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    Hidden
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    Hidden
    Audiobook9 hours

    Hidden

    Written by Catherine McKenzie

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    When a married man suffers a sudden fatal accident, two women are shattered—his wife and his mistress—and past secrets, desires, and regrets are brought to light.

    While walking home from work one evening, Jeff Manning is struck by a car and killed. Two women fall to pieces at the news: his wife, Claire, and his co-worker Tish. Reeling from her loss, Claire must comfort her grieving son as well as contend with funeral arrangements, well-meaning family members, and the arrival of Jeff’s estranged brother, who was her ex-boyfriend. Tish volunteers to attend the funeral on her company’s behalf, but only she knows the true risk of inserting herself into the wreckage of Jeff’s life.

    Told through the three voices of Jeff, Tish, and Claire, Hidden explores the complexity of relationships, the repercussions of our personal choices, and the responsibilities we have to the ones we love.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateApr 1, 2014
    ISBN9781480585294
    Hidden
    Author

    Catherine McKenzie

    Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, where she now practises law. Her  bestselling novels include Spin, Arranged, Forgotten, Hidden, Smoke, The Good Liar  and I'll Never Tell, which was an instant bestseller. Visit Catherine online at www.catherinemckenzie.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/catherinemckenzieauthor, and on Twitter or Instagram at @catherinemckenzieauthor.

