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The Secret Thread
At a lavish summer party on an English country estate, tensions between social classes lead to deadly consequences that won’t stay buried in this twisty, engrossing suspense novel by the author of The Midnight Hour.
Even the darkest secrets unravel in time. . . .
2024: Jo O’Mara, a young writer, lands a job working for Mimi Mott, a wealthy style icon and legendary founder of a decorating empire. Newly widowed and in her seventies, Mimi is preparing to auction off her possessions, through them finally telling the story of her early life. Famously private, Mimi has kept her past shrouded in mystery. Jo doesn’t dare reveal how closely it touches her own.
Tasked with collecting the untold tales behind each auction lot, Jo peels back the layers of Mimi’s origin story and discovers it’s far darker than anyone ever suspected.
1969: Mimi and her sister, Pamela, live in a cramped, musty staff cottage on the grounds of Rushwood, an idyllic English country estate owned by the Caswell family, their demanding new employer. Working alongside their gardener parents, the girls have been raised with their hands in the soil and know only a traditional, simple life—but spirited Mimi hungers for more.
When the Caswells’ adult children, Nancy and Lawrence, arrive at Rushwood for the summer, the sisters are drawn into a privileged, intoxicating world, unsettling their own, and passions spark under the blazing sun—until a shattering death at Rushwood’s high-society party tears Mimi and Pamela apart.
Now time is running out. Jo discovers both a missing auction piece and a missing sister and vows to find them no matter how dark the secret they expose—or the cost to herself.
Even the darkest secrets unravel in time. . . .
2024: Jo O’Mara, a young writer, lands a job working for Mimi Mott, a wealthy style icon and legendary founder of a decorating empire. Newly widowed and in her seventies, Mimi is preparing to auction off her possessions, through them finally telling the story of her early life. Famously private, Mimi has kept her past shrouded in mystery. Jo doesn’t dare reveal how closely it touches her own.
Tasked with collecting the untold tales behind each auction lot, Jo peels back the layers of Mimi’s origin story and discovers it’s far darker than anyone ever suspected.
1969: Mimi and her sister, Pamela, live in a cramped, musty staff cottage on the grounds of Rushwood, an idyllic English country estate owned by the Caswell family, their demanding new employer. Working alongside their gardener parents, the girls have been raised with their hands in the soil and know only a traditional, simple life—but spirited Mimi hungers for more.
When the Caswells’ adult children, Nancy and Lawrence, arrive at Rushwood for the summer, the sisters are drawn into a privileged, intoxicating world, unsettling their own, and passions spark under the blazing sun—until a shattering death at Rushwood’s high-society party tears Mimi and Pamela apart.
Now time is running out. Jo discovers both a missing auction piece and a missing sister and vows to find them no matter how dark the secret they expose—or the cost to herself.
353 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2026
About the author
Eve Chase
9 books1,486 followersEve Chase is an internationally bestselling British novelist who writes rich, layered and suspenseful novels. Including R&J pick, no.1 kindle bestseller The Midnight Hour, The Birdcage, The Glass House (The Daughters of Foxcote Manor, US) Sunday Times top ten and Richard and Judy Book Club pick, The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde (The Wildling Sisters, US) longlisted for the HWA Gold Crown Award, and Black Rabbit Hall, winner of Paris' Saint-Maur en Poche prize for Best Foreign Fiction.
Say hello @evepollychase on Instagram, X, and Facebook
Say hello @evepollychase on Instagram, X, and Facebook
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July 2, 2026
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⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Secret Thread
Eve Chase
Publication Date: June 30th, 2026
Ballantine Books
368 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction
I love me a good atmospheric mystery mixed with family dramarama. This one features sibling rivalry, which I will never understand as I am close to my siblings.
We're given two timelines. The first is the summer of '69 and the second is in the present. In the present, Jo gets a job working for an older designer, Mimi. Mimi has recently lost her spouse and decides to auction her stuff. Jo is given the job of cataloguing everything, and while doing so, reveals the stories behind the items. Jo has a secret agenda, though—Mimi and Jo's pasts are intertwined.
In 1969, we're at a country estate called Rushwood. Mimi is a teenager, and she and her sister, Pamela, live in a tiny cottage on the estate because their parents are the gardeners. Mimi dreams of a better life, and when the older children of the owners come home, both sisters are lured into the high-flown lifestyle. Then, everything is thrown into chaos after a mysterious death during a party on the estate. This tears the sisters apart, and the family is left in tatters afterward.
The author's writing style is engaging, and her descriptions of the estate and the parties were wonderful. The timelines were well-written, moved back and forth effortlessly, and were woven together nicely at the end. The relationships were realistic for the most part, but the pacing slowed down once in a while, and the twist—which I saw a mile away—was very predictable.
Overall, it's very thoughtfully written and character-driven, and I enjoyed it for the most part. The covers chosen for the different formats are all absolutely beautiful, too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Secret Thread
Eve Chase
Publication Date: June 30th, 2026
Ballantine Books
368 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction
I love me a good atmospheric mystery mixed with family dramarama. This one features sibling rivalry, which I will never understand as I am close to my siblings.
We're given two timelines. The first is the summer of '69 and the second is in the present. In the present, Jo gets a job working for an older designer, Mimi. Mimi has recently lost her spouse and decides to auction her stuff. Jo is given the job of cataloguing everything, and while doing so, reveals the stories behind the items. Jo has a secret agenda, though—Mimi and Jo's pasts are intertwined.
In 1969, we're at a country estate called Rushwood. Mimi is a teenager, and she and her sister, Pamela, live in a tiny cottage on the estate because their parents are the gardeners. Mimi dreams of a better life, and when the older children of the owners come home, both sisters are lured into the high-flown lifestyle. Then, everything is thrown into chaos after a mysterious death during a party on the estate. This tears the sisters apart, and the family is left in tatters afterward.
The author's writing style is engaging, and her descriptions of the estate and the parties were wonderful. The timelines were well-written, moved back and forth effortlessly, and were woven together nicely at the end. The relationships were realistic for the most part, but the pacing slowed down once in a while, and the twist—which I saw a mile away—was very predictable.
Overall, it's very thoughtfully written and character-driven, and I enjoyed it for the most part. The covers chosen for the different formats are all absolutely beautiful, too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 28, 2026
Legendary interior design queen Mimi Mott is auctioning her properties and objects which may spill the secrets of her early life. She’s not a words person and so employs Jo O’Mara as her assistant to fulfil that role of telling “A Life in Objects”. Who exactly is Mimi and how did she build her interior design empire? What lies in her past and particularly what happens in 1969 at a Wiltshire Manor House where her family work? Jo, who has secrets of her own, is drawn into Mimi‘s world and it’s an intoxicating one in which she must take risks to unravel truths, one thread at a time but she must also tread very carefully.
Although the novel doesn’t pull me in immediately, the thread works their magic and it becomes increasingly intriguing and I’m immersed. I think the premise is fantastic with the links, interconnections and threads back to 1969 and it doesn’t feel forced or unnatural. It’s very well written with the dual timelines blending well. To describe it as an atmospheric read doesn’t quite do it justice as everything relates back and centres around the beautiful, currently neglected, Wiltshire Manor House. The descriptions are colourfully vivid with the late 1960s depicted so well in the fashions, food and attitudes of the time. The characters spring to life and I can almost smell the flowers that Mimi’s family plant as the gardeners for the Caswells, the owners of the property. The Caswell siblings - Lawrence and Nancy - are both likeable, charismatic and magnetic personalities and Mimi and her sister Pamela are drawn to them like moths to a flame.
Mimi is quite simply fabulous. She’s very ambitious and driven and it’s clear from the start that she won’t be contained in Wiltshire. She’s creative, glamorous and stylish but also enigmatic which is clearly witnessed through the objects and descriptions which further deepen the mystery of the events of 1969. Everything in the present day has its origins in that year and the need to know and understand what happens becomes paramount. I also grow to like Jo very much and wish for the best for her. Her story is revealed piece by piece alongside that of Mimi.
