What do you think?
Rate this book
In Too Deep #1
Dark Secrets
After a terrible car crash, former actress Claire Ford is accused of the worst crime a mother can commit. She has a history of lying, so no one believes her when she says it was just an accident. When defense attorney Silas Dalton is forced to defend her, he doesn’t believe her either. But he’ll use every trick in the book to keep her from getting the death penalty. Hannah Faran is a former PI turned podcaster with a passion for all things true crime and a mission to take down one of the most powerful families in Los Angeles, the Bishops. They have a history with Claire Ford, and Hannah is convinced they’re hiding something. She’ll have to dig deeper into their dark family secrets, even if she becomes a target too.
172 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2023
162 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
W.L. Knightly
121 books366 followersWL Knightly is a thriller/murder mystery co-writing pen name for two USA Today Best Selling Authors. "W" when not writing can be found dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids. And "L" is a full-time writer that lives near Nashville, TN and spends her time cooking, hanging out with her hubs and 3 kiddos, or wrangling new ideas as they float by!
Their love of a good mystery novel caused them to combine forces and go after their dream of telling stories that sent a shiver down your spine. I'm thinking they figured it out!
These two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner.
The rest is history...They'd love for you to join the fun!
Website-http://thezodiackillerseries.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/wlknightlyau...
Insiders Group- https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j1rryhvu53
Their love of a good mystery novel caused them to combine forces and go after their dream of telling stories that sent a shiver down your spine. I'm thinking they figured it out!
These two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner.
The rest is history...They'd love for you to join the fun!
Website-http://thezodiackillerseries.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/wlknightlyau...
Insiders Group- https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j1rryhvu53
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 30, 2023
For a free book on Apple Books it was sooo good! Now I need to read the next because it ended on a cliff hanger. I need to know what happens next and how it ends. Such a good random find
February 4, 2023
“I have to admit, doubt keeps taking over. That car. It was so small, and there are just things I can’t imagine being true. Something isn’t adding up.”
Oh the suspense! Once again WL Knightly delivers an intriguing first instalment of the In Too Deep series. How quickly things change from a quiet day on the water with a fishing rod, to a rescue mission. I was lost turning page after page of this book until there were no more to turn. It’s about men with power and wealth who disrespect the “weaker sex,” at least that’s their determination of females. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy watching their empire burn as the truth is revealed. The twists are hidden in the smoke and mirrors, but if you’re clever you may grasp some crucial information that will reveal the truth. What an amazing array of characters. I fell in love with the sassy Hannah, the banter between her and Silas had me giggling.
Claire faces a mothers nightmare when her car careens over a bridge into a river. She desperately tries to hold her baby girls body as the water current drags her away. As if that’s not enough to bring her to her knees, she finds herself charged with child endangerment. Claire had lost respect of the public due to accusing her daughters father of rape, which she later dropped. Known as a liar would be her undoing when it came to finding someone to believe in her.
Silas begrudgingly takes on the role of defence lawyer for the disgraced actress. He is angry that he’s been thrown under a bus and that this case is career ending. As a result he treats her appallingly and makes no apology for not believing her. His friend Zoe is only too happy to assist him, but none of his other coworkers want anything to do with this case. Then Hannah barges into his office with an unexpected proposal, but she has her own agenda and he didn’t want that getting in the way. She doesn’t take no for an answer though as she works her way under his skin.
Oh the suspense! Once again WL Knightly delivers an intriguing first instalment of the In Too Deep series. How quickly things change from a quiet day on the water with a fishing rod, to a rescue mission. I was lost turning page after page of this book until there were no more to turn. It’s about men with power and wealth who disrespect the “weaker sex,” at least that’s their determination of females. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy watching their empire burn as the truth is revealed. The twists are hidden in the smoke and mirrors, but if you’re clever you may grasp some crucial information that will reveal the truth. What an amazing array of characters. I fell in love with the sassy Hannah, the banter between her and Silas had me giggling.
