Little Secrets

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of suicidal ideation, mental illness, and child abuse.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel begins with Sebastian’s disappearance at Pike Place Market, setting a tense atmosphere that permeates the story. Did you find this inciting incident compelling enough to invest in the characters’ subsequent journeys?

2. Little Secrets portrays how tragedy affects people differently through Marin’s suicidal ideation, Derek’s affair, and Sal’s manipulative behavior. Did the aftermaths of these dramatic events feel equally striking, or were you more interested in one story of coping over the others?

3. How does Little Secrets compare to Hillier’s other psychological thrillers like Jar of Hearts? If this is your first Hillier novel, did the exploration of revenge and moral complexity inspire you to read more of her work?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Marin struggles with overwhelming guilt that impacts her identity and decision-making after Sebastian disappears. Has guilt ever influenced your perception of yourself or led you to make choices you later questioned?

2. The support group serves as a critical lifeline for Marin despite her initial reluctance. What resources or groups have been similarly supportive in your own life?

3. Both Marin and McKenzie resort to morally questionable actions when faced with betrayal. Can you recall a situation where emotional pain pushed you toward a decision you later regretted?

4. McKenzie crafts an idealized version of herself on social media while struggling financially and emotionally. What’s your relationship with curating your online presence? Does it fully represent your life, or do you find yourself editing out certain aspects?

5. Forgiveness emerges as an important theme by the novel’s end as Marin makes amends with McKenzie. What has been your experience with forgiving someone who deeply hurt you?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel portrays society’s response to missing children cases through media attention and public sympathy. What aspects of this representation felt most authentic or problematic to you?

2. Economic disparity plays a significant role in the dynamics between characters. What commentary does the novel make about class differences in contemporary America?

3. Technology features prominently through the Shadow app and social media surveillance throughout the story. How does fictional depiction compare with the ways society is surveilled by the online world in real life?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The narrative alternates between Marin’s and McKenzie’s perspectives, creating a complex moral landscape where neither character is purely victim or villain. What effect did this dual viewpoint have on your understanding of their choices?

2. Sal’s character emerges as the surprising villain by the end of the novel. What subtle clues did Hillier plant throughout the narrative that foreshadowed this revelation?

3. The orchid symbolizes Marin’s relationship with Sebastian throughout the story. How does its meaning change or develop more nuance?

4. The title Little Secrets suggests the power of hidden information in driving the narrative. What secret in the novel did you find most impactful, and how did it function as both plot device and thematic element?

5. What did you make of Derek’s character development throughout the novel? Was his explanation about the ransom payment and subsequent behavior believable given his earlier actions?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were casting a film adaptation of Little Secrets, which actors would you choose for the main roles and why?

2. Imagine you’re Marin’s therapist, Dr. Chen. What treatment approaches would you recommend to help her process her trauma and rebuild trust?

3. The ending provides resolution but leaves questions about how the characters’ relationships will evolve. Write a brief epilogue set five years after the novel ends.

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