The different types of tension build and you know it’s not going to end well as the bad vibes swirl around the beautiful Wiltshire property. The heart of the mystery within the novel is paced well, it’s complex and has complicated relationships which feel very authentic. The reveals are delivered and achieve an emotional response from me as the threads are finally pulled and tightly knotted.
It’s a full circle novel and a most satisfying read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Although the novel doesn’t pull me in immediately, the thread works their magic and it becomes increasingly intriguing and I’m immersed. I think the premise is fantastic with the links, interconnections and threads back to 1969 and it doesn’t feel forced or unnatural. It’s very well written with the dual timelines blending well. To describe it as an atmospheric read doesn’t quite do it justice as everything relates back and centres around the beautiful, currently neglected, Wiltshire Manor House. The descriptions are colourfully vivid with the late 1960s depicted so well in the fashions, food and attitudes of the time. The characters spring to life and I can almost smell the flowers that Mimi’s family plant as the gardeners for the Caswells, the owners of the property. The Caswell siblings - Lawrence and Nancy - are both likeable, charismatic and magnetic personalities and Mimi and her sister Pamela are drawn to them like moths to a flame.
Mimi is quite simply fabulous. She’s very ambitious and driven and it’s clear from the start that she won’t be contained in Wiltshire. She’s creative, glamorous and stylish but also enigmatic which is clearly witnessed through the objects and descriptions which further deepen the mystery of the events of 1969. Everything in the present day has its origins in that year and the need to know and understand what happens becomes paramount. I also grow to like Jo very much and wish for the best for her. Her story is revealed piece by piece alongside that of Mimi.
The different types of tension build and you know it’s not going to end well as the bad vibes swirl around the beautiful Wiltshire property. The heart of the mystery within the novel is paced well, it’s complex and has complicated relationships which feel very authentic. The reveals are delivered and achieve an emotional response from me as the threads are finally pulled and tightly knotted.
It’s a full circle novel and a most satisfying read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 atmospheric stars *now available
Oh, how I love a new Eve Chase book! This is my sixth book by this author, and this one did not disappoint! This author creates such an atmospheric read that I feel completely immersed in the story filled with secrets. I could not put this one down!
There are two storylines here, one from 1969 and one from the present day. I’ll start with the older storyline. Miriam lives with her family in the gardener’s cottage for a lavish estate, Rushwood, currently occupied by the Caswells. Miriam’s whole family tends to the gardens, and the upcoming summer party is creating a lot of extra work. There are Miriam’s parents, her sister Pamela, and her brother Alf.
The Caswells have two children, about the same age as Miriam and her sibling, but their families would prefer they don’t socialize. Nancy and Lawrence are gregarious, though, and soon the younger set is swimming and socializing. They are even invited to the summer party – after dinner, of course! I loved the detailed descriptions of the house, gardens, pool, fountains, and conservatory.
Miriam has a unique sense of style and can take a look at a garden or room and know just how to make it better. A providential accident leaves the party designer without an assistant, and Miriam is moved up to the house to help with preparations. She’s always wanted more than a life in the garden, so this is her chance!
In the present-day story, we have Jo O’Mara interviewing for a job with the iconic interior designer Mimi Mott. Mimi is auctioning off pieces of her past and needs someone to write up the stories to go with them. She’s been very secretive about her past, so the world anxiously awaits! Mimi is a delight, having lived quite a life. Jo has some secrets of her own.
The two storylines intersect as we learn more about the decades-long estrangement between Miriam and her sister Pamela. We don’t know for quite a while what happened on that fateful summer party night.
This was a delightful read, and I loved every word of it!
My thanks to Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
Oh, how I love a new Eve Chase book! This is my sixth book by this author, and this one did not disappoint! This author creates such an atmospheric read that I feel completely immersed in the story filled with secrets. I could not put this one down!
There are two storylines here, one from 1969 and one from the present day. I’ll start with the older storyline. Miriam lives with her family in the gardener’s cottage for a lavish estate, Rushwood, currently occupied by the Caswells. Miriam’s whole family tends to the gardens, and the upcoming summer party is creating a lot of extra work. There are Miriam’s parents, her sister Pamela, and her brother Alf.
The Caswells have two children, about the same age as Miriam and her sibling, but their families would prefer they don’t socialize. Nancy and Lawrence are gregarious, though, and soon the younger set is swimming and socializing. They are even invited to the summer party – after dinner, of course! I loved the detailed descriptions of the house, gardens, pool, fountains, and conservatory.
Miriam has a unique sense of style and can take a look at a garden or room and know just how to make it better. A providential accident leaves the party designer without an assistant, and Miriam is moved up to the house to help with preparations. She’s always wanted more than a life in the garden, so this is her chance!
In the present-day story, we have Jo O’Mara interviewing for a job with the iconic interior designer Mimi Mott. Mimi is auctioning off pieces of her past and needs someone to write up the stories to go with them. She’s been very secretive about her past, so the world anxiously awaits! Mimi is a delight, having lived quite a life. Jo has some secrets of her own.
The two storylines intersect as we learn more about the decades-long estrangement between Miriam and her sister Pamela. We don’t know for quite a while what happened on that fateful summer party night.
This was a delightful read, and I loved every word of it!
My thanks to Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
March 12, 2026
I loved this so much. It had me hooked from the moment I started reading and I found myself immediately immersed in the story.
Despite owning and founding one of the most popular design brands in the world, Mimi Mott has always maintained an air of mystery regarding her past. When she reveals her plans to auction off her estate and finally tell her story, every journalist around is dying to be chosen as her assistant. Jo O’mara is the lucky girl who gets the job—but we quickly learn she has her own motivations for accepting the position.
Mimi’s story begins in 1969, when her family worked at Rushwood tending the gardens for the wealthy Caswells. These chapters demonstrate how Mimi was drawn into the world of opulent wealth and glamorous events—and where her love for fashion and decorating began. As beautiful and alluring as these chapters are, it is clear that they are leading towards some mysterious and tragic event.
This story seamlessly transitions between past and present, alternating POVs between Jo, Mimi, and Mimi’s estranged sister Pamela. The characters and their personalities are so well written that I could picture them all vividly. I loved seeing how differently Mimi and Pamela perceived the major events of their youth—even though Pamela’s perception annoyed me most of the time.
The writing is full of vivid imagery, palpable tension, and a horrible sense of foreboding. The numerous secrets and mysteries unfolded naturally throughout the story with some big reveals at the end that did not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Despite owning and founding one of the most popular design brands in the world, Mimi Mott has always maintained an air of mystery regarding her past. When she reveals her plans to auction off her estate and finally tell her story, every journalist around is dying to be chosen as her assistant. Jo O’mara is the lucky girl who gets the job—but we quickly learn she has her own motivations for accepting the position.
Mimi’s story begins in 1969, when her family worked at Rushwood tending the gardens for the wealthy Caswells. These chapters demonstrate how Mimi was drawn into the world of opulent wealth and glamorous events—and where her love for fashion and decorating began. As beautiful and alluring as these chapters are, it is clear that they are leading towards some mysterious and tragic event.
This story seamlessly transitions between past and present, alternating POVs between Jo, Mimi, and Mimi’s estranged sister Pamela. The characters and their personalities are so well written that I could picture them all vividly. I loved seeing how differently Mimi and Pamela perceived the major events of their youth—even though Pamela’s perception annoyed me most of the time.
