Book Review: The Family Secret by Kiersten Modglin

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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. 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 that 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. ~~~~ This thriller was a fast-paced story about a rich family with lots of secrets and lots of money to cover up those secrets. When Austyn moves to her fiance's family estate after his parents pass away under suspicious circumstances, we never find out what happened to them really. It's basically a cover up. The loving fiance, Lowell, becomes a different person when back in his family environment. He is dominating, controlling and filled with secrets. "I took care of it" is what he says about issues so we never do find out what or how. The characters were a little weird and not very well developed. I had a hard time picturing them. It just seemed a little confusing and crazy weird. And the ending was certainly not what I expected. Seemed a little ridiculous to me. It was a quick and easy read and I gave it 3.5 stars out of 5.