What We Do in Secret

by Christina Graves

Karla Cooper is spending her first night home from a lengthy psychiatric stay with a full bottle of pills and a hunger for death...until headlights shine on the garage of the house across the street.

New neighbors.

Now Karla has another obsession—watching from afar, learning everything she can about this seemingly perfect family, the perfect wife. And she has a list of strict rules she abides by in order to never get caught.

But sometimes, not everyone is who they seem to be.

The closer Karla gets to Stevie and her family, the more Karla understands that the darkest secrets are often the most dangerous. Just how far will she go to protect her own?

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Christina Graves is a thriller and horror author rooted in the Deep South, where history and hauntings walk hand in hand. As a lifelong dark fiction enthusiast with a special love for True Crime and 80’s horror films, she’s been called a “masterclass storyteller.”

Christina is the author of two thrillers (Still, Dark Places and What We Do in Secret) and has contributed to the anthologies Devour the Rich and Flashes of Darkness: Volume 1.

She is currently pursuing a BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Marketing. When she’s not writing, a rarity, Christina can be found hiking deep in the woods somewhere with her husband, three gremlins, and their old dog, Ruth.

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean this in the absolute best way possible...but .. what the fuck?

I couldn't read this book fast enough. God, I love a good unreliable narrator. This book is fast paced and unhinged. Graves is definitely becoming a force to be reckoned with in the thriller community.

Ya now I almost felt sorry for Karla... almost. This was such a wild ride.... delusions, murder, secrets galore. This was so good and I can't recommend it enough.

[Autumn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller fans, buckle up because this one is a ride, yall!

Wtf did i just read? Christina delivers an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat experience with What We Do in Secret. Its got everything a thriller fan wants. Mystery. Betrayal. Jaw-dropping twists! From the very first page, I was hooked. Graves wastes no time pulling you into her dark little world where nothing is as it seems, and trust is a dangerous game.

The pacing is absolutely relentless in  the best way. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on, she flips everything upside down. The twists are smart, well-placed, and keep you guessing right until the very end. I read this in one sitting completely unable to put the book down!

What really stands out is Graves’ writing style. It’s sharp, immersive, and filled with emotional depth. She builds tension, crafts complex characters, and keeps you invested in every secret that’s revealed. It’s the kind of storytelling that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Honestly, I need this to be a movie! It reads like a psychological thriller film already, one you’d want to watch over and over. If you’re into dark secrets, shocking betrayals, and expertly written suspense, this book needs to be at the top of your list.

[Katy Wilkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was just ok. It was highly predictable, odd, and the “twist” was very rushed and confusing. None of the characters were likable so I found myself not caring what happened to anyone.

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!!!!

WHAT - and I have to stress I mean this in the best possible way - THE FUCK?!

I read a ton of murder books. At this point even really well written ones can feel a little been there, done that. Not this popcorn thriller! Karla is a law unto herself. Every single decision she made took me by surprise. There was a section near the end where I thought I knew where things were going. WRONG. I was oh so wrong. I fell for just about every red herring this threw my way and I loved it. This book exemplifies why I always give authors at least two chances before I say no thanks. I liked Christina Graves's first novel but I wasn't over the moon about it. What We Do in Secret? Chef's kiss.

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was a gripping domestic thriller that kept me turning the pages, even when I could see some of the twists coming. While a few moments felt predictable, the story still packed enough tension and intrigue to keep me fully invested. Karla is an absolutely wild character! She’s totally unhinged which definitely made the whole book for me. Christina Graves delivers yet again, and I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next!

[Maude Labrecque · Rating 3 out of 5]

C’était correct! Je l’avais vu passer quelques fois sur un groupe Facebook de lecture. C’était fast-paced et ça ressemblait au style de Freida McFadden. L’histoire était assez accrochante et intriguante. Les « plots twists » n’étaient pas si incroyables, mais c’était quand même bon. Pas un coup de cœur, mais j’ai passé un bon moment!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another unreal read by Christina Graves. I knew it was going to be messed up—I just didn’t realize how much, and honestly? I was not disappointed.

This was such a bingeable read. If I didn’t have responsibilities, I would’ve 100% devoured this in a single sitting. The tension is real, and I found myself muttering wtf?! more than once as the story unfolded. It's twisty, it’s dark, and it kept me guessing with every chapter.

Even though I didn’t particularly like the characters (they’re not meant to be your besties), the story itself had my attention and I needed to know what was going to happen next. There’s this fun, chaotic thriller energy to the whole book that makes it easy to get lost in—and lose sleep over. I stayed up late with this one and I have no regrets.

[Zoe Ov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing and Christina for this arc read. This did not disappoint. A chilling story about moving into the right neighbourhood with the wrong neighbour. Karla just seems to want to make friends with the new couple Stevie and Simon until things start to get a little weird. The plot twists in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! This is definitely a thriller to have this summer!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was crazy but in a good way. It starts off kind of normal, but then things just keep getting worse (and juicier). There’s lying, cheating, backstabbing, and even murder. I thought I knew where it was going, but I was wrong so many times. That’s what made it so fun to read.

