The Family Secret
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.
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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 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.


michelle m reynolds –
This Family Puts the FUN in DysFUNction!
“They’re going to kill me… but I’ve made up my mind, and all I can hope for is that he’s still the man I thought he was. Wish me luck.”Well, the Bass family sure put the FUN in dysFUNction, that’s for sure. Yikes!!I started out really liking our main couple, Lowell Bass and Austyn Murphy. They seemed so happy and in love, and newly engaged are envisioning their happy-ever-after. Then tragedy strikes and the two head to his family’s estate to take care of the matter. That’s when it starts to go all wrong and where I lost my love for Lowell. When Austyn accidentally stumbles on a piece of the manor’s history, she unwittingly opens up a path that exposes old wounds, secrets, betrayals, and yes, possibly murder. Not only that but Lowell seems to be unrecognizable to her. Maybe she didn’t know him as well as she thought. Some secrets are best left buried. Sometimes literally.You know the saying “if these walls could talk…”? If the walls of the Bass estate could talk, I’m sure it would be a horror story. Goodness gracious!! And that ending? I literally gasped!! Totally unexpected!!I love how this author is coming up with new and creative story lines with every book she writes. she has been dubbed “The Queen of Twists and Turns” by her readers, and that title is well deserved! Once again I bow down before the Queen for another brilliant, suspenseful, and twisty story!!
Amazon Customer –
Quick and fun summer read
Super fast read, lots of intrigue. The writing is pretty basic, so its not leaning into fine literature, but makes for a great summer read that keeps your attention.
Chel Brock –
Not my favorite
This book was okay. Not my favorite bc the twist was just ok and not too shocking compared to her other books.
Amazon Customer –
It’s Another Homerun!
Kiersten Modglin does it again! The wait was completely worth it! Loved the plot and the whole dysfunctional Bass family! As always, her twists and turns gave me whiplash. And the hints are so subtle that I was guessing wrong until the very end!“Their new home has a terrifying secret. 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.”You will not be disappointed with the many surprises in this book! Great job, as always, Kiersten Modglin! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars out of 5 from me!
KJ –
Fast read suspense novel
Characters were a bit underdeveloped but plot held up. Plot seemed to be a bit rushed in the last part of the book. But if you want a fast read which will keep your attention, this book is a good choice..
Brittany Jones –
Phenomenal!
Kiersten Modglin is a powerhouse. She never disappoints with her books. I was hooked from the first page and quickly read this one. I loved the plot, there’s always secrets and they always come to light. This was a really good read. I enjoyed each character and their story lines. As always, I highly recommend.
Steph G –
Slow start, wickedly awesome end!!
This story starts out slow. Truly slow, not unbearably slow, just slow. Character build up and scene set up, and all I suppose. Or it’s a trick to lull you into a sense of safety. You’ll ask yourself, “Okay, so what’s the secret, and is it worth reading a book for?”The answer is yes! Once things get rolling, boy, do they get rolling. You don’t see it coming. You won’t see it coming, and when it does, you’ll be squealing!And you’ll love the ending. More realistic than rose colored glasses.Push through the slow beginning because it’s worth it. Enjoy!
GYY –
Good story, but….
It has a good plot but there were a couple storylines that didn’t make sense. One being that Austyn and Lowell dated for almost 10 years and Lowell was able to hide his evil side from Austyn that long. Also what happened to Sophia’s parents? They made Sophia marry Simon and he took the Bass name and the fortune. when Sophia died and Celine took her place, why didn’t Sophia’s parents wonder what happened to Sophia and her baby? Did they just stop seeing her after she married Simon? Why didn’t they live at the pond? Maybe I missed a page or two.
Booknerd70 –
As always, KMod doesn’t disappoint. Dark family secrets and twisted truths keep you on your toes in this thriller where you don’t know who to trust.
ellikat –
I loved this book. From the first page till the last it was the best. A real fast moving page turner. Kiersten modelling certainly has a gift for writing a great story filled with twists and turns. Love love love this book and cannot wait to read her next one.
Asha –
Really enjoyed the twists in this book. The last couple of chapters felt a little rushed (as though the author had a character limit and deadline to meet)
kirsty brecknell –
Thank you Netgalley, Kiersten Modglin & Dreamscape Media for the audiobook ARC of this book.This was my first Modglin book and it won’t be my last. It was a super fast listen/read that was addictively gripping with twists you won’t see coming.It was fast paced, mysterious and very well written.
Kindle Customer –
Another good Thriller book really enjoy kiersten modglin books lot of twists I didn’t see coming look forward to reading more of her books