What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Tabitha Montero
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205703093
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205703093
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely recommend!! This book really wrenches at the heart. It’s well written, keeping you turning the page to find out what happens next.
This is the first of Kain’s books I have read, but it will not be the last.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the sequel to Secrets in the Mirror by Leslie Kain. We learn more about the after effects of a traumatizing childhood. Gavin has Complex PTSD and it obviously effects his family as an adult. It’s heartbreaking but Katie’s character is my favorite this time. You get to learn more about her and see what it’s like as the wife of someone suffering like Gavin. Anyone who has been in her position, will easily relate. It’s definitely going to be an emotional read but absolutely worth it.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61159949-secrets-in-the-mirror” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Secrets In The Mirror” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1653405562l/61159949._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61159949-secrets-in-the-mirror”>Secrets In The Mirror</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22443604.Leslie_Kain”>Leslie Kain</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6569095285″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Gavin had a hard life growing up. He has an identical twin brother, Devon, who is favored more by their father. Although they are identical, they are opposites in every way. When they are older Devon gets himself involved with the mob and people start dying. Gavin doesn’t want any part of it and flees with his little family to keep them safe. However ot doesn’t matter how far he runs, he can’t outrun his brother or the mob. Gavin vows that he will save his brother from the destructive path he is on, but will he be successful? Devon is diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and that is how he manipulates poor Gavin. I couldn’t imagine having to get away from my sibling for my own well being, it seems unfathomable. I found this book to be a quick read that kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. The characters were well developed and the author wrote this story is such a way that you really feel for the characters, especially the victims. Get ready to go on an emotional ride. I do highly suggest this book, however due to the heavy subject matter talked about being a trigger for some people do read at your own risk.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209610272-what-lies-buried” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”What Lies Buried” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1709849515l/209610272._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209610272-what-lies-buried”>What Lies Buried</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22443604.Leslie_Kain”>Leslie Kain</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6569047989″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Gavin is returning to his childhood home to settle his father’s affairs and it unfortunately triggers his PTSD. He has a great partner in life, Katie, who is standing with him and determined to help him through all of his hard times. While going through things he discovers that his family has ties to the mob. The way he reacts to this news puts him and his family in danger. Katie sensing the turmoil her husband is in decides to pack up their daughter, Maggie, and join him. In her time of going through her family things she rediscovers her passion for art. Gavin is refusing treatment and becomes increasingly more erratic which in turn puts a strain on their relationship. Will Katie be able to help Gavin or will she need to leave for the safety of her and their daughter? This book will take you on an emotional ride so I hope you’re ready.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gavin is an identical twin and is victim of his brother. Gavins whole family is dysfunction and chaos. Being witnessed to all of his immediate family violent deaths. First seeing his mom fly down the stairs after his father pushed her. Second seeing his father shot. Third finding his identical twin who hung himself. I was lost in this twisted dramatic book. I highly recommend it.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gavin returns. Now he’s suffering from PTSD. Due to what he has witnessed and been victim from is why he’s suffering ptsd. His wife Katie is carrying all the burden as Gavin isn’t reliable dealing with his mental issues. Maggie who is Gavin and Katie’s daughter is confused on why her dad is not acting like his normal self.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am sincerely impressed with this novel. The author did some serious research and/or has experience with PTSD and how it affects different people. I also love that the author knows about one of the fight or flight responses that many do not know about: fawn. If you are looking for a novel that intertwines knowledge of PTSD, this book is for you. I highly recommend as someone who helps those with PTSD every day and studied it.
The only reason for four stars instead of five is because the repetition became tedious. While I am reading, I do not need to be reminded of what I have already read. Otherwise, the characters and plot were well thought out and I cannot wait to dive into the next one!
Review by @aware
View all my reviews
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the series. Its a fast paced, page turner that will keep you interested. This is about Devin and Gavin who are mirror twins, identical but total opposites. Their lives take you through an emotional, traumatic an complex roller coaster ride. Cant wait to read book two.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book two of the series. I would definitely recommend reading them together. This continues Gavin’s story and his childhood traumas that he still deals with in adulthood. However in this book I enjoyed getting to know Katie better an learning her story as well. Cant wait for Book three.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My god. What Lies Buried, by Leslie Kain. Where do I start? If I thought I connected to the first one, this one absolutely took the cake. Walking beside Gavin for the duration of his journey, was akin to my own. His struggle with complex PTSD, the lasting effects of mental abuse, and how his partner was affected by it had me sobbing practically the whole book. While this could most likely be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading Secrets of The Mirror first, because it’ll really help you understand Gavin and why he reacts how he does. Kain is phenomenal, and really does a powerful job of portraying mental illness without prejudice or a purposely negative light, and really does her research on each one. The plot line itself is beautifully crafted, and I refused to put this down for hours on end. Never skip over a Leslie Kain book, I know I won’t.
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain was such a suspenseful read. This book really hit in a raw place for me, as I could personally connect to the struggle of mental illnesses, and the challenges of dealing with a multigenerational, heavily dysfunctional family. Following Gavin and Devon’s journey from childhood to adulthood really gives you a clear understanding of the spiral of addiction, and how it affects your loved ones around you, and the drain caused by codependency. Kain did an amazing job helping these characters practically leap off the page, they were so refreshingly raw and engaging. This is the first book I’ve ever read involving twins, let alone mirror twins, and I think I’ve developed a new obsession! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and this author! Beautiful work!Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain was such a suspenseful read. This book really hit in a raw place for me, as I could personally connect to the struggle of mental illnesses, and the challenges of dealing with a multigenerational, heavily dysfunctional family. Following Gavin and Devon’s journey from childhood to adulthood really gives you a clear understanding of the spiral of addiction, and how it affects your loved ones around you, and the drain caused by codependency. Kain did an amazing job helping these characters practically leap off the page, they were so refreshingly raw and engaging. This is the first book I’ve ever read involving twins, let alone mirror twins, and I think I’ve developed a new obsession! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and this author! Beautiful work!
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a driving story that tackles the issue on mental health for those who have PTSD/C-PTSD. I appreciate the resources the author gave at the beginning of the book. The plot line keeps the reader questioning and guessing what happens next and who’s involved. The C-PTSD symptoms and events feel as though the writer researched on how it effects the person experiencing it, and those who are in the inner circle of the experiencer. As someone who has PTSD and CPTSD, I thought the story might be triggering and that was not the case. At the same time, the presentation of symptoms felt clinical in the text and I couldn’t connect with the main character. The novel was entertaining to read.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I must say this was a bit of a hard read for me because of the PTSD and it’s not a bad thing it’s because I get it and I feel sorry for involved because they’re all “ victims” to someone’s else’s abuse , does that make sense 🤷♀️
Gavin has a loving wife and she’s determined to love and support her husband through this hard and difficult time and it’s not easy ….
Gavin ‘s dad diesand he’s got to back to Boston to sort and settle the estate but his short fuse is going to get him into serious trouble especially with his newfound knowledge of his family history with the mob …..
Katie’s coping mechanism is set and she’s really good at it to and I’m so grateful for the person she is because it takes a strong person to carry another through their darkness and sometimes tough decisions need to be made for everyone‘a safety and well being …..
This is just a reminder that the past will haunt you as will trauma if not dealt with , one can’t just sweep it under the carpet and hope it goes away cause it will jump up and bite you in the rear end !
A hard but beautiful read for me and again keep a supply of Kleenex and emotional snacks 😉on hand .