The characters felt real, even when they were doing awful stuff. I was mad at almost everyone at some point, but I still wanted to know what would happen to them. The drama just kept building until everything exploded at the end.

If you like stories that mess with your head and keep you guessing, you’ll love this. You won't regret this one. Excellent story and fantastic author!

[Kristina Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fast paced thriller that sucked me in. We’ve all had terrible neighbors, but nothing like this.
The characters are believable and are well developed , so it feels like we know them in real life. I really enjoyed this book!

[Luba Le Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

changed to 5 stars as kept me gripped and devoured the book in only couple of days! to be inside of a mad person's head, wow! to think they live among us. when they should be in a padded cell..to kill AND get away with it .is next level

[Claire Fourdyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t do it for me. Terrible ending.

[carrie charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

The twists were jammed in at the end, felt hurried. Lead up and deeper character development could have helped a lot.

[Dez Nemec · Rating 4 out of 5]

"People in general are captivating. Not the version you meet for brunch or have a minute-long conversation with at the grocery store. Those people aren't real. I want to know who they really are. Who they become when they think no one is watching. If you want to know the truth, you have to witness the things they do in secret."

Karla, back from mental health facility, is captivated by her new neighbors. Instead of the Stepford-like women in the neighborhood, the woman always wears black and is covered in tattoos. She runs at night, and sleep most of the day. Her "husband is" similar, black tattered clothes and ink all over. So she decides a little burglary is in order. After all, what better way to get to know your new neighbors?

Every step Karla takes in the book made me cringe. We are aware that she has done something bad in the past, but we don't know the extent. She is home now and taking care of her ailing mother - or is she? She is desperate to befriend the new neighbors, and goes to extreme lengths to be welcomed in their home. I can't decide whether to feel sorry for her or be afraid of her. At least, not initially...

The more Karla gets to know about them, the worse things seem. Is it possible the new neighbors are hiding more than Karla is? Is it possible they are more dangerous?

I read this in a day. Could not put it down, even when I was supposed to be working. The tension was palpable. Graves is turning into a must-read author for me!

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What We Do in Secret
by Ms. Christina Graves
Publisher: Horrorsmith Publishing
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Length: 288 pages
Triggers: Mental illness, obsession, deception, violence, manipulation

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Did I Just Walk Into?
Quiet neighborhood. New neighbors. One woman with too much time, too many secrets, and absolutely no chill. What starts with a flicker of curiosity spirals into something else entirely. Boundaries? Never heard of ’em.
This book invites you to peer through the blinds… and then yanks them shut just when you think you understand what’s going on.

Here’s What Slapped:
📖 Twisty in the best ways—some landmines you’ll spot, some you’ll step right on
📖 Nobody’s innocent, and that’s half the fun
📖 Perfectly paced chaos that refuses to be predictable
📖 That uncomfortable itch of “is she the villain or just paying attention?”

What Needed Therapy:
📖 A few slow stretches early on, but don’t be fooled—things get weird fast
📖 If you’re looking for someone to root for, good luck with that

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Peeling back the layers of picture-perfect people
📖 Thrillers where the real danger is watching
📖 Obsession with a side of “wait, who’s actually in control here?”
📖 That eerie, creeping sense of “something is definitely off”

Vibe Check:

👁 Voyeurism, but make it deeply personal
🧠 Unreliable everything
🔥 No one’s playing nice and nothing’s what it seems

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Pamela Shrewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

What We Do in Secret by Christina Graves is a dark, slow-burning domestic thriller that explores mental illness, obsession, and the blurry line between protection and paranoia.

The story follows Karla Cooper, recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital, as she returns to her quiet suburban neighborhood. She’s determined to stay out of trouble—but when a new family moves in across the street, her fixation on them quickly spirals out of control. You’re never quite sure whether to fear Karla or feel for her.

This book was creepy, unsettling, and at times, unexpectedly heartbreaking. None of the characters are particularly likable—they all seem to have their own version of crazy—and that only adds to the tension. The plot kept me hooked, and I genuinely needed to know what would happen next. The ending left me with more questions than answers, but in a way that worked.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my YOU BEST BUCKLE UP REAL QUICK.

This book sinks its hooks into you and does not let go. The pace is phenomenal, just when you think you have it all figured out everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down in the best ways. The twists really pop right out at you just when you think you’ve got it down.

The feel of every character is amazing. Graves’ really makes each one feel so real. At one point I swear I was mad at basically every character. The lying, cheating, backstabbing, etc really drags you in hard.

Once everything starts going hard you just can’t look away. If you try it just grips you right back in. I couldn’t get enough!

This seriously should be a movie!

[Leslie Walbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to get my hands on this book by Christina Graves. This is my second book by her and boy is this one just as good if not better than that last on that I read.

This is a book that all thrillers and suspense fans will love from the first page. I tried to sneak reads in on my lunch break because I needed to know what happened right away. I thought I figured it out and then bam, it took another turn. It was fast paced and kept me wanting more. It’s the kind of book that will keep you up at night asking how you didn’t see the ending coming. Hands down a 10/10!

