What We Hide

A romantic suspense where love, lies, and legacy collide

By: Colleen Coble, Rick Acker

Narrated by: Karen Peakes

"A heart-pounding tale of stolen artifacts and murder . . . the second-chance romance adds dimension to the well-plotted whodunit, which leaves more than a few secrets to be uncovered in the next installment. Readers will be on tenterhooks." --Publishers Weekly

For Savannah and Hez, a crumbling university, stolen artifacts, deep family secrets, and deadly ambitions all stand in the way of a second chance at happiness.

Savannah Webster is trying to find her way forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart and he began numbing his grief and guilt with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history.

When Hez turns up in her classroom asking for a second chance, she rejects the idea immediately. But twenty-four hours later she's under suspicion for murder, and since Hez is the best attorney she knows, she reluctantly asks him for help. They suspect the murder is tied to someone selling off the university's pre-Columbian artifacts, but the secrets go much deeper than they realize.

The only hope they've got is each other, and they're going to have to put their past behind them if they're going to stay alive long enough to uncover all that's hidden.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's What We Hide is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance. They've "forged a seamless partnership with a singular voice" (Charles Martin), "where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale" (Kate Angelo).

Looking for more from these authors? Don't miss their standalone novel I Think I Was Murdered or continue the Tupelo Grove series with Where Secrets Lie (available now) and When Justice Comes (available March 2026). All their novels include discussion questions that are perfect for book clubs.

Critic reviews

'Bestsellers Coble (BREAK OF DAY) and Acker (GUILTY BLOOD) team up for a heart-pounding tale of stolen artifacts and murder . . . The second-chance romance adds dimension to the well-plotted whodunit, which leaves more than a few secrets to be uncovered in the next installment. Readers will be on tenterhooks.'

'Coble and Acker have forged a seamless partnership with a singular voice. I honestly can't tell where one writer starts and the other ends. WHAT WE HIDE is a crisp and hard-charging start to a legal suspense series that tests the boundaries of yesterday's secrets against today's lies, all while trying to escape tomorrow's verdict. From courtroom to the shadow of a decaying Gothic university, it's a high-stakes ride through love, second chances and an ending you won't soon forget.'

'Get ready to be hooked! Brace yourself for a thrill ride as Coble and Acker masterfully weave a web of suspense in WHAT WE HIDE, where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale.'

'Much is hidden in Tupelo Grove and Pelican Harbor. In WHAT WE HIDE, expert storytellers Colleen Coble and Rick Acker will take you on a riveting ride through a picturesque Southern town inhabited by characters who will pull you in and make you care. Hidden truths find their way into the light -- sometimes quickly, often slowly in the face of great obstacles and danger. Once you start reading, you won't put this book down.'

'This book has it all. Intrigue, suspense and the mysteries of the heart, woven together masterfully by the great new pairing of Coble and Acker. Fans of their individual books will not be disappointed. New readers will be delighted.'

'This is an explosive beginning to a new series and a dynamic author partnership between Coble ('Pelican Harbor' series) and practicing lawyer Acker. Will appeal to fans of the legal thrillers of Randy Singer and Robert Whitlow.'

'WHAT WE HIDE grabbed me with the first chapter and had me reading until two in the morning with its twisty plot and engaging characters.'

'When you combine two brilliant storytellers such as Coble and Acker, the result is a beautiful well-crafted legal thriller that keeps the reader utterly riveted. If you're looking for a novel that's edge-of-the-seat-compelling, emotionally engaging, and nail-bitingly (I know that's not a word, but it fits) suspenseful, look no further than WHAT WE HIDE. With its compelling narrative, well-rounded characters, and intricate plot, this is a must-read, goes-on-the keeper-shelf, that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.'

Great court scenes

This is my first book of Colleen’s. I decided this year I was going to branch out of my usual genre and this title intrigued me. Her and Rick worked wonderfully together and I look forward to more of their collaborations

The writing was well done! The narrator on Audible was perfect. I LOVED the first person view of the ONE character that we get to wonder who it might be throughout the book! I was completely clueless until the reveal. The main characters are written in third person.

One thing after another kept me on my toes as they tried to unravel the mystery. I loved the court scenes. I’m a big Perry Mason fan so it was neat to see all the detective work and cross examinations.

I’m looking forward to book 2. I wish it was coming out sooner but since this one just came out in July, I’ll have to show some patience.

Does container murder but it’s not highly graphic. Very tastefully done.

Great storyline

love Colleen coble! this is one of my favorites! I hope the sequel will come out soon!

Couldn’t put it down

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat!! SO good! Enjoy listening!!

This is a Christian Romance more than a Mystery

If you like Christian romances with a mystery aspect, then you will likely enjoy this book more than I did.

Loved the twists

Loved the character, great mystery, suspense, reasonable surprise, and well-written. I could not stop listening! I’ll look for the next one!