The writing is full of vivid imagery, palpable tension, and a horrible sense of foreboding. The numerous secrets and mysteries unfolded naturally throughout the story with some big reveals at the end that did not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2026
Design icon Mimi Mott has been living in seclusion since the death of her husband a year before. Now the art world is buzzing with the news that she intends to auction off items from her youth, and tell the story of why each is important to her. Her early years have always been shrouded in mist, so anticipation is high. Mimi is a genius with fabrics and interior design, but knows she has no skill with the written word, so she’s seeking someone who can write the catalogue for the auction, including her story. Jo O’Mara applies for the post and Mimi is immediately drawn to her. And so Mimi starts to tell of the summer of ‘69, when she and her family worked in the gardens of Rushwood, helping to make everything perfect for a big party the owners intended to throw. Jo has an ulterior motive, though – she has learned recently that Mimi is Miriam, her grandmother’s estranged sister who is never talked about, and Jo is desperate to learn what caused the rift and, if she can, bring the now-elderly sisters together again…
This is being billed as both mystery and women’s fiction. While there is a mystery in it, it is not a mystery novel in the sense of a crime and an investigation. To me, it stands four-square in the women’s fiction category, and it’s a very good entry in that field. But anyone looking for a mystery novel will almost inevitably be disappointed. That’s my public service announcement over!
The story is told mainly by Mimi to Jo, as they select the items to be included in the auction. I hesitate to call it dual timeline, since we are never really in 1969 – we are always in the present day listening to Mimi talk about back then. But for all that, the bulk of the story takes place in that distant past, when Miriam was the younger sister of twins Pamela and Alf. All three are close in age, in their late teens, on the cusp of adulthood. Their father works as gardener for the rich and snobbish Caswells, but it’s a family effort – their mother and they all work in the gardens too over the summer months.
The Caswells have two children, Lawrence and Nancy, also young adults and considerably less class-conscious than their parents. To the disapproval of both sets of parents, the five young people find themselves becoming tentative friends. Alf and Pamela aren’t altogether comfortable with this – they feel wary around these people who, however pleasant, have a golden glow of wealth and privilege. But for Miriam it brings an awakening of something inside her – the beauty of the Caswells’ grand home, Nancy’s effortless style, the gorgeous clothes, the furnishings. Suddenly she finds a creativity she never knew she possessed, and a longing to do something different with her life than work in someone else’s gardens. And she feels another sensation new to her young life – desire for the beautiful Lawrence, the unattainable golden boy.
It’s a slow-moving novel, but very well told and with a steady momentum that held my interest throughout. We know from the beginning that whatever divided the sisters happened that summer and it’s foreshadowed clearly that tragedy is involved. Mimi isn’t hiding secrets from us – she’s just taking her time telling the story, reliving her past and telling us how her career began as well as about her family and the Caswells. The characterisation throughout is excellent – we get to know Mimi best, but we also learn about Jo’s own history, also touched by tragedy when her parents died in a car crash. This led to Jo being brought up by her grandmother, Pamela, so they are very close, and even though Miriam’s name isn’t mentioned, Jo has picked up that her grandmother still hurts over the separation. Now she is learning that Mimi hurts too, and it seems unbearably sad to her that these two elderly women, both now widowed, can’t find a way to forgive each other.
The writing is very good, although I felt it got a little lush sometimes when talking about the loveliness of the grounds of Rushwood – fewer descriptions of nature would have suited me, since I felt they mostly served to slow the pace even further. But when talking about character and emotions, I found her astute and realistic – there are no villains or heroes here, just ordinary people who are sometimes loving and generous and other times selfish or jealous, even occasionally mildly spiteful, but all within the boundaries of any close family group. I’d guessed the reason for the sisters’ breach long before it was revealed, but it didn’t spoil anything since the book was less about the mystery than the relationships. Women’s fiction isn’t my favourite genre, but I still found myself fully absorbed and hoping along with Jo that somehow these two stubborn but decent women could build a bridge over the chasm. And yes, it succeeded in the aim of all women’s fiction – it made me cry! But just a little…
NB: This book was provided for review by Michael Joseph via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
This is being billed as both mystery and women’s fiction. While there is a mystery in it, it is not a mystery novel in the sense of a crime and an investigation. To me, it stands four-square in the women’s fiction category, and it’s a very good entry in that field. But anyone looking for a mystery novel will almost inevitably be disappointed. That’s my public service announcement over!
The story is told mainly by Mimi to Jo, as they select the items to be included in the auction. I hesitate to call it dual timeline, since we are never really in 1969 – we are always in the present day listening to Mimi talk about back then. But for all that, the bulk of the story takes place in that distant past, when Miriam was the younger sister of twins Pamela and Alf. All three are close in age, in their late teens, on the cusp of adulthood. Their father works as gardener for the rich and snobbish Caswells, but it’s a family effort – their mother and they all work in the gardens too over the summer months.
The Caswells have two children, Lawrence and Nancy, also young adults and considerably less class-conscious than their parents. To the disapproval of both sets of parents, the five young people find themselves becoming tentative friends. Alf and Pamela aren’t altogether comfortable with this – they feel wary around these people who, however pleasant, have a golden glow of wealth and privilege. But for Miriam it brings an awakening of something inside her – the beauty of the Caswells’ grand home, Nancy’s effortless style, the gorgeous clothes, the furnishings. Suddenly she finds a creativity she never knew she possessed, and a longing to do something different with her life than work in someone else’s gardens. And she feels another sensation new to her young life – desire for the beautiful Lawrence, the unattainable golden boy.
It’s a slow-moving novel, but very well told and with a steady momentum that held my interest throughout. We know from the beginning that whatever divided the sisters happened that summer and it’s foreshadowed clearly that tragedy is involved. Mimi isn’t hiding secrets from us – she’s just taking her time telling the story, reliving her past and telling us how her career began as well as about her family and the Caswells. The characterisation throughout is excellent – we get to know Mimi best, but we also learn about Jo’s own history, also touched by tragedy when her parents died in a car crash. This led to Jo being brought up by her grandmother, Pamela, so they are very close, and even though Miriam’s name isn’t mentioned, Jo has picked up that her grandmother still hurts over the separation. Now she is learning that Mimi hurts too, and it seems unbearably sad to her that these two elderly women, both now widowed, can’t find a way to forgive each other.
The writing is very good, although I felt it got a little lush sometimes when talking about the loveliness of the grounds of Rushwood – fewer descriptions of nature would have suited me, since I felt they mostly served to slow the pace even further. But when talking about character and emotions, I found her astute and realistic – there are no villains or heroes here, just ordinary people who are sometimes loving and generous and other times selfish or jealous, even occasionally mildly spiteful, but all within the boundaries of any close family group. I’d guessed the reason for the sisters’ breach long before it was revealed, but it didn’t spoil anything since the book was less about the mystery than the relationships. Women’s fiction isn’t my favourite genre, but I still found myself fully absorbed and hoping along with Jo that somehow these two stubborn but decent women could build a bridge over the chasm. And yes, it succeeded in the aim of all women’s fiction – it made me cry! But just a little…
NB: This book was provided for review by Michael Joseph via NetGalley.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a stunning story that I was not able to put down. Set in the past and the present, the author has skilfully created a story of love, loss, fractured families, mixing in secrets and mysteries.
Mimi Mott is a famous designer, curator and collector. She has influenced many over her life, and now she is deciding to have an auction to clear some of her things. The most personal ones come with a story; this story has never been told. It involves her past and how her once close family split, the reasons behind the split and how the lives of two families changed over one summer.
Jo O'Mara has successfully landed the job of assisting Mimi with collating and relating the stories that Mimi is going to tell for the first time. Jo is excited but also has something of her own that she needs to keep hidden until the right moment.
The author weaves the tale of a fateful summer and the present day through the stories of Mimi, introducing the characters, their positions, expectations, and how society still had a hold over what was considered to be appropriate for the time. The characters range in position, involvement and how important they are to the overall story.
In amongst this, the author tells of a wonderful summer, until everything went wrong. But the full story only emerges later in the book. A story of love and loss, of grief and separation, secrets and what really happened.
An absolutely gorgeous story that I had to read in one sitting and that I would definitely recommend.
