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Leah Nash Mysteries #4

Dangerous Secrets

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ONLINE DATING CAN BE MURDER... A website that matches sugar daddies with college-age sugar babies is a major moneymaker for the woman who created it. Until a blackmail scandal erupts and the owner winds up murdered―in the home of Himmel Times reporter Miguel Santos. Miguel has no connection to the victim―but it turns out a close family member does. When his uncle is arrested for murder, Miguel turns to crime writer Leah Nash for help. She soon learns that the owner of the site had links to several residents of small-town Himmel, Wisconsin, with secrets to hide. Leah finds plenty of leads―and alienates a few people as she investigates―but she can’t see the pattern that weaves them all together. Until an unexpected second murder and an equally unexpected ally give her a flash of insight. When the clues finally fall into place, Leah uses all her courage and quick-thinking in a tense climax that reveals that she’s been keeping a few things secret from herself. DANGEROUS SECRETS is the fourth standalone book in the Leah Nash series of complex, fast-paced murder mysteries featuring quick-witted dialogue, daring female characters, and plots with lots of twists and turns. ___________________________ What readers are saying about Susan Hunter and DANGEROUS ★★★★★ "...lived up to my expectations...and then some." ★★★★★ "I have read all of the Leah Nash series, they just keep getting better and better.” ★★★★★ “I love Susan Hunter! Her Leah Nash series has original plots, wonderfully fleshed-out characters, and you never know "whodunnit" until the very end!” ★★★★★ “I couldn't wait for this book to come out! I read it in two days and now I'm left wondering....when is the next one coming out!!! Loved every page!”

346 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2017

2264 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

Susan Hunter

29 books193 followers
Susan Hunter is a happy introvert who lives with her husband Gary, an extreme extrovert, in rural Michigan.

She spent some years as a reporter and then as the managing editor of a small daily newspaper. From there Susan went on to work at a university in publications and marketing where she honed her skills at appearing engaged in academic meetings, while internally composing her grocery list. She also taught a few classes as well—in English composition, that is, not in faking your way through meetings.

In addition to writing the Leah Nash series, Susan enjoys reading other people’s writing, watching classic films, occasional walks and snarky conversation with old friends and family, eating chocolate chip cookies, and answering emails from her readers. Visit her website, susanhunterauthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Darcia Helle.
Author 30 books737 followers
July 10, 2018
Susan Hunter’s Leah Nash Mysteries are addictive! From writing style, to characters, to plot, these books tick all the right boxes. Dangerous Secrets is book 4 in the series, and it’s a wild ride from beginning to end.

Leah is a complex, fun character. She’s independent, opinionated, smart, persistent, and perfectly flawed in a relatable, human way. The cast of characters surrounding her is equally unique and well developed. I love the way they interact, with believable dialogue, honest emotions, and dashes of humor to lighten the mood.

The plot is a realistic mystery that we unravel along with Leah. Just when I thought I had it figured out, a new twist or revelation was thrown into the mix. We delve into tangled relationships, secrets, deceit, and the desperate actions of people on the edge.

Like the first three books in this series, Dangerous Secrets is a self-contained story, with closure and, thankfully, no cliffhangers. Hunter does an excellent job of weaving in bits of backstory from the previous books, and you can easily read this one as a stand-alone. Still, I recommend starting at the beginning, so you get all the subtleties of the characters and their relationships, and because all the books are just too good to miss.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,884 reviews71 followers
July 9, 2019
Dangerous Secrets: Leah Nash Mysteries Book 4 - a review by Rosemary Kenny

In a nod to Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and tv's Murder She Wrote, Leah Nash could be the former's grand-daughter or Jessica Fletcher's daughter, as she's a crime writer who gets drawn into cases of murder whenever there's a local murder to be solve!
The CEO creator of a dating website, that brings together young and beautiful gold-digger college co-eds, with potential sugar daddies, (to keep them warm at night) is found murdered in Leah's friend Miguel's front room! Police are mystified, of course, so in comes our feisty young sleuth, Leah to the rescue. Full of enthusiasm and reckless in her theories and the chances she takes when questioning some less-than-savoury people, whom others might ignore - through fear or collusion!
A standalone cozy mystery, with more twists and turns than a Chubby Checker dance-a-thon, that you're sure to love, why not try Susan Hunter's 4th Leah Nash Mystery,Dangerous Secrets, a charming and entertaining standalone novel with no cliffhangers and see if you can work out who's got a deadly secret to hide among their innocent neighbours? You'll soon grow to love Leah - and her friends too - guaranteed!
162 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2018
Can you not love a Leah Nash tale?

