The emotional sequel to Secrets In the Mirror,
‘What Lies Buried’ is AVAILABLE NOW!
Go to https://www.amazon.com/What-Lies-Buried-Leslie-Kain/dp/B0CSWW8CFL and/or your favorite retailer!
If you’re on Goodreads, go to https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205703093-what-lies-buried, click WANT TO READ, and follow me there!
What Lies Buried…doesn’t stay buried.
Scarred by a lifetime of emotional abuse and traumatic violence, Gavin battles the triggers of Complex PTSD. His wife Katie is determined to support him despite the strain of his unpredictable reactions on their marriage.
But returning to Boston to settle his father’s estate reactivates Gavin’s childhood scars, and more triggers. Then as he uncovers his family’s mob history, his volatile reactions put him in the crosshairs of dangerous people. Worried for his safety, Katie packs up their toddler and joins him. While there, she begins sorting through her late parents’ keepsakes, finding evidence of the artistic talent she abandoned after her father died, when she became child caregiver to her disabled mother. Eager to reclaim her unfulfilled past, Katie copes with Gavin’s increasingly unstable behavior through her painting and new friendships that encourage her journey of self-discovery.
As Gavin resists treatment and goes off the rails, secrets of his family’s past threaten them all. The generational dysfunction in the award-winning Secrets In The Mirror continues, as Katie faces her own emotional wounds and must choose between saving her marriage or saving her child…and herself.
Tip sheet for Promotional purposes
Early Praise for What Lies Buried
“This emotional family saga and thriller explores PTSD and childhood trauma in a narrative blending psychological suspense with hard-won emotional breakthroughs. Kain has crafted a fast-paced contemporary thriller that delves with insight into themes of mental health. Readers who enjoy unreliable narrators and jolting plot twists will enjoy this.” ― All-A’s from BookLife, published in March 11 2024 issue of Publishers Weekly
“What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain goes beyond traditional thriller elements, offering a nuanced exploration of personal trauma and family dynamics. Kain’s writing style is notable for its depth and psychological insight [with] rich storytelling marked by well-developed characters and an integrated backstory, providing a thoughtful reading experience. The dual perspectives in the narrative structure … adds depth and complexity, escalating tension. The author’s ability to create engaging world-building and intricate character arcs strengthens the bond between the narrative and the reader, making What Lies Buried a compelling read.”― 5 Stars from Literary Titan
“Vivid descriptions of the character’s CPTSD episodes help readers understand the disorder on a deeper level. Good writing is conversational yet clever; Kain nails it. Artfully written, entertaining, and intriguing. This one is a must-read.” ― RECOMMENDED by US Review
“What Lies Buried is a dramatic story about taking the hardest steps forward to confront the scars of our past. A thought-provoking sequel that dives deep into the way our histories shape us.” ― 5 Stars from Indies Today
“Kain really knows how to focus a dramatic and engaging lens on…trauma’s enduring impact on individuals and relationships. [She] beautifully juxtaposes Gavin’s journey with Katie’s self-discovery, painting a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity.…Exploration of art as a means of coping and healing … a powerful narrative … highly recommended for fans of deeply psychological, cathartic, honest storytelling.” ― 5 Stars, from Readers’ Favorite
“The explosive sequel to the psychological thriller Secrets In The Mirror, What Lies Buried continues the story of Gavin and Katie as he struggles with Complex PTSD and Katie struggles to save her family. Kain is not afraid to dig deep into the dark side of life, and her courage in telling this story is reflected on every page, right up to the jaw-dropping end.” ―Barbara Conrey, USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye
“Fasten your seatbelts, readers; this novel is a tumultuous ride. In this psychological thriller, Gavin is a tortured soul, plagued by Complex PTSD that exacerbates his flight and fight responses to the point of endangering others and himself. His wife Katie, an artist and mother, must balance the well-being of herself and their child against the needs of her psychiatrically disabled husband. This searing look at how mental illness can impact a family is at times disturbing, but readers will root for Katie as she struggles to do what is right.” ―Carla Damron, award-winning author of The Orchid Tattoo and Justice Be Done
Given how ‘Secrets’ ended, I didn’t think there would be a sequel.
But Gavin, the protagonist in that tale, had other ideas!
He came to me early one morning when I was in that half-asleep, half-waking state, objecting. Strenuously. “Now wait a minute! What makes you think I totally recovered from what you put me through?”
(Things were pretty awful for Gavin in ‘Secrets In The Mirror,’
which didn’t really have a Happy Ever After ending. Maybe “happy for now”, but…)
“And besides,” Gavin protested, “you left some loose ends just hanging! We’ve got to tie up those ends, and doing so will unleash more secrets. Which will be sort of dangerous. Besides triggering me all over again!”
Gavin then proceeded to lay out the plot. Well, a lot of it. Truth is, he’s a hot mess. Remember “Goodie Gavin”? Maybe not-so-much…
So Katie, his wife, will have to administer some tough love to save the family ― including little Maggie ― without buckling under the strain (and in the process find her true north).
Amid all the turmoil, Katie discovers relics of the talented passionate self she abandoned long ago. Now she wants it all back.
Content Warning
There are a few scenes in which the character of Gavin experiences volatile reactions to traumatic memories triggered by his Complex PTSD. Some readers may find those scenes disturbing.
Book Clubs
There are pages of thought-provoking Book Club Questions at the end of the novel. I’ve enjoyed many great meaningful discussions with groups about my books – what inspired them, what inspires me, my process etc. Although I live in Mexico, I welcome Zoom or GoogleMeets talks with bookclubs! Please contact me if you’d like to schedule a meeting!
If you haven’t yet read Secrets In the Mirror (available in paperback, eBook and AudioBook), you can nevertheless enjoy ‘What Lies Buried’ standalone! It is the second book in what will be the DiMasi family trilogy, when ‘Power Play‘ is released in 2025.