NASTY LITTLE SECRETS
An infamous murder case is blown back open when a crime writer’s sister goes missing—and her bestselling book might be the key to finding her.
Rose Dearling’s life changed forever when her brother was imprisoned for the murder of his high school sweetheart. Now, a decade after the crime ripped her family and Florida hometown apart, Rose is the only one who still believes he didn’t do it. So much so that she wrote a bestselling book about the case to cement his innocence. This may have gained her a bad reputation, but it also bought her a new life in Manhattan,
An infamous murder case is blown back open when a crime writer’s sister goes missing—and her bestselling book might be the key to finding her.
Rose Dearling’s life changed forever when her brother was imprisoned for the murder of his high school sweetheart. Now, a decade after the crime ripped her family and Florida hometown apart, Rose is the only one who still believes he didn’t do it. So much so that she wrote a bestselling book about the case to cement his innocence. This may have gained her a bad reputation, but it also bought her a new life in Manhattan, far away from where it all began.
Then Rose gets a call that shatters her world for a second time: her younger sister has gone missing. Back home and under the same roof as her family for the first time in years, Rose begins the search for her sister. But when connections between both past and present cases emerge, Rose realizes that her own book could hold all the answers . . .
Propulsive and razor-sharp, Nasty Little Secrets is a crackling psychological suspense about family secrets and small-town scandal, which grips you until the final, jaw-dropping twist.
- Zando
- Hardcover
- June 2026
- 320 Pages
- 9781638933205
Buy the Book
$28.00
About Gabbie Hanks
Gabbie Hanks is a former librarian and now works in literacy for the government. She is an avid psychological suspense reader, and this is her debut novel.
Praise
“It’s rare to read a debut thriller and somehow know that the writer will be a future star in the genre, but that’s my prediction for Gabbie Hanks. Nasty Little Secrets is a dazzling debut—a twist-fest about family, secrets, and systemic injustice with a protagonist you won’t soon forget. A star is born.” —Alex Finlay, bestselling author of Parents Weekend
“Impressive debut . . . [Hanks] exhibits remarkable control for a first-time novelist” —Publishers Weekly
“Voiced by a tough-as-nails, not-to-be-messed-with narrator, Nasty Little Secrets by Gabbie Hanks is a mesmerizing thriller filled with chilling secrets and heart-tugging emotion. Murder, lies, and obsession add up to a smart, twisty debut that will keep you guessing until the final shocking twist. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. Readers take note—Gabbie Hanks is a writer to watch!” —Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Hosts
“With dynamic characterization, such as Rose’s spitfire banter that accompanies her troubled past, along with the author’s ability to make everyone appear to have a motive, this title will captivate readers.” —Library Journal
“A sharp, character-driven story that’s equal parts heartbreaking family drama and intriguing mystery. At its heart is Rose Dearling, a character that you won’t forget for a long time. Nasty Little Secrets is a great debut perfect for fans of Jennifer Hillier and Amy Tintera.” —Kellye Garrett, award-winning author of Missing White Woman
“Perfectly set in the sweltering Floridian heat, Nasty Little Secrets is packed with secrets, suspects, and deliciously messy characters. It’s twisty and utterly gripping, the tension (and temperature!) mounting with every page. A riveting debut!” —Sophie Stava, author of Count My Lies
Discussion Questions
Nasty Little Secrets Discussion Questions
- Nasty Little Secrets explores the idea that families often hide dark secrets despite how perfect things seem on the outside. How did this theme shape the way you saw the characters? Did it change how you interpreted their actions?
- Rose is driven to prove her brother’s innocence. Do you think her personal connection to the case helped or hindered her judgment? Why?
- How did the dual timeline structure affect your engagement with the storytelling and your understanding of past events?
- Connections begin to emerge between Hazel’s disappearance and Alexandria’s murder. When did you start to suspect they were linked, and what clues stood out to you?
- Nasty Little Secrets is set in South Florida in a close-knit community. How does this setting impact the overall story?
- The author shares both positive and negative aspects of the characters. How does your opinion of Rose change throughout the book? What about Alex?
- The story emphasizes how truth can be buried or misrepresented, what does this suggest about the reliability of narratives and the responsibility of storytellers?