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The Family Secret

Not yet published
Expected 22 Feb 26
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He saved her life. Now he owns it.

Charlotte Harper seems to have it all – a beautiful home in the Cheshire countryside, a loving husband, and a young son she adores. But when she collapses on a night out, doctors discover she has a rare blood disorder. Without a bone marrow transplant, she will die.

Then comes a revelation: Charlotte had a brother, John, given up for adoption at birth. Miraculously, John is a perfect donor – and he agrees to save her.

But when John moves into Charlotte’s home to recover from the painful procedure, her perfect world begins to shift. Strange visitors arrive at odd hours. Whispered phone calls. Veiled threats. Her peaceful home becomes a place of fear and stress.

As his terrifying agenda becomes clear, Charlotte realises that the price of John’s gift may be more than she can bear.

Because John didn’t just give Charlotte a life. He came to take one back.

The Family Secret – the chilling psychological thriller by the bestselling author of The Wrong Neighbour.

ebook

Expected publication February 22, 2026

8 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Caleb Crowe

5 books266 followers
Caleb Crowe is a British writer of psychological thrillers, and is fascinated by stories where extraordinary things happen to ordinary people, and the mundane is transformed into the menacing.

He’s afraid of the sea, fearful in the countryside, panicky in large open spaces and terrified of small, confined spaces. There’s nowhere, and no one, that doesn’t possess some dark, brooding anxiety just waiting to have the lid prised open and turned into a twisty, suspenseful, nerve-shredding story.

He lives in Manchester with his partner, two children and two cats, who probably have their own mysterious agendas. Whether he's navigating the urban jungle or wrestling with the daily challenges of family life, Caleb draws inspiration from the unpredictability of everyday existence.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic.
194 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 16, 2026
The Family Secret
~Caleb Crowe

“It feels more like infection than inheritance.”

Charlotte and Martin Harper have the kind of life that looks solid from the outside. She’s an architect, he’s a writer, they live in a home she designed, and they’re raising their seven-year-old son, Bobby. It’s the sort of setup that feels intentional, planned, and safe. Which is probably why the first cracks hit so hard. Charlotte’s exhaustion starts small, the kind you explain away with busy schedules and parenthood, until dizziness and fatigue force a doctor’s visit that reroutes everything. The diagnosis, aplastic anemia, lands like a dropped plate in a quiet kitchen. Rare. Deadly. Urgent.

The only viable treatment is a bone marrow transplant, preferably from a sibling. Charlotte, raised as an only child by a single father whose own health is failing, assumes the math doesn’t work in her favor. Then comes the deathbed confession. A brother. Given up for adoption when her parents were teenagers and decisions were made by other people with louder voices. Suddenly survival hinges on tracking down a stranger who shares her blood.

Once John is found and the transplant is completed, the story takes its sharp left turn. John develops complications, and Charlotte brings him into her home to recover. It’s a choice that feels compassionate, familial, and reasonable. It’s also the moment where unease quietly moves in, kicks off its shoes, and makes itself comfortable. What Charlotte believes she’s offering is care and connection. What she doesn’t yet understand is that she’s opened the door to something far more complicated.

Crowe absolutely sticks the landing with this one. The characters feel lived-in, like people you might know or at least recognize. Their emotions aren’t tidy. Anguish sits next to love, resentment tangles with obligation, and rage simmers just beneath otherwise calm conversations. I found myself reacting to scenes the way you do during tense family gatherings, that internal wince when you know a line has been crossed but no one’s going to say it out loud. Each character carries distinct traits and flaws, and those layers deepen as the story progresses, especially when morality starts getting blurry and the “right” choice becomes harder to define.

The Family Secret starts as a deliberate slow burn, taking its time to ground the reader in relationships and history, but once it accelerates, it doesn’t let up. The pacing tightens, the stakes sharpen, and suddenly you’re in full page-turner mode, telling yourself “one more chapter” and not meaning it. Crowe’s world-building is subtle but effective, immersing you in the day-to-day rhythms of the characters’ lives so completely that it feels less like observing and more like accompanying them. The descriptive details do real work here, enhancing the atmosphere without ever weighing it down.

If you've been looking for that next edge-of-your seat, WTF is gonna happen next, psychological thriller that will take up space in your head for a while then add The Family Secret to your TBR. Release date has not been set yet, but it is looking at a potential date in February so keep your eyes peeled for that pre-order option and grab it straight away. This is one you don't want to miss!

I would like to thank Caleb Crowe and NetGalley for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for The Family Secret. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
662 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2026
“The Family Secret” by Caleb Crowe is a suspenseful, intense read that kept me hooked. When Charlotte discovers a brother she never knew existed, she believes John might be her salvation. But his help comes at a price, and it quickly becomes clear he wants something in return. Dark, twisty, and unsettling, this story proves that all families have secrets, and some are deadly.
Profile Image for Lieke Grimm.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 17, 2026
Review of an advanced copy received from Netgally

Caleb Crowe - The Family Secret - 4 stars

Caleb Crowe is an unknown author to me. After reading the blurb, I was captivated. This could be a very good thriller.

The thriller starts a bit slow. You're introduced to Charlotte and Martin Harper's family, there are some problems with the neighbors, and Charlotte's father is ill. Yet, there's a mysterious undercurrent in the story from the very beginning. You sense things are about to happen.

Charlotte becomes ill, and the only thing that can help her is a bone marrow transplant. She's an only child, so they'll have to find a match. Until her father, on his deathbed, reveals that she's not an only child after all. She has a brother. Here, the story takes a new turn. Charlotte searches for her brother and finds him. But she doesn't just find a blood relative who might be able to help her...

From here, the pace picks up. Strange things start to happen. In this part of the story, I clearly felt compassion for her brother John and a hope for a bright future. Until something happens again, and then everything turns out to be completely different.

The pace picks up a bit more as the story progresses. You really want to keep reading, to know how it will end.

I finished the book in a day. It grabbed me; I wanted to keep reading. However, I did miss a few more details and events. The story could have been more fleshed out. But that's just my personal taste.

Throughout the book, I was able to follow the story very visually. I could see a good movie in this; I think it's perfect for that.

I want to thank Caleb Crowe and Netgally for offering this ARC. I definitely enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Nicole Jacobs.
6 reviews
January 20, 2026
I received an ARC copy of The Family Secret and absolutely devoured it. This was my first time reading anything by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and never let go.
The book is packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing and thoroughly entertained throughout. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another surprise would come along and change everything. The pacing was spot-on, making it impossible to put down.
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers filled with suspense and shocking revelations, The Family Secret is a must-read. I highly recommend it and give it a solid 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
45 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 17, 2026
The Family Secret was a great read! The story had many aspects that pulled me in starting from Charlotte's love for her son, then her finding out she was sick, then finding out she had a brother, and the drive she had to protect her family after moving her brother to her property and things started going awry. The plot moved along well and kept me interested and reading. I did not expect the ending and how it played out. Somethings apparently do run in the family after all.
Definitely a good addition to Caleb's other books. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Carole Casuras.
254 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 18, 2026
Love, love loved it!! Caleb Crowe has done it again!
Fast paced page turner, very hard to put down.

Without giving too much away, I just loved the character John. Wow!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Catlover12carley.
46 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this. there was a lot going on with Derek, Martin, Charlotte and John.
a nice medium paced thriller.
Profile Image for Janna (Bibliophile Mom).
235 reviews22 followers
January 20, 2026
The Family Secret leans more toward crime than psychological thriller, though it blends both genres well. The main character’s health battle becomes the catalyst for uncovering a long‑buried family secret; one her father has kept hidden for decades. When she urgently needs a bone marrow transplant, her dying father is finally forced to reveal the truth in the hope of saving her life.

At first, everything seems almost too perfect. Help arrives quickly, recovery feels smooth, and it all seems like a walk in the park. But then the unsettling moments begin: small at first, then piling up until everything spirals into chaos.

The writing style and the overall premise were handled beautifully. The twist was simple yet genuinely surprising. I devoured this book in a single day while wrapping up a week‑long beach holiday, and it was the perfect companion. The heartbreak, disappointment, and determination crafted through the story were delivered with a delicate touch that readers can really take in.

What I liked:
• A dark, satisfying twist
• Sensitive handling of the bone marrow transplant journey
• A lovely “found family” dynamic among neighbours

What didn't work for me:
• The reason behind the family estrangement was truly heartbreaking
• The religious elements weren’t handled as realistically as they could have been
• Some scenes may feel too dark for certain readers

Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 4⭐️
• Writing: 5⭐️
• Message: 5⭐️
• Overall: 5⭐️

In summary, this book surprised me on so many levels. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially with a cup of coffee by the beach. Huge thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and author Caleb Crowe for the advance copy. As always, my thoughts are my own.

~ JaNnA ~
Profile Image for Stacey.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 18, 2026
Caleb Crowe’s latest psychological thriller is both unique and terrifying. The story revolves around a woman facing a life-threatening illness who unexpectedly reunites with a long-lost big brother. As he steps in to save her life through a bone marrow transplant, the premise sets the stage for an uplifting tale of family redemption -- or does it? Everything takes one wildly unexpected turn after another.

