Book Review: Want to Know a Secret? A Psychological Domestic Thriller by Freida McFadden

How I Found It

I thought I was done with Freida McFadden’s books for a while. I had started another novel but couldn’t get past the second chapter, so I set it aside. A week later, I picked up her newest release, Want to Know a Secret?, a psychological fiction and domestic thriller.

What can I say? Her books are addictive. For me, they’re quick reads with a strong “whodunit” element. I think that’s what I find most appealing, me trying to figure out who’s guilty. And honestly, I usually guess wrong, but that’s part of the thrill.

Since it was her newest novel, I wanted to read it alongside other readers. The blurb sounded interesting, so I purchased it on April 1st. I started reading on April 11th and finished on April 19th.

What It’s About

This domestic thriller centers on April Masterson, a YouTuber whose show, Sweet Secrets, features delicious recipes. She ends every episode with the secret ingredient to the recipe. By doing that, her viewers often come back for more.   

The title couldn’t be more fitting because April is hiding secrets of her own. Dangerous ones. The story takes a dark turn when she receives a text message about her missing son, unraveling a web of lies, manipulation, and hidden truths.

What I Loved / Didn’t Love

As with many of Freida McFadden’s books, the story starts strong. I enjoyed the characters, especially April and Julie, and the fast-paced chapters kept me turning the pages. The plot was engaging; with a twist I suspected early on but dismissed it only to find out I was right in the end.

However, April’s character began to wear on me. At first, she came across as someone desperate for acceptance within her small cul-de-sac community, which made me sympathize with her. But her constant sugary sweetness and over-the-top behavior eventually became irritating.

Her son also left me unsure, was he innocent, or simply being blamed for things he didn’t do? That ambiguity worked but it eventually became tiresome.

The story also features two deeply flawed husbands. April’s husband was loving on the surface but was a repeated cheater. Julie’s husband was just as bad, displaying emotionally abusive behavior.

The biggest drawback for me was the final third of the book, when the POV shifts to Julie. While it revealed she was the one behind all the mysterious texts. And rehashing most of the story. It slowed the pacing before finally leading to the full reveal, which, again, confirmed my earlier suspicion.

Themes

Domestic relationships, a scorned woman, family dynamics, betrayal, cheating, manipulation, violence, and murder.

Who Would Enjoy It

If you enjoy a fast-paced domestic thriller with messy relationships, secrets, and a twisty reveal, this book is worth checking out.

My Rating

3.5 out of 5 stars

I gave Want to Know a Secret? three and a half stars. It was a solid read, but I’m still waiting for a Freida McFadden book that hits a full five stars for me.

👉You can find the book HERE if you're interested.