★★★★☆
Review:
First, I would like to thank the author and LoveReading for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This fast-paced, high-stakes corporate thriller elevates a timid, gifted perfumer to a cunning amateur sleuth.
Jesse has a nose for fragrances, but his sister, Chloé, excels in business. Expecting one of them to be bestowed the honor of taking over the family business and becoming CEO of House of Marcham, the family is shocked when a vague article is published. It asserts that a damages claim will be filed against House of Marcham but provides no context or further details. A protestor, crashing the company’s 25th-anniversary party with a banner that reads “The Marchams Must Pay,” heightens the tension of the situation. Jesse is determined to discover the who and why behind the war against his family’s legacy before it’s too late and the company is lost forever.
The Family Secret is rich with facts about the fragrance industry, which are skillfully interwoven into the suspenseful plot. It is immediately evident that the author, N.J. Barker, conducted thorough research in preparation for this novel. In addition, the characters are well-developed, with the narrative delving into their motivations and insecurities. As Jesse grapples with determining who he can trust while juggling the increasing demands of The Broker with securing the future of the family business, he breaks through his self-doubt and proves he is cunning enough to protect his family and their livelihood. The high-stakes action stays elevated up until the climactic conclusion. Fans of fast-paced corporate thrillers, amateur sleuths, and complicated family dynamics will enjoy this story.
Audience: adult
Trigger warnings: cancer, death, murder, betrayal, blackmail, kidnapping
Recommended for fans of: corporate thrillers, amateur sleuths
Publisher's Synopsis:
ONE FAMILY EMPIRE. ONE EXPLOSIVE SECRET. ONE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL.
THE FAMILY SECRET is the intoxicating new thriller from NJ Barker, author of THE HONESTY INDEX.
In a family business, everything is personal, and nothing stays a secret forever:
House of Marcham is under threat. The phenomenally successful fine-fragrance empire has a rich history and is well respected in the perfume industry, but the scent of success masks something far darker. Jesse is poised to succeed his mother at the helm of the business when an explosive protest rocks the House of Marcham 25th anniversary party, setting off a chain of events that will change the Marcham family forever.
As his dream of leading the firm evaporates, Jesse fights to save something far more important than the family’s legacy – the lives of those he loves.
In the world of luxury fragrance, some perfumes are to die for.
Blending the top notes of the must-watch HBO series Succession with the glamourous heart of House of Gucci and base notes that evoke bestselling author T.M. Logan,
The Family Secret is your next obsession in contemporary thrillers.
Source:
LoveReading
©N.J. Barker: December 19, 2024
Edition: Digital ARC
351 pages
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