The Family Secret

By: Kiersten Modglin

Narrated by: Jennifer Sun Bell

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Late one night, Austyn overhears a whispered conversation, revealing she hasn't been given the full truth about the world she's marrying into. And when Emily, an old friend, calls with devastating news of her own, Lowell and Austyn invite her to join them for a visit at the estate.

Upon Emily's arrival, a confession is made, causing a rift in the seemingly impenetrable bond the girls once had. As Emily settles into their home, becoming closer to Lowell than ever before, Austyn fears she's made a grave mistake.

Trapped inside the Bass estate under the ever-watchful eye of the staff and her soon-to-be family, Austyn makes another chilling discovery—something so terrible it changes everything.

With distressing revelations hidden around every corner and time running out before final decisions are made about her future, Austyn must uncover the truth about the opulent and powerful Bass family...at the risk of becoming another one of their dark secrets.

©2023 Kiersten Modglin (P)2023 Dreamscape Media

Whoa! I did NOT see that coming!

I enjoy reading about old mansions filled with family secrets, illegitimate family members, and shenanigans throughout. This book delivered, but with twists, I hadn't expected, given I was prepared for the usual predictable outcome.

Loved it!

This is one of my favorites by her. I kind of figured how it would go to some degree but I was enthralled through the whole story and couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Brilliant

it keeps you guessing!

I love this author! this book did not fail to keep me guessing and interested

This was an interesting listen…

I say interesting because I feel like the voice narration was a little distracting if that makes sense. I don’t know how to explain it. Maybe it was just me. Story was good, a little bit predictable I’m some places but there was enough of a twist in the writing to keep me hooked and wondering who’s going to be surprising me next. This was a book club read so looking forward to discussing some of the scenarios and twisted characters.

Really Good Until 1/4 Left

I liked how the parallel storylines appeared to be unrelated then slowly gave more clarity. It was pretty easy to determine alliances but sides could flip for no apparent reason. Loved how things were revealed only to be another distraction. A really strong book up until about 3/4th into the audio. As things were becoming crystal clear a subplot was thrown in that was just weird and unnecessary. I think it really took away from how good the book had been.

Narration was really good!!

This wasn’t bad

Not my favorite book by this author but it entertained me enough to keep reading. Overall I liked it!

I'm Disappointed...

I usually really like Kiersten Modglin books, but honestly, the storyline in this book was pretty weak from the start. Usually I can figure some twists out, and often I don't, but I saw everything coming. Nothing surprised or shocked me. The characters were meh. I didn't find myself really pulling for the main character. I didn't get swept up in the story, nor did I care much what happened to these people. Normally in a thriller book, you're...thrilled. I just wasn't. And, for me, the end was really a let down. Just...meh. The narration didn't help. I like the timbre of Jennifer Sun Bell's voice, but she doesn't have much inflection which makes her reading rather boring. The way she performed the voices actually gave away the ending for me. And she "clips off" the ends of her words and/or sentences which is distracting. It's hard to describe. Maybe no one else will be bothered by it as much as I was. It wasn't bad enough that I just couldn't finish listening to it, and I paid for the book so I didn't want to waste my money by not trying. Honestly, imho, I kind of wasted by money anyway because of the weak storyline. Just disappointed me. Too bad because I really like Kiersten's other books.

An adult that thinks like an 8yr old

The story was not believable. I did enjoy the twist, but being told from the main characters point of you, it was like she was an eight year old, making up fairytales ridiculous would not have spent the credit had I known.

Horrible Main Character

The main character in this book has the emotional intelligence of a child, and frankly her inner monologue is completely unnecessary. It's constantly explaining what you already picked up in context clues. Maybe the publisher had a word count minimum? The reader wasn't great either and to be honest I had zero buy in on any of the characters. The romantic scenes were cringe at best. I finished it for book club, otherwise I would have left it.

No real plot

I did not enjoy this book and will not finish it. I cannot figure out what the point of this book is supposed to be. The main character has been dating her fiancé for almost a decade, yet seems to not know him at all. His siblings make no sense either. He’s supposed to so wealthy that he’s dripping with money, yet she didn’t realize that. As soon as she meets his brother, she seems to be attracted to him, for no good reason as his character seems to be the family a$$hole. Her old friend from college insists on moving in the with them, there are all kinds of implications as to why, but then the explanation is so far-fetched as to be unbelievable. The whole sub-plot of the found diary just adds to the confusion. Please save yourself a credit and just watch general hospital or a similar soap for a couple of hours, it will serve you in the same way as this book.