A Dark Secret
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Prime members: New to Audible?Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
A Dark Secret
Buy for $26.13
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Kate Lock
-
By:
-
Casey Watson
About this listen
Just when Casey thinks her foster care duties are done, she’s asked to look after Sam, a troubled nine-year-old with a violent streak who drove his previous guardians to release him of their care. It soon unfolds, however, that this is no simple case.
Determined to get to the root of Sam’s behaviour, Casey is committed to uncover his mysterious past only to find out something far darker than she ever imagined....
Having recently said good-bye to their last foster child, Miller, the Watson family are taking a bit of a break. But it’s while Casey is having fun catching up with her friends that she receives a call from her new link worker. Social services are desperately trying to find a settled home for nine-year-old Sam, who has autism and some serious behavioural problems.
Removed from his mother less than a week ago, Sam has been staying with respite carers. But with two young children of their own, they now find themselves unable to hold on to the little boy as he is bullying them relentlessly. It’s not an isolated situation, either. Apparently Sam’s own siblings begged not to be placed with their older brother - they were both adamant that they were too afraid of him.
The Watsons agree to accommodate Sam, who, despite his tiny stature, turns out to be quite the whirlwind - destroying anything and everything in his path. In addition to the outward behaviours, it quickly becomes evident that there is a much darker past that has blighted the boy’s life. As Casey tries to get to the bottom of it, she discovers there are no files on Sam, only the testament of his previous neighbour. Thankfully, Mrs Gallagher is only too happy to help. And to talk. But it soon transpires that there is a great deal more to Sam’s secret history....
©2019 Casey Watson (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
-
The Silent Witness
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 56
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 56
It's the night before Christmas when Casey and Mike get the call. A 12-year-old girl, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Her father is on a ventilator, fighting for his life, while her mother is currently on remand in prison. Despite claiming she attacked him in self-defence, she's been charged with his attempted murder. The girl is called Bella, and she's refusing to say anything. The trouble is that she is also the only witness....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
must listen or read this book love love love love
- By diona tease on 10-16-17
By: Casey Watson
-
A Boy Without Hope
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 60
Casey Watson is back, doing the job she does best - rolling up her sleeves and fostering the children who, on first meeting, seem like hopeless cases. But when she meets Miller and discovers the truth about his disturbing childhood, even Casey begins to doubt if this child will ever be able to accept love. Found naked and alone on a railway track, Miller was just five when he was first admitted into the care system.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A Reader's Comments
- By Kindle Customer on 08-10-19
By: Casey Watson
-
I Want My Daddy
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 6
A 5-year-old boy, Ethan, is brought to Casey in the middle of the night after the sudden death of his young mother after a drug overdose. Estranged from her parents, Ethan’s mum had been abused by her ex-partner, and began taking drugs to cope. Ethan is obviously lost and bewildered, and regularly wakes up screaming for his mum in the night. He begins to lash out at other kids at school and his behaviour becomes more volatile.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Writing A Reader D
- By Elizabeth on 05-17-23
By: Casey Watson
-
Unsafe
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: DeNica Fairman
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 48
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 44
Damian is just seven when he is taken in by foster carer Cathy Glass. His mother, Rachel, loves her three young children dearly, but she is vulnerable, naïve and unable to cope on her own. Cathy sets about helping Damian overcome his eating issues, with the hope that he will eventually return home. But when Rachel’s new boyfriend, Troy, arrives on the scene, Cathy becomes deeply concerned. She soon realises that Damian and his siblings are in great danger.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
absolutely amazing
- By Amanda Norman on 07-29-24
By: Cathy Glass
-
Mummy, Please Don’t Leave
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 32
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 26
The Watsons are no strangers to sibling placements, but when Casey takes the call from her supervising social worker one frosty January morning, she can instantly tell from the tone of her colleague’s voice that there’s a complicated case ahead. And she’s right. A four-day-old baby boy called Tommy - born in prison - plus his four-year-old half-brother, the lively Seth. A month later, the very moment she gets out of prison, the boys’ mother - a 19-year-old called Jenna - also follows.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Love her books
- By Amazon Customer on 04-21-21
By: Casey Watson
-
Runaway Girl
- A Beautiful Girl. Trafficked for Sex. Is There Nowhere to Hide?
