Little Secrets

** Shortlisted for the CWA Whodunnit Dagger Award 2026 **

Welcome to the true-crime controversy that’s divided the media for the last twenty years. To discover the truth, we need to delve back into the past…

THEN: In June 1999, the last five prisoners at HMP Panbrook were killed just before the prison closed its doors for the final time. Anna Kendall, the nurse accused of their murders, died before the case went to court. Her motive and guilt have never been proven.

NOW: The Panbrook Prison Hotel is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Hotel manager Madeleine Batten is determined to discover what happened there twenty years earlier. But as the prison’s dark secrets are gradually exposed, danger lurks in the shadows. And someone is determined to keep the truth locked away.

Little Secrets is a compelling, atmospheric locked-room mystery set in a former prison that's been converted into a luxury hotel. Ideal for fans of Sarah Pearse, Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Claire Douglas.

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'A rollercoaster ride you will not forget! Victoria Goldman is a master at building suspense, and here she crafts a story that's ingenious and intriguing from start to finish.’ – Janice Hallett, author of The Killer Question

'A cleverly plotted mystery set among actual locked rooms, Little Secrets is an intriguing whodunnit that will keep you guessing right to the end.’ – Susi Holliday, author of The Party Season

'An excellent book with a unique setting – pacy, twisty and thrilling!' – J. M. Hewitt, author of The Dream Job

‘A taut, clever and compelling prison thriller.’ – Louise Swanson, author of Lights Out

'This innovative thriller will have true-crime and locked-room mystery fans on the edges of their seats.' – Marnie Riches, author of The Gardeners’ Club

'A prison turned into a luxury hotel – when can I book myself in? It's wonderfully atmospheric!' – Candy Denman, author of the Dr Callie Hughes crime scene investigations

'How I adored Little Secrets: dark, compelling, and swirling with secrets to the very last page!' – Dave Sivers, author of the Archer and Baines crime series