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Bury Your Secrets
One Saturday afternoon, three friends head north for a long weekend. On Monday, they will return home, having buried a body in the woods.
For Hazel, reeling from the discovery of her long-term partner’s infidelity, a getaway to a remote coastal village with her best friends, Mickie and Claire, seems like the ideal remedy. And when a local man, Aidan, takes a shine to her, Hazel wonders if she’s ready to move on.
Within hours, however, Aidan is dead, leaving Hazel and her friends with a dreadful choice: to come clean or mount a cover-up. Determined to protect Hazel at all costs, the friends forge a desperate pact.
But secrets have a habit of catching up with you – and of testing the bonds of friendship to their limits. And Hazel is about to find out that, no matter how much she might wish otherwise, you can’t bury the truth forever.
A gripping standalone psychological thriller from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated author of the Anna Scavolini mysteries, Bury Your Secrets is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game, Andrea Bartz’s We Were Never Here and Luca Veste’s The Six.
For Hazel, reeling from the discovery of her long-term partner’s infidelity, a getaway to a remote coastal village with her best friends, Mickie and Claire, seems like the ideal remedy. And when a local man, Aidan, takes a shine to her, Hazel wonders if she’s ready to move on.
Within hours, however, Aidan is dead, leaving Hazel and her friends with a dreadful choice: to come clean or mount a cover-up. Determined to protect Hazel at all costs, the friends forge a desperate pact.
But secrets have a habit of catching up with you – and of testing the bonds of friendship to their limits. And Hazel is about to find out that, no matter how much she might wish otherwise, you can’t bury the truth forever.
A gripping standalone psychological thriller from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated author of the Anna Scavolini mysteries, Bury Your Secrets is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game, Andrea Bartz’s We Were Never Here and Luca Veste’s The Six.
- GenresThriller
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
33 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Mackenzie
11 books68 followersTo get the latest news and your FREE sample chapters from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated In the Silence, join the M.R. Mackenzie Readers’ Club:
https://www.mrmackenzieauthor.com/rea...
M.R. Mackenzie is the author of several gritty, character-driven crime fiction novels set mainly in his native Glasgow, including an ongoing series of mysteries featuring criminology lecturer Anna Scavolini.
The first book in the series, In the Silence, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019.
The sixth, The Secrets We Keep, featured in the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2025 (Crime and Thrillers) and IngramSpark’s 2025 Editorial Selection (Mystery/Thriller).
PRAISE FOR M.R. MACKENZIE:
“One of the most consistently accomplished writers on the current scene.” — Financial Times
“Brings a fresh new voice to the field of Tartan Noir.” — James Oswald
“Writes with precision and passion.” — Caro Ramsay
“An immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.” — Gordon J. Brown
“Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original.” — NB Magazine
“Up there with the best contemporary authors working today.” — David B. Lyons
https://www.mrmackenzieauthor.com/rea...
M.R. Mackenzie is the author of several gritty, character-driven crime fiction novels set mainly in his native Glasgow, including an ongoing series of mysteries featuring criminology lecturer Anna Scavolini.
The first book in the series, In the Silence, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019.
The sixth, The Secrets We Keep, featured in the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2025 (Crime and Thrillers) and IngramSpark’s 2025 Editorial Selection (Mystery/Thriller).
PRAISE FOR M.R. MACKENZIE:
“One of the most consistently accomplished writers on the current scene.” — Financial Times
“Brings a fresh new voice to the field of Tartan Noir.” — James Oswald
“Writes with precision and passion.” — Caro Ramsay
“An immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.” — Gordon J. Brown
“Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original.” — NB Magazine
“Up there with the best contemporary authors working today.” — David B. Lyons
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!
My first one by Mackenzie but won't be my last!
The premise had me intrigued straight away and had remnants of 'That Night' by Gillian McAllister, which I also loved!
The 3 main characters were fantastically written, each with clearly defined personalities with their decisions suitably matching them very well.
I would just like to mention that opening- the emails to Matthew had me hooked and laughing immediately- it was a great way to start a novel.
I would recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers, if you enjoy tense and suspense filled books, add this to your TBR.
My first one by Mackenzie but won't be my last!
The premise had me intrigued straight away and had remnants of 'That Night' by Gillian McAllister, which I also loved!
The 3 main characters were fantastically written, each with clearly defined personalities with their decisions suitably matching them very well.
I would just like to mention that opening- the emails to Matthew had me hooked and laughing immediately- it was a great way to start a novel.
I would recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers, if you enjoy tense and suspense filled books, add this to your TBR.
August 12, 2022
Hard to put down!
This psychological thriller instantly gripped me with the unfolding of an innocent night that goes terribly wrong!
4.5 stars (rounded up)
It’s been a while since a book pulled me in so completely! The telling of this story immediately grabbed my attention, beginning with an ominous drive in the woods. Then there are glimpses of emails that were written but never sent. I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end!
Hazel has just discovered her boyfriend’s infidelity. Two friends talk her into a girl’s weekend of fun but things get out of hand quickly. She meets a local man—Aiden— and he sets his sights on her. He escorts her back to their rental but the evening ends tragically and changes the lives of all three women.
I love discovering such incredible new-to-me-authors!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#booktour #blogtour #booktourhost #buryyoursecrets #mrmackenzie #lovebookstours #giftedbook #ARC #inexchangeforreview #psychologicalthiller #LBTCrew
This psychological thriller instantly gripped me with the unfolding of an innocent night that goes terribly wrong!
4.5 stars (rounded up)
It’s been a while since a book pulled me in so completely! The telling of this story immediately grabbed my attention, beginning with an ominous drive in the woods. Then there are glimpses of emails that were written but never sent. I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end!
Hazel has just discovered her boyfriend’s infidelity. Two friends talk her into a girl’s weekend of fun but things get out of hand quickly. She meets a local man—Aiden— and he sets his sights on her. He escorts her back to their rental but the evening ends tragically and changes the lives of all three women.
I love discovering such incredible new-to-me-authors!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#booktour #blogtour #booktourhost #buryyoursecrets #mrmackenzie #lovebookstours #giftedbook #ARC #inexchangeforreview #psychologicalthiller #LBTCrew
August 10, 2022
Hazel is turning 30 - her long time partner and her have made plans for a gorgeous weekend at beach destination. Plans that are canceled when Hazel finds him in their bed. With another friend.
Her old friend, Claire, is desperate to still have fun. She books a cabin in a secluded Scottish town. Hazel invites her cousin, Mickie - even though Claire and Mickie constantly fight for Hazel's attention.
After a long drive, the women end up at the local pub for dinner and drinks. Wayward actions bring Aidan into their evening. Disaster becomes the theme.
Several years later, the women have somewhat moved on with their lives. Until an anonymous phone call begins the search. The tension builds between the friends as they wonder which one will break first.
None of these characters are really likeable. Claire has control and obsessive issues; Mickie - addiction and need to belong. Hazel is just lost between them. I enjoyed the suspense as well as the ending.
Her old friend, Claire, is desperate to still have fun. She books a cabin in a secluded Scottish town. Hazel invites her cousin, Mickie - even though Claire and Mickie constantly fight for Hazel's attention.
After a long drive, the women end up at the local pub for dinner and drinks. Wayward actions bring Aidan into their evening. Disaster becomes the theme.
Several years later, the women have somewhat moved on with their lives. Until an anonymous phone call begins the search. The tension builds between the friends as they wonder which one will break first.
None of these characters are really likeable. Claire has control and obsessive issues; Mickie - addiction and need to belong. Hazel is just lost between them. I enjoyed the suspense as well as the ending.
August 9, 2022
Talk about intense! I have been cutting back on eBooks, it’s a personal weird quirk but I am SO SO happy I grabbed this one. It was a quick read that had me on the edge of my seat. I was definitely kept guessing through most of the book. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. I love the way they play off each other. It kind of had a Pretty Little Liars vibe almost. I have recently become obsessed with that show. Without giving much away, I loved the point of view from the narrator, very interesting indeed. Don’t miss this one!
August 2, 2022
This story was thrilling, entertaining and intensely suspenseful, which kept me turning the pages quickly just to see how it would all end. The imagery and world building brought everything to life on the pages. The characters were all unique and well fleshed out. They each made me laugh with their quirkiness and then they completely shocked me with their individual ideas on how to fix the tragic situation they found themselves in.
This was an intriguing psychological thriller with all kinds of twists and turns throughout that you really don’t see coming, which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I thought I knew how it would all end, but I was sorely mistaken.
Really well written story, which I could totally see as a movie. I highly enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was an intriguing psychological thriller with all kinds of twists and turns throughout that you really don’t see coming, which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I thought I knew how it would all end, but I was sorely mistaken.
Really well written story, which I could totally see as a movie. I highly enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 2, 2022
Bury your Secrets is a stand alone novel from author M. R. McKenzie. This is a book set around the friendship of three women and a relaxing but ultimately a fateful weekend away in the Scottish Highlands.
I loved the 3 women, such different characters and each one completely believable. I don't like to talk about plot lines in a review but I can imagine something like this happening in real life and panic taking over. The more minor characters were good too, especially the detective who just can't let the investigation drop. And I'd like to compliment Michael on his brilliant handling of dialects from the characters.
This is definitely a book and author I'd recommend, I loved it.
I loved the 3 women, such different characters and each one completely believable. I don't like to talk about plot lines in a review but I can imagine something like this happening in real life and panic taking over. The more minor characters were good too, especially the detective who just can't let the investigation drop. And I'd like to compliment Michael on his brilliant handling of dialects from the characters.
This is definitely a book and author I'd recommend, I loved it.
August 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! When I first started reading it, the writing style felt quite informal and slightly immature even with some of the conversations they had and words used, but I quickly got used to it and it actually really suited the story.
The plot of the book was exciting; I’m more of a ‘whodunnit’ kind of gal. I don’t normally read books where the reader knows from the start who did it, so this was a refreshing change and I actually really enjoyed it. There were so many ‘twists’ in this book that it was impossible to guess what was going to happen next. I had so many theories as I was reading it and none of them were right! 🤣 strangely for me, I didn’t feel very strongly about any of the characters. They were all well written but I just didn’t really like any one character more than another! Which is odd for me as I normally form an attachment to fictional characters 😅
The ending was unexpected too. I won’t give any spoilers, but it wasn’t the ending I wanted or expected as I was reading the book, but now I’ve finished, I think it actually was the perfect end to the book.
The plot of the book was exciting; I’m more of a ‘whodunnit’ kind of gal. I don’t normally read books where the reader knows from the start who did it, so this was a refreshing change and I actually really enjoyed it. There were so many ‘twists’ in this book that it was impossible to guess what was going to happen next. I had so many theories as I was reading it and none of them were right! 🤣 strangely for me, I didn’t feel very strongly about any of the characters. They were all well written but I just didn’t really like any one character more than another! Which is odd for me as I normally form an attachment to fictional characters 😅
The ending was unexpected too. I won’t give any spoilers, but it wasn’t the ending I wanted or expected as I was reading the book, but now I’ve finished, I think it actually was the perfect end to the book.
August 1, 2022
It's no secret I'm a huge thriller fan, so when this Scottish crime thriller popped up on my radar I jumped at the chance, and it did not disappoint!
I don't want to tell too much of the plot because half the fun is going in cold and watching it all unfold, but basically three friends go off into rural Scotland for a birthday weekend and come home having just buried a body.
This book is essentially split into two sections, the "before" which leads the reader up to the burial, and the "after" which details how the three friends cope with the aftermath of what's happened. I liked the before section, especially the colorful bits of Scottish language (I'm a sucker for a good accent!), but I was really raced through the second, needing to know how this all would resolve! This book had some twists I didn't see coming and a climax that left me breathless. I read in the notes that author started with a screenplay idea, and I would absolutely love to see this thriller on the big screen!