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good grief talk about a dysfunctional family ! My heart just broke into millions of pieces for the suffering of Gavin and his mum 🥲
Gavin and Devin are brothers , identical twins to be exact but that’s where the similarity stops Devon is cruel , vindictive , unkind and abusive , he’s definitely inherited dads genes that’s for sure , while there’s clearly something wrong with Devon I can’t help but feel resentful towards him because to a degree he has a choice doesn’t he 🤷♀️
Gavin is the total opposite and despite how Devon treats him he often protects him which to me speaks volumes of his character
Mom also got my back up because she could remove her and her boys from their poisonous environment but chooses to stay and don’t get me wrong I have alot of sympathy for women in similar situations because their believe they deserve no better but this woman isn’t one of those
To a degree Gavin looses his identity and Devon turn to drugs and mob involvement which in turn puts everyone in danger and Gavin needs to make a decision to save himself and it’s not the easiest position to be in self preservation or family and this is just a nasty family cycle if one looks into their family history …
A heartbreaking , frightful and brilliant read !
I felt like climbing into to the book on more than one occasion to shake that momma or to just save Gavin …be prepared for this , keep tissues on hand and an ample supply of emotional support snacks 😉
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good grief talk about a dysfunctional family ! My heart just broke into millions of pieces for the suffering of Gavin and his mum 🥲
Gavin and Devin are brothers , identical twins to be exact but that’s where the similarity stops Devon is cruel , vindictive , unkind and abusive , he’s definitely inherited dads genes that’s for sure , while there’s clearly something wrong with Devon I can’t help but feel resentful towards him because to a degree he has a choice doesn’t he 🤷♀️
Gavin is the total opposite and despite how Devon treats him he often protects him which to me speaks volumes of his character
Mom also got my back up because she could remove her and her boys from their poisonous environment but chooses to stay and don’t get me wrong I have alot of sympathy for women in similar situations because their believe they deserve no better but this woman isn’t one of those
To a degree Gavin looses his identity and Devon turn to drugs and mob involvement which in turn puts everyone in danger and Gavin needs to make a decision to save himself and it’s not the easiest position to be in self preservation or family and this is just a nasty family cycle if one looks into their family history …
A heartbreaking , frightful and brilliant read !
I felt like climbing into to the book on more than one occasion to shake that momma or to just save Gavin …be prepared for this , keep tissues on hand and an ample supply of emotional support snacks 😉
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing sequel. I could feel the thriller to it. Again, I was pulled right in. I could feel the struggle and just felt that there was some real danger and trouble around the corner. This is an intense book and I was in it the whole way through. The characters were just right up there. I don’t think I’ve read a book with quite such a psychothriller feel to it. It’s a book that if you like family drama and danger, dysfunction and thrill,; you may like this one.
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a book that grips you from the start. Identical twins with a dysfunctional family. There’s lot of drama and a few disorders. The characters are so well done into this story. I really could not put this down. It’s a well-written story that grabs your attention and pulls you right in. You’ll feel like you are right in the middle. I can’t wait to read the next book.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the sequel to the book Secrets In The Mirror. I strongly recommend reading that book first so that you get the fully understand the trauma that Gavin has suffered, it helps you to understand and appreciate what has drove him to be the way he is now suffering with PTSD.
This is a psychological suspense story but what really stood out for me was the authors incredibly ability to allow the reader a deeper insight into the person’s life who suffer from PTSD, how they are affected but also how it affects their own family and everyone close to them.
This subject is dealt with in a way that is informative but also respectful allowing the reader to fully understand just how many it affects people’s lives.
There is also family drama, and secrets that will be revealed. With Gavin’s parents dead and now his twin brother, his PTSD is worse than every before. He now has to return to his childhood home to deal with what is left of his parents home. However Gavin returning isn’t an easy thing. Not only does he have to deal with all the past trauma, but there is also secrets he is yet to unearth and with the added danger of people still looking for him Gavin knows this place isn’t safe for him anymore. But will confronting all of his past and demons be the thing he needs to start and heal himself?
Meanwhile at home his wife Katie is suffering her own problems. She loves Gavin and will do anything she can to help support him and help him. However, she knows feels like she is the only adult left in the marriage. Not only does she have to take care of Gavin but also their daughter and keep their business running. Can she continue the be strong and take care of everything including her husband’s mental health or will it get to much and mean she will have to make the decision to support her husband or protect their daughter.
This is a really moving and thought provoking story. My heart goes out to both Katie and Gavin because neither of them wants their life to be the way it is with PTSD controlling every aspects of their lives.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Immediately upon starting this book, I was heartbroken reading how the character, Gavin, was dealing with trauma, PTSD, and learning of the emotional abuse he experienced throughout his lifetime. Seeing the impact it had on his daily life, let alone his work in his and his wife’s restaurant is downright agonizing. On the flip side, his wife’s life is turned upside down and also that of their toddler daughter. They learn to recognize and gently react, as needed when the PTSD triggers a hypersensitive reaction from Gavin. Anyone who has dealt with or knows someone who has dealt with any aspect of this type of trauma can relate to the way the author describes these reactions and the consequences of them.
When Gavin reluctantly visits his father’s estate to wrap up any lingering issues, you learn more about his family, his past, and the mob. His personal struggles are causing him to behave erratically and being back in Boston isn’t helping his situation either.
Gavin’s wife, Katie has a lot on her plate. Besides constantly worrying about Gavin and his health, she is running the restaurant on her own, raising their daughter and running the art gallery. Due to her previous love of art, she is well placed with the art gallery. This incredible story shows Katie as her love and appreciation for art expands. If you are creative in any way, her art journey and passion will resonate with you.
The overall book flows well thanks to the creative way the author chose to tell this story. The characters are not perfect, so that makes them more relatable on all levels. I enjoyed reading this book and felt as if I could not put it down. I wanted to know what was coming next and lost a bit of sleep over it. I think the mysterious tone was consistent and not overly complex, which made reading this so satisfying.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Perfect picture of resilience in the face of adversity. This is book will grab you and will not let go till the end. Lots of twists and turns, with you in grossed with every page. I love how this author gives you different points of view into PTSD and how it effects every family member. I recommend this book who is into psychological suspense reads.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author writes beautifully broken people with heart. You think this book is about Gavin and his tortured trip into his memories and dealing with his PTSD but you would be wrong. Not that Gavin isn’t a huge part of the story but this book is about Katie and her undimming spirit.
Katie is so strong throughout the entire book. She is able to reach Maggie when she needs it. She continues to try with Gavin. She gathers a community around her that provides support and can help her heal while being that for everyone else.
Be prepared for your feelings to get all into this book. There will be happiness, anger, frustration, sadness, curiosity, grief and hope. It is okay to feel all of that and more. Just know going in that it is worth the emotional rollercoaster.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain. This is such a good read. Its very difficult to read about a very real situation that many people face and we have no idea. Gavin is diagnosed with PTSD complex syndrome and he battles a war in his mind by the minute. His wife Katie tries to be the best support system he can have but at times she is struggling as well. When Gavin returns to Boston to take care of his father’s estate he finds out his family was involved in the mob and that adds to his mental condition. The mob is watching every move he makes. Katie also finds out stuff her mom has hid from her and she begins to realize that she has some trauma herself from her childhood. Will she be able to help Gavin as well as come to terms with her own demons? Gavin is resisting treatment so he is becoming more and more unstable. Such a tough book to read but such a amazing job done in writing it. This is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very complex story that comes with trigger warnings and I suggest you read them. This is also a sequel and I would recommend reading the first installment before taking up this one because things will be some much more clear if you do. Kain takes us on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entirety of the book both with Gavin and Katie. This is a really fast-paced novel and the characters are fantastically written and developed. My heart broke so many times for Gavin, Katie, and Maggie throughout the book. There is just so much in here that it can be overwhelming at times so it’s very important that you, the reader, understand the trigger warnings and take breaks when needed. There were parts in the story that triggered me quite literally out of the blue so this is definitely a read that you need to take caution with when going in to it. But don’t let that deter you. Kain has done a remarkable job representing C-PTSD authentically and her writing is so deep and rich.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I almost didnt read this book because of the content. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for years and a few years ago witnessed a shooting that left me traumatized so I wasn’t sure how I would handle this book but I did enjoy reading it. There was so many aspects to it from childhood trauma, ptsd, anxiety, and depression that are real and people struggle with every single day. Those things made it a great read because it made it relatable.
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 – 3.5 Stars
‘What Lies Buried…doesn’t stay buried.’
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain is the dramatic sequel to ‘Secrets in the Mirror’ where we continue Gavin’s journey, and although it could be read as a standalone if you wanted- I feel that knowing what happened in the first book will give you a better understanding of Gavin, and a better appreciation of the story. This is a bit of a psychological suspense with emotion, twists, secrets, action, suspense, tension, drama, complex characters, and more.
Gavin struggles with his mental health, his PTSD complicating things deeply. He yearns to move on, to shake off his demons and escape the shackles of his PTSD to enjoy his life with his wife Katie. Their marriage is feeling the strains that his mental health has placed on it. Katie, who has done her utmost to support him through everything, has her own needs which aren’t being met. But what lies buried, seems to always find a way of coming to light- which makes this an intriguing read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Leslie Kain!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Secrets In the Mirror by Leslie Kain is a dramatic family saga/thriller that made for an intriguing read.
Gavin and his twin brother, Devon, couldn’t be more different. They’re opposites of one another and travelling on two very different paths. With some serious dysfunctional dynamics to their relationship makes for some very challenging situations. Add in family tensions, the mob, self-worth/confidence issues, mental health issues, abuse, danger, culture, and complex characters- and things take a serious turn.
‘What Lies Buried’ is the sequel to this story, which I have already embarked on.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Leslie Kain!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t hesitate for a split second to pick up this book because the first one, Secrets In The Mirror, was extraordinary. Somehow the author surpassed even that with this phenomenal sequel. There are many conditions talked about that hit close to home for me, so I definitely shed some tears throughout, but it was well worth it. I always love dual points of view because it makes you feel like you can get into the characters’ heads just a little bit more. Gavin is fighting for his life opposite the hands of his complex PTSD from childhood trauma. Katie is the immovable force in her relationship with Gavin, but she will be put to the test once old trauma resurfaces. The author again grips you with their ability to expertly craft the story and allowing it to unfold naturally. As you can imagine, there are difficult topics detailed within these pages, but the author has kindly provided a content warning in the beginning. I highly recommend giving this a chance if you’re able to because it will captivate you as well as give you a deeper insight into C-PTSD. I will be picking up the next book as soon as humanly possible!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am completely floored by this book! This is the first time I’ve picked up any work by this author, and they completely knocked me off my feet. It was incredibly intense with family drama dynamics and suspense throughout the entire read. It gripped me from the very first page and never let go, leading me to read the whole book in one day. Brace yourself as you dive into an marvelously twisted plot with our twins, Gavin and Devon, who couldn’t be more different other than their looks. Even if you’ve never experienced anything similar to what the author describes, the way they craft the story gives you the ability to feel all of the different psychological dilemmas. The characters were incredibly well-developed and relatable. I think this was a phenomenal thriller because it never pushed the plot out of the realm of believability. If you’re looking for a compelling read that will keep you turning the pages, this should be the next book you pick up!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What Lies Buried is the dynamic sequel to Secrets in the Mirror. I enjoyed the first book and was excited to see what this book had to offer, and it met my expectations.
This book continues with Gavin still trying to fight his demons whilst trying to live a fulfilling life. Only his PTSD demons maybe too much for his wife who is trying to support him but has wants and needs of her own. I understand PTSD all too much as it is a demon that I try to fight daily. It’s a monster that is highly unpredictable and sometimes you wonder whether or not it is worth it and that makes me understand this character deeply.
What was once in the past is now rearing its ugly head once again. It is one twisted ride.
To find out what happens in this complex psychological tale that is raw, dark and full of suspense and intense moments you will have to read it for yourself.
Reviewed by @jennadb
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