The Family Secret: An utterly gripping domestic thriller with a mind-blowing twist Paperback – January 30, 2023

"They're going to kill me... but I've made up my mind, and all I can hope for is that he's still the man I thought he was. Wish me luck."Well, the Bass family sure put the FUN in dysFUNction, that's for sure. Yikes!!I started out really liking our main couple, Lowell Bass and Austyn Murphy. They seemed so happy and in love, and newly engaged are envisioning their happy-ever-after. Then tragedy strikes and the two head to his family's estate to take care of the matter. That's when it starts to go all wrong and where I lost my love for Lowell. When Austyn accidentally stumbles on a piece of the manor's history, she unwittingly opens up a path that exposes old wounds, secrets, betrayals, and yes, possibly murder. Not only that but Lowell seems to be unrecognizable to her. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought. Some secrets are best left buried. Sometimes literally.You know the saying "if these walls could talk..."? If the walls of the Bass estate could talk, I'm sure it would be a horror story. Goodness gracious!! And that ending? I literally gasped!! Totally unexpected!!I love how this author is coming up with new and creative story lines with every book she writes. she has been dubbed "The Queen of Twists and Turns" by her readers, and that title is well deserved! Once again I bow down before the Queen for another brilliant, suspenseful, and twisty story!!

Super fast read, lots of intrigue. The writing is pretty basic, so its not leaning into fine literature, but makes for a great summer read that keeps your attention.

This book was okay. Not my favorite bc the twist was just ok and not too shocking compared to her other books.

Kiersten Modglin does it again! The wait was completely worth it! Loved the plot and the whole dysfunctional Bass family! As always, her twists and turns gave me whiplash. And the hints are so subtle that I was guessing wrong until the very end!“Their new home has a terrifying secret. When freshly engaged Austyn Murphy and Lowell Bass receive the news that Lowell’s parents have died unexpectedly, they set out for the historic Bass estate to handle their affairs and lay the former heads of the family to rest. Enshrouded in layers of secrecy and tradition, the Bass estate, and the family residing within its walls, give anything but a warm welcome. When the idea of staying in the home permanently is brought up, Austyn witnesses a side of her future husband she’s never seen before.”You will not be disappointed with the many surprises in this book! Great job, as always, Kiersten Modglin! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars out of 5 from me!

It has a good plot but there were a couple storylines that didn’t make sense. One being that Austyn and Lowell dated for almost 10 years and Lowell was able to hide his evil side from Austyn that long. Also what happened to Sophia’s parents? They made Sophia marry Simon and he took the Bass name and the fortune. when Sophia died and Celine took her place, why didn’t Sophia’s parents wonder what happened to Sophia and her baby? Did they just stop seeing her after she married Simon? Why didn’t they live at the pond? Maybe I missed a page or two.

I loved the characters and personalities in this one!! The diary entries added depth to the story which I loved. And everyone needs a Dallas!! Can I get one??

Family secrets again are part of this page turner. I have never been disappointed in a Modglin book and this one does not disappoint. Austyn is marrying Lowell....rich, handsome and evil. She accompanies him to his parents house who have recently died and is in for a treat. How well does anyone really know another person? Austyn is about to find out.Did not see this one coming and I am pretty good at figuring out the plots. This book is a page turner and another great read from this author.

I could not fall asleep last night. So I started this book around midnight and just finished 7:30. So yes, I read through the night, it did not help me sleep. In fact, it did quite the opposite. I love this authors books. I don't think I've ever been disappointed in any she wrote. Do yourself a favor and read this, just make sure you don't start it at midnight and read straight through to morning. It doesn't feel so great if you have work the next day. Definitely recommend if you like psychological thrillers. Just keep track of the names in the book because there is one chapter close to the end I had to read three times to make sure I knew what they were saying.