Allison Glenn tried to hide what happened that night . and failed. The consequence? A prison sentence. Now she's free. But secrets have a way of keeping you locked up. When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult in her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn-shy, quiet Brynn-who carries the burden of what really happened that night. All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her. But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister. Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.
Download and start listening now!
"I thought the book was great. The novel is an easy read. Once you read the first line you're instantly hooked. I know i was. I would mostly recommend this book to anyone who's into mystery and or violence. And if you have any siblings.....You'll like it."
— Latavia (5 out of 5 stars)
" I could tell this book may have had potential to be a good read, but by the time I was 1/3 the way thru the book it had yet to "grip me" and have me wanting to continue reading. I really wanted to like this book, but idk, I just wasn't feelin' it. It is definitely a stray from the normal [Mary Higgins Clark, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, and Harlan Coben] types of novels I read, so maybe that's what my problem was? Maybe I'm not ready for literary change just yet? Idk. I mean, its a different author, but its not and entirely different genre...it is still full of good quality and it certainly has potential.. I just couldn't get through it. IDK. Either way, I could tell this book certainly had something to offer, and while I wasn't successful at my first attempt at reading it, I would say if the briefing of the story interests you and/or this is your usual type of novel, you'll probably like this story, so go for it! Be prepared for a somewhat slow-paced progressing story line though! When I am thru with a book I usually take it to the local used bookstore, (the owner gives you store credit --equal to 25% of the publisher's price-- toward your next purchase) but in this case, I think I'll hold on to this book for now. I'll read a few other novels I've been patiently waiting to enjoy and maybe I'll get in the mood to give "These Things Hidden"a second try. "
— Alissa, 2/18/2014" One of the best book I have ever read, I didn't want to stop reading :) "
— Sam, 2/17/2014" This is the story of a 21 year old former golden girl who is released from prison after five years for killing her newborn daughter. Her parents no longer want anything to do with her and her sister knows more than she is willing to tell. I was expecting more of a "big reveal" from this book and it just didn't deliver. The story dragged for me and I felt that the main story was lost in the sub plots. Also, I had trouble keeping two of the characters straight in my mind. They were both very similar in "voice" and I was constantly having to sort out in my mind who was who. I listened to the audio version of this one and perhaps it wouldn't have been as much of a problem in print. I would rate it 2 stars - it was OK. "
— Pam, 2/15/2014" A really good read and a really good pace. I enjoy how she separates her book into characters and you get to know them individually. Sad and happy ending with a good twist plot. "
— Scarlet, 2/2/2014" I thoroughly enjoyed the book until the ending. I felt the ending was rushed and didn't have the same amount of effort sewing it together as the rest of the book. I loved the twists and turns and emotion of the book as well as the opportunity to read from various prospective. "
— Rachel, 1/29/2014" Wonderful book. Heather is a fantastic author. She has such a great way getting you emotionally involved in the story. "
— Kelly, 1/22/2014" I had hard time believing anything in this book could have really happened as it did. I really hope this was not based on a true story. Perhaps this is a compilation of pieces of truth from different events pulled together in one story as fiction or perhaps it is all fabrication. My bet is on the later. "
— Carmen, 1/19/2014" Good book, however I found the ending unforeseen, and a bit disturbing "
— Lynn, 1/19/2014" not as good as her first, The Weight of Silence. Had figured it out 1/3 way into the book. "
— Rose, 1/17/2014" Keeps you guessing until the end... "
— Meghan, 1/7/2014" Fantastic book!! Omg u will cry while reading this book! Dramatic, sad, funny. Everything u want in a book. EVERY1 MUST READ THIS BOOK. "
— Sasha, 1/3/2014" I liked how the point of view of each main character was addressed. Was easy to read. Hard to put down. "
— Jenni, 1/2/2014" I loved The Weight of Silence so I had to read this book. It was a quick read and a great book. The ending wasn't my favorite but it was still good. I like how each chapter is narrorated by a different character "
— Carrie, 12/22/2013" This book...is fine. It has some interesting elements but it felt rushed, like the author was more concerned about getting to the big reveal at the end of the plot than exploring the characters. Frequent switches of perspective and short chapters made it hard to fully understand anyone. "
— Becky, 12/22/2013" About live and cover up "
— Shammy, 12/11/2013" This was a deeply touching, multi-layered story, with so many twists and turns I could hardly put the book down. If was amazingly written with a lot of emotion. I almost hope there is a sequel so I can see how the people turned out. "
