Book review: Our Little Secret + competition

By Darren O'Sullivan

Published by HQ

Synopsis: Chris is ready to join his wife. He’s planned this moment for nearly a year. The date. The time. The train. But he hadn’t factored in Sarah.

So when Sarah walks on to the platform and sees a man swaying at the edge she assumes he’s just had too much to drink. What she doesn’t expect is to stop a suicide.

As Sarah becomes obsessed with discovering the secrets that Chris is clearly hiding, he becomes obsessed with stopping her, protecting her.

But there are some secrets that are meant to stay buried…

How did this book end up in my hands? I have received a copy of this book from the wonderful publicists at HQ in exchange of an honest review. They didn’t need to ask twice!

Was it a page-turner? Yes, yes and yes. The book is completely addictive and it is wonderfully scattered with plot twists that leave you open-mouthed and hooked.

Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? The book met and exceeded expectations. The synopsis is pretty accurate but it is what it is – a synopsis – and can’t therefore fully prepare the reader for what is to come. For example, I expected it to be mysterious but I didn’t expect to be crying sad tears within the first 30 pages.

Did I like the ending? I did, yes, but I was torn until the very end regarding what I wanted to happen to Chris. I can’t delve too deep into this without giving some spoilers so I won’t. I’ll just say that I trust the author and his choice.

Did the book leave me with unanswered questions? No, everything fell into place by the end of the book. That’s not to say that I would have minded knowing more about Chris and his youth, for example.

Three words to describe it. Surprising. Moving. Hair-raising (in a good way!).

Do I like the cover? Love it. I had a lot of fun taking pictures with it and I hope to see many more readers doing that.

Have I read any other books by the same author? No. I am actually kicking myself for not taking the opportunity to review his second book, Close Your Eyes, when it was offered.

Will I want to read other books by the same author? Yes, please.

Will I be recommending this book? Definitely. It’s gripping and everything that any adrenaline-seeking reader needs. Having said that, it is also a book that makes you think as it touches on some relatively serious issues.

Anything else? Every chapter begins with an indication of where the action is taking place, mostly somewhere in Cambridge and Peterborough – without forgetting March train station. I can see a book-inspired road trip at some point in the future!

But that's not all! Courtesy of HQ, I have a copy of the book to offer to one lucky winner. Yay! To enter, please follow me on Twitter and retweet the competition post by 13/05. Every comment left below will count as an extra entry (only one per person). UK only. Good luck!