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 65
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 59
Brought to Casey as a short-term emergency placement, 14-year-old Adrianna arrives with nothing but her gratitude. Having turned herself in to a social services office some 100 miles away, she has no possessions, no English and, apparently, no history - not that she's willing to share, anyway. She is a beautiful young Polish girl, with the bearing of a ballerina, but is terrified, malnourished and unwell.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Reader
- By Valerie Howard on 03-06-22
By: Casey Watson
-
The Silent Witness
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 56
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 56
It's the night before Christmas when Casey and Mike get the call. A 12-year-old girl, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Her father is on a ventilator, fighting for his life, while her mother is currently on remand in prison. Despite claiming she attacked him in self-defence, she's been charged with his attempted murder. The girl is called Bella, and she's refusing to say anything. The trouble is that she is also the only witness....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
must listen or read this book love love love love
- By diona tease on 10-16-17
By: Casey Watson
-
A Boy Without Hope
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 60
Casey Watson is back, doing the job she does best - rolling up her sleeves and fostering the children who, on first meeting, seem like hopeless cases. But when she meets Miller and discovers the truth about his disturbing childhood, even Casey begins to doubt if this child will ever be able to accept love. Found naked and alone on a railway track, Miller was just five when he was first admitted into the care system.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A Reader's Comments
- By Kindle Customer on 08-10-19
By: Casey Watson
-
I Want My Daddy
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 6
A 5-year-old boy, Ethan, is brought to Casey in the middle of the night after the sudden death of his young mother after a drug overdose. Estranged from her parents, Ethan’s mum had been abused by her ex-partner, and began taking drugs to cope. Ethan is obviously lost and bewildered, and regularly wakes up screaming for his mum in the night. He begins to lash out at other kids at school and his behaviour becomes more volatile.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Writing A Reader D
- By Elizabeth on 05-17-23
By: Casey Watson
-
Unsafe
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: DeNica Fairman
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 48
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 44
Damian is just seven when he is taken in by foster carer Cathy Glass. His mother, Rachel, loves her three young children dearly, but she is vulnerable, naïve and unable to cope on her own. Cathy sets about helping Damian overcome his eating issues, with the hope that he will eventually return home. But when Rachel’s new boyfriend, Troy, arrives on the scene, Cathy becomes deeply concerned. She soon realises that Damian and his siblings are in great danger.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
absolutely amazing
- By Amanda Norman on 07-29-24
By: Cathy Glass
-
Mummy, Please Don’t Leave
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 32
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 26
The Watsons are no strangers to sibling placements, but when Casey takes the call from her supervising social worker one frosty January morning, she can instantly tell from the tone of her colleague’s voice that there’s a complicated case ahead. And she’s right. A four-day-old baby boy called Tommy - born in prison - plus his four-year-old half-brother, the lively Seth. A month later, the very moment she gets out of prison, the boys’ mother - a 19-year-old called Jenna - also follows.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Love her books
- By Amazon Customer on 04-21-21
By: Casey Watson
-
Runaway Girl
- A Beautiful Girl. Trafficked for Sex. Is There Nowhere to Hide?
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 65
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 59
Brought to Casey as a short-term emergency placement, 14-year-old Adrianna arrives with nothing but her gratitude. Having turned herself in to a social services office some 100 miles away, she has no possessions, no English and, apparently, no history - not that she's willing to share, anyway. She is a beautiful young Polish girl, with the bearing of a ballerina, but is terrified, malnourished and unwell.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Reader
- By Valerie Howard on 03-06-22
By: Casey Watson
-
Groomed
- Danger lies closer than you think
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 41
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 40
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 40
It's late on Friday night when Casey's mobile starts to ring. She is expecting it to be her daughter, Riley. But it isn't Riley. It's a woman from the Emergency Duty Team. So begins Casey and Mike's latest fostering challenge - a 15-year-old girl called Keeley who's run away from her long-term foster home 25 miles away.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
PLEASE use a different narrator!
- By KIC on 02-28-18
By: Casey Watson
-
Let Me Go
- Abused and Afraid, She Has Nothing to Live for
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 39
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 39
Harley, 13, has been sectioned under the mental health act after attempting suicide. She was spotted climbing the railings on a footbridge that crossed a busy motorway and pulled to safety by a member of the public. After six weeks in hospital, social services are looking for a short-term placement so she can be kept safe while family therapy takes place. Harley has a family - a widowed mother and an older sister, Milly, who left home with her long-term boyfriend just over a year ago.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Another heartfelt story; with greatly improved narration
- By Pink_flamingo on 08-09-20
By: Casey Watson
-
Mummy's Little Soldier: A Troubled Child. An Absent Mum. A Shocking Secret.
