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All Our Darkest Secrets
He’d do anything to protect his wife. But what if that meant making the biggest mistake of all?
James Casper is one of the good guys. A DEA agent. A loyal husband. With his sights set on the man at the top of the city’s opioid crisis, James is about to make the biggest bust of his career.
Then his beloved wife Rosie does something terrible, and James must choose: report it—or help her. He knows how this works, and he tells himself he’s smart enough to get away with murder. But James’s worst enemy knows what they have done—and he won’t hesitate to use it to manipulate him.
James is dragged into a dark and dangerous world. As events spiral and loyalties are tested, he realizes there’s only one way out. And that is to be even more ruthless than the people he’s working for.
Whatever happens, no matter how far he falls, at least he’ll still have Rosie.
Won’t he?
James Casper is one of the good guys. A DEA agent. A loyal husband. With his sights set on the man at the top of the city’s opioid crisis, James is about to make the biggest bust of his career.
Then his beloved wife Rosie does something terrible, and James must choose: report it—or help her. He knows how this works, and he tells himself he’s smart enough to get away with murder. But James’s worst enemy knows what they have done—and he won’t hesitate to use it to manipulate him.
James is dragged into a dark and dangerous world. As events spiral and loyalties are tested, he realizes there’s only one way out. And that is to be even more ruthless than the people he’s working for.
Whatever happens, no matter how far he falls, at least he’ll still have Rosie.
Won’t he?
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
3019 people are currently reading
5605 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
February 27, 2022
5 Stars
"This is bad. This is really, really bad."
"We can fix it....."
Oh my!! I wasn't expecting to be completely glued to this one, as well as shocked, surprised and if I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.
After reading Joey's review, I knew I had to read this one. I love when a friend's review leads to a five star read! This is a new author to me, so he now has my attention.
James and Rosie Casper have a problem and it's bad. Really bad. How could his loving wife Rosie put him in this situation! After all, James is a respected DEA agent. He is a good guy and a wonderful husband, "For better or worse." Rosie is a "fantastic liar", so that may help their little situation.
James figures they have two options. Scenario A or scenario B. What will it be?
They make their plan and their sticking to it. I felt James was a likeable character, but he shocked me several times. He gets in over his head and ends up dealing with some unsavory characters. Someone is a freaking nutcase. This is going to end soon, and I was holding my breath until the last sentence. Dinner at my house was delayed, had to finish!
Recommend to those who enjoy thrills in their thrillers, action, fast-paced.
Own this ebook/ Came out last year Sept 2021
"This is bad. This is really, really bad."
"We can fix it....."
Oh my!! I wasn't expecting to be completely glued to this one, as well as shocked, surprised and if I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.
After reading Joey's review, I knew I had to read this one. I love when a friend's review leads to a five star read! This is a new author to me, so he now has my attention.
James and Rosie Casper have a problem and it's bad. Really bad. How could his loving wife Rosie put him in this situation! After all, James is a respected DEA agent. He is a good guy and a wonderful husband, "For better or worse." Rosie is a "fantastic liar", so that may help their little situation.
James figures they have two options. Scenario A or scenario B. What will it be?
They make their plan and their sticking to it. I felt James was a likeable character, but he shocked me several times. He gets in over his head and ends up dealing with some unsavory characters. Someone is a freaking nutcase. This is going to end soon, and I was holding my breath until the last sentence. Dinner at my house was delayed, had to finish!
Recommend to those who enjoy thrills in their thrillers, action, fast-paced.
Own this ebook/ Came out last year Sept 2021
March 1, 2022
All Our Darkest Secrets by Martyn Ford is a 2021 Thomas & Mercer publication.
Rosie and James basically grew up together. They became close friends, then lovers, and eventually married.
James is a DEA agent aiming to take down the biggest opioid empire in the city. But his contented married life quickly unravels when James is forced to sacrifice his integrity- to put it mildly- to protect Rosie after she experiences one of her ‘Red Days.’
If that weren’t bad enough, James’ actions were discovered by the very criminals he is duty bound to bring down. Now he’s being blackmailed and forced to go rogue. With every turn he becomes more beholden to the dark side and barely one step ahead of his own unit. No matter how this mess plays out- with the loss of his career, or worse… prison- at least Rosie will be there at his side.
This is a super-fast paced thrill ride! Every twist and turn is well thought out and the characters are well-drawn with distinct lines between the bad guys- like Edward- and the good ones- like Nell- while other characters are more complex.
James may seem a little too dedicated sometimes, but some people really are capable of a level of blind love and trust that makes them do things they never would have dreamed of doing otherwise…
And it’s never pretty.
This is a sharp, well-plotted thriller- but has a dark underlying atmosphere, as well. The Opioid crisis looms in the background, quite ominously, and is the catalyst for many of the situations the reader learns about as the story progresses. This also adds another layer of darkness to the story, juxtaposing the various ne’er do wells against the people trying to prevent more tragedy- and James- who is now torn between them.
My advice here is to just trust the author, follow where he leads- you’ll be glad you did once you get to the end. While I was expecting something to jump out at me- I never saw that coming!! In fact, I was so shell shocked I had to read the last chapter twice, to convince myself I’d read it right the first time!
Overall, if you are looking for a good, tense, page-turner- this is a book you might want to consider.
*Thanks to GR friends Joey R and Holly B for putting this one on my radar.
