What a smash debut for Darren O'Sullivan with this compelling psychological thriller, OUR LITTLE SECRET. He introduces Chris to us as Chris waits for an oncoming train in a deserted train station. He has a plan to kill himself and join his deceased wife, Julia. Everything has been taken care of. It is the right day and almost the right time. Soon, Julia, we will be together forever. Taking off his shoes, he inches closer to the edge of the platform. Watching for the train, he is aware he is no longer alone. A young girl entered the station and is watching him. This can't be. He has to get her out of the station quickly. Nothing or no one can ruin his well laid plans. Chris has waited long enough to be separated from his departed spouse. Time runs out as he tries to implore the girl to leave the station and the train rushes by. The train girl, as he refers to her, has ruined everything.

Sarah arrived at the train station after breaking up with her boyfriend, John for his continuing to cheat on her. She is finished with him. Having no money for cup of coffee, she must wait for her train in the cold station. She watches a man, who at first she thinks is drunk standing too close to the platform edge  What is he trying to do? Kill himself? She calls out to him hoping she can help him. He approaches and Sarah feels the beginning of a connection. However, Chris feels nothing but annoyance of the train girl's presence and refusal to leave the station in time for his demise.

The plot builds slowly introducing Steve, Chris' best mate who was with Chris at the Corner Lounge when Chris met and fell in love with Julia. They married three years ago. Recently, Chris told Steve Julia had gone to Australia to visit her father and no return date was mentioned. Chris seemed depressed. He refused all attempts for help from Steve and stopped talking to him. Now he had two people trying to help him. Sarah and Steve. He has to stall until he could put another plan to kill himself together. So many questions and he needed to stop them all.

Darren O'Sullivan does a brilliant job in describing the killer's mind. His graphic depiction of Julia's murder and the diabolical method her body was hidden left me with goosebumps. The monster "creeped" up on me as my usual good detective presumptions were not on target this time. I was "close but no cigar." I recommend OUR LITTLE SECRET and eagerly await the next offering from this creative and talented author. WOW!