Becca McCulloch Reads and Writes: Review:Secrets Among Thorns

Monday, July 14, 2025

Review:Secrets Among Thorns

She's been missing for 10 years, but can a gut feeling unravel the truth?

Carol, is a mother struggling to hold her family together in the aftermath of her brother-in-law Luke's terminal diagnosis. As Carol and her husband Darren grapple with this tragedy, their daughter Lauren mysteriously vanishes. This inciting incident sets the stage for a decade-long mystery that consumes Carol and Darren's lives, straining their already tumultuous marriage.

Years later, Brenda, a 63-year-old woman who is partially retired, becomes obsessed with Lauren's disappearance after seeing her face in a local newspaper. Despite her husband Alan's scepticism, Brenda feels a profound spiritual connection to the case and is convinced that she is meant to help uncover the truth.

Does Brenda know something she shouldn't? What secrets are the family hiding? And, who is lying?

Review

This book has a twist that will curl your toes! It was quite the payoff to this psychological and paranormal thriller.

The book depends on the somewhat-dense protagonist who is more plot device than character. She's an unreliable narrator - an unreliable everything, really. The book could benefit from another editing round to help with pacing, character and cut some unnecessary dialogue. However, I found the plot more than enough to drive the story. I was engaged until the ending and absolutely floored by the clever ending.

I didn't find the book offensive in any way, although readers should note that there is some strong language and profanity throughout.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5J8NLMG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5J8NLMG

Author Bio – JA Andrews is from Devon in the UK and is the author of gripping twisty psychological thrillers. As well as writing fiction, he enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching reality TV and spending time with family and friends...