Their Little Secret (Tom Thorne Novels Book 16)

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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. Through the book, Thorne zipped here and there on convoluted outings to speak to witnesses in Glasgow (and don't get me started on the stereotypical youth in the Glasgow park scene), and other parts of the country, something that a competent DC or DS could have done. With lots of surprises and some very crisp, staccato storytelling, it’s impossible to put down THEIR LITTLE SECRET.

I literally finished this today and couldn’t wait to write this review even though I don’t want to give away too much of the plot by writing a detailed synopsis of the story. I just wanted to recommend to any fans of Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer, and Stuart MacBride to give this author a chance but please start at the beginning with Sleepyhead. I have to admit to being jealous of anyone with that luxury available to them. 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. 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

Ah, l’amour…..ain’t it grand. Well, you might want to hold that thought. While many people exchange rings as a symbol of their union, you’re about to meet a couple who are a little…uh…less traditional. In Their Little Secret, the latest Tom Thorne thriller from internationally best-selling author Mark Billingham, a seemingly straightforward suicide turns into a sinister story of obsession, deception, and murder. What Thorne is able to dig up is the fact that Ms. Goodwin was the victim of a ruthless con-man who not only tore her down emotionally but took everything she had and humiliated her. It is easy to see how her sister felt this man may as well have pushed her in front of the train himself. The game now for Thorne was to locate this con-man who may very well have turned his attention to his next victim.

Although 16 in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, as are all of the books in this series.What I love about this series is the way the central protagonists are entirely authentic, living the lives we all lead, with all the ups and downs, highs and lows, but set apart by the job they do and the evil they see. It creates a realistic base that then throws the reader into all kinds of turmoil as less ordinary events overtake them. 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! Another sweltering month in Charlotte, another boatload of mysteries past and present for overworked, overstressed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. There’s something comforting about returning to a recurring series of novels with characters you have grown very familiar with. It’s exciting to see your favorite protagonists thrown into different places and circumstances, having to rely on the personal history and particular traits to solve the new problem they face.

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. 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”: This story is expertly plotted and the tension builds up throughout leaving you with no option but to continue reading. Mark Billingham is a very good author but with this latest addition to the series he raises the bar yet again. An excellent read.Beautifully constructed and written, it pulses with the humanity that is Billingham’s — and Thorne’s — trademark. 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.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Their Little Secret by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my personal opinions. DI Tom Thorne ( The Killing Habit, 2018, etc.) is convinced that a woman who threw herself under a train at the Highgate station wasn’t a routine suicide. He’s absolutely right, but not at all for the reasons he thinks. 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. Billingham is a master at balancing our need for personal information about the characters, their lives and loves, with the professional approach to solving the crime. There are plenty of twists and turns, and a few near misses......not only can I tell you why my sister jumped in front of that train, I can tell you the name of the man responsible for it’. This is a sad, sad day. I've never given a Billingham novel two stars. I have read all of his novels, apart from #15 which didn't appeal to me as it's about a cat killer, and well ... I have cats. There are some things I just don't want to read about, and animal cruelty and death is right up there on the top spot of #thanksbutnothanks 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.