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 24
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23
Casey's Unit is, as ever, full of troubled, disaffected pupils, and new arrival Leo is something of a conundrum. Thirteen-year-old Leo isn't a bad lad - in fact he's generally polite and helpful, but he's in danger of permanent exclusion for repeatedly absconding and unauthorised absences. Despite letters being sent home regularly, his mother never turns up for any appointments, and when the school calls home she always seems to have an excuse.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
nice story, I'm done with the narrator.
- By KIC on 07-19-17
By: Casey Watson
-
I Just Want to Be Loved
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 26
After taking a few weeks off work, Casey is presented with a new foster child: 14-year-old Elise, whose Mum left her at just five years old. At first, she’s no trouble at all, that is until she falsely accuses another carer, Jan, of acting inappropriately towards her. It turns out this isn’t the first lie Elise has told—her previous carer was constantly following up allegations Elise had made of people bullying her, trying to have sex with her or hurting her physically.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
absolutely love her
- By Amazon Customer on 08-07-22
By: Casey Watson
-
A Family Torn Apart
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: Denica Fairman
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 154
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 143
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 142
Angie, 6, and sister Polly, 4, are utterly distraught when they arrive to stay with foster carer Cathy Glass. Their older half-sister Ashleigh has accused their father of rape, and the two young sisters have been removed from home to keep them safe. Cathy tries to comfort the girls, but they are inconsolable. They just want their mummy and daddy, who they love dearly. The girls appear to have been well looked after, but as they settle and start to talk of life at home, it becomes clear something is badly wrong.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
something seems familiar
- By Amazon Customer on 09-11-22
By: Cathy Glass
-
Stella's Story
- Thrown Away Children, Book 1
- By: Louise Allen
- Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 228
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 215
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 215
Named after the lager that christened her at birth, Stella's life is characterised instability and neglect. Her teenage mother abandons her in the first few weeks of her life, and left in the 'care' of her father, she ends up lying deserted in a house with no food, no water, no clothes and no warmth. She eventually lands in the care of foster carer Louise, who is determined to change her life for the better.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heartbreaking but so wonderful to see a happy ending
- By Amazon Customer on 11-14-24
By: Louise Allen
-
Hidden
- Betrayed, Exploited and Forgotten - How One Boy Overcame the Odds
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: Denica Fairman
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 235
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 215
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 213
From the author of Number One bestseller Damaged comes the poignant and shocking memoir of Cathy's recent relationship with Tayo, a young boy she fosters whose good behaviour and polite manners hide a terrible past. Tayo arrives at Cathy's with only the clothes he stands up in. He has been brought to her by the police, but he is calm, polite, and very well spoken, and not at all like the children she normally fosters. The social worker gives Cathy the forms which should contain Tayo's history, but apart from his name and age, it is blank.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
One of the happiest stories I've read in a long time
- By Randi shelton on 05-03-16
By: Cathy Glass
-
Finding Stevie
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: Denica Fairman
- Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 157
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 136
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 136
When Stevie’s social worker tells Cathy, an experienced foster carer, that Stevie, 14, is gender fluid she isn’t sure what that term means and looks it up. Stevie, together with his younger brother and sister, have been brought up by their grandparents, as their mother is in prison. But the grandparents can no longer cope with Stevie’s behaviour, so they place him in care. Stevie is exploring his gender identity, and like many young people he spends time online. Cathy warns him about the dangers of talking to strangers online and advises him how to stay safe.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Addicted to Cathy's books
- By luvbellacoco on 08-07-19
By: Cathy Glass
-
Run, Mummy, Run
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: Denica Fairman
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 94
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 89
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 89
From the author of Sunday Times and New York Times best seller Damaged, the gripping story of a woman caught in a horrific cycle of abuse - and the desperate lengths she must go to in order to escape. When Aisha spots an ad for a 'personal introductory service for professionals' in the newspaper, she could never have guessed it would lead to such a perfect marriage. But you should be careful what you wish for.... Mark is sorry the first time he hits Aisha.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Cathy glass never disappoints.
