‘Each time my mother laid a finger on me... it was another step into the jaws of hell. Her abuse, more so than any other, destroyed me. It was the ultimate betrayal.’

While searching his Dutch grandmother's attic for yard sale items, Jeroen finds a scrapbook which leads Gran to tell of her experiences as a girl living in Amsterdam during the Holocaust, when her father was a Nazi sympathizer and Esther, her Jewish best friend, disappeared.

Painting a vivid picture of the pivotal case that broke apart a Chicago mob family, this narrative relies on court transcripts, police records, interviews, and notes to recreate the story as it unfolded in a 2007 courtroom.

From the Sunday Times Bestselling author. In a time of war, what's holding them together could tear them all apart... London, 1940. Winnie Berry is at the heart of the community in her pub, The Battersea Tavern. Her door is always open to those in need of a cup of tea and sympathy. Winnie's abusive husband has left and she finds herself foolishly falling in love with black-market trader, Have-it Harry Hampton. But Harry is married and Winnie soon finds herself tied up in his web of secrets. Meanwhile Winnie's son is back in London - not to visit his own child, but to charm the latest barmaid at the Battersea Tavern, which will lead to devastating consequences for the family. With bombs dropping all around them, is it too late for Winnie to uncover the secrets of those closest to her in order to protect her true family?

Beth Luxenberg was an only child. Or so everyone thought. Six months after Beth's death, her secret emerged. It had a name: Annie. Praise for Annie's Ghosts "Annie's Ghosts is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read . . . From mental institutions to the Holocaust, from mothers and fathers to children and childhood, with its mysteries, sadness, and joy--this book is one emotional ride."--Bob Woodward, author of The War Within and State of Denial "Steve Luxenberg sleuths his family's hidden history with the skills of an investigative reporter, the instincts of a mystery writer, and the sympathy of a loving son. His rediscovery of one lost woman illuminates the shocking fate of thousands of Americans who disappeared just a generation ago."--Tony Horwitz, author of A Voyage Long and Strange and Confederates in the Attic "I started reading within minutes of picking up this book, and was instantly mesmerized. It's a riveting detective story, a moving family saga, an enlightening if heartbreaking chapter in the history of America's treatment of people born with what we now call special needs." -- Deborah Tannen, author of You Just Don't Understand and You're Wearing That "This is a memoir that pushes the journalistic envelope . . . Luxenberg has written a fascinating personal story as well as a report on our communal response to the mentally ill." -- Helen Epstein, author of Where She Came From and Children of the Holocaust "A wise, affecting new memoir of family secrets and posthumous absolution." -- The Washington Post "Annie's Ghosts will resonate for many, whether the chords have to do with family secrets, the Depression, memories of a thriving Detroit, the Holocaust's horrors, or the immigrant experience." -- The Detroit Free Press

It's a beautiful day for a wedding. White roses scent the air and the summer sunlight streams in. A spoon chimes against a champagne flute and the room falls silent. And there he is - my husband - getting to his feet to propose a toast. He's still handsome. His new wife is next to him, gazing upwards, oblivious. I'm not supposed to be here. All these years in the same town and I had no idea until I saw his name on the seating plan. He lived with me, once. Loved me. Small-town memories are long, but the people in this room don't want to remember. They say the healing is in letting go, but after what he did, he needs to know we haven't gone away just because he's shut his eyes. So I take Daisy by the hand and step forward from the shadows. He notices us and his eyes widen. The champagne glass falls from his hand and smashes. Then he sags forward, making a terrible sound - a sort of strangled scream... A powerfully emotional novel with a dark secret at its heart. This family drama will keep you hooked until the very last page. Perfect for fans of The Silent Wife, Kate Hewitt and Jodi Picoult. What readers are saying about His Secret Family 'Absolutely fantastic, had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from this author. Storyline was great, characters were easy to connect with.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Wow, this novel packed a lot more "feels" that I expected!... A quick read for me because I HAD to see how this emotional read would end... There was great character development... twists and turns that took me by surprise! I am looking forward to reading more from Ali Mercer in the future!' Steph and Chris's Book Review 'A book that grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go. It is well written and full of emotions. This is a "Must Read"!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Absolutely brilliant and had me gripped from cover to cover! I found the writing style to be very captivating and the characters to be immaculately developed... Would highly recommend!' NetGalley Reviewer 'Compelling. Heart-breaking. The character development was superb. It was an emotional read... an evocative story that left its imprint. I highly recommend this book.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'Ali Mercer writes with heart and soul... well written, true-to-life... Each character is lovingly developed and all-so-human. Secrets abound and the reader won't know them all until the end. A definite for your TBR list!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'This is a powerful family domestic drama filled with emotion and secrets. The story is well developed with lovable "real" characters that you find yourself very invested in. A captivating story that kept me hooked until the end.' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars