Trust No One
By: Mary Burton
Narrators: Megan Tusing, Eric G. Dove, Amy Landon
Brilliance Audiio
ISBN: 9781662530333
Publisher: Montlake
Publication Date: 10/01/2026
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
A woman’s unexpected return to her isolated family estate puts her in a killer’s path in this shocking suspense novel by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.
After seventeen years away, public defender Raine Hale returns to her family’s crumbling Virginia estate when her estranged cousin Maria is hospitalized following a near-fatal cyanide poisoning. As sole beneficiary of Hale House and guardian to Maria’s five-year-old daughter, Molly, Raine confronts a troubling legacy she vowed never to revisit—and is thrust into a deadly mystery.
But she can’t trust anyone. Maria’s husband has a violent past and crushing debts. Raine’s manipulative ex refuses to sign divorce papers and won’t stay away. Her former high school lover, now the lead detective on Maria’s case, views everyone as a suspect, including Raine. And a brutal client who nearly killed her just got out of jail.
When people begin dying, Hale House becomes as dangerous as the secrets it holds. With a killer circling closer and Molly’s life in her hands, Raine must unravel generations of family deceptions before she becomes the next victim buried in the family plot.
What is this book about?
A woman returns to her family’s isolated Virginia estate—and walks straight into a killer’s path—in this gripping psychological suspense novel by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.
Plot Summary
After seventeen years away, public defender Raine Hale returns to her crumbling family estate in Virginia when her estranged cousin, Maria, is hospitalized after a near-fatal cyanide poisoning.
Now the sole beneficiary of Hale House—and guardian to Maria’s five-year-old daughter, Molly—Raine is forced to confront a past she swore she’d never revisit. What begins as a reluctant homecoming quickly turns into a deadly investigation.
Why is Raine Hale in danger?
Raine is surrounded by suspects—and every one of them has something to hide:
Maria’s husband has a violent past and mounting debts
Raine’s manipulative ex refuses to let her go
The lead detective—her former high school lover—doesn’t trust her
A former client who nearly killed her has just been released from prison
As tensions rise, it becomes clear: the truth is buried deep within Hale House—and someone is willing to kill to keep it there.
What makes this a must-read thriller?
Isolated estate setting with a dark family legacy
Multiple suspects and shifting motives
Psychological tension and escalating danger
Strong female protagonist forced to face her past
The Stakes
When bodies begin to surface, Hale House becomes more dangerous than ever. With a killer closing in and a child depending on her, Raine must uncover generations of family secrets—before she becomes the next victim buried on the property.
My Review
Paranoia at its Finest: Why Mary Burton’s Latest is a Must-Read
Intro
Trust No One is a masterclass in psychological tension written by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton. This fast-paced thriller brings readers face-to-face with generations of family deception, toxic relationships, and an isolated estate that holds a literal and metaphorical graveyard of secrets.
The Hook
What if returning home to save your family meant stepping directly into the crosshairs of a serial poisoner?
Elevator Pitch
~Setting: A decaying, crumbling family estate known as Hale House in Virginia, dripping with gothic isolation and dark history.
~Vibe: Claustrophobic, paranoid, dark, and deeply unsettling.
~Genre: Romantic Suspense / Psychological Thriller.
~Themes: Generational trauma, betrayal, the illusion of safety, and the suffocating weight of family secrets.
Standout Characters
~Raine Hale: A fierce public defender who returns home after 17 years away to protect her young niece after her cousin is poisoned.
~Molly: Raine’s innocent five-year-old niece who becomes the stakes in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
~The Lead Detective: Raine’s former high school lover who is forced to view everyone as a suspect—including Raine herself.
Author Writing Standout
Mary Burton is a master at pacing and creating a genuine sense of paranoia. Her signature style is evident in her ability to skillfully manage multiple credible threats at once. The tension builds as she introduces an abusive ex-husband who refuses to sign the divorce papers, a violent relative burdened with overwhelming debts, a recently released criminal client seeking revenge, and a mysterious poisoner. Burton keeps readers on edge, making it impossible to predict where the next deadly strike will come from.
Takeaway
The people who claim to love you are often the ones most capable of destroying you.
Title Significance
The title, "Trust No One" serves as both a literal piece of advice for the protagonist and an explicit warning to the reader. In Hale House, every single character has something to hide, a debt to clear, or a grudge to settle.
Metaphor
Hale House is a beautiful spiderweb. It looks grand from afar, but once you step back into its perimeter, you are instantly trapped by sticky strands of old lies, and the threat of the predator lurking in the center gets closer with every movement.
📚 Why You Should Read
You should read this book if you love high-stakes, domestic thrillers where the setting feels like a character itself. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy solving complex puzzles and prefer their suspense with a healthy dose of romantic tension and legal drama. For fans of strong female leads forced to face their past wtih multiple suspects and shifting motives.
💭 My Thoughts
Burton completely outdoes herself with the sheer atmosphere of this novel. Raine is surrounded by suspects—and every one of them has something to hide: The paranoia is palpable from the very first page. Raine is a phenomenally strong, smart protagonist whose instincts as a public defender make her exceptionally sharp, even when dealing with her own messy past. The web of suspects keeps you guessing until the final, explosive reveal.
Verdict 5/5 Stars
"A gripping, unputdownable thriller that will keep you up late into the night double-checking the locks."
📖Recs or Read-Alikes
~The Last Move by Mary Burton (for another dose of her signature high-stakes suspense)
~The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell (for dark family secrets and claustrophobic estate vibes)
~A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham (for a sharp female lead digging up a haunting past)
Special thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 1, 2026
Oct 2026 Must-Read Books
About the Author
Mary Burton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty romance and suspense novels, including What She Saw, Another Girl Lost, The House Beyond the Dunes, and The Lies I Told. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband. For more information, visit www.maryburton.com.