Mimi Mott is a famous designer, curator and collector. She has influenced many over her life, and now she is deciding to have an auction to clear some of her things. The most personal ones come with a story; this story has never been told. It involves her past and how her once close family split, the reasons behind the split and how the lives of two families changed over one summer.
Jo O'Mara has successfully landed the job of assisting Mimi with collating and relating the stories that Mimi is going to tell for the first time. Jo is excited but also has something of her own that she needs to keep hidden until the right moment.
The author weaves the tale of a fateful summer and the present day through the stories of Mimi, introducing the characters, their positions, expectations, and how society still had a hold over what was considered to be appropriate for the time. The characters range in position, involvement and how important they are to the overall story.
In amongst this, the author tells of a wonderful summer, until everything went wrong. But the full story only emerges later in the book. A story of love and loss, of grief and separation, secrets and what really happened.
An absolutely gorgeous story that I had to read in one sitting and that I would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Penguin Random House for a copy of this novel in return for an unbiased review.
The Secret Thread has secured itself firmly as a new favourite on my bookshelf. Eve Chase's ability to bring family drama, exciting twists, and a sense of English country garden elegance to a heartfelt and engaging story is wonderfully recieved by this reader.
It has all the excitement of an American hi-styled life, secured with its glitz and glamour, but secreted behind this is a real family story of loss, longing, and with the daring to be courageous, its heroine Mimi, follows her own path.
With all her mystery and her secretive past being slowly revealed, Mimi Mott delivers a powerful edge to this beautiful story.
The Secret Thread has secured itself firmly as a new favourite on my bookshelf. Eve Chase's ability to bring family drama, exciting twists, and a sense of English country garden elegance to a heartfelt and engaging story is wonderfully recieved by this reader.
It has all the excitement of an American hi-styled life, secured with its glitz and glamour, but secreted behind this is a real family story of loss, longing, and with the daring to be courageous, its heroine Mimi, follows her own path.
With all her mystery and her secretive past being slowly revealed, Mimi Mott delivers a powerful edge to this beautiful story.
September 24, 2026
Book Title: The Secret Thread
Author: Eve Chase
Publishers: Ballantine Books + Penguin Random House Audio
Out Now? Y
Dates Listened: September 20, 2026 – September 23, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: This is my second time reading Chase (my first being The Glass House) and I have to say, I really enjoyed it! The cover gave me strong mystery/thriller vibes, and while there is a light mystery, I wouldn’t call this book either of those things. It is more of a literary fiction/women’s fiction/family drama kind of story, and it ended up making me pretty dang emotional by the end. There is a bit of romance along with a healthy dose of tragedy, and nothing I read would I consider to be twisty. I loved the way the author explored family dynamics and social classes, and I was happy to spend time with these wonderful characters. I would recommend it to those of you who like slower burns with a focus on family and secrets.
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: Unfortunately, the audiobook was a little meh for me. While I did love Clare Corbett’s narration, we REALLY needed multiple narrators for this one. It has dual timelines/multiple viewpoints, with Jo and Mimi as the main two. It felt like Corbett was attempting to alter her voice depending on the viewpoint, but it just wasn’t enough. I would recommend this as an eyeball read instead of an ear one.
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Eve Chase
Publishers: Ballantine Books + Penguin Random House Audio
Out Now? Y
Dates Listened: September 20, 2026 – September 23, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: This is my second time reading Chase (my first being The Glass House) and I have to say, I really enjoyed it! The cover gave me strong mystery/thriller vibes, and while there is a light mystery, I wouldn’t call this book either of those things. It is more of a literary fiction/women’s fiction/family drama kind of story, and it ended up making me pretty dang emotional by the end. There is a bit of romance along with a healthy dose of tragedy, and nothing I read would I consider to be twisty. I loved the way the author explored family dynamics and social classes, and I was happy to spend time with these wonderful characters. I would recommend it to those of you who like slower burns with a focus on family and secrets.
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: Unfortunately, the audiobook was a little meh for me. While I did love Clare Corbett’s narration, we REALLY needed multiple narrators for this one. It has dual timelines/multiple viewpoints, with Jo and Mimi as the main two. It felt like Corbett was attempting to alter her voice depending on the viewpoint, but it just wasn’t enough. I would recommend this as an eyeball read instead of an ear one.
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 18, 2026
3.5 ✨ An interesting family drama with a mystery about estranged sisters. The plot goes back and forth between 2024 and 1969. Style icon Mimi Mott is about to auction off a collection of memorabilia and hires writer Jo O'Mara to help with the catalog. As Mimi reveals her secrets it becomes clear that Jo has a few secrets of her own. I was curious about the mystery that kept Mimi from speaking to her sister Pamela but I think it could have been a bit shorter.
July 5, 2026
4.5⭐
Engrossing dual timeline historical fiction. Mimi Mott, the home design juggernaut, decided to auction the mementos of her teen years just before she moved to the USA and her career took off. While she has a designer's eye, she hires a writer, Jo, to create the descriptions of the items. One part of the story is the recollections of the pivotal year, 1969, and the other is current day. Each story engages you as the author drops hints and clues to to devastating riff between Mimi and her sister and what happened. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Engrossing dual timeline historical fiction. Mimi Mott, the home design juggernaut, decided to auction the mementos of her teen years just before she moved to the USA and her career took off. While she has a designer's eye, she hires a writer, Jo, to create the descriptions of the items. One part of the story is the recollections of the pivotal year, 1969, and the other is current day. Each story engages you as the author drops hints and clues to to devastating riff between Mimi and her sister and what happened. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2026
What an absolutely beautiful read. I was captivated from the start with the premise of an ‘auction of memories’ & the beautiful storytelling kept me enthralled.
It is the heatwave summer of 1969 and teenagers Alf, Pamela & Miriam Bramley are growing up with their gardener parents in Dorset, in a cottage on the beautiful Rushden Estate, home of the rich and powerful Caswell family. Tension is building as the families work towards making the Caswell’s summer party the total success it needs to be. But as the heat intensifies so does the tension between the Caswell & Bramley teenagers & when finally the night of the party arrives, a tragedy ensues. Both families implode leading to completely irreconcilable differences- the effects of which are destined to last a lifetime.
Fast forward fifty years and Miriam, now known as Mimi Mott, a world famous designer, decides to auction off her possessions - a lifetime of memories. As her items are listed, well-hidden secrets are revealed, will this cause more division or a catalyst for change?
I loved the skilful format at play here & how each item listed triggered the dual timeline narrative for memories to be revealed. The house of Rushden itself is a major character, full of atmosphere & character. A beautiful read which turns full circle to reach a satisfying conclusion. I spent most of the book so angry with Pamela and yet totally understood her by the end. Her ‘butterfly wing effect’ was totally at play here; a thousand repercussions from one moment in time.
The Secret Thread is definitely one which will stay with me & also one I’d like to revisit on audio.
Grateful thanks to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for this ARC. And to Eve Polly Chase for brilliant story telling!
It is the heatwave summer of 1969 and teenagers Alf, Pamela & Miriam Bramley are growing up with their gardener parents in Dorset, in a cottage on the beautiful Rushden Estate, home of the rich and powerful Caswell family. Tension is building as the families work towards making the Caswell’s summer party the total success it needs to be. But as the heat intensifies so does the tension between the Caswell & Bramley teenagers & when finally the night of the party arrives, a tragedy ensues. Both families implode leading to completely irreconcilable differences- the effects of which are destined to last a lifetime.
Fast forward fifty years and Miriam, now known as Mimi Mott, a world famous designer, decides to auction off her possessions - a lifetime of memories. As her items are listed, well-hidden secrets are revealed, will this cause more division or a catalyst for change?
I loved the skilful format at play here & how each item listed triggered the dual timeline narrative for memories to be revealed. The house of Rushden itself is a major character, full of atmosphere & character. A beautiful read which turns full circle to reach a satisfying conclusion. I spent most of the book so angry with Pamela and yet totally understood her by the end. Her ‘butterfly wing effect’ was totally at play here; a thousand repercussions from one moment in time.