Susan Hunter is a knock it out of the ball park writer every book. Her characters are so human faulty that you want to shake them somewhere in the story, but oh yeah, this is a fictional character.
This is a story full of human frailties, lies and deception, guilt and remorse. At the end of the day, families can destroy us or redeem us.
Profile Image for Megan Hojnacki.
248 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2023
I thought this book was good. The pacing was a little off and it starts off a little slow. But a lot of things come to ahead in this book and a lot of secrets were revealed. Throughout the book my thoughts on who the killer was constantly changed and I didn’t see the twists and turns coming at all. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Amelia Autin.
Author 43 books56 followers
January 13, 2019
4.75 Stars rounded up to 5.0 Stars

I tried. I really tried NOT to read this book as soon as I'd finished book one, DANGEROUS HABITS (which was the third book I had binge-read in the series this past week, having started with DANGEROUS MISTAKES, followed immediately by DANGEROUS PLACES). Why did I try NOT to read it? Because there were only two books left in the series, and I was afraid I'd suffer withdrawal symptoms once there were no more Leah Nash books. So I tried one book and another, one genre and another, but none of them could hold my interest. I was inevitably drawn back to Leah Nash.

DANGEROUS SECRETS lived up to my expectations...and then some. Susan Hunter just keeps getting better and better with each book she writes, and that's a wonderful thing.

The fantastic supporting characters are all here: Carol (Leah's mom), Coop (Leah's best friend), and Miguel (Leah's other best friend), and they're all so familiar and lovable. Then there are the other characters who are NOT so lovable but still superbly drawn: Rebecca, Nick (Leah's ex-husband), and Courtnee. Not to mention a host of other characters...including Gabe (Leah's new...um...well...no spoilers).

The mystery is only half the fun of reading a Leah Nash story (the characters are the other half), but the mystery keeps you riveted. Clues are cleverly scattered throughout, but don't worry if you overlook them...so does Leah. That's part of Susan Hunter's brilliance, that Leah's theories come and go (leading to much confusion), but eventually she gets it oh-so-right.

DANGEROUS SECRETS easily joins its companions in the series on my keeper shelf...because I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,365 reviews128 followers
July 3, 2018
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Leah Nash is a kick and is a great lead character. She will not give up, even when others try to convince her she is wrong. She's hot headed and impulsive and gets into trouble way too often. She may fumble her way through but finds out the truth in the end. The supporting characters are colorful and help add spice to the novel. I like how they support Leah even when she's wrong in her pursuit.

I like to learn a little something when I read a novel. Sheriff deputy Ross helped me understand some about fraud, like the fraud triangle and forensic accountants. Hunter always includes some good wisdom for life too. Father Lindstrom encourages Leah to think about newly discovered information before blurting it out for all to hear. He counsels Leah to ask the questions: Is it true? Is it mine to tell? Can I tell it in love? Wise words for us all.

I highly recommend this novel to readers who like a feisty heroine and a good, if somewhat complicated mystery. You'll find great characters, emotional drama, plenty of red herrings, and some clues to catch too. Leah is scheduled for another mysterious adventure in the Fall of 2018 and I'll be looking for it.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
4 reviews
January 14, 2018
Couldn't put it down!

