Psychological Suspense |Thriller Novels

Howdy from Texas,

As I’m writing this, it’s late on Friday afternoon and my youngest is perched over my shoulder watching me pull (copy+paste) reviews from Amazon into this note. He’s waiting (not so patiently) for me “to be off work” so that we can enjoy the fun, celebratory Friday outing I’ve promised. I didn’t really think he was paying that much attention until he leaned in and said, “I’m proud of you, Mom. They love your book.”

And just like that, my eyes are leaking.

SO—I’ll keep it simple by sharing what I posted on IG as I know a lot of you aren’t on social media and it’s important to share the good news with you, given you’re the reason for it.

Thank you!!! The Secretary outperformed all of my other titles as a pre-order. At one point, I threw out a number (which seemed astronomical) and I kept thinking…I wonder if it’s possible to hit that. I mean…I’d never hit it before, not even with titles that seemed to be crowd favorites from very early on. Titles that got a lot more attention. I did not get that vibe with this one—in fact, my editor warned me about the subject matter (and what people would say) when she sent the manuscript back. But then, I hit the astronomical number with several days to go. AND THEN, with several hours left, I crept up on what would feel like a magical number to end on, and I thought no way…that seems too far off for only a couple of hours.

The Secretary hit that target plus three. All this to say… thank you. Thank you for the reminder that just because something hasn’t happened before doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. Even after I was told the subject matter may not land right, I remembered *why* I’m indie and how lucky I am to have a readership who is willing to take a chance on my work without anyone else (or any reviews) telling them they should do so. You guys are the best. I hope you love the story.

The reviews coming in are everything I hoped for and then some:

“A mistake made more than once is a decision.”

“My other big mistake? I underestimated how evil human beings can be.”

These lines from the Prologue of The Secretary, Britney King’s most recent psychological thriller, are spoken by Gillian Martin, the protagonist. They summarize the essence of the psychological terror in store for her and the reader. Gillian indeed makes several mistakes that lead to an irrevocable bad decision.

Having read all of Ms. King’s brilliantly written novels and an extensive sampling of other authors who write in this genre, I say with some authority that no one writes better psychological thrillers than Britney King.

The Secretary is a tour de force of writing a psychological thriller. First, develop a sympathetic female protagonist with many admirable traits and an unstable emotional state, and a high gullibility factor.

Then develop a handsome and desirable male villain who will do absolutely anything and everything to have his way. Her ultra-rich and manipulative boss, Ellis Harrison, leaves nothing to chance and has no scruples, morals, or conscience.

Throw in a large array of other interesting characters, add a setting of corporate intrigue with highly restrictive rules for employees and a secretive, cut-throat culture. Then have the company focused primarily on covert research on psychological drugs and techniques, and you have the setting for this brilliant novel.

Now, put these characters and this setting into the hands of a brilliant writer who is highly proficient at messing with the heads of her readers (in the best possible way), and Britney King has another best-seller to add to her substantial portfolio of hit psychological thrillers.

As is typical in earlier Britney King’s psychological thrillers, the pacing is fast, the tension and suspense builds, and just when you think that you have gotten everything figured out, BAM! Britney King blows the reader out of the water with a brilliantly crafted plot twist in the last few chapters. There are two primary plot twists in The Secretary. To say more would be a spoiler!

The Secretary is a must-read book if you enjoy psychological thrillers, creative and engrossing prose, mental stimulation, plot twists, and unexpected endings!”

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“There’s just something about a Britney King novel…at this point, I will buy anything she writes (grocery lists included).

The prose is always spot-on…The Secretary is fast-paced, and intriguing in that way that guarantees you won’t stop turning pages. And that ending? Sheesh! The WTF-factor was definitely there.

I loved this feisty little psych thriller! It’s binge-worthy and can easily be devoured in one sitting (potty breaks don’t count, do they? ).

Welcome back, BK! Welcome back.“

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“If you enjoy psychological suspense this author is the one to read. She never disappoints with plenty of twists and turns and unexpected endings. Her characters always have distinctive personalities that draw you in and her storylines are creative and engrossing. This is one of my favorite authors and this book is one you shouldn’t miss.”

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“The Secretary by Britney King is another fast-paced thriller, exactly what fans have come to expect from her. I finished it in one sitting; once you read it, you will understand why.

Honestly, I don’t even know how to write this review to do this book justice or not give any spoilers. What I can say:
The Secretary wasn’t what I expected.
The ending threw me and blew my mind.
Every reader will take something different from it, yet another reason I love this book so much.

I want to judge Gillian for her decisions, but I can’t, as I have enough skeletons to fill all the closets in a hotel. Ellis remains a bit of a mystery; I would’ve loved a bit more about his background and “role”. (No spoilers)

If you’re looking for a well-written thriller with an ending that you won’t be able to predict, The Secretary is that book. Enjoy.”

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“Yikes! A consuming brief story with a few rocks left unturned that leave me wondering! Gillian is such a relatable character who might be a bit naive or maybe those around her are just that manipulativly evil! Devon, well…. I think there is more to be told and definitely more to be pondered overall! This is a fantastic, entertaining, very quick read!”

“Brittany has written another psychological thriller that you can’t put down! Gillian, the secretary, takes a job with a mega-corporation but the price and sacrifices for fame and fortune may not be worth the 21 days she endures for success. Read this book and enjoy all the twists and turns…”

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“Once again, I’m left saying “wait, what?!” I love that I have that thought because of the twists at the end that I never saw coming. I have read every one of this author’s books and I have not been disappointed each time. This book was no exception. If you are looking for a thriller that can be finished in one sitting that will have you guessing until the end, get this book. You won’t be disappointed.”

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“The Secretary is a psychological thriller that keeps you in suspense and guessing. Lots of shocking and I can’t believe that just happened moments. Enjoyed this read…kept me turning the pages.”

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“If you’re looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, here’s the book for you!! I loved the twists and the storyline. My one complaint is I wanted more!! “

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“Simply the best so far, from the Diamond of Texas.

Days don’t get much better than when Britney King launches a new thriller, so today it’s a great day, in case you’re not sure. I’m a fan of her books because everyone I’ve read has been fantastic. I’ve yet to find a better author of psychological thrillers or any thriller, for that matter.

Gillian is moving from a delivery driver dropping off parcels, trying to make the rent each month and other bills to a secretary. The title is a good clue. Things are not going great in several areas of her life, but you can read about that. You will enjoy it more, Gillian may not. The storyline is incredible; the characters are mind-boggling in so many different ways and the edge of your seat will be worn down a fair bit. A thriller that will grip and trap you till you’ve reached the end. The twists spin you in so many different directions I suggest you eat before you start. You will not want to stop till you’ve finished. Warning if you get dizzy spinning you may get to see your meal again, but that won’t worry you — nothing will — just the plot as it takes you through a journey you can’t get off, destination, the end.

Don’t let any of that put you off. This is a Ten-Star read, and in so many ways you may want to give it even more, but the mean folk at Amazon and Co only allow five, but that’s probably just to give other authors a chance and not feel so far behind.

So in summary, this is an outstanding, mind-gripping, heart-racing, page-turning, seat-destroying read that you really don’t want to miss out on.

Congratulations, Ms. King. You’ve done it again, only better.”

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“Days don’t get much better than when Britney King launches a new thriller, so today it’s a great day, in case you’re not sure.” Gosh, I love my readers. I can make stuff up. But not this. Thank you for the energy you bring to my work and my life.

Many more reviews can be found here. I really appreciate each and every one.

Wishing you a fun week, filled with the things you love, and lots of time for reading.