The Secrets Between Us is a domestic thriller that starts with a seemingly innocent photo that quickly spirals into a suspense-filled unraveling of a series of secrets, lies, and betrayals. It is a fast-paced read that kept me turning page after page until the end.
At the center of the story is Amy Taylor, a meticulous handbag repair shop owner who believes she has the perfect life with a loving husband, a wonderful son, and a comfortable suburban lifestyle. But everything changes when she discovers a school photo in her husband’s dry cleaning of a boy that looks exactly like her son, only it isn’t. What begins as a nagging suspicion turns into a manic 72-hour race to uncover the truth before her husband, Craig, returns from a business trip. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, the author throws in another curveball.
I absolutely love the pacing of the story. The short chapters and countdown structure give it a sense of urgency, and as Amy’s investigation takes some increasingly wild turns, a few plot points stretch believability and some secondary characters feel a little flat, but the central mystery remains compelling throughout. Amy is an easy character to root for even though she loves to jump to conclusions too quickly.
I thought the twists at the latter part of the story verge on the over-the-top; it’s very evident that Michaels knows how to craft suspense. The psychological element is there, especially when it comes to trust and perception.
If you love a good domestic thriller with high stakes, fast pacing, and shocking reveals, The Secrets Between Us is worth your time. It is not perfect, but it’s definitely entertaining—and the ending will leave you questioning how well you really know the people closest to you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
Cyan Michaels’ first psychological thriller with Inkubator Books, The Secrets Between Us, will be published on October 12, 2025.
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