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    Reviews for Hidden

    4/5

    87 ratings37 reviews

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    • 3/5
      I really did not care for the Claire narrator. Jeff’s narrator on the other hand was excellent. The kids were interesting and I could see the roles they played somewhat, but not fully. Beth, Tim, Brian, the kids were not well developed. Mandy was what - Comic relief? The story was ho hum. A dalliance, a death and a secret.
    • 5/5
      The voice of Clair was really annoying; I almost stopped a few times but stayed with it.
      It changed so dramatically from her narrating to her speaking.
      All in all a good read; nothing spectacular; but good.
    • 5/5
      "But, of course, everyone has regrets. Loose ends. Things they could do if they had more time." (Hidden, ebook pg 103)Catherine McKenzie has spun a tale that is still resonating with me. She wrote what is was like to have to face a loss and to make life work under a new and uncarted set of circumstances. When Claire loses her husband, Jeff, expectedly her life is turned upside down. But, when she has an encounter with one of Jeff's co-worker at Jeff's funeral her life takes another unexpected detour down a road she may wished she never explored. "I've spent a lot of time thinking about this, too much probably, and I don't think that bad actions erase good ones. Not really." (Hidden, ebook pg 278)We all too often just go along with life, not wanting to upset the order of things. Not really wanting to discovering what may lie ahead. Hidden explores what happens when people make choices, how each choice affects others in ways we may never had intended. How we, at times, are forces to move ahead and take the reins in our own new reality. "That I'd been letting life act itself out on me when I should have been directing it." (Hidden, ebook pg 139)How many of us wish we could go back and unlearn something that was completly unexpected and rocks our world to the core. Hidden explores what is the best about literature; human relationships at their best and worst, complexities in marriages, the impact of loss and how every action has a consequence. "Everyone says that, but we all lie about things. Little things, big things. We all keep stuff hidden. And the longer you're with someone, the more stuff there is like that, I think. That doesn't mean he didn't love me, or wasn't good to me in other ways. So it made me think. Maybe honesty is isn't always the best policy. Because him telling me about it was selfish. The only person it was going to make feel any better was him. So maybe if you make a mistake, you have to live with it by yourself, and that's how you fix it." (Hidden, ebook pg 278)5 stars!!!!
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of All Things Urban FantasyWith HIDDEN, Sophie Jordan’s romantic and exhilarating Firelight trilogy comes to an end. As one of the few YA series that has a dragon shifter protagonist, this series has set the standard for any that follow in its path. The mythology and Pride politics play a huge supporting role for the central romance and provide ongoing tension as fire Draki Jacinda struggles to find freedom, answers, and discern her own hearts true desires.Picking up immediately after the events in VANISH, Jacinda moves ahead with her plan to infiltrate the Enkros headquarters. The chapters she spends as a prisoner were by far my favorite part of the book. So much of this series has been driven by the fear of the Enkros and their hunting of the Draki. It was beyond satisfying to see how deserving the Enkros reputation was. The new Draki that Jacinda meets and the interactions she has with the human hunters was fantastic. Scary on one hand and pitiful on the other as she learned what the Enkros had been doing to her kind for years. It really set the stage for the long awaited battle between these two groups.My only real complaint with HIDDEN was that Will lost a little of his appeal for me as he was often portrayed as needy and overly sensitive. It was a marked contrast to Cassian’s stoicism and the quiet strength from newcomer Deghan. I had to remember how he was in the previous books or I might have been tempted to want Jacinda to move on. I actually would have loved for Jacinda to share POV with her sister Tamara in HIDDEN, as the romance I was most interested in this time was hers. Based on the scenes Jacinda observes between Tamara and her love interest, it’s a story well deserving of it’s own page time….maybe a spinoff could be in the works?After three books, numerous characters and plotlines, HIDDEN brings them all together in a satisfying and surprising conclusion. We learn what the future holds for all the main characters–and several are rather shocking–as well as finding answers to some of the mysteries Jacinda has been searching for throughout the series. As a complete story arc, the Firelight trilogy is a must read for paranrmal YA fans. Hopefully, Sophie Jordan will give us more draki stories in the future.Sexual Content:Kissing. Mild Sensuality
    • 4/5