Claire faces a mothers nightmare when her car careens over a bridge into a river. She desperately tries to hold her baby girls body as the water current drags her away. As if that’s not enough to bring her to her knees, she finds herself charged with child endangerment. Claire had lost respect of the public due to accusing her daughters father of rape, which she later dropped. Known as a liar would be her undoing when it came to finding someone to believe in her.
Silas begrudgingly takes on the role of defence lawyer for the disgraced actress. He is angry that he’s been thrown under a bus and that this case is career ending. As a result he treats her appallingly and makes no apology for not believing her. His friend Zoe is only too happy to assist him, but none of his other coworkers want anything to do with this case. Then Hannah barges into his office with an unexpected proposal, but she has her own agenda and he didn’t want that getting in the way. She doesn’t take no for an answer though as she works her way under his skin.
February 9, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "DARK SECRETS" WOW!!!! This story grabs you right from the start the author really knows how to blow your kind with so much mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger, fear, frustration, dark secrets, betrayal, lies, angst, twists that hook you to the end.
Claire Ford is a former actress accused of the worst crime a mother could commit, a car crash, she has a history of lying, no one believes her when she says it was just an accident, Ted Brown was out fishing saw the whole thing & a biker Lonnie Smith was there as well as witnesses for the cops when they arrive.
Owen Bishop the father of Claire's baby Olivia arrives in an angry tirade his families famous Winery up the road a mile Officer Bennet told him to calm down when went after Claire saying she did this on purpose I want her arrested then Detective Traeger shows up Owen say she put the baby in danger when he tells Officer Bennet to charge her with reckless endangerment of a child he is totally shocked.
Hannah Faran is a former PI now podcaster with a passion for all things true crime & on a mission to take down the most powerful family in LA the Bishop's that have a history with Claire she's convinced their hiding something, plans to uncover their dark secrets.
Silas Dalton drvebse attorney is forced to take Claire Ford's case he doesn't believe her like everyone else but he'll pull out every trick he can to to keep from the death penalty.
I definitely recommend to get this extremely well written story poor Claire has everyone against her with the Bishop's being so powerful what chance does she have to survive all this especially when her own lawyer doesn't believe her, will Hannah uncover the dark secrets the Bishop's have to help Claire you must get this amazing read, the next book can't come soon enough to see what happens next. AWESOME DARK TWISTED STORY LOVED IT 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
Claire Ford is a former actress accused of the worst crime a mother could commit, a car crash, she has a history of lying, no one believes her when she says it was just an accident, Ted Brown was out fishing saw the whole thing & a biker Lonnie Smith was there as well as witnesses for the cops when they arrive.
Owen Bishop the father of Claire's baby Olivia arrives in an angry tirade his families famous Winery up the road a mile Officer Bennet told him to calm down when went after Claire saying she did this on purpose I want her arrested then Detective Traeger shows up Owen say she put the baby in danger when he tells Officer Bennet to charge her with reckless endangerment of a child he is totally shocked.
Hannah Faran is a former PI now podcaster with a passion for all things true crime & on a mission to take down the most powerful family in LA the Bishop's that have a history with Claire she's convinced their hiding something, plans to uncover their dark secrets.
Silas Dalton drvebse attorney is forced to take Claire Ford's case he doesn't believe her like everyone else but he'll pull out every trick he can to to keep from the death penalty.
I definitely recommend to get this extremely well written story poor Claire has everyone against her with the Bishop's being so powerful what chance does she have to survive all this especially when her own lawyer doesn't believe her, will Hannah uncover the dark secrets the Bishop's have to help Claire you must get this amazing read, the next book can't come soon enough to see what happens next. AWESOME DARK TWISTED STORY LOVED IT 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
April 2, 2023
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the first book in a new series called In Too Deep. In this book, Claire Ford is an actress who was involved in a car crash where her car went off a bridge and her infant daughter was swept away when she tried to rescue her. Claire was estranged from her baby's father, Owen Bishop, a wealthy model/ business man who's family owns a vineyard. Owen is convinced that Claire should be charged with murder and uses his fame to turn the public against Claire. From the beginning there is many questions and there is a lot of secrets. Silas is a lawyer who is put in charge of Claire's defense and no one wants to help him in any way except Hannah, a PI who hosts a true crime podcast that focuses on murdered women. Hannah has her own reasons for wanting to help and believes the Bishops are hiding more than anyone could imagine. I was hooked from the beginning of this book. There are many secrets and unanswered questions. I don't really know if i believe Claire or not yet. I look forward to reading more.