The Secret Thread is definitely one which will stay with me & also one I’d like to revisit on audio.
Grateful thanks to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for this ARC. And to Eve Polly Chase for brilliant story telling!
September 28, 2026
Eve Chase is among my favorite authors. She is a master of metaphor, a virtuoso of word choice. Much like poetry, that one word creates or adds to a mood, a feeling; and if substituted or left out would take you in another direction. Such is the power of the written word, and of an extraordinarily gifted writer. From her Instagram account, I know she has a Golden Retriever and writes from a shed in an English garden. I imagine the pup curled at her feet and a perpetual explosion of flowers encircling it as magic flows from her pen, much like a clip from the olden days of “The Wonderful World of Disney.” But it’s not magic—it’s a dedicated author at the top of her craft.
I have read everything she has published. It began by happenstance, as I was searching Libby for an audiobook to fall asleep to. I wanted something light that I wasn’t likely to invest in and I wanted an British narrator, as I find the accent soothing. I got the accent right, but I quickly became invested and did not drift peacefully off to sleep.
Like past offerings, “Thread” seamlessly (unintended pun) follows a dual timeline and multiple points of view. There is also an historical element that adds much to the story centered around the triumphs and tragedies of the Bramley family, particularly the complex relationship between two sisters. There’s also an upstairs/downstairs spotlight as the moral, hardworking and financially-struggling Bramleys are in the employ of the wealthy Caswell family. Everyone is laser-focused on preparation for Rushwood’s upcoming annual summer party. The clash of social classes, the atypical, destructive, scorching heat and the unwelcome attraction between the younger members of each clan provide the suspense leading up to the perfect storm. This is the first year the Bramleys have worked for the Caswells and are met with the ridiculously unreasonable Mrs. Caswell and the snobby, salacious Mr. Caswell. Mrs. Bramley is a Christian woman relying on her faith to navigate the life she’s been given and Mr. Bramley, while dedicated to providing for his family, relies on an overabundance of alcohol. There is no way Rushwood’s summer of ‘69 is going to have a happy ending.
Then there is the aftermath. Already seeming like a cuckoo in the nest, the distance between Miriam Bramley and her family becomes an irreparable gulf. Until Mimi Mott (née Miriam Bramley), designer extraordinaire and aging widow, decides to tell her shrouded life story through liquidating a lifetime of collections via a spectacular charity auction. Enter Jo, hired by Mimi to assist her with the gargantuan task of creating the catalog. It’s another culture clash, though not a discordant one. Jo is a struggling writer raised in a family rich only in love. Surrounded by Mimi’s big presence and unlimited wealth, she has an ulterior motive and a secret of her own.
This is not my favorite Chase novel, (that belongs hands down to The Midnight Hour), but still a no-brainer five-stars. Some parts are a bit predictable and secrets not secretive enough. It misses a big reveal. However, it’s a good story that examines the inimitable pull of family, with a wide array of characters, including Dolly the collie who steals the show in my book. You don’t have to look very hard to appreciate the ever-present symbolism of Nature and our attempts to tame it in a garden.
I have read everything she has published. It began by happenstance, as I was searching Libby for an audiobook to fall asleep to. I wanted something light that I wasn’t likely to invest in and I wanted an British narrator, as I find the accent soothing. I got the accent right, but I quickly became invested and did not drift peacefully off to sleep.
Like past offerings, “Thread” seamlessly (unintended pun) follows a dual timeline and multiple points of view. There is also an historical element that adds much to the story centered around the triumphs and tragedies of the Bramley family, particularly the complex relationship between two sisters. There’s also an upstairs/downstairs spotlight as the moral, hardworking and financially-struggling Bramleys are in the employ of the wealthy Caswell family. Everyone is laser-focused on preparation for Rushwood’s upcoming annual summer party. The clash of social classes, the atypical, destructive, scorching heat and the unwelcome attraction between the younger members of each clan provide the suspense leading up to the perfect storm. This is the first year the Bramleys have worked for the Caswells and are met with the ridiculously unreasonable Mrs. Caswell and the snobby, salacious Mr. Caswell. Mrs. Bramley is a Christian woman relying on her faith to navigate the life she’s been given and Mr. Bramley, while dedicated to providing for his family, relies on an overabundance of alcohol. There is no way Rushwood’s summer of ‘69 is going to have a happy ending.
Then there is the aftermath. Already seeming like a cuckoo in the nest, the distance between Miriam Bramley and her family becomes an irreparable gulf. Until Mimi Mott (née Miriam Bramley), designer extraordinaire and aging widow, decides to tell her shrouded life story through liquidating a lifetime of collections via a spectacular charity auction. Enter Jo, hired by Mimi to assist her with the gargantuan task of creating the catalog. It’s another culture clash, though not a discordant one. Jo is a struggling writer raised in a family rich only in love. Surrounded by Mimi’s big presence and unlimited wealth, she has an ulterior motive and a secret of her own.
This is not my favorite Chase novel, (that belongs hands down to The Midnight Hour), but still a no-brainer five-stars. Some parts are a bit predictable and secrets not secretive enough. It misses a big reveal. However, it’s a good story that examines the inimitable pull of family, with a wide array of characters, including Dolly the collie who steals the show in my book. You don’t have to look very hard to appreciate the ever-present symbolism of Nature and our attempts to tame it in a garden.
September 23, 2026
Eve Chase writes novels that really appeal to me. I have read all her books and this one, although very well written, isn’t my favorite. As usual, there is so much to love but a lot of things that just didn’t sit right with me as a reader. I’ll be looking forward to her next book.
September 8, 2026
I wanted to like this because I love her other stuff but it was such a snooze fest
July 28, 2026
I’ve loved all Eve Chase’s novels, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Great writing, intriguing characters and a compelling plot. A real, heartfelt page turner.
May 9, 2026
A book as beautiful as its cover…
The Secret Thread by Eve Chase is a beautifully layered story told across multiple POVs and timelines, moving between the late 1960s and present day. Mimi’s chapters shift between first and third person, while Jo and Pamela’s perspectives are told in the present, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that slowly unravels the truth thread by thread.
At the centre of the story is Mimi Mott – celebrated designer, style icon and fiercely private woman. Born into a modest family as the head gardener’s daughter, Mimi always longed for more than the small, ordinary life expected of her. She had seen how the other half lived and wanted a place in that world for herself. Eve Chase captures that yearning so beautifully, alongside the tension between ambition, family and identity.
Then there’s Jo O’Mara, Mimi’s new assistant. At twenty-eight, skint, single and feeling entirely unimportant, she couldn’t be more different from the sleek and polished Mimi. Yet Jo is desperate to win her trust – while quietly hiding secrets of her own.
The writing throughout is stunning. Descriptive and atmospheric without ever feeling overdone, Eve Chase paints vivid images so effortlessly that I felt completely transported into the story. I especially loved the shifting timelines and the way the past slowly shaped the present, revealing who these characters once were and how they became the people they are now.
And Pamela… oh Pamela, you’re a bit of me. “I’d honestly rather be weeding. Or reading… does that make me a freak?” Honestly, Pamela – me too.
There’s a quiet sense of tragedy woven throughout this novel. I could feel it approaching long before it arrived, but it still left me sat frozen and emotional when it finally unfolded. Fragile family history surging with secrets, grief, heartbreak and distance. Chapter 36 genuinely brought tears to my eyes.
At its heart, this is a story about life’s fragility and the butterfly effect – how pulling on one thread can unravel everything.
A beautiful, captivating and emotionally immersive story that I was fully invested in from beginning to end.
The Secret Thread by Eve Chase is a beautifully layered story told across multiple POVs and timelines, moving between the late 1960s and present day. Mimi’s chapters shift between first and third person, while Jo and Pamela’s perspectives are told in the present, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that slowly unravels the truth thread by thread.
