Truths We Bury
–Hiliary Amanda Read 5/3/2025-5/5/2025
“Breaking News, we have just received reports of another mother and child that have gone missing.”
Missing mothers and children. The only clues being reported are a plush toy left on the child’s bed. No bodies. As if they didn’t exist.
How far would you go to find the truth?
Truths We Bury is a multi-POV, multi-timeline psychological thriller that demands close attention from the very first page. The narrative jumps between perspectives and timelines, so readers need to remain alert to avoid losing track of the shifting threads.
The prologue opens setting a tense scene, plunging us into a harrowing escape as Zara (FMC) manages to escape a fiery car crash with her one-year-old daughter, Ella. With an unknown threat looming, Zara seeks refuge in a quiet town where she cautiously attempts to live a simple life, remaining alert to her surroundings. Wandering into a local bookstore, Zara forms a bond with Delilah, bookstore clerk and fellow mother. Despite this new connection, Zara remains wary and protective, keeping her walls high for the sake of Ella.
In tandem to Zara’s story timeline, mothers and their children are mysteriously disappearing – no witnesses, no clues, only news reports of a plush toy left behind on each missing child’s bed. Detective Brooks has been assigned to the baffling cases no one else has been able to solve dating back years. Detective Brooks is convinced there is a hidden clue amongst the chaos – she just needs one small break in the case to pick up on what others have missed.
As the storylines begin to intersect and unravel, both Zara and Detective Brooks find themselves in increasing danger. Could their fates be entwined? Will the truth heal the past? Can they stop what’s coming before it’s too late? Or will the truth prove fatal?
Truths We Bury is a compelling thriller grounded in emotional depth. Amanda has carefully curated a cast of characters that are layered and human – flawed, vulnerable, authentic. Exploring themes of mental health issues, murder, abuse, trauma, manipulation and healing are handled with sensitivity and nuance. Bit by bit, Amanda peels back the layers, drawing readers deeper into the mystery with every carefully placed reveal.
Amanda is a master at the slow-burn to full-blown inferno narrative. The atmospheric descriptions create a vivid sense of place, heightening tension and evoking real emotional stakes. Fear, anxiety and suspense pulse through the pages. Amanda is truly skilled at creating high-stake, emotionally charged scenes that feel as if you are right there, in the book.
The one and only critique I have, is the multiple perspectives and timelines feel slightly choppy at times. However, this is a minor issue given the strength of the storytelling and character development. Once it all clicks though, the payoff is worth the moments of slight confusion I experienced.
This part is going to be slightly difficult for me to really get into without providing details that could ruin the storyline for some, so I will approach this as gently as I can.
First, and foremost, if at ANY time you feel yourself slipping into a mental health crisis PLEASE reach out for help. You are important and matter more than a book – YOUR story is what matters. You are NOT alone!
Truths We Bury touches on many sensitive subjects, and while none are handled without grace, they should be acknowledged. Child neglect, loss and harm. It’s in there. While not graphic, it is a major one I feel needs to be addressed first. Additional trigger warnings include: mental and physical abuse (particularly focused on women), mental health struggles, murder and manipulation. While these subjects can be sensitive, Amanda treats these issues with the respect and seriousness they deserve, using them to fuel awareness and empathy while serving the narrative.
That said, Truths We Bury is a standout psychological thriller. I can honestly say, I did NOT see the first major twist which had me hollering out loud – it was that unexpected, so rest assured, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The slow build is purposeful, and once the momentum picks up, it’s a full-throttle ride. This story will keep you guessing, second-guessing and staying up WAY too late to find out what happens next.
Amanda has delivered a dark, twisted, emotionally charged thriller that will stick with you long after you read the final page. I highly recommend adding Truths We Bury to your TBR – you won’t regret it.
Thank you Hiliary Amanda for the opportunity to ARC for Truths We Bury. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
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