This family reunion should’ve been a fresh start for us all ….but now someone is dead.
My heart is thumping with fear as I stare out at the snow-capped mountains. This ski trip to the French Alps was meant to be a chance for me and my two sisters to put the past behind us after years of not speaking. Instead, I’m expecting the police to knock on the door of our chalet.
I’d planned for our families to get to know each other, sipping hot chocolate while laughing together around the fireplace.
I didn’t think our winter getaway would end in murder . . .
Any one of us could be the killer. We all have a motive. And we’ve all been lying.
I should never have come here. If anyone discovers my secret my life will be in danger. Can I trust my own family? Or am I next . . . ?
The Family Secret is a riveting psychological thriller and the second book in the Bailey Family series. Although this book can be read as a standalone, it’s beneficial to start with “The Christmas Party” to grasp the complexities of the family dynamics of sisters Sasha, Erin, and Leah Bailey. The story picks up shortly after the events of book 1, with the Bailey family attempting to mend their fractured relationships during a holiday in the French Alps. It all starts to go downhill when Leah, a successful influencer, receives threatening messages from a blackmailer. Meanwhile, Sasha abuses alcohol as her husband is in jail for the murder of Erin’s husband, causing great tension between the sisters. When a body is discovered in a nearby chalet, the sisters’ secrets are at risk of being exposed, and their mother, Nadia, becomes determined to protect her daughters.
The story is fast-paced, easy to follow, and full of unexpected twists. The eerie French Alps are the perfect suspenseful and atmospheric backdrop—just like some of the characters, this icy setting is so intense that you can literally feel the chill in the air! The narrative toggles between the 1st-person POVs of sisters Leah, Erin, Sasha, and their mother Nadia, giving an entertaining insight into each character’s complex motivations—and readers can easily and accurately judge the trustworthiness and integrity of each sister!
All of the central characters from “The Christmas Party”, and the author provides detailed backstories for each—although it may feel a bit repetitive if you’ve read book 1. The characters in this book are morally grey and unlikeable, with the exception of the mother, Nadia. Her unconditional love for her daughters is admirable and provides for some heartfelt dialogue that is very realistic. The late introduction of a male POV for a surprise character adds another layer of intrigue and suspense to the story and makes the final scenes unpredictable. By the end, readers will find it difficult to know who to root for, as all the characters make bad decisions and show signs of ruthlessness!
At just over 250 pages, and with short chapters, this book can easily be devoured in a single day. The story has even pacing and features twists throughout, not just at the end. The tension does escalate toward the end with some high-stakes family drama scenes that will leave readers questioning the true nature of family loyalty. The unexpected “cliffhanger-ish” ending leaves big questions unanswered, and readers will be eager to read the 3rd book in the series, Her Daughter’s Lies, to get some much needed answers!
In summary, “The Family Secret” is an engrossing thriller that explores the dark undercurrents of family relationships. Narrators Esther Wane, Rachael Beresford, and Stewart Crank all deliver suspenseful and engaging performances, bringing all the family tension to life for an unstoppable listening experience! Readers who enjoy popcorn thrillers, stories about family secrets/betrayals, and cunning and dramatic FMCs should consider reading all books in this series!
