fuonlyknew

MY REVIEW

Psychological thrillers are one of my favorite blends of genres. And so is isolating a group of people who think they know each other and have a big shared secret. What could be more thrilling.

In this book, something that was thought to be buried in the past is in danger of coming to light. A blood oath is about to be broken. Which of the five friends, known as the Fab Five in their youth, is wanting to spill their guts. And will the others convince him to be quiet or silence him forever.

The synopsis grabbed me right away. Take some close friends. Put them in an isolated place. Then drop a bomb and see who’s still standing when the dust settles. I particularly like that in group dynamics. I try to guess who will stay strong and who will cave. I’m right some of the time. But this is written by Jeff Gunhus and he’s a master at writing unpredictable characters. Outcomes too.

You’re taken from the present to the past to learn what the big secret is and what the main players have been up to. That worked really well. The pace stayed fast and exciting.

Jeff also doesn’t shy away from writing about the dark side of events and actions. It sure makes for an intense experience.

There was never a dull or awkward moment as I powered through this book. I loved every minute of it.

5 STARS

How long have you been writing?

I’ve always enjoyed writing—it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first ‘book’ at age 12, a 35-page story called The Amulet that actually won an award in Colorado. In college, I wrote a couple of novels too, though those are still hidden away. For me, writing has always been more than just a hobby; it’s an outlet, a way to process ideas and tell the stories that won’t leave me alone.

Do you have another profession?

Yes, I run a national home improvement company called Home Genius Exteriors, which has about 1,000 employees. It’s a big operation, and I love the challenges that come with it. My team thinks my books are crazy, though! I guess running a company and writing thrillers makes for an interesting combination.

There are many books out there about….What makes yours different?

There are a lot of books out there about dark and thrilling stories, but what sets mine apart is the balance I try to strike between edge-of-your-seat suspense and deeper, emotional undercurrents. I love crafting complex, flawed characters who feel real and throwing them into extraordinary situations. My goal is always to give readers a gripping story that keeps them turning pages but also leaves them thinking long after they’ve finished. Whether it’s a supernatural twist or a psychological battle, I always aim to bring something unique to the table.

Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

I definitely snack while writing—salty snacks like popcorn or nuts are my go-to. But when I finish a tough scene or hit a big milestone in the book, I celebrate with ice cream. It’s the perfect reward after a long writing session!

What is your favorite travel spot?

My favorite travel spots are places where I can climb around the ruins of ancient civilizations. I’ve climbed Mayan and Egyptian pyramids, explored Greek and Roman ruins, wandered through the incredible historical sites in Istanbul, and visited castles in England and Scotland. There’s something inspiring about standing in places with so much history and imagining the lives of the people who built them.

What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

The most courageous thing I’ve ever done? Hands down, being the father of five. Forget climbing pyramids or running a company—trying to negotiate bedtime with five kids is where the real bravery comes in. It’s like herding cats, but the cats are hopped up on sugar and bedtime stories!