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Buried Secrets
On a chill October night, a girl goes missing and sets the small town of Oakridge on edge. Five years later, James is trying to settle himself in a new house and reacquaint himself with a town he’d thought he’d left behind. When girls around town start to go missing again and James begins to suspect his friend might be behind the disappearances, he not only has a difficult decision to make, but he quickly finds himself facing the wrong side of the law as the town fingers him as the most likely suspect. James must dig for the truth before it’s too late.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
About the author
Brandi Aquino
16 books170 followersBrandi started writing poetry, short stories, and novels at a very young age, weaving tales to share with her friends that were geared toward making them laugh. Today her writing habits reflect that, ranging from mystery/suspense/thriller to paranormal and YA romance, and no matter how different her works may be, you can always find a healthy dose of action, romance, and humor. Under the pen name J.C. Valentine, she also writes erotic romance fiction.
A longtime resident of Ohio, Brandi lives with her husband, three children, a dog and five cats that keep her very busy. She holds a degree in Business and has plans to continue her education so she can one day become an editor to authors everywhere. When she isn’t crafting her next novel, toiling away at schoolwork, or hanging out with family, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair with her nose buried in a book.
*Note to readers: I am always willing to give away a free copy of any of my books--generally in ebook format--in exchange for your fair and honest review. If interested, please contact me via Goodreads or email at branflake3083@gmail.com.
A longtime resident of Ohio, Brandi lives with her husband, three children, a dog and five cats that keep her very busy. She holds a degree in Business and has plans to continue her education so she can one day become an editor to authors everywhere. When she isn’t crafting her next novel, toiling away at schoolwork, or hanging out with family, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair with her nose buried in a book.
*Note to readers: I am always willing to give away a free copy of any of my books--generally in ebook format--in exchange for your fair and honest review. If interested, please contact me via Goodreads or email at branflake3083@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 25, 2012
The author very well understands her characters, so the reader sees them from inside out, as if they were our own friends or family. That makes it simple for us to empathise, and want to see the deserving ones rewarded, the bullies and jerks disciplined or at least going without. Then too, the suspense starts right from the very beginning, with poor loner James’ itinerant friend, A. J., a boy whom only James knows and who is the only person who really respects and befriends James. Before we can get our feet solidly on the ground story-wise, the author turns us topsy-turvy with the first major tragic event-and before we can catch our breath from that, we’re tossed five years forward, and watching the past determine to replay itself-only this time, will things turn out right for James? Or will tragedy strike again-and again? Homecoming can be a wonderful thing-or it can mean misery.
I really liked the author’s approach. I didn’t have time nor inclination to lose interest, because the story was “always happening,” and I just kept reading and flipping the pages without even thinking, to learn more and more. Author Brandi Salazar does not disappoint; the goodies in this novel just keep on rollin’. “Buried Secrets” has quite a different, yet appealing, “feel” to it, and I enjoyed it very much. I’ve put Ms. Salazar on my “must read all” list.
I really liked the author’s approach. I didn’t have time nor inclination to lose interest, because the story was “always happening,” and I just kept reading and flipping the pages without even thinking, to learn more and more. Author Brandi Salazar does not disappoint; the goodies in this novel just keep on rollin’. “Buried Secrets” has quite a different, yet appealing, “feel” to it, and I enjoyed it very much. I’ve put Ms. Salazar on my “must read all” list.
March 18, 2013
What a different take on literature. I can’t believe how amazingly and accurately well Salazar put this story together. Not only is this an exceedingly well written story, but it is also medically accurate. It is so real that it’s scary. I couldn’t put it down for a second.
Through her amazing narrative and description style Salazar lead the reader to the story’s conclusion before the main character himself got there. Never once did Salazar set aside the progression of her storyline to create suspense, but suspense was there in abundance. This story was so well written that it carried itself.
The main character in this story was phenomenally well developed. As a reader, you get to know him inside and out, even if he didn’t know himself. Not only do you get to know his personality, but also his situation and station in life, and you really feel for him. The supporting characters were also quite well developed.
