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.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210629914-under-jackson-bridge” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1712015113l/210629914._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210629914-under-jackson-bridge”>Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15604934.Susan_Specht_Oram”>Susan Specht Oram</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6566846529″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Irena and several close friends, including her ex-husband Jack, go out on a shipboard celebration. Things seems to be going okay but her ex doesn’t want to follow directions and wear a lifejacket. A rouge wave hits and the two of them are swept overboard. Irena makes it back aboard but her ex doesn’t. No amount of searching has brought about any signs of Jack. She is determined to find her daughters father but she is finding more questions than answers. Will Jack turn up alive or did he perish in those choppy waters? I haven’t read anything by this author before so I was hesitant to try this out. This genre is also not something I would normally choose, but the synopsis drew me in. I’m glad I took the leap because I found a good book that kept me on the edge of the seat.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is probably my favorite from this author so far! This is a fast-paced, suspenseful read with many unexpected surprises along the way. The storyline picks up right away and keeps you turning the pages to the end. We find ourselves following longtime group of friends and a child with intertwined relationships on boat for a day trip when two go overboard and only one comes back—but the story that unfolds quickly becomes way more complicated!
I really enjoyed the pace and development of the story. The author developed the characters well and I found them to be mostly relatable—I really enjoyed the depth of the character of Irena in particular. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read several books by this author over the past year, and I keep coming back to their books over and over again. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire story! I wasn’t a fan of one of the characters in the very beginning, but I believe they’re supposed to be unlikeable, so mission accomplished. The way this author subtly sucks you into their story is astonishing! I thought I would pick it up and read a few pages before bed, but the next thing I knew it was 4am. Completely hooked. The twists and turns of this puzzling thriller will have you doubting yourself and every single character within these pages. It was unbelievably easy to slip into each character’s mind with the multiple points of view. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, this should be the next book you pick up without hesitation!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Under Jackson Bridge is the First Book in the Beyond the Bridge Series. It is a psychological thriller full of drama, action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, deception, secrets, and lies. The story centers around the complicated relationship between Irena, her ex-husband Jack, and her new boyfriend, Buzz. Even though they are divorced, Irena and Jack still talk pretty much everyday which irritates Buzz. When the trio is invited on a celebratory cruise with some close high school friends, things take an unexpected turn. A rogue wave tosses them overboard and Irena is rescued but Jack seems to have vanished without a trace. As the search ensues for Jack a tangled web of deception and lies start to unravel. This was another gripping read by this author that was full of twists and turns. The characters were intriguing and not always what they seemed to be on the surface. Irena is one tough cookie who is used to doing things on her own and not relying on others. Buzz comes across as a bit creepy as he eavesdrops on Irena’s conversations and his love for Irena seemed to a bit more of an obsession. Jack clearly has a past full of secrets that are probably best left undiscovered. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2C0TDU3ZJNPLI/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Under Jackson Bridge is a great suspenseful thriller read. The world building was great. The characters was amazing. The author pulls you in from the beginning of the story. I highly recommend reading this book or any by this author. You definitely wont be disappointed.
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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic, action-packed, suspenseful thriller that will keep you turning pages long past your bed time. Oram makes her characters relatable and her plot so realistic you’ll think you’re there. We are pulled right into the complex world of Irena and her ex-husband, Jack, and new boyfriend, Buzz, and their group of friends. The twists and turns throughout this novel are so quick that you’ll get whiplash so be careful! If you are in the mood for a suspenseful thriller then this is the book for you! You are going to be hooked from the beginning and not be able to put this one down.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram. This psychological thriller is so good. I’ve found my new thriller author that I will now pick up without second glance! This is the story of Irena who is a single mom of a teenager, Kelly, who has a dead beat dad. Irena has worked so hard and built herself a business working on boat engines and has become pretty successful. When Irena, Kelly, Irena’s boyfriend Buzz and her ex, Jack end up going for a boat ride together Irena has a bad feeling about it. They are on a strict time line because Kelly has a dance class and when Irena and Jack get into an argument because Jack won’t wear his life jacket they are accidentally thrown overboard. Irena of course had her life jacket on and gets back on board but Jack is no where to be found. When they begin the search for Jack immediately they don’t find any sign of him. Even the next day all they find are questions. While Irena is determined to find her ex for Kelly’s sake she is also afraid from all the stuff she is finding out. This thriller will keep you guessing til the very end. Such a great read!