At the centre of the story is Mimi Mott – celebrated designer, style icon and fiercely private woman. Born into a modest family as the head gardener’s daughter, Mimi always longed for more than the small, ordinary life expected of her. She had seen how the other half lived and wanted a place in that world for herself. Eve Chase captures that yearning so beautifully, alongside the tension between ambition, family and identity.
Then there’s Jo O’Mara, Mimi’s new assistant. At twenty-eight, skint, single and feeling entirely unimportant, she couldn’t be more different from the sleek and polished Mimi. Yet Jo is desperate to win her trust – while quietly hiding secrets of her own.
The writing throughout is stunning. Descriptive and atmospheric without ever feeling overdone, Eve Chase paints vivid images so effortlessly that I felt completely transported into the story. I especially loved the shifting timelines and the way the past slowly shaped the present, revealing who these characters once were and how they became the people they are now.
And Pamela… oh Pamela, you’re a bit of me. “I’d honestly rather be weeding. Or reading… does that make me a freak?” Honestly, Pamela – me too.
There’s a quiet sense of tragedy woven throughout this novel. I could feel it approaching long before it arrived, but it still left me sat frozen and emotional when it finally unfolded. Fragile family history surging with secrets, grief, heartbreak and distance. Chapter 36 genuinely brought tears to my eyes.
At its heart, this is a story about life’s fragility and the butterfly effect – how pulling on one thread can unravel everything.
A beautiful, captivating and emotionally immersive story that I was fully invested in from beginning to end.
September 17, 2026
Threads Connecting, Fraying, & Unraveling…
In every family, across each of the squares that create a patchwork ancestry quilt rips, tears, and damage will occur. And in this family-centered drama spanning generations from a small English town, two families living on a family summer home in a countryside, will be forever connected, ripped and eventually repaired.
Divided by birth and generational customs, wealth, and propriety, the children; of the family of gardeners, landscape caretakers residing on grounds and the wealthy family to which they are employed, ignore rules of society. These youth enjoy time together in youthful gatherings until inevitably attraction develops as do relationships.
Alternating over time, Jo, a granddaughter raised by a grandmother after the unexplained death of her parents, discovers evidence of her grandmother’s long estranged and barely mentioned sister, an aunt she has never met. And what stuns her even more than the collected images of her aunt is the identity of this globally famous designer and decorator, famed for fabrics, art, designs, and homes covered in architecture and design magazines and showrooms.
When Jo discovers this relationship possibility, she explores ways to engage specifically after contacting her uncle, her grandmother’s oldest son. Cautioned by him to avoid the taboo aunt only intensifies her curiosity. So upon learning the designer is preparing for an exhibition/art auction and is seeking an assistant and writer, Jo, a freelance writer, interviews for the position, seeking contact with the designer, Mimi/Miriam.
Naturally, she obtains the position and thus begins the cataloging and archival process. Over the weeks, every item reveals a story, exposing the shared lives of Mimi and her grandmother Pamela, older sister. Torn by guilt at the secrecy of her position, Jo feels traitorous especially as her admiration for her aunt grows.
What is saved and kept, collected and treasured, shows parts of a life, the life woven over time across generations. Poignant story of such strong women, survivors, stars of their lives.
In every family, across each of the squares that create a patchwork ancestry quilt rips, tears, and damage will occur. And in this family-centered drama spanning generations from a small English town, two families living on a family summer home in a countryside, will be forever connected, ripped and eventually repaired.
Divided by birth and generational customs, wealth, and propriety, the children; of the family of gardeners, landscape caretakers residing on grounds and the wealthy family to which they are employed, ignore rules of society. These youth enjoy time together in youthful gatherings until inevitably attraction develops as do relationships.
Alternating over time, Jo, a granddaughter raised by a grandmother after the unexplained death of her parents, discovers evidence of her grandmother’s long estranged and barely mentioned sister, an aunt she has never met. And what stuns her even more than the collected images of her aunt is the identity of this globally famous designer and decorator, famed for fabrics, art, designs, and homes covered in architecture and design magazines and showrooms.
When Jo discovers this relationship possibility, she explores ways to engage specifically after contacting her uncle, her grandmother’s oldest son. Cautioned by him to avoid the taboo aunt only intensifies her curiosity. So upon learning the designer is preparing for an exhibition/art auction and is seeking an assistant and writer, Jo, a freelance writer, interviews for the position, seeking contact with the designer, Mimi/Miriam.
Naturally, she obtains the position and thus begins the cataloging and archival process. Over the weeks, every item reveals a story, exposing the shared lives of Mimi and her grandmother Pamela, older sister. Torn by guilt at the secrecy of her position, Jo feels traitorous especially as her admiration for her aunt grows.
What is saved and kept, collected and treasured, shows parts of a life, the life woven over time across generations. Poignant story of such strong women, survivors, stars of their lives.
May 30, 2026
This was the first Eve Chase novel I’ve read. I was drawn to the book by the title and the promise of glamour and mystery. Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the eArc.
This is a story of family rifts and secrets, and of mistakes that change lives. Told through multiple viewpoints, the narrative switches between Mimi, her past and her present as she prepares for an auction of memorabilia from her life, Pamela, her sister and Jo, Pamela’s grand-daughter, who is trying to uncover the truth behind Mimi and Pamela’s rift.
This a well-paced novel that’s an easy read. Although the blurb talks about Mimi’s glamorous life, it’s the setting of Rushwood, a Wiltshire House in the late 1960s that really stands out and is at the heart of the story. It’s easy to imagine the summer heat, the lush gardens, the excitement of a party and the horror of the event that broke the family apart. The novel captures a world very different to the present, where class barriers still prevail but are starting to break down.
I did find the story slightly predictable - I guessed what the big secret would be long before the end - but that didn’t stop my enjoyment. Without giving away the ending, only a cold-hearted person wouldn’t feel any emotion at how Mimi’s and Pamela’s story concludes.
I’d recommend for anyone seeking a quick summer read with some romance and mystery. I definitely intend to read more of Eve Chase’s novels in the future.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This is a story of family rifts and secrets, and of mistakes that change lives. Told through multiple viewpoints, the narrative switches between Mimi, her past and her present as she prepares for an auction of memorabilia from her life, Pamela, her sister and Jo, Pamela’s grand-daughter, who is trying to uncover the truth behind Mimi and Pamela’s rift.
This a well-paced novel that’s an easy read. Although the blurb talks about Mimi’s glamorous life, it’s the setting of Rushwood, a Wiltshire House in the late 1960s that really stands out and is at the heart of the story. It’s easy to imagine the summer heat, the lush gardens, the excitement of a party and the horror of the event that broke the family apart. The novel captures a world very different to the present, where class barriers still prevail but are starting to break down.
I did find the story slightly predictable - I guessed what the big secret would be long before the end - but that didn’t stop my enjoyment. Without giving away the ending, only a cold-hearted person wouldn’t feel any emotion at how Mimi’s and Pamela’s story concludes.
I’d recommend for anyone seeking a quick summer read with some romance and mystery. I definitely intend to read more of Eve Chase’s novels in the future.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
June 28, 2026
Elegant, atmospheric, and filled with carefully layered secrets, this novel is a captivating blend of historical mystery and family drama. Moving seamlessly between past and present, it slowly unravels a decades-old tragedy while exploring the complexities of ambition, identity, and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves.
At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic Mimi Mott, a celebrated designer whose decision to auction her treasured estate becomes much more than a farewell to a remarkable career. Through the eyes of her assistant, Jo O’Mara, the narrative peels back the carefully curated image of a style icon to reveal a woman shaped by love, sacrifice, and long-buried secrets. Jo’s own hidden motives add another compelling layer, making both women equally fascinating to follow.
The mystery unfolds at a measured pace, with each revelation adding depth rather than simply providing answers. The glamorous world of design contrasts beautifully with the darker undercurrents of family rivalry, obsession, and betrayal, while the return to the pivotal events of 1969 creates a rich sense of atmosphere and suspense.