Salazar took a very touchy subject to create this phenomenal work. She supported that with an amazing cast of characters. She then combined this all together to create an unfathomable story that not only
tugs at your heart, but at your conscience. It was sheer brilliance.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Through her amazing narrative and description style Salazar lead the reader to the story’s conclusion before the main character himself got there. Never once did Salazar set aside the progression of her storyline to create suspense, but suspense was there in abundance. This story was so well written that it carried itself.
The main character in this story was phenomenally well developed. As a reader, you get to know him inside and out, even if he didn’t know himself. Not only do you get to know his personality, but also his situation and station in life, and you really feel for him. The supporting characters were also quite well developed.
Salazar took a very touchy subject to create this phenomenal work. She supported that with an amazing cast of characters. She then combined this all together to create an unfathomable story that not only
tugs at your heart, but at your conscience. It was sheer brilliance.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2012
James Clearwater, an awkward thirteen year old has a lonely childhood. He doesn't make friends very easily until he meets AJ. Andrew Jones is vibrant, fun and more importantly accepts James just as he is. They soon become firm friends until Mercy Worthington is murdered. No-one knows what happened and they can't find her body. James' father decides to move the family out of Oakridge - but James can't forget Mercy, a girl he thought he could get to know and even one day marry.
Fast forward a few years and James is now eighteen and his family have returned to the town where the memories of a young girl resurface. James preferred the anonymity of Ohio but resigns himself to excel at school so he can leave the small town life far behind him. He meets up with AJ again and isn't as strong as he'd like to be to to walk away from his boisterous friend. But James also becomes concerned with him especially when girls they've met at a party, the cinema, school - straight A students - suddenly go missing.
The headaches and blackouts that James suffered are returning. Plus he's stopped taking the medication given to him by his doctor in Ohio. Coupled with the disturbing dreams, he sees a ghost and is increasingly hostile towards his parents. When he summons the courage to go to the police about his suspicions of AJ he is puzzled about their lackluster response. Isn't AJ responsible? If not, who is?
From the opening page, I was hooked. Salazar has created a creepy and disturbing novel which I couldn't put down. The characters are rich and even though its told through the eyes of James, there is no sense of missing out of what others may be thinking. The authors descriptions are concise yet there is a depth to James and his surroundings. Whilst I felt the story was a little predictable - I guessed the outcome more or less from the beginning - it doesn't mar the story in any way. I still wanted to know how Salazar would weave this tale. She builds the tension beautifully for it to reach its climax a few chapters from the end. Yet, there is a twist that I didn't expect.
Well written, the chapters flow seamlessly to create a haunting tale that will leave you thinking about it days after. A highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.
Fast forward a few years and James is now eighteen and his family have returned to the town where the memories of a young girl resurface. James preferred the anonymity of Ohio but resigns himself to excel at school so he can leave the small town life far behind him. He meets up with AJ again and isn't as strong as he'd like to be to to walk away from his boisterous friend. But James also becomes concerned with him especially when girls they've met at a party, the cinema, school - straight A students - suddenly go missing.
The headaches and blackouts that James suffered are returning. Plus he's stopped taking the medication given to him by his doctor in Ohio. Coupled with the disturbing dreams, he sees a ghost and is increasingly hostile towards his parents. When he summons the courage to go to the police about his suspicions of AJ he is puzzled about their lackluster response. Isn't AJ responsible? If not, who is?
From the opening page, I was hooked. Salazar has created a creepy and disturbing novel which I couldn't put down. The characters are rich and even though its told through the eyes of James, there is no sense of missing out of what others may be thinking. The authors descriptions are concise yet there is a depth to James and his surroundings. Whilst I felt the story was a little predictable - I guessed the outcome more or less from the beginning - it doesn't mar the story in any way. I still wanted to know how Salazar would weave this tale. She builds the tension beautifully for it to reach its climax a few chapters from the end. Yet, there is a twist that I didn't expect.
Well written, the chapters flow seamlessly to create a haunting tale that will leave you thinking about it days after. A highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.
April 26, 2013
BURIED SECRETS
by Brandi Salazar
Book Description (from Amazon)
Publication Date: February 4, 2012
How do you live with yourself when you don't even know who you are?
