The retreat’s isolated and forbidding location increases her unease, as do the doctor’s rules: they must relinquish their keys and phones, they’ll be monitored at all hours by hidden cameras, and they’re never to socialize with the other guests.
One sleepless night, Daphne decides to leave her room…and only then does she realize that the institute is not at all what it seems—and that whatever’s crying out from Heath’s past isn’t meant to be heard. It’s meant to be silenced.
“Every Single Secret takes you on a journey into a dark, surreal world…A true psychological thriller that will leave you breathless.” —Wendy Walker, bestselling author of All Is Not Forgottenand Emma in the Night
“Creepy, twisty, and masterfully crafted. Emily Carpenter nailed the dark and disturbing characters that make up this rich and provocative gothic thriller. Every Single Secret is one of my favorite reads so far this year. I can’t recommend it enough.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Everything Series
“Emily Carpenter begins Every Single Secret on a creepy premise: couples therapy in a remote mountain resort, where every room has eyes—hidden cameras watching every move. Buckle up because this is one hell of a ride, a rocket-paced, edge-of-your-seat story you’ll want to devour in one sitting. A knockout, easily one of my favorite books of the year.” —Kimberly Belle, bestselling author of The Marriage Lie
“A complex, riveting novel of psychological suspense that holds a mirror to the darkest human impulses. A must-read.” —A. J. Banner, USA Today bestselling author of The Twilight Wife
“Emily Carpenter has once again crafted a story full of complicated characters who will keep you guessing until the last page. Every Single Secret deftly explores the risks of hiding from our pasts and the desperation—and danger—of falling blindly into love. A wild, tense ride.” —Victoria Helen Stone, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Evelyn, After
Q & A with Emily ~
What are some things you enjoy when not writing?
I’m an avid TV watcher—I think some of the best writing is being done on TV right now, and I feel like watching TV has become a learning experience in addition to entertainment these days. Recently, I’ve been inhaling SHETLAND, based on Ann Cleeves’ books. Each episode is a complex mystery set in a location that feels really fresh and exotic. Plus, there’s a cute detective. Jimmy Perez, hey!
Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
The main challenge for me was being resolute and relentless in revising the book (BURYING THE HONEYSUCKLE GIRLS), while keeping myself from giving up. That book really went through many stages and transformations—from a magical realism-based story to something more realistic and grounded, and my agent was incredibly instrumental in guiding it and encouraging me to explore new options. She also kept the faith in such a way that I never lost mine, for which I will forever be indebted to her.
How do you market your work?
Marketing is the hardest part of my job, I’ll be honest. It just feels awkward sometimes. I’ve seen lots of people do it in ways I’m not all that excited about. For me, I like the personal approach, and I really try to connect with readers in authentic ways. I love book clubs because they provide a face-to-face real-time way to interact—and have fun—with readers. Social media can sometimes feel icky when you’re promoting your book 24/7, and I’d rather just interact with people about real things, funny things I observe about life or whatever, instead of shouting about my books. On Facebook, I always end up talking about other authors I love or books I’m interested in reading, and that’s really important to me.
What are you working on now?
My next book, which is a bit of a departure from the previous ones. It’s less of a Southern Gothic slow-burn and more of a balls-to-the-wall adventure thriller. (Can I say that?) It’s about a mother and teenage daughter who realize someone has sabotaged the financial app the mother created, and they have to use their smarts and the technology to find their way back to each other. I’ve actually loved writing it. It’s got more action than anything I’ve written yet, not to mention two female characters who are smart, resourceful and super-badass.
Is anything in your book based on real-life experiences?
Not one bit! That’s the best part of writing. You can invent whole new worlds.
Do you have a favorite chapter or scene?
In EVERY SINGLE SECRET, I really loved writing about Daphne’s experiences in the group home, at the girls' ranch. I was so entranced by the girls she got thrown in to live with—the Super Tramps. Every time I would wrap up a section about them, I couldn’t wait to revisit their story. Omega, especially, was a character I ended up really loving—and also wondering about. She was fascinating and also tragic, and her backstory was so interesting to me, although I didn’t explore it in the book.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Get good advice from people who will be real with you. How do you need to improve? What should you be doing differently in your writing? It’s sometimes tough to swallow—but steel yourself and ask really wise, experienced people what your writing lacks. In the end, you’ll be humbled, but glad you listened.
What are the downfalls of your writing career? The best parts?
There are no bad parts, truly. It’s just such fun to write books that people read and enjoy.
Place you’d like to travel?
I’m planning a trip to the UK to visit the homeplaces and haunts of all my literary heroes. It’s literally the nerdiest trip anyone has ever planned. Stay tuned.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?
Thank you. It’s because of you that I can write books. It really touches me that you are willing to join me in the lives of these characters. I wish I could hug you all!
To connect with Emily:
website. https://emilycarpenterauthor.c
Facebook: Facebook.com/ecarpen
Twitter: @EmilyDCarpenter
