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Leslie Kain writes Psychological Fiction With Heart, about flawed people whose greatest barriers to happiness lie within them. Her debut novel 'Secrets In The Mirror' has won many first place & finalist awards. Its sequel 'What Lies Buried' continues in emotional thrillers that focus on the effects of generational trauma.
Leslie was always writing something as a kid – fantasies, poems, essays, plays, secret plans. But in her careers (psychology, Government Intelligence, nonprofits), her writing was limited to professional, technical and research. Finally dabbling in fiction during spare moments, her short stories found their way into literary journals and anthologies. She developed personal relationships with her characters, who relentlessly nagged her into longer stories. After ‘Secrets In The Mirror,’ the main character told her what the sequel should be! ('What Lies Buried' launches May 2024.) Kain leverages her education, training and experience in psychology to write stories about complex people and families. She earned degrees from Wellesley College and Boston University. Originally from “all over” the U.S. (although a piece of her heart remains in Boston), she now resides in Mexico with her husband and 17-year-old cat Sheba. Follow her on https://lesliekain-psychfiction.com/
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
What Lies Buried is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, psychological thriller, and emotive writing subgenres, and is a follow-up to the harrowing events of Secrets In The Mirror. Penned by author Leslie Kain, the work is best suited to adult readers owing to the dark and potentially upsetting subject matter. We return to a poignant exploration of the complexities of trauma, family secrets, and the resilience required for healing. Gavin, scarred by a lifetime of abuse, grapples with Complex PTSD. As he confronts his family's mob history, the triggers intensify, putting him in a dangerous situation. His wife, Katie, supports him despite the strain on their marriage, while uncovering her own past and abandoned artistic talents.
Author Leslie Kain really knows how to focus a dramatic and engaging lens on the subject of trauma's enduring impact on individuals and relationships. The narrative is suitably close to the action and right on the shoulders of the central characters, navigating this intense psychological landscape and portraying the rawness of their struggles authentically. Kain handles the subject matter of abuse and PTSD with sensitivity, highlighting the challenges of confronting buried pain, and it’s clear that a lot of research and empathy has gone into this element of the work. The novel also beautifully juxtaposes Gavin's journey with Katie's self-discovery, painting a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity, and giving those faint strands of hope that help us through the darkest times of the plot. The exploration of art as a means of coping and healing was a unique touch that I’ve never seen in novels of this genre before. Overall, What Lies Buried is a powerful narrative that I would highly recommend to fans of deeply psychological, cathartic, and honest storytelling.
