Secrets In The Mirror
"A coming-of-age psychological thriller that brilliantly portrays how psychological disorders can affect lives and even destroy families ... this captivating story of crime and loyalty will play at readers' emotions as they experience the effects of mental illness on all who come in contact with it." ―Literary Titan (5-star Gold Medal award)
In this award-winning psychological drama about finding self in a dysfunctional family, Secrets In The Mirror grapples with the imperative to save others versus the struggle to save oneself. Gavin tries to salvage his self-esteem from Dad's bullying and from narcissistic abuse by his twin, while Mom resists spousal abuse to assert sanity into the clan. But when Devon gets into drugs and trouble with the Mob, people die. Gavin flees far away to protect himself and his new family, but he can't escape his sociopathic brother, or the Mob. Yet inextricable bonds tie him to Devon, and Gavin vows to rescue his twin from his self-destructive path. But he is warned: You can't save anyone until you save yourself.
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"The novel provides a thoughtful consideration of a disorder that has the capacity to devastate relationships.. A somber, absorbing coming-of-age tale." - Kirkus Reviews
"Kain carries readers along this intense ride with a piercing narrative that highlights the multi-layered effects of physical and emotional trauma... Kain's passion for mental health advocacy is evident throughout and comes alive with her development of Devon's personality and the devastating effects it has on loved ones...audiences will relish the tension in this psychological twister. Great for fans of: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn" -BookLife
"Leslie Kain delivers a suspensefully entertaining story about the relentless drive to preserve a family, no matter how troubled it may be ... The tension begins cascading through the DiMasi home from their first harsh interactions and doesn't relent until the final electrifying moments. ... Deliberately unnerving and impressively intricate, Secrets In The Mirror is a successful psychological thriller that toes the fine line between sympathetic and terrifying." - Indies Today (5-star review)
"Secrets in the Mirror is a compelling story about Narcissistic Personality Disorder mixed with family patterns of abuse and addiction. Gavin, the hero, wants only to save his family, but his identical twin's increasingly risky behavior and grandiose thinking threaten everyone's wellbeing and safety. Add in the Mob, and this explosive page-turner will keep you up at night!" ― Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son and The Promise Between Us
"I love a book that gets my stomach tingling and worried for the characters right from the start. The slow-building tension stays throughout the book and keeps you turning the pages with a little bit of dread and a lot of curiosity. The identical twin dynamic of Gavin and Devon set up an instant good versus evil plot that is riveting. This story unpacks the ultimate nature vs nurture debate and shows how a family's past can influence the future." -- Julee Balko, author of The Things We Keep
"Gavin and Devon are identical twins, mirror images of each other, except Gavin is considerate, responsible and realistic, whereas Devon is a monster. Here are two people growing to adulthood whose lives should radically diverge. Yet for complex reasons they are inextricably entwined, in the world as in the womb. The monster twin will not let go of his sibling. As the story unfolds, Devon spirals into addiction, corruption and mental breakdown. But Gavin cannot quite shed his compulsion to protect and support him. One realises from early on that Devon is irredeemable. His end is inexorable; the only question is how much damage he will do on the way there. The bigger uncertainty that makes the story compelling is whether Gavin can save himself or will Devon destroy him first? As the story plays out through adulthood, the drama of this question becomes ever more intense. The dénouement is absolutely riveting." - LA on The Dark Side From the Inside