Crowe excels at crafting relatable, everyday characters whose lives suddenly spiral into chaos, and this book is no exception. His ability to weave tension and emotional depth into the plot kept me on the edge of my seat with my jaw dropped in disbelief at several of the plot twists. After setting up the story, the pacing is relentless, and just when you think you've grasped the characters’ motivations, new layers of complexity emerge, making it impossible to put the book down.

The author’s knack for psychological intricacies and plot twists is on full display, making this perhaps his best work yet. If you enjoy thrillers that challenge your notions of family, loyalty, and survival, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare yourself for a journey that will leave you breathless and questioning every twist along the way. Don’t miss out on this brilliant rollercoaster of a story!
Profile Image for Mia Marie.
161 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨
3.75 Stars (Rounded Up)

The Family Secret was a slow burn that eventually got me, but it definitely made me work for it.

For a good portion of the beginning, it reads more like a domestic drama than a thriller. If you’re a die-hard thriller reader looking for nonstop tension from the jump, this is going to feel super slow for you at the start.

That said, once the story shifts, you get sucked in. The long-lost brother storyline and everything that comes with it is unsettling in a way that feels intentional rather than gimmicky. The twist itself wasn’t shocking so much as justifying; it makes earlier moments in the book click into place and validate the slower start.

There was a bit of repetition toward the end and a few character decisions that felt like they were leaning towards convenience more than believability. But looking back, I enjoyed this more than I expected after reading the first few chapters. The payoff worked, even if it wasn’t as tight as it could have been.

Definitely a recommendation for readers who enjoy a little bit of genre blending and character-driven suspense rather than full-throttle thrillers. If you like those gradual builds, this is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — all opinions are my own.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 18, 2026
This was my first time reading anything by Caleb Crowe, and the synopsis immediately grabbed my attention. While the story starts off at a little slow, it sets up the storyline introducing Charlotte and her family. The unsettling atmosphere keeps you hooked.

When Charlotte falls seriously ill and a major family secret comes to light, the story shifts gears completely. The story gets so much better & it ramps up, unexpected events unfold, and the twists just keep coming. When you think you have things figured out, the plot takes another turn.

I finished this book in 2 days because it was impossible to put down. This was still a fast-paced, engaging thriller. The story was very vivid.

Thank you to Caleb Crowe and NetGalley for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this read!
Profile Image for Laura C.
544 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
This book started by reminding me of Rob from The Wrong Neighbour where Charlotte is experiencing an annoying neighbour who seems a little sinister. As I continued to read the story became more about Charlottes illness and her brother John and I wondered why the story took a turn in another direction but of course the story then all comes together and not at all what I had been expecting.

I actually went into this book without having read the blurb. Firstly, I’ll read any book this author writes. And secondly, I feel like the blurb spoils too much of the story and it’s a better experience to go in blindly.

I would have given this book 5 stars if it weren’t for the use of the negative use of the Catholic religion.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 21, 2026
The Family Secret by Caleb Crowe was an absolute delight. After seeing a post on Facebook, I immediately ran to NetGalley hoping for an ARC, and thankfully I was approved. I ended up devouring this book in no time.

The chapters were the perfect length, the pacing was spot-on, and the suspense never let up. The writing was so vivid that I could easily picture every scene, and I could absolutely see this story being adapted into a movie. I loved the characters, the plot, and the twists. Everything just worked.

This is another solid win from Caleb Crowe, who has quickly become an automatic read author for me.
142 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
The writing in The Family Secret is good—the prose is smooth and the atmosphere is there—but the pacing was pretty slow for my personal taste. This book is quite a slow burn.
Also, I struggle to really classify this as a thriller. It has plenty of mystery and a consistent undercurrent of suspense, but it lacks the thrills or shocking twists that usually define the genre for me. If you enjoy well-written, atmospheric family suspense with lots of tension, this is a great pick. The author is talented, and if you like a slow burn, you should check this one out.
#TheFamilySecret #NetGalley
Profile Image for Shannon Smith.
108 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2026
ARC Review
The Family Secret by Caleb Crowe
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 • Out 22nd February 2026

A gripping premise with a wonderfully moody atmosphere. I loved the concept, the tension, and especially Charlotte - she truly does everything she can, and she kept me turning the pages. The storyline didn’t hit quite as hard as I hoped, but I still enjoyed the read overall. A solid cozy‑evening pick when you want something twisty but not too heavy.
Profile Image for  Debra  Gape.
220 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 21, 2026
An illness, an unknown long lost brother and a truly unsettling story.
Suspenseful and very dark, i was hooked!
Great writing as usual from Caleb, a writer that never lets me down.
This one is truly not to be missed.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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