All families’ have secrets some families’ secrets are more divisive than others to misquote Leo Tolstoy (check for correct quote).
While readers may not like secrets in their own families, we all love reading about them in novels, so here are 10 novels that use this trope as basis for the story.
Novels Based Around Family Secrets
- One Last Secret
- Someone is Lying
- The Hunting Party
- The Inheritance
- The God of the Woods
- The Midnight Feast
- The Last Resort
- Sweet Little Lies
- The Will
- The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill
Tags
Adele Parks, Book Blogger, Book List, C.S. Robertson, Crime, Heidi Perks, Karin Nordin, Liz Moore, Lucy Foley, Mystery & Thrillers, One Last Secret, Rebecca Reid, Someone is Lying, Sweet Little Lies, The God of the Woods, The Hunting Party, The Inheritance, The Last Resort, The Midnight Feast, The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill, Trisha Sakhlecha
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Novels That use Family Secrets as a Plot Point
One Last Secret
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One Last Secret follows Dora, a high-class escort who takes on one final job before marrying. Told in a personal, engaging voice, this twisty thriller explores identity, danger, and redemption.
Someone is Lying
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Someone is Lying follows two single mothers, Jess and Kay, after Jess’s daughter vanishes on holiday. Told via dual POVs and a podcast, this twisty, emotional mystery explores bias and blame.
The Hunting Party
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley is a suspenseful New Year’s mystery set in a remote Scottish lodge. Secrets, shifting dynamics, and isolation turn a familiar setup into a fresh, engaging read.
The Inheritance
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha is a family drama and mystery set on a remote Scottish island. With Indian family dynamics, secrets, and inheritance tension, it’s a solid, enjoyable beach read.
The God of the Woods
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a gripping 1975-set mystery about a girl’s disappearance echoing her brother’s vanishing 15 years prior. Rich themes, layered timelines, and strong writing elevate it.
The Midnight Feast
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley is a twisty, multi-perspective thriller set at a retreat’s opening weekend, where past secrets resurface. Complex timelines and viewpoints make it gripping—but divisive.
The Last Resort
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Last Resort by Heidi Perks is a gripping psychological thriller told across two timelines and multiple perspectives, weaving together a hit-and-run, family secrets, and a tragic past. Twisty and tense.
Sweet Little Lies
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sweet Little Lies by Karin Nordin is a dual-timeline thriller about a teen’s murder and a looming execution 15 years later. Thoughtful on justice and trauma, it’s gripping—despite a divisive ending.
The Will
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Will by Rebecca Reid is a family drama cantered on an unexpected inheritance. Though the premise and characters are engaging, However the novel does have its weaknesses, but still an enjoyable read
The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill
MBR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill is a gripping psychological thriller about a Glasgow death cleaner who becomes obsessed with the lives of the lonely and dead—beautifully written.
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Further Reading
on markreadsbooks.com
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So there who have all of Adele parks stand alone novels if you want to see more Book Lists go here or go to GoodReads to add these books to your YBR
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Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.
Mark.