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randikaye's review
4.0
Talk about a mystery! Secrets Never Die will keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you know exactly what the story is about, twists and turns are tossed our way that made you second guess everything you've read and all the conclusions you've jumped to.
In this story we meet Tallie Brown, whose life truly is the mystery in this book. Why had her mother kept her hiding throughout her entire life? Who was after her? Who could her father be? How did it all go together with the strange, secretive town of Cutler's Ridge? To be honest, there were a few times throughout the story that I felt like things were dragged out more than necessary. Not that it was badly written by any means, just that I couldn't wait to get to know the answers to all of these questions and so many more. Still, though I wished the pace might have been a little faster at points, it still held me in its grips and had me reading through to the end to figure it all out. That drawing out perhaps even more so had me anxious to see the secrets revealed.This story had a lot of twists and turns that made it hard even for an avid mystery/suspense reader like myself to figure it ALL out. There were parts I'd picked up on, of course, but trying to put it all together? Now, that was much tougher.
It did have just a hint of romance in the story, but I would certainly not qualify this one as a romance novel myself... really just more of an attraction within a mystery. I would have been interested to see where that might lead, but I feel for this particular story, I'm glad it was not a focus.
Overall, it was a really intriguing read...a little over the top at times, but sometimes those make for the most memorable stories, right? Fans of clean suspense or even a great conspiracy are definitely going to enjoy this one.
**I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
In this story we meet Tallie Brown, whose life truly is the mystery in this book. Why had her mother kept her hiding throughout her entire life? Who was after her? Who could her father be? How did it all go together with the strange, secretive town of Cutler's Ridge? To be honest, there were a few times throughout the story that I felt like things were dragged out more than necessary. Not that it was badly written by any means, just that I couldn't wait to get to know the answers to all of these questions and so many more. Still, though I wished the pace might have been a little faster at points, it still held me in its grips and had me reading through to the end to figure it all out. That drawing out perhaps even more so had me anxious to see the secrets revealed.This story had a lot of twists and turns that made it hard even for an avid mystery/suspense reader like myself to figure it ALL out. There were parts I'd picked up on, of course, but trying to put it all together? Now, that was much tougher.
It did have just a hint of romance in the story, but I would certainly not qualify this one as a romance novel myself... really just more of an attraction within a mystery. I would have been interested to see where that might lead, but I feel for this particular story, I'm glad it was not a focus.
Overall, it was a really intriguing read...a little over the top at times, but sometimes those make for the most memorable stories, right? Fans of clean suspense or even a great conspiracy are definitely going to enjoy this one.
**I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
katiemayveil's review
3.0
The first quarter or so of 'Secrets Never Die' was slow going and all over the place. It switched characters and places every other chapter or so, and it wasn't until several chapters in that it started connecting and making sense. Once it was clearer who everyone was and what role they played, I enjoyed it more. Overall it had a surprise wrap-up that tied up all the loose ends.
Tallie Brown has spent most of her life moving from place to place with her mother Julia. From one 3rd world country to the next until 7 years ago when they moved to the United States to be park rangers. When Julia unexpectedly dies, Tallie has an opportunity to find out why their lives were the way they were, or she can start somewhere new and build a new life for herself. Not one to back down from difficult situations, Tallie decides to look for answers. Her mother taught her to shoot, protect herself, observe, and value silence but did not spend a lot of time on social skills, so when Tallie is confronted with a difficult town that she feels hides the explanation she's looking for, she isn't entirely sure how to proceed. When she makes friends with the local librarian, innkeeper, and a visiting journalist, she starts to find what she's been searching for.
Filled with mystery, intrigue, southern hospitality (sometimes), small-town skepticism (occasionally), and a little romance, 'Secrets Never Die" has something for everyone.
Tallie Brown has spent most of her life moving from place to place with her mother Julia. From one 3rd world country to the next until 7 years ago when they moved to the United States to be park rangers. When Julia unexpectedly dies, Tallie has an opportunity to find out why their lives were the way they were, or she can start somewhere new and build a new life for herself. Not one to back down from difficult situations, Tallie decides to look for answers. Her mother taught her to shoot, protect herself, observe, and value silence but did not spend a lot of time on social skills, so when Tallie is confronted with a difficult town that she feels hides the explanation she's looking for, she isn't entirely sure how to proceed. When she makes friends with the local librarian, innkeeper, and a visiting journalist, she starts to find what she's been searching for.
Filled with mystery, intrigue, southern hospitality (sometimes), small-town skepticism (occasionally), and a little romance, 'Secrets Never Die" has something for everyone.
mandyo22's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Laurie Lewis delivers an amazing suspense novel with Secrets Never Die. I was on the edge of my seat the entirety of the novel. While the characters were diverse and often unusual, they were realistic and believable. I found myself completely invested in and rooting for Tallie in her search for the answers regarding her past. The world building in Secrets Never Die is amazing. I felt like I was transported to small town Cutler's Ridge and the surrounding mining communities. There are a lot of connections to follow, but it wasn't too difficult. There were so many twists and turns, and changes in the story that it kept me interested and entertained in a way I haven't been in a while. I can't wait to read the second book in this suspense series!
aylaphipps's review
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
This is the first book I have read by Laurie Lewis. The synopsis drew me in but from page one I was hooked. At first, I was very confused on what was going on and honestly thought I started the 2nd book first by mistake.
It begins in Julia’s point of view, her being in 2014 but still running and hiding from the secrets of her past in 1993. Her one thing that she thought she could do, raising a normal child as a fugitive, until her name starts getting flagged and she receives a call from her handler. After seven seemingly normal years everything comes back in a rush leaving Tallie all alone with the mystery of who her mother was.
What is the Mogadishu incident? What does Julia have to do with it? Why have they been on the run most of Tallies’ life? The world that the author builds submerge the reader in the world. Drawing you into the story and wanting to keep reading to learn the secrets that led to Julia’s death. I made it through this book in one day and can’t wait to start the second book, Revenge Never Rests, to see what happens next in Tallie Brown’s story.
wolfsbane26's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Tallie Brown has been isolated her whole life. It was just herself and her mother. They kept to themselves and Julia raised Tallie all by herself. When Julia suddenly dies, Tallie is left with a choice. Start over under a new identity or uncover secrets from the past and find out who she really is. Tallie chose the latter. That choice brings her to a small town called Cutler’s Ridge. The townsfolk are not too keen on outsiders. As Tallie uncovers more clues about her mother’s past, it leaves her with even more questions than answers.
Meanwhile Jackson James is sent to Cutler’s Ridge to uncover a possible scandal. What started as a simple investigation job, quickly turned into something much more difficult. He meets Tallie and they band together to uncover both secrets.
This book was very complex and involved. Mystery, drama, a hint of romance, this book had it all. Twists and turns around every corner. Everything seems connected but why and how? Plus the ending was so surprising.
tpriest's review
5.0
This wasn't a fast read for me, but it was a GREAT read. The author did a great job giving a little more of the character's personality throughout the entire story. So many times I thought I knew what was going on and she hit me with another piece of the puzzle I didn't see coming. Highly recommend this book.
c_mcconnell2022's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Suspenseful yet riveting read! This is a brand new author to me but I was blown away! The plot develops well while building up the MCs all while unveiling the mystery before you. I definitely found myself connecting with Tallie and rooting for her every step of the way. This is one of those reads that has you up all night because you just have to know how it ends. In my opinion, it was medium paced but I can see how some may consider it a fast paced read. It is filled with mystery, emotions and so much more. And let’s just say that by the end of it, you’re already reaching for the second book of the series.
reneepad4's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
When Tallie receives her mother’s belongings. There’s a letter telling her she can make a new life or go back to hometown and relive the past. She ends up seeking out a journey following the breadcrumbs of her mother’s photograph. Tallie returns to her hometown only to figure out nobody wants her there. Tallie and Jackson are real relatable people.
ninamaes's review
fast-paced
5.0
Excellent Read! This is a fast paced, page turner of a book. its full of twists and turns, packed with drama and suspense. Great characters, the author writes them well. I absolutely loved this story. It was hard to put down but didn't mind because I was thoroughly engaged with the story. Looking forward to what is going to happen next.
shellyk51's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Wow! I fell in love with this one. Life as Tallie knew it was all a deception. After the death of her mom, she set out to find out the truth. With the help of Jackson, they set out on a suspense trip that puts them in the hands of danger and mystery. Will they find the answers they look for? This author had me sitting on the edge of my seat holding my breath as I read. The suspense was palpitating. You can feel it as you’re reading. The characters are so well written and developed. You feel like you’re in the story with them. That plot, it flows smooth and the, BAM, plot twist, and back to smooth, repeat. Fantastic tale of intrigue, deception, suspense, lies. This is a must read. I would give it more than 5 stars if I were allowed. It’s that good!