty, dark, roller coaster of events.
In order to keep this review spoiler free, that’s where I’m going to end my synopsis, but let me just say that Speechley takes several what could be overdone and predictable plots and makes them unique and fresh, constantly making the reader think, “Did that just really happen?” Although this was my first Ruby Speechley book, it’s definitely not my last! Every Little Secret has all the elements of just what it takes to make a great psychological thriller!
Thanks to Ruby Speechley, Hera Books, and Netgalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
With a cover like that, how could the book not be addictive. I was zapped into the energy of the story as if it dared me to stop reading. Could I? Stop reading? No...siree...no. From beginning to end, it was a whirlpool of secrets and lies, revealed to me with a jaw-dropping effect often times. I tell ya... That author Ruby Speechley had a wicked mind that proved the adage - Hell hath no fury than a woman betrayed.
Having revelled in her previous book, I jumped into this one with a gutso. Max disappeared, his rucksack was found in the waters of the local canal. Did he jump from the bridge? Maddie his wife was shattered; they had just lost their baby daughter Chloe. Was that the reason which caused him to take such a drastic step? Every word written by this talented author invigorated me to read further. A chapter went on to two more until I reached the end at 4 am. This book was so worth losing sleep over.
Different POVs and dual timelines, the story opened the door to the lives of these characters. Clues led to investigation which led to reactions and counter actions, each one a vicious cycle. Grief and lies were a deadly combination. Shocks and minor tremors were felt every few chapters. The author knew how to keep the plot pulsating.
One compulsive read which was a domestic drama written in a suspenseful manner. The guys at Hera know how to pull out a winner!!
Always a Hera girl!!
If you like psychological thrillers you’ll enjoy this. It has twists and turns with characters you really feel for. This will have you turning pages until the end.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
Oh my my!!! What a thrill ride!!!!
This juicy little book is one that you will not want to put down!
Maddy is devastated by the sudden death of her youngest daughter and not even a month later, her husband disappears off a bridge, leaving behind only his rucksack. Police are assuming suicide, but they have not found his body. Maddy goes on a search to find out what happened to her husband. She's convinced that he would not abandon her and their other daughter, Emily and the unborn baby that she's carrying.
I stayed up much too late and night devouring this book! Ruby Speechley is one of my new favorite authors, what a book!
A special thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books, and Ruby Speechley for providing me with an ARC.
Tents and gripping. Ruby Speechley has written a compulsive and emotional thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mady recently lost her five-year-old daughter Chloe to meningitis. Trying to keep her self and her other daughter Emily‘s life together is a daily struggle. When the police show up at her front door to let her know that they believe her husband has committed suicide she does not know what to think. Mady cannot believe that her husband would do this to her, this leads to her trying to figure out the truth. As Mady begins to look into her husbands actions she begins to realize she really did not know him at all. What follows is a complex twisted story that held my interest from first page to last.
This is a difficult book to review because I don’t want to give away anything. Just know you will be right there beside Mady shaking your head and rolling your eyes. mady is a character you will definitely sympathize with and route four. I found myself crossing my fingers that Mady and Emily would get a happy ending.
*** Big thank you to Hera Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. A book must really stand out now in this genre because there are now sooo many out there and this one did!! It was a wonderful thrilling riding from beginning to end!
Maddy Saunders gets a visit from the police saying her husband may have jumped off a bridge. He was spotted by someone on the railing and all that was found was his backpack. Maddy recognizes all of the items in the backpack except for a key with a number on it.
Maddy soon learns that Max has quit his job and that he was not a business partner where he worked as he had previously told her. In addition, his work attendance had been rather spotty.
Maddy is mother to Emily, Chloe and is expecting again. Sadly, young Chloe passed away a few weeks ago from meningitis. The family is still reeling from her death and now this. Could Max not have been able to live with the death of his precious daughter?
Maddy is beside herself trying to figure out what Max was doing if not working away from home as he told her. Determined to find the answer, she looks for any clue and the path she discovers uncovers something she never could imagine.
This book lets the reader know the big secret right away and then lets us see how Max was living his life. Of course, it is sad what he has done but he is obviously a weak man, but one who takes his responsibilities seriously even when what he is doing is wrong. I found some of the characters to be very gritty and the awful ways they live their lives. I hope that I have not deterred readers from this book nor given out any spoilers. Reminds me of the quote, “O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” A favorite of mine!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If dynamic thrillers give you a buzz, then you must read Every Little Secret written by Ruby Speechley. Having read the intriguing synopsis I was hoping that I was going to be in for a treat with this one and it was such a fantastic novel!