- By momm243 on 08-27-20
By: Cathy Glass
-
Cruel to Be Kind
- Saying No Can Save a Child's Life
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: DeNica Fairman
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 266
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 239
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 238
Cruel to Be Kind is the true story of Max, age six. He is fostered by Cathy while his mother is in hospital with complications from type 2 diabetes. Fostering Max gets off to a bad start when his mother, Caz, complains and threatens Cathy even before Max has moved in. Cathy and her family are shocked when they first meet Max. But his social worker isn't the only one in denial; his whole family are, too.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
simple interesting. honest.
- By Kevster on 06-15-18
By: Cathy Glass
-
Broken
- A traumatised girl. Her troubled brother. Their shocking secret.
- By: Rosie Lewis
- Narrated by: Madeleine Gould
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 85
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 77
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 78
Nine-year-old Archie and his five-year-old sister, Bobbi, are taken into emergency police protective custody after an incident of domestic violence at their family home. Rosie collects the children from their out-of-hours foster carer on New Year's Day and instantly recognises Archie from a domestic violence workshop she helped with. Rosie remembers that when asked what he enjoyed most about the course, Archie said, 'The biscuits'. Social workers are concerned that Archie and Bobbi have been neglected.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Sad story
- By JaneMcFaddenStephens on 05-19-19
By: Rosie Lewis
-
Girl Alone
- By: Cathy Glass
- Narrated by: Denica Fairman
- Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 215
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 201
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 200
Aged nine Joss came home from school to discover her father's suicide. She's never got over it. This is the true story of Joss, 13 who is angry and out of control. At the age of nine, Joss finds her father's dead body. He has committed suicide. Then more recently her mother remarries and Joss bitterly resents her step-father who abuses her mentally and physically.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great!
- By Lexi on 06-22-18
By: Cathy Glass
Related to this topic
-
Stella's Story
- Thrown Away Children, Book 1
- By: Louise Allen
- Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 228
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 215
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 215
Named after the lager that christened her at birth, Stella's life is characterised instability and neglect. Her teenage mother abandons her in the first few weeks of her life, and left in the 'care' of her father, she ends up lying deserted in a house with no food, no water, no clothes and no warmth. She eventually lands in the care of foster carer Louise, who is determined to change her life for the better.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heartbreaking but so wonderful to see a happy ending
- By Amazon Customer on 11-14-24
By: Louise Allen
-
The Silent Witness
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 56
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 56
It's the night before Christmas when Casey and Mike get the call. A 12-year-old girl, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Her father is on a ventilator, fighting for his life, while her mother is currently on remand in prison. Despite claiming she attacked him in self-defence, she's been charged with his attempted murder. The girl is called Bella, and she's refusing to say anything. The trouble is that she is also the only witness....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
must listen or read this book love love love love
- By diona tease on 10-16-17
By: Casey Watson
-
Runaway Girl
- A Beautiful Girl. Trafficked for Sex. Is There Nowhere to Hide?
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 65
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 59
Brought to Casey as a short-term emergency placement, 14-year-old Adrianna arrives with nothing but her gratitude. Having turned herself in to a social services office some 100 miles away, she has no possessions, no English and, apparently, no history - not that she's willing to share, anyway. She is a beautiful young Polish girl, with the bearing of a ballerina, but is terrified, malnourished and unwell.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Reader
- By Valerie Howard on 03-06-22
By: Casey Watson
-
Lost Child
- The True Story of a Girl Who Couldn't Ask for Help
- By: Torey Hayden
- Narrated by: Lucy Rayner
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 85
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 78
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 76
In a forgotten corner of Wales, a young girl languishes in a home for troubled children. Abandoned by her parents because of her violent streak, Jessie - at the age of 10 - is at risk of becoming just another lost soul in the foster system. Precocious and bold, Jessie is convinced she is possessed by the devil and utterly unprepared for the arrival of therapist Torey Hayden. Armed with patience, compassion, and unconditional love, Hayden begins working with Jessie once a week. Then, Jessie makes a stunning accusation against one of Hayden’s colleagues.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Mixed
- By Pink Amy on 09-17-21
By: Torey Hayden
-
A Thousand Roads Home
- By: Carmel Harrington
- Narrated by: Jill Crawford, Frank Grimes
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 181
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 166
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 166
Meet Tom. Or Dr O’Grady, as he used to be called. When you pass him on the street, most people don’t even give him a second glance. You see, Tom isn’t living his best life. Burdened by grief, he’s only got his loyal dog, Bette Davis, for company and a rucksack containing his whole world. Then there’s Ruth and her son, DJ, who no longer have a place to call home. But Ruth believes that you can change the world by helping one person at a time - and Tom needs her help. There are a thousand ways to find your home - you just need to be brave enough to look for them.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Couldn't put it down
- By Allison Swart on 09-22-19
-
The Other Son
- By: Nick Alexander
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 109
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 97
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 95
Alice has been lying to herself for years, holding fast to the belief that the needs of her family far outweigh her own. But her outwardly successful marriage hides dark secrets, and for much of her life the children were the only reason she stuck around. These days, though her successful banker son lives nearby, his young wife seems to do everything she can to keep Alice at bay. As for Alice's other son, he has always been something of a stranger and has been traveling for so long that Alice isn't even sure what continent he is on anymore.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Wonderfully Done!
- By Ann on 11-06-16
By: Nick Alexander
-
Stella's Story
- Thrown Away Children, Book 1
- By: Louise Allen
- Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 228
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 215
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 215
Named after the lager that christened her at birth, Stella's life is characterised instability and neglect. Her teenage mother abandons her in the first few weeks of her life, and left in the 'care' of her father, she ends up lying deserted in a house with no food, no water, no clothes and no warmth. She eventually lands in the care of foster carer Louise, who is determined to change her life for the better.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heartbreaking but so wonderful to see a happy ending
- By Amazon Customer on 11-14-24
By: Louise Allen
-
The Silent Witness
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 56
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 56
It's the night before Christmas when Casey and Mike get the call. A 12-year-old girl, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Her father is on a ventilator, fighting for his life, while her mother is currently on remand in prison. Despite claiming she attacked him in self-defence, she's been charged with his attempted murder. The girl is called Bella, and she's refusing to say anything. The trouble is that she is also the only witness....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
must listen or read this book love love love love
- By diona tease on 10-16-17
By: Casey Watson
-
Runaway Girl
- A Beautiful Girl. Trafficked for Sex. Is There Nowhere to Hide?
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 65
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 59
Brought to Casey as a short-term emergency placement, 14-year-old Adrianna arrives with nothing but her gratitude. Having turned herself in to a social services office some 100 miles away, she has no possessions, no English and, apparently, no history - not that she's willing to share, anyway. She is a beautiful young Polish girl, with the bearing of a ballerina, but is terrified, malnourished and unwell.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Reader
- By Valerie Howard on 03-06-22
By: Casey Watson
-
Lost Child
- The True Story of a Girl Who Couldn't Ask for Help
- By: Torey Hayden
- Narrated by: Lucy Rayner
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 85
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 78
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 76
In a forgotten corner of Wales, a young girl languishes in a home for troubled children. Abandoned by her parents because of her violent streak, Jessie - at the age of 10 - is at risk of becoming just another lost soul in the foster system. Precocious and bold, Jessie is convinced she is possessed by the devil and utterly unprepared for the arrival of therapist Torey Hayden. Armed with patience, compassion, and unconditional love, Hayden begins working with Jessie once a week. Then, Jessie makes a stunning accusation against one of Hayden’s colleagues.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Mixed
- By Pink Amy on 09-17-21
By: Torey Hayden
-
A Thousand Roads Home
- By: Carmel Harrington
- Narrated by: Jill Crawford, Frank Grimes
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 181
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 166
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 166
Meet Tom. Or Dr O’Grady, as he used to be called. When you pass him on the street, most people don’t even give him a second glance. You see, Tom isn’t living his best life. Burdened by grief, he’s only got his loyal dog, Bette Davis, for company and a rucksack containing his whole world. Then there’s Ruth and her son, DJ, who no longer have a place to call home. But Ruth believes that you can change the world by helping one person at a time - and Tom needs her help. There are a thousand ways to find your home - you just need to be brave enough to look for them.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Couldn't put it down
- By Allison Swart on 09-22-19
-
The Other Son
- By: Nick Alexander
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 109
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 97
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 95
Alice has been lying to herself for years, holding fast to the belief that the needs of her family far outweigh her own. But her outwardly successful marriage hides dark secrets, and for much of her life the children were the only reason she stuck around. These days, though her successful banker son lives nearby, his young wife seems to do everything she can to keep Alice at bay. As for Alice's other son, he has always been something of a stranger and has been traveling for so long that Alice isn't even sure what continent he is on anymore.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Wonderfully Done!