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When people from high school remain friends into adulthood, there is bound to be tension. When their long-time high school friend Craig decides to take everyone out on his boat to celebrate no one know the events that will follow will change the lives of so many people. The boat hits a rogue wave and Jack goes overboard. All would be fine, except for the fact he refused to wear his life jacket and is now missing, but when you look closely not everything is as it seems. A great read with lots of twists and turns. What would you do if you could escape it all?
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Beyond the Bridge Series. This was a gripping psychological thriller. I captivated by this story and I couldn’t put it down. It is full of suspense, twists and turns, secrets that needs to be revealed and a plot I never saw coming. I can’t wait to see what else this series will bring.
Irena Fishbone is a strong independant woman. Have splitting with her ex husband she has moved on raising their daughter on her own and fixed boats as well as being a rescuer. She has even found love again with Buzz.
Things aren’t all sunshine though as her ex husband hasn’t paid her child support for years preferring to spend money on trainers.
This story starts when they all go on a boat trip to celebrate their friends promotion. As the waves get rougher Irena and her ex husband Jack fall overboard.
Irena makes it back to the boat but Jack is nowhere to be seen.
What has happened to Jack? Did he drown or survive? With no body Irena is left wondering what has happened to Jack? Will he ever be found? And if he is what shocking secrets will be uncovered?
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 .
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Beyond the Bridge series. There is plenty of suspense in this thriller novel to keep you on the edge of your seat. It seems as though there are enough twists and turns from the story to keep the reader guessing until the end. A web of lies unravels as the reader follows Irena to find out the truth. This is an exciting thriller worth the read.
This is the second book that I have read from this author. I can’t put it down, I am having some issues with Jack (the ex-husband of Irena). You see this man owes money for child support and has a lot of debt. Instead of watching how he spends his money he wastes it buying shoes. High price shoes that is. Anyways, Irena, Jack, Kelly (their daughter), Buzz and Craig on decide to go out on a boat ride. Everyone knows that they need to wear a life jacket but Jack refuses to. There is a big wave coming and it knocks Jack and Irena out of the boat in the cold water. Irena was pulled back into the boat because she was wearing the life jacket however Jack wasn’t as lucky. There is so much more to this then what meets the eye.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book that I have read from this author. I can’t put it down, I am having some issues with Jack (the ex-husband of Irena). You see this man owes money for child support and has a lot of debt. Instead of watching how he spends his money he wastes it buying shoes. High price shoes that is. Anyways, Irena, Jack, Kelly (their daughter), Buzz and Craig on decide to go out on a boat ride. Everyone knows that they need to wear a life jacket but Jack refuses to. There is a big wave coming and it knocks Jack and Irena out of the boat in the cold water. Irena was pulled back into the boat because she was wearing the life jacket however Jack wasn’t as lucky. There is so much more to this then what meets the eye.
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.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So these people have been friends since high school and are still friends into adulthood so when one of them , Craig , gets promoted they go on a boat trip to celebrate …but it soon turns to disaster
What baffled me is the issues they have with each other as we get a glimpse into their feelings on the way to said trip it feels like they’ve outgrown each other but are holding for whatever reason 🤷♀️
So irena married her high school sweetheart but divorced him due to his sneaker fetish and collection and I must agree it’s crazy and he goes t even wear them 🙈🤷♀️ anyhoo her current boyfriend Buzz is slso part of their friend circle but he seems a little unstable and obsessed to me but again only the reader sees that side but I must admit I appreciate the good relationship she maintains with her ex , Jack and they have their daughter Kelly to think of and he’s behind on maintenance ….
Irena knows more than most when it comes to boats and it seems her instincts with people aren’t to bad either and she knows something is off with her friend group but she just can’t put her finger on it ….but what I can tell you Jack made me feel he was up to something from the start …
Craig insists everyone wear life jackets and rightly so but Jack has to be difficult and refuse , I mean come in just put it on !! Then a wave hits , sone go overboard , sone come back and sone don’t , the search is on and things come to surface 🙈let’s just say I felt very disillusioned on behalf of some folk and expect the unexpected in this read 😉
When I started reading this I felt like putting it down , not because of the writing style but the people irked me but I’m glad I pushed through because I was rewarded at the end with a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read 😉
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Irena Fishbone has a nice comfortable life. She has a wonderful daughter. She gets along with her ex-husband. She has a good boyfriend and a good group of friends. She doesn’t see her life derailing and is shocked when her life goes off track. While on a boat together, her ex-husband goes overboard and goes missing. Irena then spends all her time out searching for him, only to discover that things don’t add up. She keeps finding clues that make her question everything. I loved the twists and turns the story takes, especially at the end. I struggled a bit with rating this book. Some parts were so good. The writing style keeps me engaged and wanting to finish the book quickly. But some parts were unbelievable. Overall, I enjoyed the book and looked forward to finishing it!