(As of this writing- this book is a part of the Kindle Unlimited program with audio included)
Rosie and James basically grew up together. They became close friends, then lovers, and eventually married.
James is a DEA agent aiming to take down the biggest opioid empire in the city. But his contented married life quickly unravels when James is forced to sacrifice his integrity- to put it mildly- to protect Rosie after she experiences one of her ‘Red Days.’
If that weren’t bad enough, James’ actions were discovered by the very criminals he is duty bound to bring down. Now he’s being blackmailed and forced to go rogue. With every turn he becomes more beholden to the dark side and barely one step ahead of his own unit. No matter how this mess plays out- with the loss of his career, or worse… prison- at least Rosie will be there at his side.
This is a super-fast paced thrill ride! Every twist and turn is well thought out and the characters are well-drawn with distinct lines between the bad guys- like Edward- and the good ones- like Nell- while other characters are more complex.
James may seem a little too dedicated sometimes, but some people really are capable of a level of blind love and trust that makes them do things they never would have dreamed of doing otherwise…
And it’s never pretty.
This is a sharp, well-plotted thriller- but has a dark underlying atmosphere, as well. The Opioid crisis looms in the background, quite ominously, and is the catalyst for many of the situations the reader learns about as the story progresses. This also adds another layer of darkness to the story, juxtaposing the various ne’er do wells against the people trying to prevent more tragedy- and James- who is now torn between them.
My advice here is to just trust the author, follow where he leads- you’ll be glad you did once you get to the end. While I was expecting something to jump out at me- I never saw that coming!! In fact, I was so shell shocked I had to read the last chapter twice, to convince myself I’d read it right the first time!
Overall, if you are looking for a good, tense, page-turner- this is a book you might want to consider.
*Thanks to GR friends Joey R and Holly B for putting this one on my radar.
(As of this writing- this book is a part of the Kindle Unlimited program with audio included)
January 13, 2022
5.0 stars— I just finished “All Our Darkest Secrets” by Martyn Ford and I absolutely loved it. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the book as much as I did, but the writing style, pace and unpredictability combined to make this one of the best thrillers I have read in quite a while. There were definitely moments in the book where the actions of the characters stretched the limits of credibility, but I was so deeply invested in the plot and the very likable main character, James Casper that I didn’t care. James complete devotion to his wife Rosie might seem unlikely at first, but once the author explains what the couple had gone through together in the past you get a sense that James is blinded by love and is putty in the hands of the manipulating psychopathic Rosie. I was fascinated with the lengths James would go through to keep Rosie out of trouble both in the past and present and the reckless abandon which Rosie lived her life. I enjoyed the ending as well
as I was surprised at how the author kept me guessing until the very end. A very enthusiastic thumbs up and I will definitely be reading more of Mr. Ford’s books in the future.
as I was surprised at how the author kept me guessing until the very end. A very enthusiastic thumbs up and I will definitely be reading more of Mr. Ford’s books in the future.
January 27, 2022
“All Our Darkest Secrets” by Martyn Ford is a crazy romp of a thriller. James Casper, a DEA agent, is the narrator, and from the start, one knows that James is leading one crazy life. Yes, a life as a DEA agent must be full of murder, intrigue, and duplicitous behavior, and James is living the life.
James’s childhood best friend, Matt, died of an opioid overdose, and James has never gotten over that death. He chose to work for the DEA as a response to Matt’s death. He’s about to bust the biggest opioid dealer when his wife Rosie commits a crime that James has deal with. Rosie is Matt’s sister, who James grew up with. When Matt died, he left a suicide note ending with “take care of Rosie”.
The story is told through James’s lens. He’s about to make this big career building bust, and he needs to decide if he helps Rosie or not. James has many flashbacks while telling his story, and we learn of James’s early childhood and teen years. He basically grew up in the same home as Matt and Rosie, with Rosie being their senior. James was 8 when he met Rosie, aged 10. As James enlightens the reader, it is difficult to NOT think something is awry with Rosie.
I figured out how this was going to end, but not how it would be played out. The “thriller” part of the story is the crazy way that author Martyn Ford decided to tie everything together. The plot is full of twists, which are impossible to predict. The pace is fast (and sometimes very funny), with the backstory to slow the adrenaline. All the characters are entertaining. I listened to the audio, narrated by Kevin Collins. I enjoyed listening to the story. I’ve read a few reviews that note profanity, which usually turns me off, but I didn’t find it off-putting as it seemed to fit in the dialogue. In fact, I think this is a story that begs to be heard. It’s so over-the-top at times, as one expects the life of a DEA agent to be. There have been references to “Breaking Bad” which I never watched. I could see this being turned into a movie.
This is a solid thriller with crazy elements, even for a thriller. I enjoyed the audio.
James’s childhood best friend, Matt, died of an opioid overdose, and James has never gotten over that death. He chose to work for the DEA as a response to Matt’s death. He’s about to bust the biggest opioid dealer when his wife Rosie commits a crime that James has deal with. Rosie is Matt’s sister, who James grew up with. When Matt died, he left a suicide note ending with “take care of Rosie”.
The story is told through James’s lens. He’s about to make this big career building bust, and he needs to decide if he helps Rosie or not. James has many flashbacks while telling his story, and we learn of James’s early childhood and teen years. He basically grew up in the same home as Matt and Rosie, with Rosie being their senior. James was 8 when he met Rosie, aged 10. As James enlightens the reader, it is difficult to NOT think something is awry with Rosie.
I figured out how this was going to end, but not how it would be played out. The “thriller” part of the story is the crazy way that author Martyn Ford decided to tie everything together. The plot is full of twists, which are impossible to predict. The pace is fast (and sometimes very funny), with the backstory to slow the adrenaline. All the characters are entertaining. I listened to the audio, narrated by Kevin Collins. I enjoyed listening to the story. I’ve read a few reviews that note profanity, which usually turns me off, but I didn’t find it off-putting as it seemed to fit in the dialogue. In fact, I think this is a story that begs to be heard. It’s so over-the-top at times, as one expects the life of a DEA agent to be. There have been references to “Breaking Bad” which I never watched. I could see this being turned into a movie.
This is a solid thriller with crazy elements, even for a thriller. I enjoyed the audio.
November 18, 2021
Wow! I was surprised by this book so many times and in so many way! Finally a thriller that's actually thrilling...
I definitely recommend for all crime and mystery readers. You won't be disappointed :)
I definitely recommend for all crime and mystery readers. You won't be disappointed :)
April 3, 2022
Well, that was just nuts! All Our Darkest Secrets is a fast-paced thriller that starts off with a bang and never lets off the gas. It completely held my interest from start to finish.
James is a DEA agent who is about the make the biggest bust of his career when his wife Rosie does something awful requiring James to help her cover it up. What lengths would you go to in order to protect your loved ones? Unfortunately, this a question that poor James has to sort out. The domino effect after the initial event had me holding my breath at times while racing to get to the end to see how it would all wrap up, and the ending did not disappoint. I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open when I read the ending and had to listen to the final chapter again. Bravo, Mr. Ford!
Oh man, I have SO much to say about Rosie, but I don't want to spoil anything. James, bless him, but with some of his actions and choices, it was hard to really picture him as a DEA agent. This story is told mostly in present day, but also delves into the past to help explain James and Rosie's relationship and his utter devotion to her. Overall a great read that would make a very entertaining movie in my opinion. 4 stars.
Available now on Kindle Unlimited.
James is a DEA agent who is about the make the biggest bust of his career when his wife Rosie does something awful requiring James to help her cover it up. What lengths would you go to in order to protect your loved ones? Unfortunately, this a question that poor James has to sort out. The domino effect after the initial event had me holding my breath at times while racing to get to the end to see how it would all wrap up, and the ending did not disappoint. I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open when I read the ending and had to listen to the final chapter again. Bravo, Mr. Ford!
Oh man, I have SO much to say about Rosie, but I don't want to spoil anything. James, bless him, but with some of his actions and choices, it was hard to really picture him as a DEA agent. This story is told mostly in present day, but also delves into the past to help explain James and Rosie's relationship and his utter devotion to her. Overall a great read that would make a very entertaining movie in my opinion. 4 stars.
Available now on Kindle Unlimited.
July 1, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an advance electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not paid for this review nor otherwise compensated, and it contains my thoughts and mine alone.
Content Warnings for this book: gun violence, drug use/addiction, suicide
In writing this review and considering this book, I'm reminded of a line from Hannah Gadsby's excellent standup show Nanette, that comedy is about tension, and that good comedy involves finding the right amount of it and trusting the comedian to know exactly when and how to release it. Now, All Our Darkest Secrets is not a comedy (though it could certainly be read as a particularly dark and violent comedy of errors), but Martyn Ford takes this principle of tension and wields it with spectacular deftness. I felt tense as I read this book, in the absolute best way, thoroughly gripped and anxious to see what would happen next. It's almost 400 pages, and I read it in less than 24 hours, that's how hooked I was.
To put it simply, this was an electrifying read and one of the most thrilling books I've read this year. The plot moves extremely fast, and yet I never felt as though I had missed a key detail or important point. Martyn Ford deftly weaves in flashbacks and scenes from the main character's life prior to the events of the main plot, using them to plant seeds he harvests later in the narrative. Ford's prose is smooth and highly characterized, like a fine bourbon, and goes down just as easily. A book like All Our Darkest Secrets could very easily fall into tropes and generic posturing, too weighted down by its own self-awareness to actually be enjoyable. Fortunately, it does nothing of the sort.
The particular context of the opioid epidemic in the United States is a useful backdrop for the characters; it ensnares them so thoroughly that they are never truly able to escape. James and Rosie are a fascinating couple, and the nuances of their interpersonal interactions and relationship, both as characters in the story and as a married couple, are themselves enough to fill a book, let alone the actual events presented here. I loved that these characters (not just James and Rosie, but virtually all of them, in the whole book) felt smart, felt clever and seemed aware of the situation rather than merely passive actors within it.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book. It's a compelling, clever read that built my attention with every page.
Content Warnings for this book: gun violence, drug use/addiction, suicide
In writing this review and considering this book, I'm reminded of a line from Hannah Gadsby's excellent standup show Nanette, that comedy is about tension, and that good comedy involves finding the right amount of it and trusting the comedian to know exactly when and how to release it. Now, All Our Darkest Secrets is not a comedy (though it could certainly be read as a particularly dark and violent comedy of errors), but Martyn Ford takes this principle of tension and wields it with spectacular deftness. I felt tense as I read this book, in the absolute best way, thoroughly gripped and anxious to see what would happen next. It's almost 400 pages, and I read it in less than 24 hours, that's how hooked I was.