Thoughtfully written and emotionally engaging, this is a novel that rewards patient readers with well-developed characters, evocative settings, and a satisfying mystery. Fans of character-driven historical fiction and elegant suspense will find plenty to admire in this richly woven story.
At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic Mimi Mott, a celebrated designer whose decision to auction her treasured estate becomes much more than a farewell to a remarkable career. Through the eyes of her assistant, Jo O’Mara, the narrative peels back the carefully curated image of a style icon to reveal a woman shaped by love, sacrifice, and long-buried secrets. Jo’s own hidden motives add another compelling layer, making both women equally fascinating to follow.
The mystery unfolds at a measured pace, with each revelation adding depth rather than simply providing answers. The glamorous world of design contrasts beautifully with the darker undercurrents of family rivalry, obsession, and betrayal, while the return to the pivotal events of 1969 creates a rich sense of atmosphere and suspense.
Thoughtfully written and emotionally engaging, this is a novel that rewards patient readers with well-developed characters, evocative settings, and a satisfying mystery. Fans of character-driven historical fiction and elegant suspense will find plenty to admire in this richly woven story.
May 27, 2026
Lush, spellbinding, and full of heart—Eve Chase weaves a gorgeous story of secrets, sisterhood, and long-buried truths. In 2024, writer Jo researches iconic designer Mimi Mott’s life ahead of an auction, unravelling a tragic, fateful summer in 1969 that tore two sisters apart.
Richly atmospheric, with stunning settings and lyrical prose, it moves seamlessly between past and present, brimming with glamour, grief, and love. A deeply moving, twisty mystery that stays with you long after the final page. Simply exquisite. ✨🪡🕯️
Richly atmospheric, with stunning settings and lyrical prose, it moves seamlessly between past and present, brimming with glamour, grief, and love. A deeply moving, twisty mystery that stays with you long after the final page. Simply exquisite. ✨🪡🕯️
August 27, 2026
A young girl aspires to rise above her station as a gardener. This creates a rift in the family. She goes on to become a famous interior designer and marries the love of her life. Years later, she wants to auction off items from the past that have a meaning to her. She employs a young lady with ulterior motives, which sets in motion a chain of events that exposes the past and may help reconcile with a sister.
The writer made me feel just like I was there, scenes are vivid and the plot interesting. Did not want to put it down. (Writing puts me in mind of Kate Morton - a good thing).
The writer made me feel just like I was there, scenes are vivid and the plot interesting. Did not want to put it down. (Writing puts me in mind of Kate Morton - a good thing).
July 31, 2026
“Peace, like happiness, is a moving target, dragonfly-like, glimpsed then gone.” -Jo
I liked this book—Mimi’s origin story. It’s well written with a story that grew more interesting with each chapter. I thought Jo was depressing at first, but her storyline improved once she began her sessions with Mimi Mott. Some “secrets revealed” surprised me; others did not. The “Memories live in material things….like creatures in amber” theme was perfect. Totally agree.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
I liked this book—Mimi’s origin story. It’s well written with a story that grew more interesting with each chapter. I thought Jo was depressing at first, but her storyline improved once she began her sessions with Mimi Mott. Some “secrets revealed” surprised me; others did not. The “Memories live in material things….like creatures in amber” theme was perfect. Totally agree.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
July 6, 2026
Another brilliant read
I absolutely loved this. How the story weaved 2 timelines and Jo's quest for truth amongst years of secrets kept by her grandmother Pamela and her aunt Mimi.
It was an easy read, with a couple of twists i knew would come but just wasnt sure how they'd pan out.
A great family drama full of longing and love.
I absolutely loved this. How the story weaved 2 timelines and Jo's quest for truth amongst years of secrets kept by her grandmother Pamela and her aunt Mimi.
It was an easy read, with a couple of twists i knew would come but just wasnt sure how they'd pan out.
A great family drama full of longing and love.
June 10, 2026
Beautiful story about family and their secrets. The dual timeline kept me engaged, and I quickly became invested in the characters. Perfect book if you love multigenerational stories with a touch of mystery
October 1, 2026
3.5 stars. 🎧
August 21, 2026
The Secret Thread is exactly the kind of layered, atmospheric mystery I love. The two timelines work so well together, especially as Jo O’Mara begins uncovering Mimi Mott’s carefully guarded past through the stories behind her auction items. I was completely drawn into 1969 Rushwood, where Mimi and Pamela go from living quietly in the staff cottage to being pulled into the glamorous world of Nancy and Lawrence Caswell. The class divide, simmering romances, and the shocking death at the summer party created such a tense atmosphere.
What really hooked me was watching Jo’s investigation slowly connect the past to her own life. The missing auction piece and missing sister added another layer of urgency, and every new discovery made me question what Mimi had spent decades hiding. Eve Chase does a great job balancing family secrets, complicated relationships, and suspense without giving everything away too early. Atmospheric, twisty, and full of buried secrets—this one kept me guessing right up to the end.
What really hooked me was watching Jo’s investigation slowly connect the past to her own life. The missing auction piece and missing sister added another layer of urgency, and every new discovery made me question what Mimi had spent decades hiding. Eve Chase does a great job balancing family secrets, complicated relationships, and suspense without giving everything away too early. Atmospheric, twisty, and full of buried secrets—this one kept me guessing right up to the end.
July 21, 2026
This book ticked all the boxes for me: an immersive read, wonderful writing, believable well-developed characters, a lush English setting, and two of my favorite pastimes - gardening and interior design. Mimi Mott is an interior design icon in her seventies who had enormous success on both sides of the Atlantic and is coming out of mourning after the death of her husband by auctioning off her personal collection. She is searching for a copywriter to best put into words her emotional attachment to items from her heretofore undisclosed past. Jo O'Mara has a quest of her own and manages to win Mimi's approval to write her catalog descriptions despite a thin resume. In her relating of the backstory of her treasured, seemingly ordinary, bits of her past, Mimi tells of the events of 1969 when her family were gardeners on the exquisite Rushwood estate. She and her older twin siblings, Alf and Pamela, and her parents all worked long hours to best showcase the garden for the Caswells' summer party. They meet the Caswells' children Lawrence and Nancy of similar ages to their own, nineteen to early twenties. Lawrence and Nancy are not nearly as snobby as their parents and bring the freewheeling atmosphere of the late sixties to the stodgy rural area. Mimi, known as Miriam at the time, is entranced by it all - the effortless seeming luxury style that wealth can buy - as well as the golden boy Lawrence. Her sister Pamela, however, is much more wary and feels the vast separation of their classes. Pamela is the beauty, but Mimi has ambition and an aesthetic eye and is determined not to live a life limited to working in other people's gardens and marrying someone of like background and limited horizons. We learn early on that Pamela and Mimi are estranged and that some tragic event in 1969 has kept them separated all these years. Jo has reasons of her own for wanting to know what disaster caused the irreparable split between the sisters. The revelations are spooled out as each relevant item of Mimi's history comes up for cataloging and chapters from Mimi's, Jo's, and Pamela's points of view are threaded together.
Eve Chase does an excellent job of keeping the tension taut while using wonderful analogies and descriptive stage setting. Each of the characters from the cast of 1969 is well developed, and Jo's own tragic past is woven seamlessly together with reveals from Pamela's point of view. Despite the drama, it feels believable, though the side story of Jo's romance seems a bit rushed and the ending too neatly tied up in a bow. Other than that, I loved it all, and it kept me up late turning the pages. Four and a half stars rounded up.
Eve Chase does an excellent job of keeping the tension taut while using wonderful analogies and descriptive stage setting. Each of the characters from the cast of 1969 is well developed, and Jo's own tragic past is woven seamlessly together with reveals from Pamela's point of view. Despite the drama, it feels believable, though the side story of Jo's romance seems a bit rushed and the ending too neatly tied up in a bow. Other than that, I loved it all, and it kept me up late turning the pages. Four and a half stars rounded up.