Meet Maddy Saunders who is struggling to cope after the heartbreaking, unexpected death of her five-year-old daughter Chloe. She’s desperately attempting to keep her family together for the sake of her other daughter, Emily. But then the local police inform her that Max, her husband is missing, and the rucksack found at the bottom of a local canal has lead them to believe he has taken his own life. Maddy doesn't believe that Max would do that and so she embarks on her own search to discover what may have happened...
In Every Little Secret, the author explores the darkest corners of psychological torment in a mesmerising and chilling tale of menace, secrets, lies, and deviousness.
Narrated from multiple viewpoints, I was given the opportunity to see things from several angles, making the story altogether more interesting. The author cleverly drip-fed the reader snippets of key information so I was never exactly sure what the next development might be which also fuelled my need to continue reading. The characterisation was excellent, the characters very credible, though none were particularly likeable. However, I don't think this mattered as they perfectly befitted the storyline anyway. Every Little Secret brought me no disappointments, capturing my attention from the prologue to the final word. Ruby Speechley created an underlying sense of tension that was unyielding. I appreciated the tautness of the plot, the twists and revelations, and the overall quality of the writing. My interest never waned as the story barrelled its way towards an interesting resolution.
Every Little Secret is compelling fiction that I can highly recommend and I will be seeking a copy of Someone Else's Baby, the author's début novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Hera Books via NetGalley at my request and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Every Little Secret by Ruby Speechley is an exciting mystery thriller. Wow, this was a wild ride! So many twists and turns, that kept me turning pages until I was done. I recommend this for anyone looking for a fast paced read. I will be reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Holy crap is this book messed up and I loved it in all of its deranged glory!
Maddy and Max are just kind of recovering from their daughter Chloe's death from meningitis and they have found out they are pregnant with their third child.
Then all of a sudden Max disappears without a trace.
This book is psychologically twisted with many twists and turns. It is written from a few different perspectives in past and present.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Maddy has such a beautiful life. Everything she has always wanted. Then, her oldest daughter,Chloe, dies and Maddy begins a slow descent into madness.
With the anniversary of Chloe's death coming up, Max, Maddy's husband, goes missing, With no body, the police suspect suicide. Maddy refuses to believe that Max is dead. She continues waiting for his return, as much for her youngest daughter, Emily, as for herself.
What she doesnt know is that Max is not his real name. What she doesnt know is that Max has gotten himself into an extraordinary mess. What she doesnt know is that Max has lost complete control. What she doesnt know will be the catalyst that drives Maddy to the edge of the abyss.
Will anyone come out of this unscathed? The answer is no.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Ruby Speechley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review
If you’re looking for something that will take you right out of lockdown life, then look no further. This twisty-turny thriller is full of suspense, and the writer ratchets up the tension with almost every page. In fact I’d say it’s almost the definition of a page turner. I was totally absorbed in the story to the point where I was reading this book while cooking supper, much to my husband’s surprise! It’s about – well, that’s the thing. You think it’s one story but then you find out it’s something much, much darker…
Every Little Secret starts off focused on grieving mother, Maddy, who is struggling to cope with the death of her daughter Chloe – only to be hit with a second blow when the police tell her that her husband Max is missing, presumed drowned. As she tries to hold it together for the sake of her other child, she becomes consumed by the desire to find out what really happened to Max. Maddy’s sleuthing leads her into some dark places, and the twists and turns of the plot become almost – but not quite – unbelievable.
It’s hard to write a review of this book without giving the game away, but one of the things I particularly enjoyed about it was the way that the author got into the heads of the key protagonists, telling their parallel stories, so that from a psychological point of view, you really understood why they acted in particular ways at different times. The characters were so well drawn, and I liked the fact that the end wasn’t obvious, reflecting the messiness of human relationships. I’d definitely read another novel by this author, and found it a great escape at these difficult times.
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This read had me questioning everything I know about my partner! Completely terrifying!
Intriguing and fast-paced, the plot unfolded perfectly, delivering a story that pulled on my emotions and invested me in the character's lives. I couldn't help but feel for Maddy and my heart dropped everytime a new piece of information was revealed. I was gripped from start to finish!
While I was left feeling rather unsatisfied by that conclusion, I have so many questions!, I still would definitely recommend this book.
Can't wait for this author's next!
A great read, such a roller coaster! It pulled me in from the first page worth its twists and turns. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others!
Maddy Saunders is working in her mothers restaurant when she meets Max. Both of them are immediate smitten with each other. Max is a builder, decorator. He starts helping Maddy restore her parents old house.
Max likes his women blonde and skinny. That's why he is surprised when he is so attracted to Maddy. She is Voluptuous and has dark hair. She's gorgeous and he loves her. They soon marry and have two beautiful little girls. Maddy is pregnant with their third child. They are hoping for a boy
Max runs into an old friend and discovers his old girlfriend is around. He's curious. Last time he saw her, her father paid him off, gave him a new identity and sent him on his way. He was never to contact his old girlfriend again.
The wheels of time have turned and things that Max didn't expect will happen. What he decides to do will change his future and all those connected to him.
A great read of love, betrayal, and second chances.
4☆ Gripping, Suspenseful, Twisty, Compelling and I Highly Recommend Reading it.
Maddie is having a heartbreaking time, she has just lost her 5yr old daughter Chloe to meningitis and now just 3 weeks later the police have just told her that her husband Max has just killed himself, leaving behind just his bag.
Maddie has no idea why Max would kill himself leaving behind her and their other daughter 7yr old Emily
Was it grief? Why did he leave behind the bag? Was he in some kind of trouble?
These are all the questions Maddie so desperately needs answers too. So she decides that the only way to get answers is to go look. But will Maddie like what she's about to uncover? Was it grief that drove him off that bridge?
Every Little Secret is a compelling thriller with a dash of Mystery, that will keep you gripped till the very end.
Maddie is a character you will route for as she uncovers secrets and the truth. My heart went out to her, to go through what she's been through, and then finding the strength to carry on and get answers just highlights how amazing she is.
There are plenty of cleverly plotted twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing.
I appreciated the multiple POV especially as you got discover Max's story. Which I love with my thrillers.
Overall a fab thriller that is gripping, suspenseful, Twisty, compelling and I highly recommend reading it.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Maddy’s five year old daughter has died recently and she’s trying to keep her family together.
But one day the police turn up with max her husbands rucksack from the local canal and then people saw max jump in the water. Muddy doesn’t believe max would leave her.
While looking through the rucksack she finds a key with a plot number on it.
As Maddy delves onto finding out what happened to max and in doing so uncovers more and more secrets.
Great Read
Thanks NetGalley
This was an easy to read thriller that kept my attention all the way through! Lots of twists and surprises I didn't see coming. Very good, would recommend
Having read Ruby's previous book, Some One Elses Baby, and enjoyed that very much - I was excited for Every Little Secret, and certainly wasn't disappointed. Thank you to Hera and the author for the review opportunity.
Ruby has a talent of starting her novels with dramatic scenes that reel you into the characters lives, troubles and this makes you a witness to the family that is falling apart with your very eyes. This story is filled with tension and secrets, that will have you desperate to keep reading to find out what really happened. There were times I was dreading the next chapter because I was engaged with the characters, I wanted them to have happy moments, only to see their world turned upside down.
Very twisty and would certainly recommend to readers who enjoy thrillers by Rona Halsall and KL Slater,
This would have made a cracking tv drama #justsaying
This book was highly compelling and full of suspense. This book has held my attention right to the very end. It is told by different perspectives which makes it interesting. The cover grabbed my attention. I always love a good cover !! I kept second guessing what would happen. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
Maddy and Max lost their 5 year old daughter Chloe just months ago. They've been trying to keep their life from falling apart for their older daughter Emily and the baby they are expecting. But then Max goes missing, seemingly dead at his own hand, leaving Maddy to pick up the pieces and to find answers to her questions.
Why does he have a key to someone else's house? Who is Max, really?
I found this one a bit of a slow burner, if I'm honest.
We start with the disappearance of Max, and his wife Maddy tries to make some sense of the situation. She soon realises she didn't really know Max and discovers the secrets he's been hiding. Around this point, the story picks up and it leads to a fast paced, gripping story.
I really enjoyed this one.
Another hit for Ruby Speechley! Every Little Secret is a multi-layered domestic thriller which captures your attention right off and deftly guides and speeds you to the amazing end!
Can't give away too much. Maddy's life was perfect, until her daughter died. Then her husband goes missing. She is determined to find out what has happened to him but soon realizes maybe she didn't know him at all. A tense, twisty story!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the advance ecopy.
Maddie, Maddie Maddie you broke my heart. Attempting to live with the grief of losing a young daughter when her husband goes missing and the police suspect suicide. How could he, in the middle of this trauma, desert her? Maddie can’t believe it and sets out to discover the truth and, oh dear, it goes from bad to worse. This is a beautifully written gripping thriller that I highly recommend. So much better than the cover let’s on. Five star read for sure.
I enjoyed this book told from the views of several of the characters the story is revealed slowly I felt for Maddie but NOT mad ...... See what you think
I thought this book was good with several twists and turns although for me it was a little slow in the beginning
Loved Speechley's other books so I decided to request this. Although I was delighted to be sent an Arc of Every Little Secret, I had problems with my e-reader from March onwards so I didn't manage to finish reading it. :( The first few chapters were promising though. I will probably get myself a physical copy.
Thank you Netgalley for the free eArc in exchange for an honest review.