What a great read! Lots of twists and turns! There were some big surprises and exciting new characters ! And now I can't wait to read about Leah's next adventure!
Profile Image for Steve Johnson.
Author 16 books21 followers
September 28, 2020
Susan Hunter writes another intriguing crime thriller, the fourth in the Leah Nash series. The plot is more complicated than the earlier books, but not too complicated to follow and enjoy. This time, Leah helps Miguel, one of the more likable characters in the series. His uncle is accused in the death of a woman who owns an online dating site that matches sugar daddies and college-age sugar babies. Leah works with defense attorney Gabe, a new character, and cop Ross, a former enemy, now an ally, as they attempt to prove the uncle's innocence. Leah, a strong main character, continues to carry the series. She has her flaws, such as being impulsive and bull-headed, but she is relentless in her pursuit of the truth and loyal and protective to her inner circle of friends and family. One problem the author faces with Leah, however, is that as she becomes richer and more successful she loses more and more of what the average reader likes the most about her - her vulnerability and tendency to live life on the edge, as a rebel, one step away from poverty. Relationships between the characters remain a strength in the series. Leah's relationship with her mother is interesting, as are her relationships with old friend Coop, ex-husband Nick, lawyer Gabe, cop Ross and others. The characters are deep and seem like real people with real problems and motivations. The book is excellent with plenty of twists and turns. The series hasn't grown stale as it continues to develop new characters and possibilities and leaves you wanting more. The author has done an excellent job in entertaining us with Leah and her circle of friends. Here's hoping she can keep it going and I'm confident she will.
1,577 reviews54 followers
June 26, 2023
Leah Nash is dragged into her next investigation when her friend Miguel finds a dead body in his house and his uncle is accused of the crime. Working with Gabe, a new lawyer in town, Leah sets out to do what she does best - shake things up.

After the last book I thought I was on a roll with this series. But nope, back to average.

The mystery part was alright. Kind of convoluted but not too bad. It was mainly let down by a return to form of Leah jumping from theory to theory with no real evidence to back it up. I liked the last one where she used more of her unbiased and objective reporter instincts. This one she was back to bumbling.

The romance sucked. It was over the top dramatic and just too ridiculous for me to care. The whole Nick and Leah relationship was just dumb. I just didn't believe either of them really liked one another enough. On the other hand, the Coop and Rebecca storyline was

I did like the new characters, April, Gabe, Erin and Allie. I really liked Allie Ross - Charlie Ross' daughter. Ross and Leah still have their frenemy thing happening leaning more towards the friends side of things and I was still rating it.

That all said, it wasn't bad - just wasn't as good as I was anticipating. 3.5 stars.
1 review
November 21, 2017
I couldn’t wait to start the new Leah Nash adventure, and it didn’t disappoint. I like character-driven books and Leah is driven to do things her way. Sometimes that means taking risks that leave me worrying if she’ll survive her decisions. But the mix of badass bravado and unquestioned certainty propels Leah and the story onward. Who doesn’t love uncovering a secret and as Leah sets about unraveling a murder mystery, she also confronts information that has been hidden for years. I try to figure out “whodunit” as I read mysteries but I guessed wrong here. Kudos to the author for planting clever clues but adding twists to throw you off the trail and keep you wondering and reading. The surprise ending set the stage, I hope, for another Leah Nash mystery to follow next year. This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Laura.
90 reviews
November 20, 2017
Dangerous Secrets is the fourth book in the Leah Nash Mystery series and I absolutely loved this book! There were times that I was certain I had figured things out and I was thrown a curve ball. I have really enjoyed this series so far and reading about Leah and the excitement in Himmel, Wisconsin. There were times when Leah seemed immature and stubborn but I do like that she has flaws like the rest of us. I really did enjoy the twists in this book and I could not stop reading until I finished the book. I really enjoyed the writing and suspense in this book and I cannot wait until the next installment comes out.
246 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2018
They should have named this place Secret City. Is there anyone here who doesn’t have secrets?

Too many of those secrets turn out to be deadly. The police don’t want Leah to pursue the case (cases?), but as a crime writer she can’t leave it alone.

No matter how many times I thought I’d figured out the murderer, I was always wrong. This book will take you down many paths before you finally see the light.

This was my first Leah Nash book. Now I want to read many more. Keep them coming, Ms Hunter. Please.

***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
Profile Image for Tim Mullen.
190 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2022
Book 4 of the Leah Nash series is an entertaining return to Himmel, Wisconsin where now published author Leah's life, both professionally and personally is not going well. A murder at her friend Miguel's house is vehicle for the introduction of a new out of town lawyer, and the surprising exit of a regular character. Leah always has a self deprecating sense of humour which keeps the plot flowing, and as always the smalltown gossip network proves key to resolving who murdered who and why. This is a Hotel California series, once you're inside it's very hard to check out.
Profile Image for Ruby D.
51 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
Just ok