July 7, 2026
I can always depend upon Eve Chase to deliver an immersive read with well-drawn characters and an intriguing story. Perhaps "The Secret Thread" was not my favorite Eve Chase novel, but it was a very enjoyable read all the same.
Jo O'Mara's parents died in a motorbike accident when she was just nine years of age. She was brought up by her maternal grandmother, Pamela. Jo knows that her grandmother once had a sister, but her name is never mentioned - it is as if she never existed. Now an adult, Jo takes a job in London, working for a woman who has been an icon in style and interior decoration for decades. Mimi Mott, now in her seventies, wants to auction off some of her belongings as a way of 'telling her story in objects'. She wants Jo to write the descriptions and backstories of the items for the auction catalogue. And... she wants Jo to sign an NDA before she begins.
"A weed is just a flower growing in the wrong place"
Told via dual timelines, "The Secret Thread" also gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of Pamela and her sister, Miriam, gardener's daughters, who were brought up in the grounds of a lavish manor house in Wiltshire, called Rushwood. The girls worked hard, along with their parents and Miriam's twin brother, Alf. Then, in the summer of 1969, their employers threw a lavish party - an event that was the catalyst of tearing both families apart. It is after this tragic event that Miriam leaves the family home to make her way in the world. Pamela, the 'good' girl, is left behind in Wiltshire.
Back in the present, Jo O'Mara is beginning to piece together her own family history, which up until now has been shrouded in mystery. She feels guilty for keeping her activities from her grandmother, but must abide by the non-disclosure agreement that she signed.
Gradually, the family secrets are laid bare. Some I correctly guessed at from the beginning, a few were slower in revealing themselves to me. Even though I expected the story to end the way it did, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading journey. I admire this author's writing style and character development. A family saga with added elements of mystery and a sprinkling of romance. This was an evocative novel with themes of family estrangement, love triangles, sibling relationships, and long-held regrets. It speaks to how objects can evoke feelings and memories of the pivotal times in a person's life.
A captivating read that I can easily recommend.
Jo O'Mara's parents died in a motorbike accident when she was just nine years of age. She was brought up by her maternal grandmother, Pamela. Jo knows that her grandmother once had a sister, but her name is never mentioned - it is as if she never existed. Now an adult, Jo takes a job in London, working for a woman who has been an icon in style and interior decoration for decades. Mimi Mott, now in her seventies, wants to auction off some of her belongings as a way of 'telling her story in objects'. She wants Jo to write the descriptions and backstories of the items for the auction catalogue. And... she wants Jo to sign an NDA before she begins.
"A weed is just a flower growing in the wrong place"
Told via dual timelines, "The Secret Thread" also gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of Pamela and her sister, Miriam, gardener's daughters, who were brought up in the grounds of a lavish manor house in Wiltshire, called Rushwood. The girls worked hard, along with their parents and Miriam's twin brother, Alf. Then, in the summer of 1969, their employers threw a lavish party - an event that was the catalyst of tearing both families apart. It is after this tragic event that Miriam leaves the family home to make her way in the world. Pamela, the 'good' girl, is left behind in Wiltshire.
Back in the present, Jo O'Mara is beginning to piece together her own family history, which up until now has been shrouded in mystery. She feels guilty for keeping her activities from her grandmother, but must abide by the non-disclosure agreement that she signed.
Gradually, the family secrets are laid bare. Some I correctly guessed at from the beginning, a few were slower in revealing themselves to me. Even though I expected the story to end the way it did, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading journey. I admire this author's writing style and character development. A family saga with added elements of mystery and a sprinkling of romance. This was an evocative novel with themes of family estrangement, love triangles, sibling relationships, and long-held regrets. It speaks to how objects can evoke feelings and memories of the pivotal times in a person's life.
A captivating read that I can easily recommend.
July 31, 2026
📚As a book club, we couldn't stop talking about The Secret Thread by Eve Chase. This is one of those beautifully layered historical suspense novels that slowly tightens its grip until every hidden truth comes to light. Instead of relying on nonstop twists, Eve Chase builds tension through atmosphere, family dynamics & secrets that echo across generations.
The dual timeline effortlessly moves between the glamorous yet deeply divided world of Rushwood in 1969 & Jo's investigation in 2024. We loved watching the mystery unfold piece by piece as Jo uncovered the stories hidden behind Mimi Mott's treasured possessions. Every revelation added another layer to a family history shaped by privilege, ambition, love & devastating loss.
Rushwood itself felt like a character. The sprawling English country estate was rich with beauty & quiet menace & the contrast between the wealthy Caswell family & the staff who served them created fascinating conversations for our book club about class, belonging & the cost of chasing a different life.
Mimi was easily one of our favorite characters. Her younger self is determined & ambitious, while her older self carries decades of carefully guarded heartbreak. Jo's personal connection to the mystery added emotional depth that kept us invested from beginning to end.
While readers looking for a fast-paced thriller may find the pacing more deliberate, we appreciated how every chapter carefully planted clues that paid off in a satisfying & emotional conclusion. This is historical suspense with heart, rich characters & enough mystery to keep discussion flowing.
📖 Want to dive even deeper? Visit our Bindery page the link is in our bio for our full Deep Dive Review, plus our complete Book Club Kit & Reader Kits designed to make your next discussion unforgettable.
The dual timeline effortlessly moves between the glamorous yet deeply divided world of Rushwood in 1969 & Jo's investigation in 2024. We loved watching the mystery unfold piece by piece as Jo uncovered the stories hidden behind Mimi Mott's treasured possessions. Every revelation added another layer to a family history shaped by privilege, ambition, love & devastating loss.
Rushwood itself felt like a character. The sprawling English country estate was rich with beauty & quiet menace & the contrast between the wealthy Caswell family & the staff who served them created fascinating conversations for our book club about class, belonging & the cost of chasing a different life.
Mimi was easily one of our favorite characters. Her younger self is determined & ambitious, while her older self carries decades of carefully guarded heartbreak. Jo's personal connection to the mystery added emotional depth that kept us invested from beginning to end.
While readers looking for a fast-paced thriller may find the pacing more deliberate, we appreciated how every chapter carefully planted clues that paid off in a satisfying & emotional conclusion. This is historical suspense with heart, rich characters & enough mystery to keep discussion flowing.
📖 Want to dive even deeper? Visit our Bindery page the link is in our bio for our full Deep Dive Review, plus our complete Book Club Kit & Reader Kits designed to make your next discussion unforgettable.
May 28, 2026
Jo O’Mara is given the task of cataloguing a series of very personal items which the celebrated designer, Mimi Mott feels encapsulates her eventful life. As Jo becomes immersed in Mimi’s story, she begins to learn more about her childhood, growing up at Rushwood, a remote Wiltshire estate, where Mimi’s parents worked as gardeners. The story works really well and as we move back towards Mimi’s time spent at Rushwood we start to learn about hidden family secrets, of Mimi’s difficult relationship with her parents and siblings, and of her dangerous connection to the wealthy family who call Rushwood home.
The story flows beautifully, with a cast of characters who quickly make their mark on the story. I was equally at home in the past with Mimi as she grows from feisty teenager into the style icon who becomes Mimi Mott. Jo’s own personal story is just as compelling and the hidden secret which she is keeping from Mimi is explored well and adds a different dimension to this cleverly plotted family drama. Reminiscent of time and place, the latter years of the 1960s come vibrantly to life and sit very comfortably alongside Mimi’s story in the subsequent years of her life.
Fast becoming one of my favourite authors this latest novel from this talented writer captured my interest right from the start, the pages practically turning themselves as I raced through the story eager to learn more. The Secret Thread is a beautifully written family drama which moves effortlessly between past and present and which captures the essence of sibling rivalry and some deeply buried secrets. This is such a lovely read I am delighted to make to make The Secret Thread my Favourite Read of the Month for May.
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