— Malloryk0422, 12/10/2013" I was. I was disapointed in this book. This book was overly simple. I could predict the way this book would turn out from 1/4 of the way through. "
— Theresa, 12/7/2013" A riveting story! Very suspenseful with well-developed characters. "
— Raina, 11/27/2013" (view spoiler)[ This book was stupid. I knew there would be a twist, I just didn't know it would be so twisty and weirdly written and hideous. Let's add more young women to the story... that way the reader can really wonder who the mother is. Holy shit, SO ANNOYING. (hide spoiler)] "
— Stina, 10/20/2013" This book is good, and I would suggest it, but there is nothing super gripping about it. There is an element of mystery in it that keeps you going, but it is your typical dramatic story. "
— Maddi, 9/30/2013" In zo goed als een ruk uitgelezen. "
— Kruimel, 7/12/2013" mindless fluff. I Rushed to get to the end to find out if something more exciting was going to happen. So if that's the kind of suspense you like, go for it. "
— Rebecca, 6/10/2013" loved this book. as a mother it touched me, angered me and made me thank heaven for my blessings. this is one of my favorite authors. "
— Kristy, 1/5/2013" I would rate between a 3 and 3 1/2. I didn't want to put it down yet so much to me was not believable. The personality disorders of Christopher and his mom were portrayed well. There were some interesting topics as well. I didn't like it as well as One Breath Away. "
— Patricia, 12/26/2012" i believe that it was a good book. i wish the author would have went into more detail on what the problems of the women in the house that she went to live in (Gertrude house). i also like how she did different chapters in everyone's memories to understand the death of the baby girl. "
— Azra, 12/6/2012" Good read but a little unbelievable in it's story line. "
— Johanna, 10/5/2012" This book delves into a lot of family issues, such as parents neglecting children, teen pregnancy, adoption, and mental illness. Favorite line: "Meet the world with hope in your heart and it will reward you" (91). "
— Tawny, 9/22/2012" This was a quick read and pretty interesting. I did see one of the twists coming from the very beginning of the book. "
— Ms., 4/8/2012" I really enjoyed this story. I believe the world is full of coincidences and this book took that theory to the extreme. It was jam-packed with twists and turns that kept me engrossed with the story. "
— Krista, 1/5/2012" Similar to Jodi Picoult, but without the horrendous ending. Nothing super special. Quick chapters told from perspectives of various characters. Girl gets out of jail for killing her newborn and goes back to hometown and has to deal with the consequences. "
— Deena, 12/12/2011" I could not put this book down. I wanted to keep reading in order to find out what happened next. This is the first book I have read by this author, I will definately check out her other books. "
— Trina, 5/24/2011" Gripping from the beginning. Excellent characters. "
— Erika, 5/23/2011" This is such a powerful story. The ending is so unpredictable. I flew through this book, it was such a good read. I loved her style of writing. It flowed so easily an captivated me until the end. This is a favorite for sure! "
— Jessica, 5/22/2011" WOW, just as i thought i had things figured out it throws a twist at me and then another. These was a great book. "
— Lissette, 5/21/2011" Wow! I figured out most of it, but there was still an unexpected surprise at the end. Nothing was really what it seemed to be after all. The author did a wonderful job of writing a great story about seemingly unsympathetic characters. "
— Lisa, 5/18/2011" I was immediately sucked into the characters and the tragedy that had completely changed their lives. Although I wasn't surprised by the ending, it was still well worth reading. "
— Julie, 5/18/2011" Loved this! A fantastic look at motherhood and all the complexities that go along with it. Gudenkauf does a great job of drawing the mystery out and keeping the reader intrigued. Wonderful characters and a well developed storyline. "
— Heather, 5/17/2011" This reminded me very much of a Jodi Picoult novel: similarly engrossing and morally debatable storyline, similarly likeable characters, and overall a similarly enjoyable but not incredible book. "
— Miranda, 5/17/2011" Love the twists and the turns so far. The style of writing keeps me intrigued. I can't wait to find out how these characters are all connected! "
— Jessica, 5/16/2011" I finished this I one day. Good but not great... "
— Tara, 5/16/2011" It didn't really pull me in the way I hoped it would. "
— Shayla, 5/15/2011" Once started, I had to finish it. I could not put it down. "
— Tamara, 5/15/2011" Very good page-turning beach book. The short chapters make it <br/>a perfect book to put down and pick up although I read it in <br/>2 sittings. Might make for a good Book Club discussion? "
— Susan, 5/15/2011Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, These Things Hidden, One Breath Away and Little Mercies. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children.
Ali Ahn is a film, television, and voice actor. Her acting credits include appearances on Law & Order, Ugly Betty, White Collar, and Zero Hour. She has also narrated numerous audio books, such as Honolulu by Alan Brennert, This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen, Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas, and Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart.