The Psychology of Secrets

A gripping, comprehensive examination of secret-keeping – why we do it, why secrets fascinate us and why we confess – as told through the stories and observations of some of the world’s most bizarre and extraordinary characters.

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'Andrew Gold is the new Jon Ronson. Smart, funny, brave and deeply thoughtful, The Psychology of Secrets is an absolute must read' - Will Storr, author of The Status Game

Cult leaders, murderers, psychopaths – and you. Take a deep dive into the bizarre psychology of secrecy with Andrew Gold, award-winning investigative journalist and host of Heretics.

We all keep secrets. 97 per cent of us are hiding a secret right now, and on average we each hold thirteen at any one time. There’s a one-in-two chance that those secrets involve a breach of trust, a lie or a financial impropriety. They are the stuff of gossip, of novels and of classic dramas; secrets form a major part of our hidden inner lives.

Andrew Gold knows this better than anyone. As a public figure, he has found himself the unwitting recipient of hundreds of strangers' most private revelations. This set him on a journey to understand this critical part of our societies and lives. Why do we keep secrets? Why are we fascinated by those of others? What happens to our mind when we confess?

Drawing from psychology, history, social science, philosophy and personal interviews, The Psychology of Secrets is a rollicking journey through the history of secrecy.

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'Andrew Gold is - but should not be - one of our culture’s best kept secrets. He is a truly edgy journalist, broadcaster and writer' - David Baddiel, bestselling author of The God Desire