      I've been a fan of Canadian author Catherine McKenzie from book one. She's just released her fourth book - Hidden. I never know what to expect when I start one of her books - all four have been completely different reads. What I do know is that I'm going to enjoy it. What if you died unexpectedly? What if there were secrets you were keeping? What would happen then.... "...we all lie about things. Little things, big things. We all keep stuff hidden. And the longer you're with someone, the more stuff there is like that..." McKenzie explores that premise in Hidden. Jeff Manning is struck and killed by a car one night. This unexpected loss leaves two women grieving - his wife Claire.....and his co worker Tish. Hidden is told in those three voices, with Jeff recounting his life with his wife and his...relationship... with Tish. We are privy to Claire's grief and her memories of their life together. And we get to know Tish and her family as well. (Sharp eyes will be able to tell whose chapter it is by the font used in the first line) McKenzie's exploration of the dynamics of these relationships is incredibly well drawn. The sense of grief both women feel is palpable and beautifully written. My heart broke for Jeff's son Seth as he attempted to deal with his father's death. I initially expected to dislike Tish, given that she is 'the other woman'. But is she? When is a line crossed? I found my thoughts on each character and their choices changing with every new chapter and revelation revealed. Although the main focus is these three characters, Catherine also explores the relationships between family members, friends and workmates as well. Tim and his brother Jeff have one of the most difficult of all. McKenzie does an impressive job writing from a male perspective. Actually, it was all impressive. I was caught up in the story and characters from the first page. The ending caught me totally unawares - and had me rethinking what I had read. Catherine McKenzie has written a very real, insightful and powerful novel exploring the complex and complicated relationships that shape our lives. This would be a fantastic selection for a book club. Another fantastic novel from a very talented author. I can't wait to see what she comes up with for book number five!
    • 5/5
      Tags: Contemporary Fiction, Problem Solving, 'Clue'Summary: A fresh twist on an old classic of who did what and to whom. right from the start you have to start thinking who killed who and with a death early on in the story it makes for a great read. It involves sex, lies, death, romance, and even cross romance between others outside of the main characters marriage.Personal Reaction: i was honestly blown away by this book and cannot wait for her next installment to be released. I'm not a fan of the sex and such, but they way she involved it with the killings and how to figure out who did what and who you can really trust, it really is a nail bitter.Extension Ideas: One that you would want to keep reserved for that certain age, maturity level, education level, level of respect for this type of reading.
    • 5/5
      This was a wonderfully complex mystery that I just couldn't put down. Lacey Campbell has suffered from survivor's guilt for years since her best friend Suzanne was kidnapped from in front of her leaving her beaten and injured. Her testimony helped convict the Co-Ed Killer who had killed a number of young blond girls and left their tortured bodies to be found. However, Suzanne's body had never been located until Lacey, now a forensic odontologist, is called to the scene when some bones are discovered in the foundation on an aging apartment building. The building belongs to Jack Harper who is a former policeman who left the force because of an injury and who now owns a very successful property business. Jack was also one of the former boyfriends of one of the Co-Ed Killer's earlier victims. But the Co-Ed Killer died in prison. So who is responsible for the buried bones? And who is killing anyone connected with the case in gruesome torture-murders? Jack knows he isn't involved though the real killer is certainly trying to point the blame his way. He falls for Lacey and decides that he has to protect her. Lacey isn't short of protectors. Michael is a former boyfriend turned best friend and an investigative journalist. He is determined to protect her too and willing to throw Jack to the wolves along the way. Is Frank Stevenson the criminal? He's Lacey's ex and the split was very bitter. The story is told from multiple viewpoints. We hear from Lacey, Jack, Michael, the two police detectives who caught the crimes and who also have ties with the old Co-Ed Killer case and trial, and we peak into the mind of the killer and learn how he became the serial killer he now is. The story was very tense and exciting. Watching Lacey and Jack overcome there various issues and fall in love added to the intensity. I strongly recommend this one to lovers of romantic suspense. This is Kendra Elliot's first novel. I will be watching for her next book.
    • 4/5
      Sad to see this series end, I'm so honored that I got to read it. Hidden met all my expectations with loads of twist and turns.What I enjoyed most about this book is the plot. The characters were faced with a lot of decision making. I love that the plot gave the reader excitement, From the first page, I dive right back into action, helping others and always on the run. The most interesting question arises in the end. Decisions, decisions.The love interest is what I expected with a few new things. I'm glad that all the characters ended up with who they are meant to be with. Even some new characters found their place. *Giddy* I like that the author is able to make a path for everyone that works. All the loose ends in the book are tied up nicely. Questions are answered. Every last task is handled with great energy. There are parts where I gasp, even got SHOCKED! Each part benefited the ending favorably. I can see each piece come to together like a beautiful painting.Hidden gives great momentum to an great ending! The outcome of the plot are not what the reader expects, leaving them plenty surprised. Hidden results in an awesome ending that makes me want to start the series all over again!
    • 4/5
      I love reading Catherine McKenzie's books. I enjoy her style of writing. I really like books that have various narrators and this was no exception. The book is narrated by Jeff, Tish and Claire. Jeff is killed in a car accident while walking home from work. Claire is Jeff's grieving wife who once dated Jeff's brother. Then there's Tish. She is supposedly Jeff's coworker and friend, but grieves for him like a mistress. I tered up when Jeff's young son, Seth, speaks at his funeral. It was so heartwarming, until you realize where he got the poem. I was fine until I got to the Epilogue and then I despised Jeff and Tish.Why Tish and Jeff bothered me so much: - They both had loving families. Their spouses never suspected a thing. They both had amazing children. - Tish assumes the role of grieving widow and shows up at Jeff's funeral and goes to his house so she can get one last whiff of him. - The only reaon Tish doesn't tell Claire the whole truth is not because of Jeff. She doesn't want to ruin what she has with her husband. - Jeff was truly despicable. His wife suffers from depression and he never notices. He sees his brother kissing her and he acts like she is having an affair. (Meet kettle) - Jeff really never gets over the fact that Claire dated his brother. He was fully aware of this when he met Claire. - I don't think the affair Tish and Jeff were having really would have ended if Jeff wasn't accidently killed. The emotional affair/connection that Tish and Jeff had was worse than their time on the golf courseI loved this book and can't wait to read Catherine McKenzie's next book.
    • 5/5
      Having followed this series form the start, I was a little hesitant to read this book because I didn't want the series to end. I loved the first book and the second one sort of felt like a filler to me so I was a little nervous about this one. But once I began reading it, I knew I had nothing to worry about. Hidden picks up right where the second novel in the series Vanish leaves off. Jacinda, Will, Tamra, and Cassian are trying to rescue Miriam from the Enkros before they can do any experiments or worse to her. Its obvious that Jacinda has grown since the first novel because she goes to help Miriam despite her feelings for her. She becomes the bigger person and does all she can to save her. With this, the action begins soon as the book opens. I was on edge the ENTIRE time. I found myself upset because I had to put it down for sleep or work. Trust me when I tell you, the entire book is INTENSE. Throughout the whole thing I was feeling every type of emotion. I was upset, scared, excited; it was enough to give anyone an anxiety attack. One thing I loved about the book though was the love triangle. Although it was "non-existent," Cassian and Jacinda are still bonded while Jacinda and Will are still in love. This is different from the "regular" love triangles, which is the reason why I liked it so much. As the story goes on, it answers a lot of questions that Firelight and Vanish have put in place. Hidden is a thrilling conclusion to the Draki world and will definitely leave fans of the Firelight world satisfied. I look forward to Sophie's other YA books in the future!
    • 5/5
      The Good Stuff Natural born storyteller - to me anyone who can write a novel that has me wanting to ignore everything around me is truly gifted. McKenzie is truly the type of author that doesn't disappoint. Characters are real, warts and all. These are people you know and feel for Great for book club discussions No black and white, these are realistic characters with real problems that you will relate too Uncomfortable, yet makes you think and want to make changes Feels deeply personal Couldn't put it down, even-though its usually the kind of book I don't enjoy Almost like a mystery at times, you don't know what really happened until the very end Hope and forgiveness main theme of story I felt and understood all of the characters and while not always agreeing with the choices they made, I can see how they would make the decisions they did (even Brian) Makes your heart burst at times Really delves into whether honesty really is the best policy. The truth doesn't always set you freeThe Not So Good Stuff Not a lot of light moments - which is something I seem to need and even more so since McKenzie does this so very well I really didn't like Brian and found him to be pushy and intense OMG I think McKenzie hates Rush - that is soooo UnCanadian ROFL : ) (Not really a bad thing but had to mention for fun)Favorite Quotes/Passages"It itches where it meets my collerbone, but that seems fitting somehow. I don't want to feel comfortable on the day of Jeff's funeral.""Everyone says that, but we all lie about things. Little things, big things. We all keep stuff hidden. And the longer you're with someone, the more stuff there is like that, I think.""But how are you supposed to feel, really, when all your worst fears, things you'd never even imagined could happen, acutually do happen, actually do come true?Hearts don't come with an owner's manua.Someone should do something about that."4.5 Dewey'sI received this from the author in exchange for an honest review
