Tall Poppy Review: “Every Single Secret” Faces Lies

Every Single Secret

In the emotional psychological thriller Every Single Secret (Lake Union Publishing), Emily Carpenter takes us through Daphne Amos’ shocking discovery that all she thought to be truth was not. 

Daphne thought she’d found love with her fiancé, Heath. But their precarious relationship that is built on secrets teeters when Heath begins to have violent nightmares. Desperate to be rid of them, Heath convinces Daphne to accompany him on a seven-day exclusive retreat for couples and hosted by Dr. Matthew Cerny, a renowned therapist. The crux: the retreat’s location is isolated, and for most of the day, all participants will be taped by hidden cameras.

Daphne isn’t keen on attending as she has her own secrets she intends to keep to herself, but she agrees, eager to support Heath. The agreement is that she will not do the intensive therapy, which seemingly is not a problem.

But upon arrival, Daphne is unsettled by the cameras, the other participants and by Dr. Cerny who doesn’t seem to be who he represents. As the truth unravels, Daphne’s will and judgment are tested. She questions her own truths about her past, even against the man who she’s supposed to spend the rest of her life with.

Emily Carpenter is a master writer who weaves the complicated layers of Daphne’s backstory into the present day. Utilizing three separate timelines, the author knows exactly how much character and plot to give the reader to lure them to turn the page in pure anticipation of what comes next.

The author boldly questions the reliability and motives of people who are meant to serve others, accentuating the flawed nature of the people leading these systems. And while Daphne is a flawed character herself, the author is able to show her strength in the most harrowing of circumstances. Every Single Secret is a must read, and an easy favorite. 

Every Single Secret is a cautionary tale about the dangers of silencing our gut instinct and is available now. 

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ABOUT EMILY CARPENTER: 

Emily Carpenter is the critically acclaimed, bestselling author of suspense novels, Burying the Honeysuckle Girls, The Weight of Lies, and Every Single Secret. After graduating from Auburn with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, she moved to New York City. She’s worked as an actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant for the CBS shows, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her family. You can visit Emily at emilycarpenterauthor.com and on Facebook and Twitter.