Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Little Secrets: A Novel
- Author: Jennifer Hillier
- Narrator: Kirsten Potter
- Length: 10:38:22
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 21/04/2020
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s a particular magic to listening to psychological thrillers while traveling – the way the tension in the narrative mirrors the anticipation of arriving somewhere new, the way characters’ unraveling lives echo the vulnerability we feel in unfamiliar places. I first pressed play on Jennifer Hillier’s “Little Secrets” during a rainy afternoon in a Lisbon café, the kind of place where the espresso is strong enough to match the dark twists of this brilliant novel. By the time Kirsten Potter’s narration reached its chilling conclusion, my coffee had gone cold, forgotten in the wake of Hillier’s masterful storytelling.
“Little Secrets” begins with every parent’s worst nightmare – the disappearance of a child – but quickly becomes something far more complex. What struck me most was how Hillier transforms Marin’s grief into something dangerously active. This isn’t a passive victim story; it’s about how trauma can mutate into something far more destructive. As someone who’s documented human resilience across six continents, I recognized the authenticity in Marin’s psychological journey – the way grief can become a kind of possession, driving people to places they’d never imagine going.
Kirsten Potter’s narration is nothing short of extraordinary. She captures Marin’s brittle determination with such precision that I found myself holding my breath during key moments, just as I did years ago listening to Gabriel García Márquez while crossing the Atacama. Potter has that same gift I observed in Oaxacan storytellers – the ability to sit in silence just long enough to make the next words land with devastating impact. Her performance of Derek, Marin’s husband, avoids caricature, making his emotional distance feel painfully real rather than villainous.
The novel’s exploration of how secrets metastasize in a marriage reminded me of conversations I’ve had with couples in small Moroccan villages and Tokyo high-rises alike – the universal human capacity for both deception and forgiveness. Hillier’s genius lies in making us understand, if not condone, Marin’s increasingly desperate actions. The affair revelation isn’t just plot development; it’s the spark that ignites Marin’s transformation from grieving mother to something far more dangerous.
What makes this audiobook particularly compelling is how Potter’s voice mirrors the novel’s structure – starting measured and controlled, then gradually revealing cracks in the façade. By the final act, her delivery has the frantic energy of someone running out of time, perfectly matching Hillier’s escalating tension. The scenes where Marin stalks Kenzie had me pausing the narration just to collect myself, the same way I’ve had to pause during harrowing bus rides through mountain passes.
Compared to other domestic thrillers, “Little Secrets” stands out for its emotional authenticity. While some authors might exploit child abduction for cheap suspense, Hillier treats the subject with gravity, making Marin’s subsequent actions feel tragically inevitable rather than sensational. The novel shares DNA with works by Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, but Hillier’s background in psychology brings an extra layer of insight to character motivations.
If I have one critique, it’s that some secondary characters could be more fleshed out – the P.I. in particular feels more like a plot device than a person. But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise flawless execution. The audio production quality is excellent, with crisp enunciation and well-balanced volume that makes it perfect for listening during travel (though maybe not while driving through particularly twisty roads – the tension might be too much!).
For listeners who appreciate psychological depth with their suspense, “Little Secrets” delivers in spades. It’s the kind of story that lingers – I found myself thinking about Marin days later while hiking in the Azores, wondering how different people might react when pushed to their breaking points. Hillier doesn’t provide easy answers, and Potter’s narration ensures every uncomfortable moment lands with full impact.
With stories that keep us company across all miles, Marcus
Marcus Rivera
