Review: All the Shiny Things - Robin Mahle

Review: All the Shiny Things - Book #1 Kate Reid Series - March 2013
You know that feeling when you think you have your life figured out? That's exactly where Kate starts—charity work that fulfills her soul, wedding bells on the horizon with her lawyer fiancé, the whole Pinterest-perfect life package. Then BAM! Dreams start haunting her nights, and suddenly she's tumbling down the darkest rabbit hole imaginable.
Robin Mahle doesn't ease you into this psychological thriller—she throws you headfirst into Kate's world when she discovers the unthinkable truth about her past. At six years old, Kate was abducted alongside two other children. She was the sole survivor, her traumatic memories buried so deep that it took another child's kidnapping to unlock them. Talk about a plot twist that'll give you actual chills.
What hooked me immediately was how Robin Mahle handles the partnership between Kate and Detective Avery. Their dynamic feels authentic—no forced romance subplot, just two people determined to find answers and bring a killer to justice. The investigation unfolds with genuine tension, each revelation more disturbing than the last.
But can we talk about Spencer for a hot minute? Seven years together, and this man BOLTS the second things get complicated. I'm talking full-on rage-inducing cowardice here. You're telling me someone who supposedly handles high-stakes legal cases can't support his partner through her trauma? The audacity! Honestly, Kate dodged a bullet—though she probably didn't need that extra heartbreak on top of everything else.
The twist involving Kate's best friend had me literally shouting "NOOOOO" at my Kindle. Without spoiling anything, let's just say Robin Mahle knows how to punch you right in the feelings. Though I'll admit, while emotionally devastating, this particular plot point felt somewhat unnecessary—the story was already carrying enough weight without it.
My biggest critique? Some elements felt rushed while others dragged. Certain revelations deserved more exploration, while other scenes could've been trimmed. It's like having an amazing recipe but the timing's slightly off—still delicious, just not quite perfect.
Despite these minor issues, this thriller delivers where it counts. Robin Mahle creates a protagonist you genuinely root for, a mystery that keeps you guessing, and emotional stakes that feel real. The exploration of repressed trauma is handled thoughtfully, never feeling exploitative.
This is my second Robin Mahle book, and I'm definitely sticking around for more. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that'll make you question how well you really know your own past, grab this one. Just maybe don't read it alone at night—trust me on this.
Perfect for fans of: Gillian Flynn, Tana French, anyone who loves their thrillers with heart and genuine scares.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kR2Xjw
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