On a chill October night, a girl goes missing setting the small town of Oakridge on edge. James has spent the last five years running from a past that still haunts him to this day. Now he finds himself thrust back into a life he thought he left behind. Finding out his new home may be haunted and reconnecting with an old friend while being thrust into a murder mystery, James finds himself trying to figure out which end is up while questioning his own sanity.
REVIEW:
The author, Ms. Salazar, wrote a good book. It is a short read. I wish there was a little more suspense as to who the killer was. I probably read about a third of the book and figured out who the killer was. The book moved fast and was well written with a few grammatical errors such as misspelled words and repeated words. the conversations seemed to go smoothly and weren't overly wordy. I thought it was refreshing that for a change, there was not any foul language, sex or drug issues. Seems like every book you pick up these days is nothing but sex and drugs and every other word is a four letter word and it isn't "love". The book is mainly about a high schooler but I think all ages would enjoy it and parents don't have to worry about the language or the sexual content. I was totally surprised at how the book ended and I think you will be too. With just a few minor editorial corrections the book is a good read, fast paced and a page turner. I hope Ms. Salazar continues to write these refreshing books. Thank you, Ms. Salazar.
This book is a 4 STARS.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, BURIED SECRETS, from the author, Brandi Salazar for this unbiased review.
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
Twitter: brandllavanela
Blog: http://fictitiouschronicles.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Secrets-...
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
http://shelfar.com/search/books?Keywo...
OTHER BOOKS BY MS. SALAZAR:
FAERIE TALES: The Misfortune of a Teenage Socialite
DARKNESS & LIES ; A Brotherhood Novel
ADDICTED TO MAGIC Book 1
MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE A Novelette
by Brandi Salazar
Book Description (from Amazon)
Publication Date: February 4, 2012
How do you live with yourself when you don't even know who you are?
On a chill October night, a girl goes missing setting the small town of Oakridge on edge. James has spent the last five years running from a past that still haunts him to this day. Now he finds himself thrust back into a life he thought he left behind. Finding out his new home may be haunted and reconnecting with an old friend while being thrust into a murder mystery, James finds himself trying to figure out which end is up while questioning his own sanity.
REVIEW:
The author, Ms. Salazar, wrote a good book. It is a short read. I wish there was a little more suspense as to who the killer was. I probably read about a third of the book and figured out who the killer was. The book moved fast and was well written with a few grammatical errors such as misspelled words and repeated words. the conversations seemed to go smoothly and weren't overly wordy. I thought it was refreshing that for a change, there was not any foul language, sex or drug issues. Seems like every book you pick up these days is nothing but sex and drugs and every other word is a four letter word and it isn't "love". The book is mainly about a high schooler but I think all ages would enjoy it and parents don't have to worry about the language or the sexual content. I was totally surprised at how the book ended and I think you will be too. With just a few minor editorial corrections the book is a good read, fast paced and a page turner. I hope Ms. Salazar continues to write these refreshing books. Thank you, Ms. Salazar.
This book is a 4 STARS.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, BURIED SECRETS, from the author, Brandi Salazar for this unbiased review.
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
Twitter: brandllavanela
Blog: http://fictitiouschronicles.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Secrets-...
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
http://shelfar.com/search/books?Keywo...
OTHER BOOKS BY MS. SALAZAR:
FAERIE TALES: The Misfortune of a Teenage Socialite
DARKNESS & LIES ; A Brotherhood Novel
ADDICTED TO MAGIC Book 1
MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE A Novelette
February 24, 2012
One of my favorite episodes of "Criminal Minds" stars Frankie Muniz, who grew up as "Malcolm in the Middle." In this episode, though, he is a cartoonist who watched gang members rape and kill his fiancee, and subsequently had a violent break in his personality.
After his break, he goes around the city killing people -- including the gang members who killed his fiancee. The most poignant part of the show involves the killer calling his fiancee's cell phone, over and over again, only to hear it go to voice mail. His confusion as to her whereabouts shows how far he has fallen from reality. At the end of the story, the profilers from the BAU treat the killer with gentleness, even pity.
In "Buried Secrets," five years ago, James Clearwater and his family had moved away from the town where they lived, after the disappearance of Mercy Worthington. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the family moves back, and the pattern begins again.
