George R. Hopkins

A retired homicide detective, Tom Cavanaugh, meets up with a group of old school friends at a funeral, over fifty years since they last met. Members of the ‘Terrifying Tullingers’ (Tom, Jackie, Lee, Harry, Brian, Jason) agree to meet again to play a game of cards. On the second meeting, at Harry’s house, Jason performs a ‘miracle’ on Harry’s wife, by curing her headaches through the power of prayer, but he is ridiculed by the others. Later, Jason reveals he knows the secrets of the Terrifying Tullingers, and then leaves the party early. Shortly after, there is a freak storm, and Tom and the others are forced to stay the night due to a fallen tree. During the night, Tom overhears a strange conversation between Jackie, Brian, and Harry, and thinks it might relate to Jason’s earlier revelation. Following the meeting, Jason mentions he received a series of anonymous, threatening messages. Tom sets out on a mission to find the culprits of the message and uncover the secrets of the Terrifying Tullingers. But things take a turn for the worst when Jason is brutally murdered, and Tom finds himself at the centre of a murder investigation implicating his childhood friends. But as Tom uncovers each clue, he is also forced to confront his own painful secrets.

When Secrets Come to Light: A novel of love and tangled friendships is a psychological thriller, with a touch of the supernatural, by author George R. Hopkins. This is a captivating novel, which contains all the key ingredients for a gripping thriller: curious and complex characters, mystery and suspense, friendships, and betrayal. The plot is cleverly constructed, and unfolds beautifully over the course of the book, as the characters back stories and secrets are slowly revealed. This is a unique and fascinating novel, with a touch of humor. It will appeal to readers of mysteries and psychological thrillers.

Star rating: 5 Stars

Summary: A captivating novel, with all the key ingredients for a gripping thriller: curious and complex characters, mystery and suspense, friendships, and betrayal.