February 5, 2023
Excellent start, dark but not too much
This is an excellent start to the series for this investigation. The characters mingle, all oppose around the same case, that of Claire who pays for her past choices, with little doubt about her guilt, even for her lawyer Silas. If Hannah, a reporter for a podcast did not come and kick the molehill, the story would quickly be closed.
The characters of the beautiful family are hideous, dark, manipulative and even if Claire is lost, facing them, I wanted to support her more.
The sequel promises to be dark and exciting because of all the bonds and threats that have been set up in this first part
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
This is an excellent start to the series for this investigation. The characters mingle, all oppose around the same case, that of Claire who pays for her past choices, with little doubt about her guilt, even for her lawyer Silas. If Hannah, a reporter for a podcast did not come and kick the molehill, the story would quickly be closed.
The characters of the beautiful family are hideous, dark, manipulative and even if Claire is lost, facing them, I wanted to support her more.
The sequel promises to be dark and exciting because of all the bonds and threats that have been set up in this first part
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
February 16, 2023
This book starts with a bang and ends with a bang! It will grab you from the start and just keep pulling you along. I couldn't stop reading and sure wasn't ready for the ending. The storyline is awesome and not sure where the author is going with it. Claire goes off a bridge in her car. Then the unthinkable happens, her baby is swept away! Or was she? Clair is known for her untruthfulness but is she telling the truth now? Hannah and Silas try to work together, but can they work out their issues towards each other? This book is full of twists and turns. I am looking forward to the next book. I am giving an honest review for having received a copy of this book.
February 9, 2023
This book is feeding the dark corner of my heart that silently loves soap operas. It’s almost as if Law & Order were crossed with my favorite daytime dramas to produce something that’s an amazing combination of the two. I don’t even want to try to guess where the author is going to take this because I know how badly I’ve failed in my predictions in the past. What I do know for certain is that I can’t wait to find out the rest of the story.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
February 10, 2023
WOW!!!!
What a start! A new series by WL Knightly……This one starts out with a bang and doesn’t let up. Claire Ford claims it was an accident, Owen Bishop insists it was premeditated. Silas Dalton, the unwilling attorney will use every trick in the book and Hannah Faran is a podcaster, former PI and she’s sure there is more to the story. The scene is set, the players introduced and the tension is already sky high. Excellent start. There are so many angles and twists and turns. Stop what you are doing, hide away and read this!!!!!!
What a start! A new series by WL Knightly……This one starts out with a bang and doesn’t let up. Claire Ford claims it was an accident, Owen Bishop insists it was premeditated. Silas Dalton, the unwilling attorney will use every trick in the book and Hannah Faran is a podcaster, former PI and she’s sure there is more to the story. The scene is set, the players introduced and the tension is already sky high. Excellent start. There are so many angles and twists and turns. Stop what you are doing, hide away and read this!!!!!!
February 13, 2023
The book jumps right in to set up a mystery that is steeped in secrets and innuendo. Silas and Hannah have their work cutout for them with this case and Hannah becomes a target. Of course, there seems to be more to Claire's story and it's clear that Owen is a waste of space. It's also clear that the Bishop family secrets run deep. The series is just getting started and is already bringing the heat in one twisted mystery and has me asking if everything is as it seems. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
February 1, 2023
This is part 1 of a 2-part story, I did not realize that when I started reading it. This is a very complicated legal case because it looks at first glance like the accused does not have a leg to stand on and must be guilty. There are no answers in this first part just a tangled web that needs to be unraveled. One side is weak and seemingly powerless and the other is powerful and corrupt. This is a fascinating compelling tale and I am really hooked on it.
February 6, 2023
WL Knightly kicks off this series in typical style - plenty of burning questions, intriguing crimes, and a cast of characters that has you rooting for the underdog. When Clair’s car goes off the bridge, careening into the water below, she meets a fate that’s a mother’s worst nightmare. Her baby is missing and presumed dead. Clair’s fate is in the hands of her reluctant lawyer and an ex-reporter with an axe to grind. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds in the next book.
February 9, 2023
Wow what an amazing first book in a new series.
The story grabs your interest immediately and doesnt let go.
I love Hannah and Silas. They made me laugh alot.
There is so much information in this book which gets you thinking immediately with questions.
I always expect this when reading a book by this author.
I cannot wait to read more and i eagerly await the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily read and review this book. This is my honest review.
The story grabs your interest immediately and doesnt let go.
I love Hannah and Silas. They made me laugh alot.
There is so much information in this book which gets you thinking immediately with questions.
I always expect this when reading a book by this author.
I cannot wait to read more and i eagerly await the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily read and review this book. This is my honest review.
February 9, 2023
A good start to this next series from this author(s). It will be interesting to see how the relationship between Silas and Hannah develops or doesn't. The question that I am looking forward to being answered is was Olivia actually in the car when it went into the river, I have my doubts. An easy well written read with plenty of threads in the plot to keep it going for the next books in the series.
February 9, 2023
Claire Ford, an actress has her young daughter with her and drives off the road and into the water. Her daughter is not found. She is being charged with murder and her attorney; Silas does not believe her. Claire has a history of lying. Hannah Faren is a former PI and now has a podcast. Claire's estranged husband, Owen Bishop, has money and influence. Anyone going against the Bishop family becomes a target. A page turner in the first installment.
February 12, 2023
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
February 19, 2023
DARK SECRETS In Too Deep Book 1 by WL Knightly
Wow! What a wonderful start to this new series, and it is addicting, suspenseful, dramatic, mysterious, intriguing, as well as full of angst and secrets. This well written story is certainly off with a bang! I could not put it down once I started and literally wanted to throw my kindle when I ran out of words to read! I cannot wait until book 2 comes out. This is 5 stars.
Wow! What a wonderful start to this new series, and it is addicting, suspenseful, dramatic, mysterious, intriguing, as well as full of angst and secrets. This well written story is certainly off with a bang! I could not put it down once I started and literally wanted to throw my kindle when I ran out of words to read! I cannot wait until book 2 comes out. This is 5 stars.
October 11, 2023
The book was very good and interesting. I only gave it 3 stars because it did the one thing I really don't like - - It didn't come to an end. It left you hanging. To me that is something a mystery story should never do. It's fine to make a series of mysteries with the same characters, but solve the mystery before you go to the next book in the series to find out what happens in the next mystery.
February 11, 2023
I must admit that this one took me a bit to get into.
Owen was dominating and sleepy.
Silas seemed a bit pompous. He was so quick to believe the worst of Claire " because women do that to men."
Claire just seemed to be playing a part.
Hannah was the only one who seemed real.
However,as the book progressed the tangle web that this author is so good at writing began to develop.
Owen was dominating and sleepy.
Silas seemed a bit pompous. He was so quick to believe the worst of Claire " because women do that to men."
Claire just seemed to be playing a part.
Hannah was the only one who seemed real.
However,as the book progressed the tangle web that this author is so good at writing began to develop.
March 28, 2023
Disappointed
The characters of this book are okay. . However, the plot is incomplete. There is no resolution to any of the loose threads. Too many questions are left unanswered, particularly that of where and when will the missing baby Olivia be found. I'm inclined to think that she wasn't even in the vehicle.
The characters of this book are okay. . However, the plot is incomplete. There is no resolution to any of the loose threads. Too many questions are left unanswered, particularly that of where and when will the missing baby Olivia be found. I'm inclined to think that she wasn't even in the vehicle.
August 4, 2023
Good start to a series but I currently cannot buy the whole series, so am sad abt that. W L Knightly is one of my fav authors. Her series are to die for. I recommend this book to others but if you can continue reading the series, then good, coz otherwise you are not going to find your answers in this book alone.
August 7, 2023
Another home run for this author that I love to read. This book is a start of a series that is going to keep you just at the edge of your chair and then leave you hanging for the next book to come. So far Claire, Hannah and Silas are good characters so I’m interested to see where we go from here and how far Owen can be pushed.
October 22, 2023
Dark secrets
Well written and a great story however when I started this book did not realise that it was 6 books long it I had I would never have started and wasted my day reading it . Don't like this type of book prefer stand alone stories . Regret to say I will not read the rest of these .
Well written and a great story however when I started this book did not realise that it was 6 books long it I had I would never have started and wasted my day reading it . Don't like this type of book prefer stand alone stories . Regret to say I will not read the rest of these .
January 29, 2024
Having a reputation of being a liar doesn’t help to know the truth
Claire accused Owen Bishop of raping her, but when she found out she was pregnant recanted her story. Everyone considered her a liar.
Story deals with a car crash, a missing child, and very evil men. The book is good enough that I want to read the next in series.
Claire accused Owen Bishop of raping her, but when she found out she was pregnant recanted her story. Everyone considered her a liar.
Story deals with a car crash, a missing child, and very evil men. The book is good enough that I want to read the next in series.
February 14, 2023
This is a great beginning to the series. We meet Claire Ford, who has a bad public image, as she accused a man from a prominent family of rape and then rescinded it. The battle between the privileged family and her is bad and the father, Owen, is trying to get custody of baby Olivia. The series starts with Claire crashing her car into a river and Olivia is swept from her arms. Tragic start of the series as they look for her. Hannah Faran, a former PI, is now doing True Crime Podcasts and with this news, she is out to find the truth, however dark and twisted it might be. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
February 12, 2023
I love starting a new series and this one looks to be a good one. Got me hooked from early on. I’ve already got my theories as to what’s happened, but you can tell there’s more to the story. There’s some good chemistry already between some characters.
April 27, 2023
Exciting read
This book was exciting from the first page and got better and better with each page turned. The story has depth and really good characters with twists and mystery. I can not wait to read the next book. Highly recommend
This book was exciting from the first page and got better and better with each page turned. The story has depth and really good characters with twists and mystery. I can not wait to read the next book. Highly recommend
May 1, 2023
A generic murder mystery without anything special.
Except for Hannah...without her characters I may not have finished this.
The ending was awful, nothing solved and not really caring.
I may want to see how Hannah made out.
Except for Hannah...without her characters I may not have finished this.
The ending was awful, nothing solved and not really caring.
I may want to see how Hannah made out.
July 1, 2023
Dark Secrets
Amazing read. Characters and storyline was great. An abused (raped) woman married the father whom was rich and as crooked as a stick. She was upset and trying to get her and her daughter away from there and then a terrible accident happened. A definite must read!
Amazing read. Characters and storyline was great. An abused (raped) woman married the father whom was rich and as crooked as a stick. She was upset and trying to get her and her daughter away from there and then a terrible accident happened. A definite must read!
November 15, 2023
teaser
I am not a fan of serial reads. There is just enough in this book to get you interested. Nothing at all was resolved. I certainly wouldn’t have started it if I had known it was like this. I won’t be reading subsequent books by this author.
I am not a fan of serial reads. There is just enough in this book to get you interested. Nothing at all was resolved. I certainly wouldn’t have started it if I had known it was like this. I won’t be reading subsequent books by this author.
August 5, 2025
Sorry I wasted time on an unfinished "book." It was apparently designed to get the reader to buy into a series, but it should have been explained. The story has potential, but it apparently was just a marketing tool and left the reader with only the beginning of a story. A beginning with no end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews