1958 - Four youths nicknamed the four horsemen have a bit too much to drink and follow two young girls along a dark lane. One runs away, but Emily Fowler is assaulted by all four. 1984 - the daughter of Emily Fowler (result from her rape) has just lost her mother and is interested to find her hometown and see where her mother grew up. But she reminds people of best forgotten items and the four horsemen (who are now successful businessmen and still conspirators) feel they have to get rid of her. 'family secrets' is full of lust, love, emotions, scandal, greed and power - a great, mass market read.