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.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Welcome back to Millersville! Under Jackson Bridge is another excellently paced thriller by Susan Specht Oram. A boating trip with old high school friends turns into a scary situation when Jack falls overboard without a life jacket. Irena Fishbone, Jack’s ex-wife (and friend), will not rest until she finds out what happened to him. I enjoyed Irena due to her motherly love for her daughter, Kelly, and that she does her passion for a living (saving stranded boaters). All the characters are fleshed out, so they feel as if they exist. If you have read other books in the Millersville series some familiar characters return such as Violet, Karina, Bets, and Zerk. The pacing of this thriller is perfect! The big reveal at the end is worth the read alone.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Irena Fishbone’s ex-husband Jack falls overboard on an outing and disappears she begins to wonder if she really knew him. For the sake of their daughter, Kelly, Irena decides that she needs to investigate his possible death. As the mystery develops lies from others begin to surface and Irena is not sure who she can trust. This book will keep you guessing!!
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Irena goes on a boat to celebrate the promotion of one of their friends. Joined with her is ex-husband Jack, their daughter Kelly, and Irena’s new boyfriend Buzz. What started as a celebration quickly turned sour when things were tense between the whole lot of them. Jack was in a sour mood and refused to listen to the boat rules or appear to even care. The water turns choppy quickly and Jack refuses to join them in the cabin. Irena goes out to at least make him wear a life jacket and instead the duo go overboard. Irena makes it back to the boat but there is no sign of Jack anywhere.
Irena makes it her mission to find her ex dead or alive for the sake of their daughter and for closure. She searches the waters, his apartment and everywhere in between and does not come up empty handed. Unfortunately all clues are pointing at something more secretive than Irena imagined. She learns that not all is as it seems and everyone has secrets. She doesn’t know who to trust anymore. Even Buzz is starting to show red flags. Irena has to get to the bottom of Jack’s disappearance if she wants to get closure for her and her daughter whether it be good or bad.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The plot has potential but I couldn’t really get into it because it was very repetitive and the characters were dull in my opinion. None of the characters had much of a personality other than a glimpse here and there making it hard for me to connect to anyone. The story was written mostly in Irena’s POV but every so often you got another character’s POV to see their side of things more clearly.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this small town psychological thriller which had me hooked from page one. Single Mum to a teenage daughter Irena Fishbone is owed ten years of child support by her ex-husband, Jack. Having built up a thriving business which she now runs along with repairing boat engines and her daughter she leads a hectic life. Both Irena, her new boyfriend and Jack are invited to a celebration onboard a ship with a group of their high school friends. Being his usual stubborn self Jack refuses to wear his life jacket infuriating Irena. When they are both swept overboard by a rogue wave and swept away only Irene returns to the boat. Whilst the Coast Guard scours the sea Irena organises her own search party. With Jack still missing Irena becomes suspicious when she discovers damning financial records, furtive friends and obscure messages along with a web of lies. This was a gripping page turner of a read with an intriguing storyline and lots of plot twists. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and I felt fully immersed in the story as the characters and the setting were brought to life through the descriptive narrative.
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.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When a group of old high school friends goes out on a boat, and come back with one member missing, a mystery begins that will keep you guessing to the end. When Irena goes out on a boat trip to celebrate the promotion of a friend from high school, along with her boyfriend, Buzz, and her ex-husband, Jack, who were all part of the same friend group, and the daughter she shares with Jack, Kelly, she can’t possibly know how much it’s going to change everything for her. While they are on the boat trip, the boat hits a rough spot, and Irena and Jack are thrown overboard. Jack refused to put on a life jacket, and disappears. Irena resurfaces and is rescued quickly by her friends and daughter. Irena and Kelly start searching for Jack, while looking into his apartment, finances, and anything else they think they know, Irena quickly learns that nothing is quite as it seems. The most important thing to remember while reading this book is nothing is as it seems.