To put it simply, this was an electrifying read and one of the most thrilling books I've read this year. The plot moves extremely fast, and yet I never felt as though I had missed a key detail or important point. Martyn Ford deftly weaves in flashbacks and scenes from the main character's life prior to the events of the main plot, using them to plant seeds he harvests later in the narrative. Ford's prose is smooth and highly characterized, like a fine bourbon, and goes down just as easily. A book like All Our Darkest Secrets could very easily fall into tropes and generic posturing, too weighted down by its own self-awareness to actually be enjoyable. Fortunately, it does nothing of the sort.
The particular context of the opioid epidemic in the United States is a useful backdrop for the characters; it ensnares them so thoroughly that they are never truly able to escape. James and Rosie are a fascinating couple, and the nuances of their interpersonal interactions and relationship, both as characters in the story and as a married couple, are themselves enough to fill a book, let alone the actual events presented here. I loved that these characters (not just James and Rosie, but virtually all of them, in the whole book) felt smart, felt clever and seemed aware of the situation rather than merely passive actors within it.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book. It's a compelling, clever read that built my attention with every page.
September 5, 2021
"What do you do when you fall into a bottomless snake pit?"
“I don’t know,” Nell says. “What do you do?”
"‘You start killing snakes.’”
That unassuming cover does not do justice for what a hidden gem this story is.James Casper is easy to like. He's a dedicated DEA team player and, slowly through the back and forth chapters, you learn his sad childhood story that brought him there. He's a good husband, a hard worker, and always trying to live up to a promise he made to his best friend. Take Care of Rosie.
The kick off of that horrible night was shocking. The rest of the story was a complete race to finish each chapter. Each turn, I couldn't figure out how it would all play out and that kept me absolutely glued to the page! I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. I loved this one.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
“I don’t know,” Nell says. “What do you do?”
"‘You start killing snakes.’”
That unassuming cover does not do justice for what a hidden gem this story is.James Casper is easy to like. He's a dedicated DEA team player and, slowly through the back and forth chapters, you learn his sad childhood story that brought him there. He's a good husband, a hard worker, and always trying to live up to a promise he made to his best friend. Take Care of Rosie.
The kick off of that horrible night was shocking. The rest of the story was a complete race to finish each chapter. Each turn, I couldn't figure out how it would all play out and that kept me absolutely glued to the page! I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. I loved this one.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
July 5, 2021
Webster defines riveting as “having the power to fix the attention.” That would be an understatement for All Our Darkest Secrets. It has been a long time since I have read a thriller that left me in such shock at the ending. Martyn Ford could not have told this story or ended this book any better than he did.
Ford sets the tone for his latest novel All Our Darkest Secrets in the prologue, which gives a glimpse into the earliest days of the love story of James and Rosie, back when James’s love for Rosie is unrequited.
James is a DEA agent married to Rose, the only girl he has ever loved. He has been there for her triumphs and her sorrows. He has kept her secrets, even from childhood. When she crosses a deadly line, James must choose between helping Rosie or doing the right thing.
Throughout the book, James has flashbacks to his childhood, when he was growing up with Rosie and her brother Matthew, James’s best friend. At times, James is tormented by these vivid recollections and unsure if he is in that moment or just remembering. The lines are even blurred for the reader on a few occasions. As the back story is coming into better focus for the reader, the current situation in which James finds himself begins to make more sense.
Ford presents an enthralling tale of love and loyalty. All Our Darkest Secrets has plot twists that keep the reader anxious to know what happens next. The story is told in such a way that the reader can feel James’s dilemma and fear and pure horror when Rosie’s darkest secret of all is revealed.
All Our Darkest Secrets kept me on the edge of my seat. Having James and Rosie becoming friends before they were lovers was refreshing in a world where friendship is often overlooked. It was love at first sight for James. However, in time, he won over Rosie’s heart. Or did he? The reader is left to decide for himself/herself whether Rosie truly loved James or if she was using his feelings for her to manipulate him. James will do anything for Rosie, but how far will James go to protect the woman he loves? How far will Rosie go to protect her secrets? Will their bond be strong enough for the most difficult challenge they have ever faced?
Ford sets the tone for his latest novel All Our Darkest Secrets in the prologue, which gives a glimpse into the earliest days of the love story of James and Rosie, back when James’s love for Rosie is unrequited.
James is a DEA agent married to Rose, the only girl he has ever loved. He has been there for her triumphs and her sorrows. He has kept her secrets, even from childhood. When she crosses a deadly line, James must choose between helping Rosie or doing the right thing.
Throughout the book, James has flashbacks to his childhood, when he was growing up with Rosie and her brother Matthew, James’s best friend. At times, James is tormented by these vivid recollections and unsure if he is in that moment or just remembering. The lines are even blurred for the reader on a few occasions. As the back story is coming into better focus for the reader, the current situation in which James finds himself begins to make more sense.
Ford presents an enthralling tale of love and loyalty. All Our Darkest Secrets has plot twists that keep the reader anxious to know what happens next. The story is told in such a way that the reader can feel James’s dilemma and fear and pure horror when Rosie’s darkest secret of all is revealed.
All Our Darkest Secrets kept me on the edge of my seat. Having James and Rosie becoming friends before they were lovers was refreshing in a world where friendship is often overlooked. It was love at first sight for James. However, in time, he won over Rosie’s heart. Or did he? The reader is left to decide for himself/herself whether Rosie truly loved James or if she was using his feelings for her to manipulate him. James will do anything for Rosie, but how far will James go to protect the woman he loves? How far will Rosie go to protect her secrets? Will their bond be strong enough for the most difficult challenge they have ever faced?
August 7, 2021
Don't know what to say
So, the editor who commented on this book must have read something else. Sorry I wasted my August 'First Reads' choice on this book.
So, the editor who commented on this book must have read something else. Sorry I wasted my August 'First Reads' choice on this book.
August 3, 2021
There are spoilers in this review. You have been warned.
I hope y’all have read Amazon’s fantastic synopsis. As a crime fiction fan, that synopsis intrigued me, so I made a cuppa, sunk into an armchair, and began reading about James and Rosie Casper.
From the very beginning—in the prologue, for pity’s sake—I disliked Rosie. Here she is, from young James’ POV: “Pale denim, highlight-pink fingerless gloves poking from her puffer sleeves, and a pair of Sony Walkman headphones hissing around her neck. I can see her lip gloss, smell her cherry bubblegum in the cold, empty air.” Plus, Rosie is tall for her age, made up like a teen, and effortlessly manipulates eight yr. old James into risking his life. A ten yr. old girl—going on eighteen—who thinks only of herself and has zero empathy. James is hopelessly, pathetically in love with a sociopath—at the least. Will she change? Young James admits that except for software updates, she’ll never change. Yes, there are flashbacks. Many flashbacks.
From the prologue, I guessed the overall personal storyline. Given the characters, I predicted that no matter the crime storyline, it would intertwine with and drive the personal storyline. I also didn’t like the author’s writing style with its oft staccato sentences, deliberately bad grammar, and frequent flashbacks. I speed-skimmed to the dreary, predictable end. What a depressing book—MCs aiding criminals, smuggling heroin, killing people, and committing other felonies right and left. Ugh.
I hope y’all have read Amazon’s fantastic synopsis. As a crime fiction fan, that synopsis intrigued me, so I made a cuppa, sunk into an armchair, and began reading about James and Rosie Casper.
From the very beginning—in the prologue, for pity’s sake—I disliked Rosie. Here she is, from young James’ POV: “Pale denim, highlight-pink fingerless gloves poking from her puffer sleeves, and a pair of Sony Walkman headphones hissing around her neck. I can see her lip gloss, smell her cherry bubblegum in the cold, empty air.” Plus, Rosie is tall for her age, made up like a teen, and effortlessly manipulates eight yr. old James into risking his life. A ten yr. old girl—going on eighteen—who thinks only of herself and has zero empathy. James is hopelessly, pathetically in love with a sociopath—at the least. Will she change? Young James admits that except for software updates, she’ll never change. Yes, there are flashbacks. Many flashbacks.
From the prologue, I guessed the overall personal storyline. Given the characters, I predicted that no matter the crime storyline, it would intertwine with and drive the personal storyline. I also didn’t like the author’s writing style with its oft staccato sentences, deliberately bad grammar, and frequent flashbacks. I speed-skimmed to the dreary, predictable end. What a depressing book—MCs aiding criminals, smuggling heroin, killing people, and committing other felonies right and left. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
I found this book really hard to take. When the lead characters are so despicable, what is there to like? Nothing in this book worked for me. How could James be so naive about Rosie? The rest of the absurd fallout felt unbelievable. Plus the writing drove me crazy - such repeatedly bad grammar. I cannot recommend this novel.
August 2, 2021
Rating: 4.3/5
I have been openly critical of Amazon's First Reads in recent months for offering up selections of sub-standard reading material. Based on this novel I can level no such criticism this month. With "All Our Darkest Secrets" Martyn Ford has served up a breathtakingly filmic and deliciously dark thriller that was a pleasure to read.
Although a British writer Martyn Ford has chosen an American setting for this novel. However, if you are a British reader who is normally disinclined to reading US-centric stories I would strongly suggest that you resist that aversion in this case. With some minor textual amendments this could equally well be set in the UK or any number of other countries.
I won't rehash the plot, as I have no desire to run the risk of spoilers that could undermine the pleasure of uncovering this for yourself. The official synopsis provides enough information to give you an outline of what to expect. However, that synopsis will not prepare you for just how good the content of this book is.
The carefully constructed plot is both twisty and twisted The pace of the narrative is excellent. There are sections that are more considered, when information essential to the plot development is being delivered, but then there are segments that are, by turn, tense, suspenseful and action-packed. The author even manages to slip in some humour along the way - though this is usually of the slightly dark variety. The characterisation is very impressive. Even the more minor players are well-drawn and credible, but among the key protagonists there are real gems to look out for - again, for the sake of remaining as spoiler-free as possible, I shall say no more.
I will certainly be keeping an eye out for Martyn Ford's next novel - and I will also be hoping that Amazon First Reads continues to offer books of this quality to its customers.
I have been openly critical of Amazon's First Reads in recent months for offering up selections of sub-standard reading material. Based on this novel I can level no such criticism this month. With "All Our Darkest Secrets" Martyn Ford has served up a breathtakingly filmic and deliciously dark thriller that was a pleasure to read.
Although a British writer Martyn Ford has chosen an American setting for this novel. However, if you are a British reader who is normally disinclined to reading US-centric stories I would strongly suggest that you resist that aversion in this case. With some minor textual amendments this could equally well be set in the UK or any number of other countries.
I won't rehash the plot, as I have no desire to run the risk of spoilers that could undermine the pleasure of uncovering this for yourself. The official synopsis provides enough information to give you an outline of what to expect. However, that synopsis will not prepare you for just how good the content of this book is.
The carefully constructed plot is both twisty and twisted The pace of the narrative is excellent. There are sections that are more considered, when information essential to the plot development is being delivered, but then there are segments that are, by turn, tense, suspenseful and action-packed. The author even manages to slip in some humour along the way - though this is usually of the slightly dark variety. The characterisation is very impressive. Even the more minor players are well-drawn and credible, but among the key protagonists there are real gems to look out for - again, for the sake of remaining as spoiler-free as possible, I shall say no more.
I will certainly be keeping an eye out for Martyn Ford's next novel - and I will also be hoping that Amazon First Reads continues to offer books of this quality to its customers.
August 4, 2021
I don't even know if I liked this, but I couldn't stop reading. It just went farther and farther down the rabbit hole.
July 7, 2021
James Casper is one of the good guys. A DEA agent. A loyal husband. With his sights set on the man at the top of the city’s opioid crisis, James is about to make the biggest bust of his career. Then his beloved wife Rosie does something terrible, and James must choose: report it—or help her. He knows how this works, and he tells himself he’s smart enough to get away with murder. But James’s worst enemy knows what they have done—and he won’t hesitate to use it to manipulate him.
Wow, this would have to one of the best books I have read recently. A thrilling ride that just did not let go until the end. If I could give this more than five stars I would give it 10. I had to read the last couple of pages a couple of times to be sure that what I thought had happened had, I guess a fitting end. Fabulous plot, fast paced and wonderful characters who you were rooting for even if their personalities veered on the border line side of psychopathic behaviour. Now off to get Martyn Ford's other book that is available on Amazon Australia, hope it is as good as this. I highly recommend this book to one and all and thank Netgalley the publisher, and author for a copy of this book.
Wow, this would have to one of the best books I have read recently. A thrilling ride that just did not let go until the end. If I could give this more than five stars I would give it 10. I had to read the last couple of pages a couple of times to be sure that what I thought had happened had, I guess a fitting end. Fabulous plot, fast paced and wonderful characters who you were rooting for even if their personalities veered on the border line side of psychopathic behaviour. Now off to get Martyn Ford's other book that is available on Amazon Australia, hope it is as good as this. I highly recommend this book to one and all and thank Netgalley the publisher, and author for a copy of this book.
July 28, 2021
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy!!
James, a DEA agent is married to his childhood sweetheart Rosie. He loves her and after his best friend Mathew, Rosie’s brother commits suicide he promises to always look out for her. How far would you go for your spouse? Would you lie, cheat, steal…kill? Rosie does the unthinkable and James spirals down a dark path on keeping her safe.
Holy mother…….this has got to be hands down my favorite book I’ve read this year!!!! I picked it up and couldn’t put it down, didn’t want it to end. I had so many shocks and emotions reading this book. I don’t know who the author’s agent/publisher needs to contact but this needs to be a movie ASAP!!!!!!
Bravo!!!!!!!!!
James, a DEA agent is married to his childhood sweetheart Rosie. He loves her and after his best friend Mathew, Rosie’s brother commits suicide he promises to always look out for her. How far would you go for your spouse? Would you lie, cheat, steal…kill? Rosie does the unthinkable and James spirals down a dark path on keeping her safe.
Holy mother…….this has got to be hands down my favorite book I’ve read this year!!!! I picked it up and couldn’t put it down, didn’t want it to end. I had so many shocks and emotions reading this book. I don’t know who the author’s agent/publisher needs to contact but this needs to be a movie ASAP!!!!!!
Bravo!!!!!!!!!
August 11, 2021
More of a clumsy and ill-conceived commentary on the opioid crisis than anything. The author glosses over interesting parts of the story (flashbacks, character context/development, etc.) to re-hash why drug dealers are bad and go into way too much boring detail on police procedure. Writing was good but story could’ve been so much better.
August 8, 2021
Horrible story
Don't be sucked in like I was. Read it until the end. Not worth your time, trust me. Very contrived!
Don't be sucked in like I was. Read it until the end. Not worth your time, trust me. Very contrived!
August 9, 2021
Well, this was one heck of a read! My mind is completely blown over the complexity and narration of this novel. Martyn Ford has easily won me over with All Our Darkest Secrets.
James and Rose are married, they met as children. James, now a respected DEA agent is faced with the ultimate decision. How far would you go to protect the one you love? Would you lie, cheat, steal or murder? Rosie, has done something that she can not take back and she puts James in a position that he begins to lose control, obsessing over how to keep his wife safe.
All Our Darkest Secrets, has become an instant favorite of the year. This needs to be on everyone's list! Talk about "made for the movies". If I don't see this being made into a movie within the next year I will truly be shocked.
Five star read without a doubt.
James and Rose are married, they met as children. James, now a respected DEA agent is faced with the ultimate decision. How far would you go to protect the one you love? Would you lie, cheat, steal or murder? Rosie, has done something that she can not take back and she puts James in a position that he begins to lose control, obsessing over how to keep his wife safe.
All Our Darkest Secrets, has become an instant favorite of the year. This needs to be on everyone's list! Talk about "made for the movies". If I don't see this being made into a movie within the next year I will truly be shocked.
Five star read without a doubt.
August 24, 2021
I have never read a book that made me hate the main characters as this one did. Rosie was crazy from the start. Also, narcissistic and that pretty much says it. Sadistic, selfish, psychotic! James could of ended it when she killed her boss by calling the police! These characters have 0 compassion especially Rosie.
It was a page turner and I couldn’t wait until they were busted. Rosie’s a psycho to the end.
It was a page turner and I couldn’t wait until they were busted. Rosie’s a psycho to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
This is quite a dark book but holds your attention. It is fascinating to see how love and a bad act can escalate into more bad acts that the main characters cannot escape from with disastrous results.
August 22, 2021
I wavered back and forth on my rating. Moments screamed 3 stars (James being oblivious to Rosie’s psychopathic nature, the Carpenter’s conversations with James) but then the last 3 chapters redeemed everything. I guessed Rosie had a hand in the suicide a little early but never predicted the last 3 pages… total shock. It was awful and sad and wow. I’m speechless. To go to such great lengths to do what you thought was best to protect your loved one(s) even though it was so wrong and misguided… but, it all comes back around. Wow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
All our darkest secrets by Martyn Ford is an enthralling thriller right from the get go.
In short, James Casper, a DEA agent, and his wife Rosie find themselves in a very troubling situation and as events unravel it gets more difficult for James who is hell bent on protecting his wife…yet something is off, very off!
The story is narrated by James where he also reveals his back story as a young boy and the relationship he formed with Rosie and his best friend Mathew, her brother…this is expertly woven through the story and the situation he is now dealing with.
It’s such a pacy, action packed story with brilliant twists and turns which just keep on coming. Without giving anything away, it is pretty obvious from the beginning of the book that Rosie is nuts and that James is simply besotted by her, which results in him being dragged into a dark and dangerous world…as quoted by James, ‘I am not corrupt. I am not a criminal. This is not who I am.’
With a twisty plot, riveting characters and relentless suspense it has all the ingredients needed for a good solid thriller…I look forward to reading more from Martyn Ford.
Big thanks to Martyn Ford, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, James Casper, a DEA agent, and his wife Rosie find themselves in a very troubling situation and as events unravel it gets more difficult for James who is hell bent on protecting his wife…yet something is off, very off!
The story is narrated by James where he also reveals his back story as a young boy and the relationship he formed with Rosie and his best friend Mathew, her brother…this is expertly woven through the story and the situation he is now dealing with.
It’s such a pacy, action packed story with brilliant twists and turns which just keep on coming. Without giving anything away, it is pretty obvious from the beginning of the book that Rosie is nuts and that James is simply besotted by her, which results in him being dragged into a dark and dangerous world…as quoted by James, ‘I am not corrupt. I am not a criminal. This is not who I am.’
With a twisty plot, riveting characters and relentless suspense it has all the ingredients needed for a good solid thriller…I look forward to reading more from Martyn Ford.
Big thanks to Martyn Ford, Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
October 5, 2021
All Our Darkest Secrets by Martyn Ford was a dark and at times confusing read. Opiate addiction and smuggling with combined with the sociopathic behavior of the main characters, the story was hard to follow with it's many twists and turns. How Rosie evoked such strong feelings of loyalty and love from James was hard to comprehend being she was such a horrible person.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
September 4, 2021
Overall this was pretty good, but there were some very graphic scenes with detail I didn't care for, but I guess it's part of the drug cartel.
James has loved Rosie and pledged to marry her since he was 8 years old and she was 10. She had a brother, Matthew, who was James' best friend and the three of them hung out together a lot. Rosie is one of the most demented female characters I've read about, I mean she is just whacked out. James loves her and would do literally anything for her and he did just that. He is a cop and his partner is Nell and together they are investigating a man named Edward Lang because they believe he's importing large quantities of drugs. "Inviting" Edward into James' life is a huge mistake.
There are twists & turns, betrayals, and ultimate sacrifices for love. Have you ever heard of selling your soul to the devil?
James has loved Rosie and pledged to marry her since he was 8 years old and she was 10. She had a brother, Matthew, who was James' best friend and the three of them hung out together a lot. Rosie is one of the most demented female characters I've read about, I mean she is just whacked out. James loves her and would do literally anything for her and he did just that. He is a cop and his partner is Nell and together they are investigating a man named Edward Lang because they believe he's importing large quantities of drugs. "Inviting" Edward into James' life is a huge mistake.
There are twists & turns, betrayals, and ultimate sacrifices for love. Have you ever heard of selling your soul to the devil?
January 18, 2022
4.8 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My kind of novel. Every page held my interest. No useless and pointless waffle. Nice writing style. Excellent characters. Logical plot line.
Essentially a normal man (DEA agent) gets himself into an abnormal situation, tries to dig himself out of it but digs a deeper hole.
Highly recommended. Every aspect of this novel is very well done. This is the first novel I've read by this author and can hardly wait for the next.
My kind of novel. Every page held my interest. No useless and pointless waffle. Nice writing style. Excellent characters. Logical plot line.
Essentially a normal man (DEA agent) gets himself into an abnormal situation, tries to dig himself out of it but digs a deeper hole.
Highly recommended. Every aspect of this novel is very well done. This is the first novel I've read by this author and can hardly wait for the next.
July 13, 2021
This was a very good book. It reminded me of a movie I had watched a long time ago where the main character kept trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, though the name of the movie escapes me,. James Casper is a DEA agent, something he decided to do after watching his very best friend struggle repeatedly with drug addiction. His best friend, Matthew, eventually overdoses and this becomes the driving force behind James to bring down the biggest drug dealer in the area. Rosie, his wife and Matthew's sister, does something that starts the action rolling, James finds himself in an untenable position of helping his wife or her going to jail. That decision resonates down the line and drives every decision he makes. There are flashbacks to the childhood of James, who lived with Matthew and Rosie and where his friendship and love for Rosie started. There is a lot going on in this book though the action never stopped, I literally could not turn the pages fast enough. There is a lot of violence, some a bit graphic, but I didn't find it out of line considering the characters. and their less than legal activities. I highly recommend this book and I will look forward to another by this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 1, 2021
How far would you go to protect someone you love? Would you lie, steal, compromise your ethics, or even kill? Would it matter what they did or why?
James has been in love with Rosie for most of his life. As a child, he was best friends with Matthew and Rosie was his older sister. Grown-up now and married to Rosie, there is a hole in his heart where Matthew used to be. He is the reason James became a DEA agent as he has first-hand knowledge of the devastating consequences of drugs on people's lives. He has worked for years to build a case against a very clever dealer who hides in plain sight. He is finally going to arrest this man until Rosie does something terrible that James covers up, and the only other person who knows is this dealer.
From the moment James decides to put Rosie first, I knew that something would have to go wrong. His loyalty is to her, and he will wind up making terrible decisions to ensure her safety. As the story progressed, we learn more about James' childhood, and I have to say that his view of his wife was more what he wanted to see rather than the truth. I imagined a few different outcomes and no spoilers, but I didn't get the one I hoped for.
Told entirely from James' perspective, every choice he makes leads to another unbearable choice. Just when he imagines the worst is behind him, he learns a devastating truth. Will the cost of saving Rosie be worth it in the end? This is the kind of book that makes you question what you would do in a similar situation. As much as I felt bad for James, the body count was just too high. All Our Darkest Secrets kept me flipping the pages and I don't think even the moments that were not action-packed slowed me down.
James has been in love with Rosie for most of his life. As a child, he was best friends with Matthew and Rosie was his older sister. Grown-up now and married to Rosie, there is a hole in his heart where Matthew used to be. He is the reason James became a DEA agent as he has first-hand knowledge of the devastating consequences of drugs on people's lives. He has worked for years to build a case against a very clever dealer who hides in plain sight. He is finally going to arrest this man until Rosie does something terrible that James covers up, and the only other person who knows is this dealer.
From the moment James decides to put Rosie first, I knew that something would have to go wrong. His loyalty is to her, and he will wind up making terrible decisions to ensure her safety. As the story progressed, we learn more about James' childhood, and I have to say that his view of his wife was more what he wanted to see rather than the truth. I imagined a few different outcomes and no spoilers, but I didn't get the one I hoped for.
Told entirely from James' perspective, every choice he makes leads to another unbearable choice. Just when he imagines the worst is behind him, he learns a devastating truth. Will the cost of saving Rosie be worth it in the end? This is the kind of book that makes you question what you would do in a similar situation. As much as I felt bad for James, the body count was just too high. All Our Darkest Secrets kept me flipping the pages and I don't think even the moments that were not action-packed slowed me down.
August 5, 2021
To say that I’m happy with my Amazon First Reads pick this month would be an understatement. After DNFing 3 books in a row, I was on the hunt for a fast-paced, page-turner—and this one delivered.
All Our Darkest Secrets was an absolute whirlwind—and my first from author Martyn Ford. This first-person narrative was so well-done. It was utterly captivating; a portal directly into the MC’s thoughts, his nightmares, his dreams…until everything comes crashing down in an explosive conclusion that simply could not have been done better.
What a clever plot. Surprisingly witty, and at times, pretty damn dark, but nothing short of electrifying.
I couldn’t get enough of this one and now off I go to grab a copy of Ford’s prior release, Every Missing Thing, because, let’s face it, I’m officially a fan.
All Our Darkest Secrets was an absolute whirlwind—and my first from author Martyn Ford. This first-person narrative was so well-done. It was utterly captivating; a portal directly into the MC’s thoughts, his nightmares, his dreams…until everything comes crashing down in an explosive conclusion that simply could not have been done better.
What a clever plot. Surprisingly witty, and at times, pretty damn dark, but nothing short of electrifying.
I couldn’t get enough of this one and now off I go to grab a copy of Ford’s prior release, Every Missing Thing, because, let’s face it, I’m officially a fan.
July 6, 2021
A great book from the start to finish with some of the little endings to certain chapters or sections being real OMG moments.
The book has flashbacks from different periods in James life from when he was 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 where he infatuated with Rosie the 2 year older sister of his best friend Matthew to 17 when they start dating and then present day where they are married.
James has always loved Rosie and will do just about anything to protect her even during her Red days!
All Our Darkest Secrets is a fast paced book which is hard to put down – $333,333
Will be on the look out for more of Martyn's books
The book has flashbacks from different periods in James life from when he was 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 where he infatuated with Rosie the 2 year older sister of his best friend Matthew to 17 when they start dating and then present day where they are married.
James has always loved Rosie and will do just about anything to protect her even during her Red days!
All Our Darkest Secrets is a fast paced book which is hard to put down – $333,333
Will be on the look out for more of Martyn's books
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