A perfect life, a perfect lie. A compelling new read for fans of Liane Moriarty and Lisa Jewell.
‘LITTLE SECRETS is utterly brilliant – it’s a wolf of a thriller in suburban sheep’s clothing!’ – Qarnita Loxton, author of the much-loved ‘Being’ series
LITTLE SECRETS
by Gail Schimmel
Picador Africa, 2024
(via The Lennon-Ritchie Agency)
Monique and Ben Cohen have been married for 25 years. They both know that they didn’t get married for the right reasons, but they’re happy with the decision they made. They have a good life, in a beautiful house, with three children that they adore. It all worked out in the end. Or did it?
Monique has become obsessed with being the perfect wife and mother. Her sense of self is attached to the compliments she receives from friends and relatives. From her appearance to her home to her children – nobody will be allowed to see the cracks.
Ben knows that he gave up on a part of himself and his dreams when he married Monique. He’s an actuary, working for a corporate, and not the artist that he longed to be. If anyone asks, he’s happy.
Their daughter Rose is struggling with her friendships and the daunting world of teenage parties. But she knows that even if she gets frustrated, Monique’s rules will keep her safe.
Until Ben meets Daisy. And Rosie meets Margie. And everything starts to fall apart.
Gail Schimmel is the author of seven novels including The Aftermath (2019) and Never Tell A Lie (2021). She writes domestic noir and pacy thrillers that feature women and characters with secrets. She is an admitted attorney with four degrees to her name. Gail also writes cosy crime as part of writing duo Katie Gayle.
All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret… Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They’re admired in their community and are a loving family―until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken. A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She’s lost her son; she’s not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix. But as she sets a plan in motion, another revelation surfaces. Derek’s lover might know what happened to their son. And so might Derek.