Its strange but I like Leah less with each new book. Maybe it's because I'm reading them back to back?
I wasn't a fan of the victim knowing 3 people in this small town. Too convenient. Speaking of bad writing, the last 1/3 of the book kept repeating information! They either thought the reader couldn't keep up with their story or they were padding for length.
I'll try one more book to see if the author can get back on track. The first book was so much fun.
30 reviews
January 18, 2019
Another winner

I am enjoying this series. If you are like me, you often have the mystery solved after two chapters. Even paying close attention to minor details didn't prepare me for this one. Susan Hunter weaves mystery, comedy, and a little romance in each book. Leah Nash is like an adult Stephanie Plumb.
Profile Image for Liz Etnyre.
755 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2019
The best one yet! The main character actually seems to have experienced some personal growth and is not quite as likely to fly off the handle in some annoyingly impulsive and immature way. Well plotted mystery. Believable dialogue. Interesting secondary characters, both ongoing and new. I look forward to the next one in the series. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
58 reviews
March 31, 2022
Secrets

I almost gave up reading because the first 40% of the story was rather slow and from reading the previous Leah novels, she's never correct on her first choice of who the killer is.

I was ready to give the story a 2 star until the biach Ice Queen was no long in the story. Then it became a 5 star novel.
89 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2022
I love this series. I've read them in order and would recommend other readers do so. The books are fairly long (over 300 pages), and the plots are intricate and change course. I like the characters and their relationships with each other. The writing is good with very few mistakes. There are 8 books in the series with another due next month and am looking forward to reading all of them.
678 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2025
Small Town Intrigue

A young woman comes to town and stays at Miguel's house as an air band b. When Miguel returns he found her dead on the floor of his living room. Miguel's uncle Craig was arrested on charges of murder. No one in town new her or why she was in their small town. Action packed with lies, leads that don't pan out and two more murders!
1,507 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2017
Dangerous Secrets

This is the new book in this series. Loved it. I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out. That will not be until 2018. I recommend this series. Great mystery.
2 reviews
December 10, 2017
Good read

The chapters are well conceived and rounded out. The action flows smoothly with no filler material. I enjoyed the read and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Profile Image for CARRIE STIRLING.
11 reviews
May 23, 2019
Love Love Love!

I love the Leah Nash detective stories! They grab my attention from the git go. All the twists and turns, you never know how it will end, that’s what makes it a great book!
Profile Image for Charlene Davis.
1,143 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2019
Fantastic

Leah Nash does it again. I never did figure it out till Ross was being held ( ooops no spoilers here). You all have to find read to find out who comes out as Iran's friends.
Profile Image for Natalie.
14 reviews
October 11, 2019
I had the culprit pegged from the beginning in this one, though I must admit, the hows and the whys eluded me until the end. It's a fun read, though the twist made me very sad. I'm looking forward to read about Leah's exploits and what happens to Coop, Gabe, Miguel, Nick, and all the others.
796 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2021
Another good mystery

This book, fourth in the series, showed up with Leah and her
Cohorts trying to find a way to get Miguel’s uncle freed from the murder charge. This mystery had many twists and turns especially at the end. This is another good “who done it”mystery.
Profile Image for Rhonnie Cough.
426 reviews18 followers
July 11, 2021
I love this series, in all its unrealistic glory. It’s addictive. I love Himmel and I want to go there. Leah is likable and somewhat relatable. I like this author’s writing - miraculously she’s not repetitive but gives all the info the reader needs. Fun fun.
Profile Image for Angie.
195 reviews
July 19, 2023
Lord, what a ride! So many unexpected twists in this one! I just love this series so much! I can't wait to read the next one in the series. That's one plus to being behind in my reading; I don't have to wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Garry Bell.
96 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2024
Falling Like Dominos!

Another page turner with more deaths than a dog has fleas! They are dropping left and right, and, who is the killer? This one keeps you waiting for the nd so you find out who did it and why. Can't wait for #5!
197 reviews
September 20, 2024
Dangerous Secrets by Susan Hunter

This is the second book of this author that I have read. Once again, very interesting crime thriller. Leah Nash acknowledges her impetuous actions but ends up solving the case accompanied by good logical deductions.
26 reviews
February 17, 2018
Stayed up too late last night to finish the book. It was worth the lost sleep for sure. I like Leah’s imperfections and the twists at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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