- By Ann on 11-06-16
By: Nick Alexander
-
The Golden Child
- A Novel
- By: Wendy James
- Narrated by: Candice Moll
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 35
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 30
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 30
Beth Mahony is a stay-at-home mother of two daughters, Lucy and Charlotte. She’s also a blogger, whose alter ego, Lizzie, paints a picture of a busy, happy life. Originally from Australia, Beth and her family have lived in New Jersey for ten years. When an opportunity to relocate to Australia arises, the Mahonys decide to return to their native country. The move comes at the perfect time: Charlotte, the youngest daughter, has been accused of being the ringleader of a clique of girls whose dangerous initiation rites leave a child in hospital.
By: Wendy James
-
London's Number One Dog-Walking Agency
- A Memoir
- By: Kate MacDougall
- Narrated by: Anna Popplewell
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 75
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 65
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 65
In 2006, Kate MacDougall was working a safe but dull job at the venerable auction house Sotheby’s in London. After a clumsy accident nearly destroyed a precious piece of art, she quit Sotheby’s and set up her own dog-walking company. Kate knew little about dogs and nothing about business, and no one thought being a professional dog walker was a good use of her university degree. Nevertheless, Kate embarked upon an entirely new and very much improvised career walking some of the city’s many pampered pooches, branding her company "London's Number One Dog Walking Agency".
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Entertaining light read
- By Amy D. on 07-10-21
By: Kate MacDougall
-
Sweet Little Lies
- A Novel
- By: Caz Frear
- Narrated by: Jane Collingwood
- Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1,348
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,195
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1,189
Cat Kinsella overcame a troubled childhood to become a detective constable. When she’s called to the scene of a murder, not far from the pub her estranged father still runs, she discovers that Alice Lapaine is dead. Cat and her team suspect Alice’s husband, until she receives a phone call that links the victim to Maryanne Doyle, a teenage girl who went missing in Ireland 18 years earlier. The call raises uneasy memories for Cat. Though she was only a child, Cat knew that her father wasn’t telling the truth when he denied knowing anything about Maryanne or her disappearance.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
My favorite book this year
- By Jennifer Nelson on 08-16-18
By: Caz Frear
-
The Home
- By: Karen Osman
- Narrated by: Imogen Church
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 195
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 178
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 177
Angela was just a baby when she was abandoned, and a children's home is no place to grow up. When manager Ray takes girls off to his 'den' in the garden, they always come back crying.... So, when wealthy couple James and Rosemary come to choose a child to adopt, Angela is desperate to escape. Years later, Angela starts to search for her birth mother, Evelyn, hoping to heal the scars of her childhood. But strange and sinister events start to unfold. And Evelyn fears she may not survive her daughter's return.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Did not see the twist coming
- By Michelle Yaple on 08-20-19
By: Karen Osman
-
Who's That Girl?
- By: Mhairi McFarlane
- Narrated by: Cassie Bradley
- Length: 14 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 253
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 236
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 235
An achingly funny story from the author of the best-selling You Had Me at Hello. When Edie is caught in a compromising position at her colleagues' wedding, all the blame falls on her - turns out that personal popularity in the office is not that different from your school days. Shamed online and ostracised by everyone she knows, Edie's forced to take an extended sabbatical - ghostwriting an autobiography for hot new acting talent, Elliot Owen. Easy, right? Wrong.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Very frustrating heroine, disappointing ending
- By Jennie L. Stumm on 09-23-20
By: Mhairi McFarlane
-
A Perfect Cornish Summer
- By: Phillipa Ashley
- Narrated by: Laura Kirman
- Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 45
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 42
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life). When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
really enjoyed this book
- By Anonymous User on 10-20-19
By: Phillipa Ashley
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
The Bad Room
- Held Captive and Abused by My Evil Carer. A True Story of Survival.
- By: Jade Kelly
- Narrated by: Caro Clarke
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 92
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 91
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 91
When Jade Kelly met her new foster mother, she thought her prayers had been answered. Kindly Carol Docherty was everything her violent, drug-addicted mother was not. Loving and nurturing, she fed and clothed 10-year-old Jade and offered a life free of fear from near constant abuse. Or so Jade thought. As soon as social workers in Lancashire stopped their regular checks on Jade’s progress, Carol turned. Over the next six years Jade and three other girls were effectively kept prisoner in a bedroom she called the ‘bad room’ and subjected to unrelenting physical and mental abuse.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great autobiography from start to finish.
- By Tammy Clark on 10-14-24
By: Jade Kelly
-
Nowhere to Hide
- By: Hannah Morgan
- Narrated by: Una Byrne
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 180
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 164
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 164
A shocking true story that reveals how one woman was tormented to the very depths of despair by her husband through coercive control and continual physical and sexual abuse. Broken in mind, body and spirit and completely isolated from the rest of the world, Hannah thinks she’ll never find the strength to escape, until one day an opportunity arrives....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
AS THE ADULT DAUGHTER OF AN ABUSED MOTHER
- By Kathy Weber on 04-23-21
By: Hannah Morgan
-
They Cage the Animals at Night
- The True Story of an Abandoned Child's Struggle for Emotional Survival
- By: Jennings Michael Burch
- Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 201
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 174
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 174
One misty evening, Jennings Michael Burch's mother, too sick to care for him, left her eight-year-old son at an orphanage with the words, "I'll be right back." She wasn't.... Shuttled through a bleak series of foster homes, orphanages, and institutions, Jennings never remained in any of them long enough to make a friend. Instead, he clung to a tattered stuffed animal named Doggie, his sole source of comfort in a frightening world. Here, in his own words, Jennings Michael Burch reveals the abuse and neglect he experienced during his lost childhood.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Very interesting story
- By Selene Rackley on 05-24-18
-
Let Me Go
- Abused and Afraid, She Has Nothing to Live for
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 39
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 39
Harley, 13, has been sectioned under the mental health act after attempting suicide. She was spotted climbing the railings on a footbridge that crossed a busy motorway and pulled to safety by a member of the public. After six weeks in hospital, social services are looking for a short-term placement so she can be kept safe while family therapy takes place. Harley has a family - a widowed mother and an older sister, Milly, who left home with her long-term boyfriend just over a year ago.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Another heartfelt story; with greatly improved narration
- By Pink_flamingo on 08-09-20
By: Casey Watson
-
Nobody Loves Me
- Bobby’s True Story of Neglect, Secrets and Abuse
- By: Maggie Hartley
- Narrated by: Penny McDonald
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 30
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 28
Three siblings arrive at Maggie's door after being taken into care. Teachers of eight-year-old Bobby spotted bruises while he was getting changed for PE and his dad, Lee, and stepmother, Brianna, have been uncooperative and hostile to Social Services. While they investigate, Bobby, as well as Brianna's daughters, Melodie and Poppy, are all placed in Maggie's care. But as the children settle in, a thought won't let Maggie go. While Melodie and Poppy are clean, well-fed and immaculately dressed, Bobby is pale, severely underweight and crawling with lice.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
loved the narrator
- By Amazon Customer on 06-28-24
By: Maggie Hartley
-
Little Girl Lost
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 6
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 6
Six-year-old Amelie lives with her mother, Kelly, who suffers from bipolar disorder. After Kelly attempts to burn down their family house, it becomes clear that her daughter is in grave danger. Amelie is quickly taken into care. When she arrives with foster carer Casey Watson, Amelie acts much younger than her age. Casey must get to the root of Amelie’s behaviour, while doing what she can to keep the family together. Will Amelie ever find the safety of home?
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Narrator Ruined Story
- By old lady on 06-16-24
By: Casey Watson
-
The Bad Room
- Held Captive and Abused by My Evil Carer. A True Story of Survival.
- By: Jade Kelly
- Narrated by: Caro Clarke
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 92
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 91
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 91
When Jade Kelly met her new foster mother, she thought her prayers had been answered. Kindly Carol Docherty was everything her violent, drug-addicted mother was not. Loving and nurturing, she fed and clothed 10-year-old Jade and offered a life free of fear from near constant abuse. Or so Jade thought. As soon as social workers in Lancashire stopped their regular checks on Jade’s progress, Carol turned. Over the next six years Jade and three other girls were effectively kept prisoner in a bedroom she called the ‘bad room’ and subjected to unrelenting physical and mental abuse.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great autobiography from start to finish.
- By Tammy Clark on 10-14-24
By: Jade Kelly
-
Nowhere to Hide
- By: Hannah Morgan
- Narrated by: Una Byrne
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 180
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 164
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 164
A shocking true story that reveals how one woman was tormented to the very depths of despair by her husband through coercive control and continual physical and sexual abuse. Broken in mind, body and spirit and completely isolated from the rest of the world, Hannah thinks she’ll never find the strength to escape, until one day an opportunity arrives....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
AS THE ADULT DAUGHTER OF AN ABUSED MOTHER
- By Kathy Weber on 04-23-21
By: Hannah Morgan
-
They Cage the Animals at Night
- The True Story of an Abandoned Child's Struggle for Emotional Survival
- By: Jennings Michael Burch
- Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 201
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 174
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 174
One misty evening, Jennings Michael Burch's mother, too sick to care for him, left her eight-year-old son at an orphanage with the words, "I'll be right back." She wasn't.... Shuttled through a bleak series of foster homes, orphanages, and institutions, Jennings never remained in any of them long enough to make a friend. Instead, he clung to a tattered stuffed animal named Doggie, his sole source of comfort in a frightening world. Here, in his own words, Jennings Michael Burch reveals the abuse and neglect he experienced during his lost childhood.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Very interesting story
- By Selene Rackley on 05-24-18
-
Let Me Go
- Abused and Afraid, She Has Nothing to Live for
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 39
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 39
Harley, 13, has been sectioned under the mental health act after attempting suicide. She was spotted climbing the railings on a footbridge that crossed a busy motorway and pulled to safety by a member of the public. After six weeks in hospital, social services are looking for a short-term placement so she can be kept safe while family therapy takes place. Harley has a family - a widowed mother and an older sister, Milly, who left home with her long-term boyfriend just over a year ago.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Another heartfelt story; with greatly improved narration
- By Pink_flamingo on 08-09-20
By: Casey Watson
-
Nobody Loves Me
- Bobby’s True Story of Neglect, Secrets and Abuse
- By: Maggie Hartley
- Narrated by: Penny McDonald
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 30
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 28
Three siblings arrive at Maggie's door after being taken into care. Teachers of eight-year-old Bobby spotted bruises while he was getting changed for PE and his dad, Lee, and stepmother, Brianna, have been uncooperative and hostile to Social Services. While they investigate, Bobby, as well as Brianna's daughters, Melodie and Poppy, are all placed in Maggie's care. But as the children settle in, a thought won't let Maggie go. While Melodie and Poppy are clean, well-fed and immaculately dressed, Bobby is pale, severely underweight and crawling with lice.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
loved the narrator
- By Amazon Customer on 06-28-24
By: Maggie Hartley
-
Little Girl Lost
- By: Casey Watson
- Narrated by: Kate Lock
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 6
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 6
Six-year-old Amelie lives with her mother, Kelly, who suffers from bipolar disorder. After Kelly attempts to burn down their family house, it becomes clear that her daughter is in grave danger. Amelie is quickly taken into care. When she arrives with foster carer Casey Watson, Amelie acts much younger than her age. Casey must get to the root of Amelie’s behaviour, while doing what she can to keep the family together. Will Amelie ever find the safety of home?
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Narrator Ruined Story
- By old lady on 06-16-24
By: Casey Watson
What listeners say about A Dark Secret
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 01-27-20
great book
the book was well written and I could just picture little Sam throughout the whole thing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brenda
- 05-31-19
Excellent book about foster parenting
Excellent book about foster parenting but very emotional for me as I lived through child abuse from our mother. Brought up a lot of negative emotions but I finished the book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- luvbellacoco
- 10-24-19
A very sad and very happy story captured very well
Fostercarers Like Casey are true heroes in my eyes. I love this story and it was told very well. It felt like I was in the moment with this whole family and fell in love with little Sam.
This is a great read and I recommend it to absolutely everyone.♡
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- rbaird
- 12-15-22
Terrific as always
Love these books and the amazing narration makes everything better. Highly recommend to listen to all of them!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- Melissa
- 10-03-19
Narration is awful!
I have listened to hundreds of audio books and rarely do I encounter a narrator so awful that I find it hard to concentrate on the story, but this one did just that. It is like nails on a chalk board to me. High pitched, odd inflections and disjointed pacing. Just bad!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- rmskaggs
- 03-12-20
Horrible Narration!!
I enjoy Casey Watson's books and until now have only read hardcopies. I was excited to be able to listen to her book but am very disappointed. I couldn't even finish the first chapter bc the narrator is just too much! The theatrics in her voice and over dramatics in every single word makes it difficult to follow along. I imagine this is a great book as I've enjoyed this authors books I've read in the past. But the narrator ruins it for me unfortunately.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall1 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story1 out of 5 stars
- Cototk
- 11-29-22
Horrible Narration
I couldn't get past the narration, just couldn't do it.
I have never heard a narration like this having listened to hundreds of audiobooks. I dont understand how they got the star rating they did.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful