Carey Baldwin

The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin is a 2022 Bookouture publication.

Holly thought she had married the perfect man- someone who knew all her secrets and loved her anyway. But after their daughter is born, her husband changes into a controlling and abusive stranger. Holly knows she must escape for her daughter’s sake, but will she make it out alive?

I enjoy reading domestic thrillers from time to time. I don’t expect them to be very original or surprising- anymore. I just want to see how the author plays with the familiar trope of the dangerous husband and the trapped wife. Sometimes they manage to add a twist or two that I didn’t see coming, and other times they stick to the formula.

This book started out as a typical domestic thriller, with some minor variations, but it had a big twist near the end that caught me off guard. However, the twist also came with some implausible explanations and motivations that weakened its impact. I still liked how the story ended and how everything was resolved, though.

Overall, this is a decent psychological/domestic thriller. It’s not very innovative or realistic, but it was fun to read while it lasted.

3 stars… (more)

Ooh, so many red flags that Holly should have seen but I know that until your eyes are open you do not see them. I hated Zach from the beginning of this book because I have known a Zach, I have seen this behavior before and I know where it was leading.

I loved the ending of this book, there was a twist I did not see coming at all and I appreciated that very much.

The narrator did a good job of differentiating the female voices. I often listen to audiobooks while working and I was able to pay attention to who was talking with ease.… (more)

My first book by this author, but it won't be the last. Faith Clancy decided to set up her new psychiatry practice in Santa Fe, but her first (and only) patient shortly confesses to being the serial killer 'The Saint'. Faith isn't confident that the confession is real, but legally she must contact the police. Patient's brother, Luke Jericho, is handsome, rich and convinced that his brother is just confused.

And off they go trying to determine who the killer is.

Yes, there is romance, and some sexy scenes, but what I liked most was this story was primarily about the investigation and suspense.

A good solid four stars for this one, with intriguing plot twists.… (more)