I don't want to tell too much of the plot because half the fun is going in cold and watching it all unfold, but basically three friends go off into rural Scotland for a birthday weekend and come home having just buried a body.
This book is essentially split into two sections, the "before" which leads the reader up to the burial, and the "after" which details how the three friends cope with the aftermath of what's happened. I liked the before section, especially the colorful bits of Scottish language (I'm a sucker for a good accent!), but I was really raced through the second, needing to know how this all would resolve! This book had some twists I didn't see coming and a climax that left me breathless. I read in the notes that author started with a screenplay idea, and I would absolutely love to see this thriller on the big screen!
October 4, 2022
The story was great, how a snap decision can set a whole heap of things in motion.
I loved how innocently it started and then just escalated, with all the mind games along the way. Plus I thought the ending was done well, not what you'd usually expect. Seeing how each of the characters dealt with the secret and then how if affected them over time was interesting.
I didn't feel that the relationship between Hazel and Matthew added anything to the story. I also didn't like Claire from the start and struggled to see why they'd been friends for so long. Hazel made some dumb decisions, but I can understand not thinking straight in the moment.
Overall, an entertaining psychological thriller full of twists and turns.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved how innocently it started and then just escalated, with all the mind games along the way. Plus I thought the ending was done well, not what you'd usually expect. Seeing how each of the characters dealt with the secret and then how if affected them over time was interesting.
I didn't feel that the relationship between Hazel and Matthew added anything to the story. I also didn't like Claire from the start and struggled to see why they'd been friends for so long. Hazel made some dumb decisions, but I can understand not thinking straight in the moment.
Overall, an entertaining psychological thriller full of twists and turns.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 4, 2022
‘Bury your secrets’ is a slow paced thriller with some aspects of mystery and a few twists thrown in for good measure.
After Hazel catches her boyfriend in the act of cheating, along with her BFF Claire and her Cousin Mickie she heads off to a small village for her 30th.
It becomes a weekend they will all remember, but not in a good way.
After returning tensions run high, they are all looking behind their backs constantly. Until tragedy upon tragedy happens. And Hazel finally finds herself in the worst place she can imagine.
I really enjoyed reading ‘Bury your secrets’ it was an easy read but kept your interest throughout. I especially liked the authors writing style in which the main character Hazel was addressing us as the audience. I also particularly enjoyed the fact the three ‘friends’ were a collection of oddballs who you would not expect to see hanging out, but it worked.
This book was definitely a little rollercoaster of a journey, going through ups and downs with each of the characters and I loved the few little twists along the way, which I definitely did not see coming.
If you are looking for an easy, slow paced thriller, this is definitely a good book to pick up.
After Hazel catches her boyfriend in the act of cheating, along with her BFF Claire and her Cousin Mickie she heads off to a small village for her 30th.
It becomes a weekend they will all remember, but not in a good way.
After returning tensions run high, they are all looking behind their backs constantly. Until tragedy upon tragedy happens. And Hazel finally finds herself in the worst place she can imagine.
I really enjoyed reading ‘Bury your secrets’ it was an easy read but kept your interest throughout. I especially liked the authors writing style in which the main character Hazel was addressing us as the audience. I also particularly enjoyed the fact the three ‘friends’ were a collection of oddballs who you would not expect to see hanging out, but it worked.
This book was definitely a little rollercoaster of a journey, going through ups and downs with each of the characters and I loved the few little twists along the way, which I definitely did not see coming.
If you are looking for an easy, slow paced thriller, this is definitely a good book to pick up.
August 5, 2022
This book really drew me in, gripped me and kept me constantly wondering how it would end. I really enjoyed how we followed the lives of the perpetrators of the crime and saw the effects of that crime on all their lives. I felt it was very cleverly and very well written and you can almost feel the stress the characters experience as their past actions pull their lives apart. I liked all the main characters and at times couldn’t decide whether I wanted them to pay for what they had done or get away with it. It was atmospheric, tense and totally immersive, everything a psychological thriller should be. Yet another brilliant read from M.R. MacKenzie.
August 6, 2022
This was a quick and easy read that was fast paced at the beginning with a slower pace in middle and then faster paced again toward the end. The Blurb sounded right up my street and it wasnt wrong I was gripped by this twisty and secret filled read.
The characters were well developed and all brought something to the plotline and I enjoyed how the book opened - girl we have all been there.
A really enjoyable psychological thriller that left me wanting to read more by the author.
The characters were well developed and all brought something to the plotline and I enjoyed how the book opened - girl we have all been there.
A really enjoyable psychological thriller that left me wanting to read more by the author.
August 5, 2022
This is a quick wonderful read. The title literately explains the book. Several years after the weekend getaway someone makes an anonymous call to the police and the friends back to covering their tracks. Hazel and her friends must stick together to avoid the police but as the blurb says, the truth will come out. The three friends have very different personalities and have dealt with the past three years differently. This book will keep you guessing, especially the ending.
October 6, 2022
Absolutely brilliant
From the first page I just couldn’t stop. Loved it from start to finish. The story is something that could have so easily happened and loved the characters especially Hazel and Mickie. Being Scottish I loved the accents and humour. Well worth the read and would definitely recommend this book.
From the first page I just couldn’t stop. Loved it from start to finish. The story is something that could have so easily happened and loved the characters especially Hazel and Mickie. Being Scottish I loved the accents and humour. Well worth the read and would definitely recommend this book.
October 15, 2022
Ooooh, Wowzers. This was definitely a crazy ride of a book. It starts off gently then it builds up speed then BANG!
You have the perfect birthday weekend away planned, but things never ever go to plan, do they? I thoroughly enjoyed the story plot, majority of the characters, there were a couple that was annoying.
The cover is extremely eye catching and really freaky, just love it. This novel was extremely tense, twisty, and everything you ever need in a psychological thriller.
I would highly recommend this cracker of a book.
You have the perfect birthday weekend away planned, but things never ever go to plan, do they? I thoroughly enjoyed the story plot, majority of the characters, there were a couple that was annoying.
The cover is extremely eye catching and really freaky, just love it. This novel was extremely tense, twisty, and everything you ever need in a psychological thriller.
I would highly recommend this cracker of a book.
September 29, 2022
Loved this. Could not put it down and read the last couple of chapters holding my breath. Definitely recommend and I will seek out others from this author.
August 3, 2022
Girls weekend gone terribly wrong.
July 22, 2022
Really enjoyed this book! My first read from Mackenzie’s, this novel follows 3 individuals who have found themselves in a tricky situation and they deal with it through the coming years. I didn’t see the twists coming at all, it’s very cleverly done and a good and engaging read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2022
Bury Your Secrets by M. R. Mackenzie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @lovebookstours for my gifted copy.
My thoughts: wow-this was one intense Scottish crime thriller that I am so happy that I picked up! My first book from Mackenzie but I know it won’t be my last! I was hooked from the very first pages-choosing to begin with emails was so fantastic. The three main characters were strong in different ways and I couldn’t put this book down! Loved the remote 🏴Scottish atmosphere! Highly recommend if you love thrillers! 🙌🏻
Blurb—One Saturday afternoon, three friends head north for a long weekend. On Monday, they will return home, having buried a body in the woods.
For Hazel, reeling from the discovery of her long-term partner’s infidelity, a getaway to a remote coastal village with her best friends, Mickie and Claire, seems like the ideal remedy. And when a local man, Aidan, takes a shine to her, Hazel wonders if she’s ready to move on.
Within hours, however, Aidan is dead, leaving Hazel and her friends with a dreadful choice: to come clean or mount a cover-up. Determined to protect Hazel at all costs, the friends forge a desperate pact.
But secrets have a habit of catching up with you – and of testing the bonds of friendship to their limits. And Hazel is about to find out that, no matter how much she might wish otherwise, you can’t bury the truth forever.
A gripping standalone psychological thriller from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated author of the Anna Scavolini mysteries, Bury Your Secrets is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game, Andrea Bartz’s We Were Never Here and Luca Veste’s The Six.
#lovebookstours #ad #booktour #gifted #bookstagram #bibliophile #scotland #Scottish #crime #thriller #lbtcrew #books #mrmackenzie #unputdownable #booksaremyhappyplace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @lovebookstours for my gifted copy.
My thoughts: wow-this was one intense Scottish crime thriller that I am so happy that I picked up! My first book from Mackenzie but I know it won’t be my last! I was hooked from the very first pages-choosing to begin with emails was so fantastic. The three main characters were strong in different ways and I couldn’t put this book down! Loved the remote 🏴Scottish atmosphere! Highly recommend if you love thrillers! 🙌🏻
Blurb—One Saturday afternoon, three friends head north for a long weekend. On Monday, they will return home, having buried a body in the woods.
For Hazel, reeling from the discovery of her long-term partner’s infidelity, a getaway to a remote coastal village with her best friends, Mickie and Claire, seems like the ideal remedy. And when a local man, Aidan, takes a shine to her, Hazel wonders if she’s ready to move on.
Within hours, however, Aidan is dead, leaving Hazel and her friends with a dreadful choice: to come clean or mount a cover-up. Determined to protect Hazel at all costs, the friends forge a desperate pact.
But secrets have a habit of catching up with you – and of testing the bonds of friendship to their limits. And Hazel is about to find out that, no matter how much she might wish otherwise, you can’t bury the truth forever.
A gripping standalone psychological thriller from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated author of the Anna Scavolini mysteries, Bury Your Secrets is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game, Andrea Bartz’s We Were Never Here and Luca Veste’s The Six.
#lovebookstours #ad #booktour #gifted #bookstagram #bibliophile #scotland #Scottish #crime #thriller #lbtcrew #books #mrmackenzie #unputdownable #booksaremyhappyplace
October 11, 2022
A different perspective
I really enjoyed this book as it was about three friends Hazel, Mickie and Claire taking a vacation to celebrate the milestone birthday of Hazel. Well things don't go quite according to plan when an incident happens and a dilemma about how to handle the situation ensues.
I was hooked from the get go and because it's set in Scotland where I'm from I recognised a lot of the locations but not Port Catrin ( just to be clear)😇
The story wasn't like anything I've read before it was a bit like the end at the beginning but not as this was just the beginning and everything that happens as a result of poor choices.
I really enjoyed this book as it was about three friends Hazel, Mickie and Claire taking a vacation to celebrate the milestone birthday of Hazel. Well things don't go quite according to plan when an incident happens and a dilemma about how to handle the situation ensues.
I was hooked from the get go and because it's set in Scotland where I'm from I recognised a lot of the locations but not Port Catrin ( just to be clear)😇
The story wasn't like anything I've read before it was a bit like the end at the beginning but not as this was just the beginning and everything that happens as a result of poor choices.
August 23, 2022
When friends Hazel, Mickie and Claire go away for a weekend break, the last thing they expect is to bury a body. When Hazel is responsible for the accidental death of local man Aidan during a tussle, they agree to bury the truth alongside his body and make a pact to never tell a soul what happened. But guilt is a heavy weight to bear and some secrets are hard to bury ...
Bury Your Secrets is a gripping and twisty psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing until the end. And THAT finale!
It’s beautifully written and well paced with really well developed, believable characters. The three friends had very different personalities and backgrounds and the author did a great job of exploring the dynamics of their often fractious friendships and showing how they each dealt with the aftermath of Aidan’s death differently.
The book was packed with drama, deception and plot twists a plenty. I watched with morbid fascination as the friendships started to unravel under the weight of their guilt and events began to spiral out of control. One thing is clear from this story - the importance of making the right decision. Hiding the truth and keeping secrets among a group comes at a heavy price.
Bury Your Secrets is a nail biting, enjoyable, psychological thriller and I’d recommend it to all thriller fans.
Bury Your Secrets is a gripping and twisty psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing until the end. And THAT finale!
It’s beautifully written and well paced with really well developed, believable characters. The three friends had very different personalities and backgrounds and the author did a great job of exploring the dynamics of their often fractious friendships and showing how they each dealt with the aftermath of Aidan’s death differently.
The book was packed with drama, deception and plot twists a plenty. I watched with morbid fascination as the friendships started to unravel under the weight of their guilt and events began to spiral out of control. One thing is clear from this story - the importance of making the right decision. Hiding the truth and keeping secrets among a group comes at a heavy price.
Bury Your Secrets is a nail biting, enjoyable, psychological thriller and I’d recommend it to all thriller fans.
August 21, 2022
An intense and dark psychological thriller with secrets and lies aplenty that keeps you on edge and in suspense throughout. I found myself completely caught up in what was happening and could not put it down!
Hazel is our narrator, she’s reeling from being cheated on and feels devastated, humiliated and a bit lost. She’s going on a getaway with her best friends, Claire and Mickie, who are complete opposites but both want to help her get away from her troubles. What starts out as an exciting break to a quiet, picturesque village soon sets in motion a chain of events that horrifically spiral out of control and turn into a living nightmare no one will recover from.
Each has something to lose but they stick together and make a pact to never speak of it again. Once home the paranoia, guilt, and worry kick in. There’s so much uncertainty and it creates a distance. As the police investigation picks up the tension was acutely palpable. Relations become fraught, they become suspicious of one another and panic sets in. Hazel starts to realise maybe she doesn’t know them as well as she thought she did – loyalties are tested, trust is broken, and the mental anguish pervades the pages.
I really enjoyed the gripping writing and there’s a real sense of urgency and desperation towards the end, they up the ante and self-preservation takes over. There were shocking twists and an explosive ending I did not see coming!
The story exposes moral dilemmas and how every action has a consequence. The truth has a way of clawing its way to the surface and as things unravel the lies the characters spin catch up with them in tragic and brutal ways.
This thrilling, unpredictable book will leave you thinking about it long after that final page.
With thanks to @lovebookstours and @landofwhimsy for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
Hazel is our narrator, she’s reeling from being cheated on and feels devastated, humiliated and a bit lost. She’s going on a getaway with her best friends, Claire and Mickie, who are complete opposites but both want to help her get away from her troubles. What starts out as an exciting break to a quiet, picturesque village soon sets in motion a chain of events that horrifically spiral out of control and turn into a living nightmare no one will recover from.
Each has something to lose but they stick together and make a pact to never speak of it again. Once home the paranoia, guilt, and worry kick in. There’s so much uncertainty and it creates a distance. As the police investigation picks up the tension was acutely palpable. Relations become fraught, they become suspicious of one another and panic sets in. Hazel starts to realise maybe she doesn’t know them as well as she thought she did – loyalties are tested, trust is broken, and the mental anguish pervades the pages.
I really enjoyed the gripping writing and there’s a real sense of urgency and desperation towards the end, they up the ante and self-preservation takes over. There were shocking twists and an explosive ending I did not see coming!
The story exposes moral dilemmas and how every action has a consequence. The truth has a way of clawing its way to the surface and as things unravel the lies the characters spin catch up with them in tragic and brutal ways.
This thrilling, unpredictable book will leave you thinking about it long after that final page.
With thanks to @lovebookstours and @landofwhimsy for a place on the tour and the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
August 22, 2022
Bury Your Secrets is a psychological thriller that instantly had me hooked. Once I started this book, I could not and did not want to put it down. There were so many twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat until I finished. When Hazel catches her boyfriend cheating, she decides to embark on a trip to a small village with her BFF and cousin. But this will be a weekend they won't soon forget. This is my first book by this author, but it definitely will not be my last.
August 12, 2022
I enjoyed reading ‘The Shadow Men’ so I was looking forward to reading this standalone, ‘Bury Your Secrets’. This was a tense psychological thriller that revolves around three female friends and I found it to be enticing and an exciting read.
It's Hazel’s 30th birthday and instead of spending it with her cheating boyfriend in Marbella, she is heading up north to Aberdeenshire with her best friend Claire and her cousin Mickie! Whilst there they meet a local man, Aidan but within hours he is dead lying on Hazel’s bedroom floor. They have two options - call the police or get rid of the body. They decide to form a part, bury the body and never speak of it again. But we all know that secrets never stayed buried right…
This was a very quick and entertaining read and it kept my attention - I read it in one day. I enjoyed reading about the girl's lives but after the event I felt sorry for Mickie the most. She is just left to her own devices and her pain and I didn't think Hazel had much empathy for her really. I didn't really like Hazel or Claire as people but I think that is the point so in that regard the author has succeeded in his task!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
It's Hazel’s 30th birthday and instead of spending it with her cheating boyfriend in Marbella, she is heading up north to Aberdeenshire with her best friend Claire and her cousin Mickie! Whilst there they meet a local man, Aidan but within hours he is dead lying on Hazel’s bedroom floor. They have two options - call the police or get rid of the body. They decide to form a part, bury the body and never speak of it again. But we all know that secrets never stayed buried right…
This was a very quick and entertaining read and it kept my attention - I read it in one day. I enjoyed reading about the girl's lives but after the event I felt sorry for Mickie the most. She is just left to her own devices and her pain and I didn't think Hazel had much empathy for her really. I didn't really like Hazel or Claire as people but I think that is the point so in that regard the author has succeeded in his task!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
August 14, 2022
What a ride! This book takes off as Hazel, Claire and Mickie head out for a weekend to celebrate Hazel's 30th birthday. You don't have to wait long for the action. After the girls arrive, they quickly meet a local named Aidan. But Aidan winds up dead, the girls bond together and swear to never speak of it again. What follows is more psychological - can everyone keep quiet? - who tips off the police? - how do you move on from something like this? - how much can a friendship take? It has you second guessing and casting suspision on everyone. Can they get away with what they did? You will have to read to find out. I really enjoyed the way the story progressed and pulled you deeper into the web. It made me keep flipping pages to find out what was next. This is my first book from this author but it will not be my last. If you love psychological thrillers, check this one out!!
Thank you to Love Books Tours
for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Love Books Tours
for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2022
Well, that was a rollercoaster! This one starts off really well, the weekend away for the 30th that is mentioned a couple of times then completely forgotten and the burying of the body. Life isn’t quite the same when the 3 of them return, with Mickie and Hazel taking it badly.
I wasn’t a fan of Mickie, she just seemed too annoying and over the top for me, but then I didn’t really like Claire either. She was too controlling and stiff, and just a bit odd.
The story did take a bit of a dip around the 65% mark that put me off reading more, but I soldiered through it and I’m so glad I did. It certainly picked up again and shot off at an alarming rate, so much so that I read the remainder of the book in an hour! Such a good ending too, just brilliant.
I’d certainly recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers, this will certainly keep you going!
I wasn’t a fan of Mickie, she just seemed too annoying and over the top for me, but then I didn’t really like Claire either. She was too controlling and stiff, and just a bit odd.
The story did take a bit of a dip around the 65% mark that put me off reading more, but I soldiered through it and I’m so glad I did. It certainly picked up again and shot off at an alarming rate, so much so that I read the remainder of the book in an hour! Such a good ending too, just brilliant.
I’d certainly recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers, this will certainly keep you going!
May 22, 2024
gripping
I enjoyed this book very much, I found it was written from the usual perspective which I liked. All the characters brought different feelings and perceptions at different times. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something different and so enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book very much, I found it was written from the usual perspective which I liked. All the characters brought different feelings and perceptions at different times. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something different and so enjoyable.
August 16, 2022
A perfect recipe of a crime thriller with lots of twists and turns. Character building is very strong and engaging. Really enjoyed the book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
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