Their Little Secret (Tom Thorne Novels Book 16)

Product Information

Billingham is obviously contracted to write a book a year. I can't imagine the pressure that must put a writer under. You could spend months on an idea that's awful and end up scrapping it, or maybe illness or life gets in the way. MY THOUGHTS: Hard to believe I know, but every book in this series just seems to get better and better, and I am always waiting breathlessly for the next to be published. The plotting in this is superb, the writing suspenseful and thrilling, the characters chilling. The old saying ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive’ is somewhat relevant in this story. All of the protagonists have secrets and tell lies not only to themselves but also to others. Oh and let us not forget the three amigos own little secret. When we are introduced to one particular character it’s quite a sad lie, one that at some points is quite heartbreaking. I wonder if we may revisit this character again some time in the future. I guarantee you won’t see the ending coming. Thorne is one of the most interesting detectives in contemporary crime fiction. And then there is Jamie… (You will have to read to learn about Jamie) this character adds a real psychological punch to the narrative and almost has you feeling sorry for his mother, almost.

And if you scan the code on the inside cover flap you can hear Mark Billingham reading chapter one of “Their Little secret” audio book. And that’s all I’ll say about that side of the story. Just know it took off in directions I never could have predicted with plenty of WTH moments along the way.

Get Her Little Secret

A fantastic thriller... a gripping plot and lead characters of remarkable depth. Billingham is a multiple-award winner, and his books have sold more than six million copies. Readers who grab this one but aren’t familiar with its predecessors will be seeking them out. A series to savor.” ― Booklist (starred review) Overall, I found this competent rather than great. It would make a decent beach read, but I won’t be rushing to read another in the series.

Their Little Secret features a twisted boy meets girl scenario and throws Thorne and Tanner into an all consuming hunt for the truth. Around that their personal stories continue to expand and engage, creating a perfect storm of a read that is utterly gripping and often a little horrifying. Billingham is a world-class writer and Tom Thorne is a wonderful creation.” ―Karin Slaughter, bestselling author of the Will Trent series I think what I loved most about this book (and there is a lot to love) is the reveal that I did not see coming, the secrets that are being kept on both sides of the law, the reference to Elvis Costello’s lyrics for “I Want You”: Once Leon's secret is out, Cristina commits to guiding him through his grief and ignoring her own growing attraction. But up against sophisticated, attentive, insistent Leon, her boundaries blur and then collapse, and the two set out on their own idyllic love affair. I like the way that Mr. Billingham keeps the reader apprised of Tom, Nic and Phil's lives. It enhances the story, but does not overwhelm it. I also like the joke-y manner they sometimes take with one another. This story is written and plotted in Billingham's usual style, that is to say brilliantly. His story ideas are fresh and contemporary. His transitions are smooth, his characters interesting and this story has a unique and interesting foundation. Some little secret, for sure!I thought Their Little Secret was OK, but no more than that. It’s my first Mark Billingham so it won’t be helped by my not having read the previous books in the series, but even so I had my reservations. Their Little Secret is a masterpiece of misdirection, suspense and contains as convincing a portrayal of insanity as I have read in many a long year. Tom Thorne is the perfect hero for our troubled times. Emotionally and professionally, he ploughs a lonely furrow, but his honesty and – sometimes clumsy – care for those he loves are deeply moving. Enter new client Leon: a handsome, charming, affluent photographer with a secret. He was the lover of one of Cristina's recently deceased clients, Michelle, who had come to Cristina for therapy to help her choose between Leon and her husband.