Looking forward to more books by Christina Graves.

[Pooj · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Do in Secret follows Karla who recently finished an extended mental health stay. One day, new neighbors move in next door and suddenly she has a new obsession. She spends months getting close to them trying to figure out what secrets they're hiding.

This book is so fast paced and Karla is the definition of an unreliable narrator. We never know if what she's experiencing is due to a hallucination or real. This was really good and thrilling to read. 5/5 stars.

Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing and StoryOrigin for providing me with a free ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Gokce G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve come to realize this author doesn’t disappoint in domestic thrillers. This book was more mainstream than the previous one, at least plot wise, and maybe a seasoned thriller reader might see some twists coming, but it was still a very enjoyable wreck you couldn’t take your eyes off.

Lonely woman spies on the new couple in the neighborhood. Secrets and lies, deceit and, of course, murder. Starting off with a breadcrumb you want to follow, the story takes you in a rabbit hole you’re happy to be lost in.

Recommend this if you like domestic thrillers, and you’d like to give this author a try. It’s quite an easy and enjoyable read.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What we do in Secret was a great thriller that kept you guessing what was coming next. The plot was very thrilling and exciting. None of the characters are really likable and they are all some level of crazy. Karla's character is so unhinged and I loved it. She is just so sneaky and bold... reminds me of the stalker guy from the series You. Some of the twists you saw coming, but some of them really threw me! This one really keeps you on your toes. If you're looking for an enjoyable thriller that will keep you hooked, definitely check this one out.

[Leslie Earnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Graves is absolutely an autobuy author for me!! Holy cow this book was WILD! This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with an extremely unreliable narrator, dangerous obsessions, betrayal and murder. Karla continued to shock me more and more with each revelation and decision she made. Just when I thought I had something figured out, everything got flipped upside down. Had me hooked from beginning to end!
Thank you Horrorsmith Publishing & the author for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Angel Hawks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Graves does not disappoint! Well, she does, but only because we are left with nothing more to read by her...YET. (No pressure! HaHa) Once again, I couldn't put it down and wanted to devour the entire book in one setting. We all know, or are like, the characters in this book whether we really want to admit it or not. Read it, and tell me I'm wrong. You can't. Christina Graves captures it so perfectly, and she also puts her own Christinaness to it. I just can't put it into words, so you're just going to have to read it for yourself.

[Thewhittlelibrary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whew, this was….not good. I wanted to DNF at like 30% but all the reviews said it was good, so I kept at it. & yeah, the plot did pick up. But it didn’t really get better. All the characters suck & a lot of this was so out of the scope of reality, it was ridiculous. There’s stuff mentioned that just wasn’t mentioned again. & Karla cleaning up a crime scene? Like the girl dies & they take her away, just to let Karla remain in the home to clean? I could pick this damn book apart for how goofy it was. But instead, I’m just gonna forget I read it & move on to the next book lol.

[Leighah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is fast becoming a favourite of mine. Her first book was really good, but I think this one beats it. I could not put this down because I just had to know if I had guessed the ending correctly (fyi nope). The characters in this book are really thought out to the point where you hate and love them in equal measure. If you like a little bit of crazy you will like this, if you live a lot of crazy you will love it.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Horrorsmith Publishing for the ARC copy.

If you love thriller, then this is the book for you!

I thought the pacing was great. The author is great at creating tense moments and keeping you hooked. I didn't really like any of the characters (you probably aren't supposed to like them anyway) and I wish we got a little more backstory for Karla.

Christina Graves is becoming a must-read author for me, and I would recommend her to everyone.

[Brooke B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't go out of my way to read Thrillers, but Christina Graves just makes it so easy to pick them up. Once again I flew through this book. I really thought I had it all figured out from the very beginning, but there were so many unexpected turns I could've never imagined.

I couldn't tell you if I loved this book more, or her other book Still, Dark Places. They're both so hard to put down. I really can't wait to read more from her! 🖤

[Laci Rambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy freaking book!! The Prologue had me trying to guess what was going to happen throughout the entire book. There’s not one, not two, not three or four, but FIVE crazy people in this book. Every single character has lost their minds. I could have easily binged this book in one day, but unfortunately had to adult, so I couldn’t. A binge-worthy book deserves 5 stars though. Christina Graves is an amazing author and knocked it out the park with this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dorian Gwinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won’t lie, it took me a while to finish this book. I started it and then sat it down for nearly 3 weeks before picking it back up again. Nothing was begging me to keep reading at first. But I became bored and decided to give it another go. Once I made it half way through, the storyline picked up and became much more interesting and engaging, I could sit it down. I finished reading it in 2 days. I just wish it would have started off better.

[Cari Frye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, but I was so lost through pretty much the majority of it. I wish the author would have labeled the chapters that jumped back in time and when different characters were talking through their own POV. It keeps you wondering through the whole book and even the ending if you are reading a thriller, multi personality, ghosts, or if these things are really happening. The ending also fell kinda flat for me.