Hidden Summary & Key Insights

Catherine McKenzie's "Hidden" follows the intertwined lives of three women whose secrets and pasts collide unexpectedly. The central narrative revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Michael, a seemingly perfect family man, leaving behind his wife, Rachel, and their young daughter, Clara. Rachel, a successful lawyer, initially appears to handle the crisis with composure, but her carefully constructed façade begins to crumble as the investigation progresses.

The second pivotal character is Tricia, a single mother struggling financially and emotionally. She works as a cleaner in a luxurious building complex, where she discovers Michael's hidden apartment – a secret life he meticulously concealed from his family. Tricia finds herself inexplicably drawn into the mystery surrounding Michael's disappearance, finding clues and evidence that the police have missed. Her precarious situation, and her own hidden struggles with her past, further complicate her involvement.

The third key character is Grace, Michael's long-time mistress and a successful businesswoman. Grace possesses a significant piece of the puzzle – a relationship with Michael that spans years, marked by both passion and deception. Her initial denial of any involvement transforms into a slow unveiling of her complicated relationship with Michael, and the hidden truths that have shaped her life.

As the story unfolds, the novel explores the complex relationships between these three women. While their initial interactions are fueled by suspicion and guardedness, a reluctant alliance emerges as they each grapple with their own culpability and the devastating impact of Michael's actions. Their individual secrets intertwine, forming a web of lies and betrayals that ultimately unravel the mystery surrounding Michael's disappearance.

The overarching theme is the deceptive nature of appearances. Each character, despite their outward success and seemingly stable lives, carries a heavy burden of hidden truths and past regrets. The novel exposes the fragility of family, marriage, and identity, questioning whether anyone truly knows the people closest to them. The exploration of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of secrets provides a compelling narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

The investigation itself is not straightforward; it's a slow burn that relies on clues, red herrings, and the gradual peeling back of layers of deceit. The women's individual journeys are as crucial as the investigation itself, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll that secrets take on individuals and their relationships. The ending provides a resolution to the mystery of Michael's disappearance while also leaving the reader contemplating the enduring impact of the hidden truths revealed.