These Things Hidden

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf
Adult New Book Display—Main Level—Gudenkauf


“These Things Hidden” is about four women, Charm, Claire, Allison Glenn, Brynn Glenn and the little boy they all have in common: five year old Joshua. The story follows 21 year old Allison as she is released from prison five years early after committing a heinous crime that will horrify and sadden you. Allison must adapt to life in her hometown of Linden Falls, Iowa. Linden Falls, Iowa is full of colorful characters but even the drug addicts look down on Allison and her crime, a crime that is no longer a secret. Brynn, Allison’s younger sister, wrestles with the emotions of the night that changed everyone’s lives and reconciling with her sister for what she has done to the family, a family that is now broken and cold. Gudenkauf has weaved a mystery that is not fully revealed until the last pages. She skillfully lets you think you know the whole story until finally the deep, dark secret is revealed. Though the story possesses many dark secrets and sad stories, Joshua and his mother give the reader warmth and hope that even in tragedy a miracle can happen. A real page turner that will keep you up all night finishing it, any fan of Jodi Picoult will be pleased.