    • 5/5
      Got this from NetGalley, but also had an advance copy from the Times book table. Good thing, since the Kindle review copy is no longer authorized and was permanently deleted. I liked the author's first book Spin, and liked this so much I purchased her 2 other novels. McKenzie is Canadian, but there's no Canadian sense of place; the book is set in 2 generic Springfields. Accountant Jeff Manning works for a corporation in Springfield, and strikes up a friendship with HR person Tish from the "other Springfield" branch. The book is narrated alternately by these 2 and Jeff's wife Claire. Jeff is struck by a car and killed at the beginning of the book (spoiler?), but speaks from the dead. This isn't as weird as it sounds. It's unclear until the very end if Jeff and Tish (who is also married) are just colleagues, emotionally attached, or having a physical affair. This uncertainty, along with the use of modern electronic sleuthing devices, keep things interesting as the plot moves back and forth in time. Complicating matters, Claire's old boyfriend was Jeff's older, estranged brother Tim. Once this got going, I couldn't put it down.
    • 4/5
      I have read a few dragon series now and the Firelight series has been my favorite to date. It is bittersweet finishing "Hideen" and knowing that it is the last book in the series however I must say that I am glad the storyline wasn't dragged across too many books. I hate when good series turn bad because they have gone on for too long. Anyway, Hidden was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. It picks up where the second book left off. Jacinda tried to leave the pride with her human/hunter boyfriend Will. She was also trying to run away from her bond with Cassian, the next leader of their pride of draki (dragons). This led to Will's sister Miriam being captured by a group of hunters who do experiments on the dragons. Jacinda's plan at the start of this novel is to let herself be captured so she can get access to Miriam and then with Will and Cassian's help they can break free. Of course things never quite go according to plan and this part of the book right off the bat is one of the most exciting.Once they finally escape there are even more challenges ahead for our group. They are being tracked by the hunters and Jacinda finally finds a clue about what happened to her father. All of this makes it very difficult to leave the pride now. But can Will stay beside Jacinda as she disappoints him again and again? What will become of Cassian and the pride? How can Cassian and Miriam return to the pride without leading the bad guys straight to them? Its pretty hard to write a review when a book is very good because I don't like giving away too many spoilers. I really liked how this series concluded. Loose threads were wrapped up and everyone is left in a good, if unexpected place. In Hidden we are introduced to a really awesome new character and I was disappointed that we couldn't get to know him better. I wish there was another story about this character and his love interest. In fact this world is so vivid that I see possibilities here. The author could easily expand the series to write about other characters and still keep things fresh and entertaining. I did not give five stars because a few times in the story I thought the characters were given the easy way out. Especially toward the end. Cassian's secret place in particular was a little too perfect for their situation.Still a phenomenal series. If you are a fan of YA paranormals, this is a series worth reading.
    • 3/5
      picked up as part of the Kindle First program. I'm all for free reading, especially if I don't have to drive to the library to get it at the moment. It is not a bad novel, and I enjoyed it, sort of, at any rate. But it didn't really capture my interest and I found none of the characters compelling. The story about a man who dies suddenly, and the interlayering of his reminiscences with those of his wife and another woman with whom he has an intense relationship has a lot of potential. The problem for me was that the individual voices didn't really all seem that distinct, and the characters were not fully developed, although perhaps that was the point. They all seemed like unrealized people who just happened into their lives through no fault of their own. I felt no emotional connection to any of them.
    • 4/5
      Book 17 of The Krewe of Hunters was very good. It is in line with the other books of this series having a group of the Krewe called in for some murders although this time they are called in because the ex-wife of Diego is a murder suspect. As always, interesting things are happening at the Conway Ranch & there are lots of suspects.If you like Heather Graham, and I love her books, and you have enjoyed the Krewe of Hunters series I think you will like this one as well.
    • 3/5
      This book was okay. I actually received it by mistake due to a shipping error and was able to keep it. I'm unsure whether I would have purchased it otherwise. Anyway it wasn't that bad really. It was quite an easy read. I didn't enjoy the writing style much as it was told from different peoples perspective. I would have liked the name of the person at the top of the page in order to identify who's chapter I was reading. I couldn't identify with the characters either, I found them quite annoying at times - Especially Tish.
    • 4/5
      52 Books 52 Weeks, Week 14.2014

      Listened to whisper-sync on my kindle. I do wish the narration would have had male voices for those parts of the story.

      Could be a good book club book: Are some things better left hidden? Does the death open more questions than can be answered? Is one brother more of a cad than the other?

      Interesting for the author to include social media and what happens after a death and how loved ones must attempt to access accounts especially when the death is unexpected.





    • 4/5
      I won this book from Goodreads. It was an interesting book that was very realistic. You could easily see the relationship between Jeff and Tish occurring in an office environment. I liked how the book was told through the eyes of Jeff, Tish and Claire and how you really didn't know what happened until the very end. This book would definitely spark a lot of good conversations at a book club.
    • 5/5
      Catherine McKenzie weaves a tale of secrets kept in her latest book HIDDEN. Jeff Manning is hit by a car while walking home from work and leaves two women devastated. One, his wife Claire, is left to struggle with this unimaginable loss while at the same time helping their son Seth find his way through his own suffering. The other, Jeff’s co-worker Julie, is faced with hiding her grief and at the same time burying her secret before anyone discovers it. Written in the voices of main characters Jeff, Claire, and Tish, this book is brimming with emotion and excitement. Even though Jeff dies at the beginning of the book, his explanations interposed in this way, bring clarity to the story. HIDDEN is about the complexity of relationships – good, bad, and everything in between. I am an ardent fan of Catherine McKenzie, and have read all of her fabulous books. HIDDEN is a masterpiece! It is carefully crafted with a story line and characters that left me mesmerized. HIDDEN is a book you will carry with you everywhere you go until you read the last words. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a truly absorbing read. I give it five stars.
    • 4/5
      Catherine McKenzie is well known for writing about life and the complexity of relationships. HIDDEN is her fourth novel and it’s a complex story about a man and the two women in his life who struggle in the aftermath of his death.We have good character development. Despite having three main protagonists (and even one that dies early on), we get to know each of them well enough. Jeff is an accountant who returns to live in his hometown after college. He loves golf and in many ways comes off as carefree. His wife, Claire, is a lawyer turned daycare owner and while we don’t get to really know her, we do get enough to form an idea of who she is. I really liked Claire and despite a few bumps in the road with Jeff, you can tell she loved him. Then we have Trish who is Jeff’s co-worker and I found it difficult to warm up to her because you can tell she’s a bit unhappy with her life. I won’t go into details because I don’t want to ruin the story. We have a few secondary characters who play a vital role including Claire’s sister Beth and Jeff’s brother Tim. It’s Tim that I wish we knew better and at times wanted a Tim narrative so we’d know his thoughts.Narrative is first person and HIDDEN is told by three different viewpoints: Jeff, Claire, and Trish’s. All three are trustworthy narrators and even though some questions don’t get answered, it’s okay because in real life we don’t get answers sometimes. Of all three narratives, I really liked Jeff’s and despite the fact that he’s missing from the general picture, he does tell us enough that we get to know the full story. While McKenzie doesn’t state whose narrative it is, it’s pretty easy to follow. I know some readers have stated their confusion, but the narrative basically went: Jeff, Claire, Trish and repeat. At no point does McKenzie deviate from this. I will admit that I found Trish’s narrative the least interesting. It was hard to empathize with her and at times wanted this to be the Jeff and Claire story, but I did like having Trish’s viewpoint because it does enhance the experience and clarifies some questions.What I really liked about HIDDEN is how it makes you think about your own relationships with people and question if you truly know them. If Gillian Flynn’s GONE GIRL taught us to be wary of a significant other and their motives, then McKenzie’s HIDDEN teaches us that we keep secrets even from our loved ones. Also, there’s a particular scene regarding Jeff’s funeral where both Claire and Trish have a different reaction to a story Jeff tells them from his past. Recently, I found myself at a memorial service where everyone told some wonderful stories about the deceased and it made me wish I knew him. Of course, I had just read that scene from HIDDEN a few days earlier and thought what a lovely idea Jeff had. I did find myself thinking that it is a pity that most stories told at a funeral, the deceased never hears them and that’s why I really liked Jeff’s idea.I debated with the rating between a three and a four and ultimately decided on a four because I really liked how McKenzie left some things unanswered. Sure we all want answers, but in real life not everything gets addressed. I also enjoyed how McKenzie set things up by having Jeff involved. It would have easy to leave him out and have Claire and Trish carry the narrative, but just adored getting to know Jeff and liked his storytelling. His fears regarding Claire and Tim are justified and at times I wished he had hashed things out with Tim. Though I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps both Jeff and Claire settled especially when you take into account why Jeff returns home and why Claire didn’t follow Tim. This why I liked HIDDEN because the questions you have as a reader, Tim, Claire, and even Trish have at some point.Overall, Catherine McKenzie’s HIDDEN is a page turner and when you’re done you’ll look at the world a little differently. A bit of warning: HIDDEN does deal with adultery and I’m not going to go into detail nor spoil the book for you by confirming or denying if there’s indeed infidelity. For those who are bothered by adultery or even a hint of it, I issue this warning so you’re aware of the possibility. I’m looking forward to reading her backlist and have my eye on FORGOTTEN which I can’t wait to start.
    • 4/5
      A story that starts with the death of a man. We get tangled into a web of who is with whom? There are children involved, and a funeral to plan. Family, yes all kinds of family.The wife has had a previous relationship with her husband’s brother. You begin to wonder if it is still going on? Has it ever stopped? Now the husband you will feel sorry for, whom does he wife love? Is there a question?Then we have the other woman, she is also a wife and mother. Will she forsake all and everything for a liaison? You will wonder right to the last page.We even have the dead man, telling his side of the story, along with his wife, and maybe mistress. The story circles around and back again, and we see the same thing happen from three sides.I've read Catherine McKenzie's books before, and this one does not disappoint! Get ready for one heart in your throat action, and keep the tissue box handy!I received this book through the Publisher HMH New Harvest, through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      Hidden was an action packed conclusion to the Firelight series and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. While we learned more about the Enkros than ever before, there are still may elements of Sophie Jordan’s world that are left unexplored. The love triangle still plays a prominent role in the novel, although it has been mostly resolved. Even though I really enjoyed Hidden and I flew through the pages, I can’t help but feel that it should have been edited down and added to the last novel.One of the most fascinating parts of the Firelight trilogy is the mystery behind the Enkros. Despite the break in of the Enkros compound, we don’t know that much about them. We also meet draki from other tribes, but we don’t know anything about those tribes. I would love to know more about the Firelight world, but after three novels, I can’t help feeling that we barely scratched the surface.The best part of Hidden was undoubtedly the pacing. Jordan creates an exciting and fast paced tale that has the reader constantly anticipating the next scene. It basically reads like one big police chase, which is nothing if not exciting. Even though I was thoroughly engrossed in the story, I really think that it should have been part of Vanish. I’m not convinced that there was enough meat in the plot for this to have been its own book.Love triangles have played a very prominent role in the Firelight trilogy since it began, and even though it is basically resolved in Vanish it still plays a role in Hidden. What we see is the aftermath of Jacinda’s decision and how it impacts both Will and Cassian. We also see a lot of Tamra and how she deals with the situation, given her long history of feelings for Cassian.Even though I wasn’t impressed with the plot, Hidden is beautifully written. It is exciting in a way that few books are. The anticipation never stopped and I just devoured the whole story. While the novel was wrapped up nicely, there are enough holes in the story that I’d be willing to read a companion novel if one is ever published. Hopefully Sophie Jordan will continue to write YA as I have thoroughly enjoyed her first foray into the genre.
    • 5/5
      This is a different style of Catherine Mckenzie. Her books are usually funny and just plain crack me up. This one stepped out of her comfort zone. This story is told through three different view points; the wife, Claire, the husband, Jeff and the other woman, Tish. These different voices slowly unravel the tale. It’s amazing how one choice has a snowball effect on so many lives. This novel breaks your heart. The grief expressed by both women will keep you torn between the two and will make you wonder “does anybody really know anybody.”The complexities of the book are really fantastic. The reader experiences ever-changing emotions all throughout the saga. The reader will be guessing until the end…well, did they or didn’t they?????There are a lot of life lessons in this book. It is well worth the read!
    • 4/5
      Kendra Elliot's debut work, "Hidden: A Bone Secrets Novel", is an intriguing romantic suspense with plenty of cold hard facts and sparks-fly, steamy sensuality. The perfect combination for lovers of this genre, told by a new voice. Lacey Campbell is a forensic odontologist, a highly experienced, specially trained dentist who uses her expertise to help identify unknown remains and trace bite marks to a specific individual. Forensic odontologists, or forensic dentists, are typically called in to identify human remains that cannot be identified using fingerprints or other means, and also to estimate the age of skeletal remains. They may be called to work on a case by police officers, the medical examiner, or the coroner. When Lacey is called to an unusual crime scene to examine skeletal remains, she is distraught to discover that the bones are all that is left of her college friend Suzanne. More than a decade has passed since Suzanne was kidnapped by the infamous Co-Ed Slayer. Her fate had remained unknown until now, when her carefully placed remains were sure to be found. The property where Suzanne's skeleton was found is owned by former policeman Jack Harper, who left the force after a tragic incident where he was injured. Intelligent Lacey and instinctive Jack are a high-octane combination, complementing and completing each other in unexpected ways. There are those who wish to come between Jack and Lacey, including her unpleasant ex-husband, Frank, and also a former boyfriend, Michael, neither of whom are fond of Jack's increasing importance in Lacey's life. When new murders begin to occur, suspicion is cast in all directions. The Co-Ed Slayer died in prison, so who is playing this macabre game? "Hidden: A Bone Secrets Novel", is a perfect Summer suspense read, and it is also just the thing for a reading "all-nighter". I look forward to more "sensational secrets" in upcoming works by Kendra Elliott. Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
    • 5/5
      Epic!What a story!This is a vivid and real peek into the lives of people torn apart by death. The people left behind trying to pick up the pieces, who are never the same again. This story is centered around all the people affected when one person passes. As people, we automatically think of the family, spouses, even friends left behind. But what about if that person leaves a mistress or lover behind? Granted it is a wrong act, but are they not entitled to feel the pain in death? This book goes there. It takes you there and shows you how they feel, and leaves you empathetic.That shows how fantastic and talented the writer is.To bring a reader, like me, into a story with a subject they are dead-set against and yet turn them into an empathetic person, while keeping them transfixed on the book, is talent! I don't agree with cheating and infidelity, and I won't condone it ever, but I can see all sides now. And yes, there is another side.
    • 4/5
      From my blogThis was a mature read, it will hit a few readers in the gut, trigger many but I think will start great conversation regarding the difference between an emotional affair versus a physical one.  You are left with a did they or did they refrain thought.Jeff and Tish work for the same company but different locations and become acquainted during HR training and a company event.  Both are married with similar aged children but quickly become connected, drawn to each other, is it appropriate or not.The book starts with a bang, Jeff is involved with a fatal accident after terminating someone and both his wife Claire and colleague Tish cannot understand why he is not responding.  The story starts with us knowing the two women will connect but how and on what circumstances, we are unsure.But how are you supposed to feel, really, when all your worst fears, things you'd never even imagined could happen, actually do happen, actually do come true?  Kindle 68%I enjoy stories where we hear from characters to get their side of the story and in Hidden, we hear from Jeff, Clair and Tish.  The additional spin to this story is that Claire dated Jeff's brother Tim first.  You start to realize the decisions one makes affects many in different ways and also can trigger many years later.The book had titled chapters - what do you think of this style?  I like the added touch of titles, sometimes they are really memorable and help to set the moment.This was my first book by Catherine McKenzie but I have Fractured on my to read list.
    • 4/5
      Jeff Manning works in the accounting department at Johnson Company. Tish is in the HR department. They develop an attachment to each other. When Jeff is killed in a car accident, Tish is devastated. But Tish is not his wife, Claire is, and Claire is starting to suspect that there was more than friendship between Tish and Jeff.This is an emotionally taxing story of grief and love, secrets and family. Heartbreaking. The ending is one that I will remember for a while.
    • 4/5
      What did I think? I think that this book isn't rated as highly as it should be because of the way it ended. And for the record, I didn't like the ending either. As a matter of fact, I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I didn't like the way it jumped from one character to the next w/o ever knowing who I was reading about until a sentence or two into the chapter and the subject matter is never an easy one but overall, I liked the book. I felt that it was fairly easy to read and it kept my attention.The story alternates between Claire, Jeff & Tish as the narrators. Walking home from work one day, Jeff is hit by a car and killed. Claire is his wife and Tish is a co-worker. The story told goes back as far as Jeff and Claire dating to 3wks past the funeral. The ending still has me a little angry.I got this book as a #payabookforward promotion started by Catherine McKenzie herself so I will now pass the book on to someone else.
    • 3/5
      First off, I've been putting off reading this book trying to decide if it was going to skirt on the side of romance novels and girly chic books. It was a good read. It was told in three different voices and yet it was still so easy to follow. The different voices allowed me to get all the information without having to make assumptions. I'm not sure how I felt about the ending. Did I want to know the truth like Trish or did I want to feel like Claire, never knowing if.
    • 4/5
      Life is complicated and messy, and nothing reveals that to be more true than an unexpected death. In Catherine McKenzie's book, HIDDEN, Jeff Manning dies after being hit by a car, and two woman find themselves crumbling as they deal with their grief after the accident. Claire, Jeff's wife, is understandably distraught--but so is Jeff's co-worker, Tish.HIDDEN tells the stories behind Jeff's relationships with both women, and the inclusion of Jeff's voice in the alternating perspectives as well as Tish's and Claire's enhances the novel wonderfully. It allows Jeff to be a much more sympathetic character than the story might otherwise permit.Catherine McKenzie writes well, makes us care about all of her imperfect characters, and shows us that a complicated and messy life can be a good one. It's a good reminder that everybody has a story, and that story should never be viewed in black and white.