Now that he is back, James notices that whenever his friend A.J. spends time with a girl, she turns up missing -- and eventually dead. A.J. is everything that James is not, but sort of wants to be -- he ditches school, dresses like a heavy metal fan, and has an easy time picking up girls.
Constantly at war with his father, beset by migraines and blackouts, bothered by ghosts at night, and harassed at school by those who remember the cloud of suspicion that hung over him five years ago, James starts down a doomed path almost at the start. Despite the fact that the beautiful Jennifer Morton sees great things in James, the truth is inevitable.
In stories such as this, the better authors will show you the tension between the good person that the villain wants to be, and the awful deeds that the villain commits. Salazar does a fine job of showing James unraveling, and his illusions becoming less and less real. It would have been better to see some development with the parents, particularly in a third-person work such as this. What turn out to be two fairly static characters could have been so much more dynamic, especially given the family secret that we learn about three-fourths of the way through. Even though I had a pretty good idea of the truth about James, though, the storytelling was compelling.
After his break, he goes around the city killing people -- including the gang members who killed his fiancee. The most poignant part of the show involves the killer calling his fiancee's cell phone, over and over again, only to hear it go to voice mail. His confusion as to her whereabouts shows how far he has fallen from reality. At the end of the story, the profilers from the BAU treat the killer with gentleness, even pity.
In "Buried Secrets," five years ago, James Clearwater and his family had moved away from the town where they lived, after the disappearance of Mercy Worthington. For reasons that are not entirely clear, the family moves back, and the pattern begins again.
Now that he is back, James notices that whenever his friend A.J. spends time with a girl, she turns up missing -- and eventually dead. A.J. is everything that James is not, but sort of wants to be -- he ditches school, dresses like a heavy metal fan, and has an easy time picking up girls.
Constantly at war with his father, beset by migraines and blackouts, bothered by ghosts at night, and harassed at school by those who remember the cloud of suspicion that hung over him five years ago, James starts down a doomed path almost at the start. Despite the fact that the beautiful Jennifer Morton sees great things in James, the truth is inevitable.
In stories such as this, the better authors will show you the tension between the good person that the villain wants to be, and the awful deeds that the villain commits. Salazar does a fine job of showing James unraveling, and his illusions becoming less and less real. It would have been better to see some development with the parents, particularly in a third-person work such as this. What turn out to be two fairly static characters could have been so much more dynamic, especially given the family secret that we learn about three-fourths of the way through. Even though I had a pretty good idea of the truth about James, though, the storytelling was compelling.
July 18, 2012
I truly enjoy reading books by new (or at least new to me) authors. This has been one of the benefits of joining Goodreads.
Buried Secrets is about James, a young man who moves back to the town his family left several years earlier when his crush, Mercy, had been killed. Other young girls start to die and James has to help figure out who is killing them.
The story was enjoyable but a little predictable. Pretty early on, I was sure that I knew how the story would end and I would have liked to have been surprised. I think this could have been accomplished by tightening up the story in a few spots. (There were just a couple of scenes where it became very obvious what was going on. With slight adjustments, it could have added to the suspense.) Also, I didn't think Jennifer's reactions were always consistent with the attitude of a teenage girl (very few will go out on a limb and risk being embarrassed in front of their friends.) Lastly, I'm not 100% sure but I think James and his family moved into Mercy's old house when they moved back into town. This seemed a little off to me.
I do have to give credit to the author. This is a YA novel without any of the standard plot points that seem to be in every story right now - instalove, vampires/zombies/werewolves/fairies, etc. Thank you for writing something original!
There were a few proofreading issues - "I she", "ridged" instead of rigid. And, the word "recant" was used improperly. But, overall these didn't detract from the story and were minimal based on my experience with other self published novels.
Overall, it was a book that I enjoyed and I would recommend it to someone looking for a different, yet easy read in the YA world. 3.5 / 5 stars (rounded to 4 on Goodreads because I appreciated the originality.)
Buried Secrets is about James, a young man who moves back to the town his family left several years earlier when his crush, Mercy, had been killed. Other young girls start to die and James has to help figure out who is killing them.
The story was enjoyable but a little predictable. Pretty early on, I was sure that I knew how the story would end and I would have liked to have been surprised. I think this could have been accomplished by tightening up the story in a few spots. (There were just a couple of scenes where it became very obvious what was going on. With slight adjustments, it could have added to the suspense.) Also, I didn't think Jennifer's reactions were always consistent with the attitude of a teenage girl (very few will go out on a limb and risk being embarrassed in front of their friends.) Lastly, I'm not 100% sure but I think James and his family moved into Mercy's old house when they moved back into town. This seemed a little off to me.
I do have to give credit to the author. This is a YA novel without any of the standard plot points that seem to be in every story right now - instalove, vampires/zombies/werewolves/fairies, etc. Thank you for writing something original!
There were a few proofreading issues - "I she", "ridged" instead of rigid. And, the word "recant" was used improperly. But, overall these didn't detract from the story and were minimal based on my experience with other self published novels.
Overall, it was a book that I enjoyed and I would recommend it to someone looking for a different, yet easy read in the YA world. 3.5 / 5 stars (rounded to 4 on Goodreads because I appreciated the originality.)
July 19, 2012
Another slam dunk! Buried Secrets will have you guessing the entire time, and wondering what James is running from. I can’t even put my thoughts into words. So much I want to say but don’t know how to start or where to being. Wow, this is an awesome story that all ages will enjoy.
James is an 18 year old a senior in HS, very nice toward his friends and can’t wait to finish and leave the small town his parents decided to drag him back to. He was never good at making friends but this time around all the right people noticed especially Jennifer. With a nice girlfriend and his old friend back in his life, AJ, what more could he ask for. All James has to do is get through one more year of school. If only that’s was his only issue.
Highly recommend this story, quick read or it just seemed like it, a page turner that I could not put down. Boy was I wrong and never expected the ending; it was jaw dropping, eyes bulging, unbelievably good! Well worth five stars!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Secrets-...
James is an 18 year old a senior in HS, very nice toward his friends and can’t wait to finish and leave the small town his parents decided to drag him back to. He was never good at making friends but this time around all the right people noticed especially Jennifer. With a nice girlfriend and his old friend back in his life, AJ, what more could he ask for. All James has to do is get through one more year of school. If only that’s was his only issue.
Highly recommend this story, quick read or it just seemed like it, a page turner that I could not put down. Boy was I wrong and never expected the ending; it was jaw dropping, eyes bulging, unbelievably good! Well worth five stars!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Secrets-...
October 6, 2012
Buried secrets is a quick read. Unfortunately, I knew who the killer was about 50% into the book. There were some editing issues, such as "His parents, he noticed, seemed more ridged than ever." Rigid was probably the intended word, but ridged was the word used. There were some repeated words and grammatical errors.
Otherwise, it was a decent book. It was fast moving and well written. The dialogue was good and flowed naturally. The descriptions were well done, not overdone and not too wordy. The characters were fully drawn and believable. There was no coarse language, sexual content, or drug use. There was alcohol use.
Even though I knew early on who the bad guy was, I enjoyed the twists and turns the author took on the path to resolution.
Otherwise, it was a decent book. It was fast moving and well written. The dialogue was good and flowed naturally. The descriptions were well done, not overdone and not too wordy. The characters were fully drawn and believable. There was no coarse language, sexual content, or drug use. There was alcohol use.
Even though I knew early on who the bad guy was, I enjoyed the twists and turns the author took on the path to resolution.
September 5, 2013
Great book! another page turner. I felt so bad for James..I knew pretty much from the beginning that AJ was his other personality but what a shocker when they told what happened to his brother..and how James' dad treated him..No wonder he turned out the way he did. and made me want to cry when he came to the realization that he was the one..could there be a sequel to this??? ending made me think maybe :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2012
I loved this book. Once you start reading it you cant stop. It flowed seamlessly. It kept your attention and you just weren't quite sure what would happen next. Great read.
March 23, 2012
This was a good read. I was able to predict right away what was happening, but that did not detract from the story. The author did a brest job with the characters, very believable.
July 22, 2012
This is a well-written mystery that leaves you guessing. Enjoyable reading. Brandi's style is very direct and easy to read. I would recommend this book to mystery readers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews