Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.
Didn't she?
Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to an explosive series.
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.
This final book in the Deadly Reunion series, brings the cast of characters back together once again and Jillian returning to South Carolina to face the spectres of the past and stop the attempts on her and her friends lives. It is just as fast paced and riveting as the first two books with so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out another twist would make me rethink my guess as to the villain. The surprise ending wraps this fantastic series up with a bang. Eason's knowledge/research of police departments, FBI tactics, as well as forensic pathology adds great details to her books. Her faith thread winds its way realistically throughout the novel. I would recommend this series to readers who like fast-paced Christian suspense.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I think some people can start out having a passion for God, but if that passion isn't flamed, discipled, or encouraged, it can--....flame out?"
"I mean, having a relationship with God still takes work on our part. If you ignore it long enough, it will wither and die. I'm talking about on the human end, not God's"
Let’s just say I spent the entire book on pins and needles. The End. Nope, not enough. It was a great book! What a stunningly grand finale this one is to the Deadly Reunions series! As you may recall, I’ve now read six books by Lynette, with the first in this series (When the Smoke Clears) being my favorite of them all…until I read this one. Which ties with book 1. Both unbelievably good. As readers of the first books in the series will hopefully remember, each book has its own complete suspense story, and yet through both of the first two, there’s also a bit of suspense building around a central event and person…and that doesn’t get cleared up until this book. It’s a story in itself, but trust me – you’ll be glad to know the characters and the background from the first two books, so read them all! So worth it. :) So yes…Lynette Eason has done it again. Written yet another suspense that will keep you reading late into the night. There are few suspense books that can aspire to be this good! If you ask me about my favorite suspense authors, I have several to mention – but Lynette was the first I found, and is always the first to come to mind. The cover of this particular book is SO neat – the blue and purple and white, the brown eyes, the dark hair…all of it. According to the back of the book, it’s “spine-tingling” and “nail-biting.” Yup. It’s true. Loved the characters (especially Colton, aka, the hero) and the story was very suspenseful as I’ve mentioned. Love! *Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.* **Revell sent me a copy of this book in return for my honest review. I wasn’t required to review it positively, nor was I recompensed for this review in any way other than the book. I really did love it. :) **
I really enjoyed the fast-paced action and the mystery in this one. The villain sure did turn out to be a wicked one, and his partner in crime even more diabolical...it took some good guessing to figure out what might be going on by the end of the chapter!
Wow, I finished this like a week ago. XD I've been avoiding the review just cause I didn't feel like writing one. XD
Characters: Colton was a great character and the tension between his loyalty to family and his love for Jillian was great! He's a super great dude! Jillian---I liked her character mostly, but didn't connect a whole lot with her. *shrugs* Blake was really cool! And such a nice guy too! Meg, I loved Meg! And I really enjoyed getting to see the cast of the previous two books as well!
Romance: A second chance romance between Colton and Jillian. Mentions that things got out of hand when they were younger.
Language: N/A
Violence/Gore: Attempted murders, murder, mentions of a serial killer from the previous book, shootings, minor injuries, explosion, bomb, and car chase/crash...attempted kidnapping, actually two of those. Nothing is super detailed or gory.
Content Consideration: Child born out of wedlock.
Overall: This was a good end to the Deadly Reunion Series, though if I was that highschool class I'd have given up on the reunion long before this book. XD Like, nah, I'm not coming y'all...lol....mark me as scared or a coward, I don't care. I choose life! Anyway, I enjoyed this read.
When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason Genre: Historical Fiction Format: Kindle Timeframe: Present Day Location: Um, I don’t know Main Characters: Jillian Carter: Main Character Colton Brady: Ex-boyfriend, father of Jillian’s 9 year old daughter Frank Hoffman: Colton’s senator uncle. Elizabeth Hoffman: Frank’s wife
Jillian Carter has been in hiding for the past 10 years, keeping her 9 year old daughter a secret for both their safety. Jillian witnessed a killing the night of her high school graduation. Because the killer was high profile and turned his gun on her when he realized she saw it all, she knew she was in danger and she’d be a target if she stayed in town. Borrowing money, she left and hasn’t been seen since.
Now 10 years later, after the man who wants to marry her was blown up in the car she was driving, she knows she needs this to stop. She’d have to find evidence that will convict the killer, who just happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s uncle. This means she must return to her hometown and risk her life for sure.
As soon as she sets foot in the airport, the action starts. Somehow they knew she was coming. And throughout the book she’s a target. Meanwhile, keeping her daughter’s identity and whereabouts has become a bit more challenging, as evidenced by a note from the killer telling her they will get her.
Colton is skeptical of Jillian’s story. First, because his uncle has always been like a father to him, and second, he thinks she may not have seen what she claims to have. He reserves the right to give his uncle the benefit of the doubt.
But when, in just a few days, attempts on her life have occurred more times than you can hardly count, he begins to doubt his uncle’s innocence.
Fast pace, intriguing, “who-on-earth-is-doing-this” storylines are all the way through this book. And, of course, what you think you know? It’s probably wrong.
No matter how close I think I get to figuring out whodunit, Lynette Eason flips the story on its head and shocks me. Every. Single. Time. When a Secret Kills is no exception.
In this story, the final installment of her Deadly Reunions series, Lynette carved out a great romantic suspense that I can hardly wait to read again (although my to-be-read pile demands my patience). Her plot lines constantly keep me guessing, throwing me off kilter every couple of chapters. The thing I love most is how quickly I reach the end of her books, which I’m sure is tied directly to those twists and turns in the tale. Leaving me hanging at the end of chapters—and in the middle of them, sometimes—will do that every time. As I was reading When a Secret Kills, I kept flipping pages as quickly as my eyes could read the words on the page. I was shocked to see how soon the epilogue came! This book is really good, and I can’t recommend the entire series high enough. If you enjoy stories of suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end, Lynette Eason is the author for you.
The final book in the Deadly Reunions series, When a Secret Kills, brings Jillian Carter out from hiding. Pushing her fear aside, she returns to her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, with the intent to expose the murder she witnessed ten years ago, the night she disappeared. Although revealing that she’s the only witness may bring the killer after her, the stakes she’s dealing with propel her forward. When her high school sweetheart shows up at the airport, instead of the friend she thought was coming, she doesn’t know to trust him or not. When she entrusts him with the information only she knows about the killer, both their worlds turn upside down . . . and their lives placed on the chopping block. Will they evade attempts on their lives long enough to find the proof needed to put away a murderer? Or will the killer outsmart them at every turn?
Ooh, I’m getting chills all over again while writing this review. I’m telling you, this story is GOOD. It seems like every time I read one of Lynette Eason’s novels, I end up staying up extra late to find out what happens next. I might pay for it with a tired brain the next day, but it’s worth it. I hope you get the chance to find that out for yourself.
My favorite line in the book is something Jillian said in chapter 21. “You knew this day was coming. It’s time for the truth to come out.” That had me wiggling in my seat, eager to see what she was talking about. Of course it was hard to put the book down, even though I had to work. I know the Deadly Reunions series was wrapped up with this one, but I’m ready to read another Lynette Eason book. How about you?
After reading When the Smoke Clears and When a Heart Stops, I was really anticipating When a Secret Kills - the conclusion to Lynette Eason's Deadly Reunion series. Let me say, it definitely met my expectations (which were really high) and When a Secret Kills just may be my favorite of the series.
Jillian and Colton were great main characters. I liked them from the beginning and, as the story continued, my affection for them kept growing. :) I did get a little frustrated with Meg, though.
I loved the romance story in When a Secret Kills. It was sweet and realistic. I liked how the couple already knew each other and had been in love, but circumstances separated them, so it wasn't an "instant" romance.
When a Secret Kills also had a lot of surprises. There were some things in Jillian's story I just did not expect. Oh, and I loved the ending! It was cool how Lynette Eason wrapped things up.
Overall, I loved When a Secret Kills. This book held my attention from the beginning on and I had a hard time putting it down. I recommend it if you enjoy romantic suspense books. I think you should probably read the series in order, though, as it'll definitely help with context. Wonderful read! :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
( edited rveiew October 2021 ) I'm reviewing all three books in the 'Deadly Reunion' series here in one review so I don't spoil each book ! Ten years ago Alexia,Serena , and Jillian's lives changed forver . That night all those years ago Jillian witnesses something that causes her to fear for her life , and decide to flee town leaving bewildered friends behind . Serena and lexia have formed new lives without Jillian ,they haven't seen her since that night .When Serena returns home for the high school reunion everything goes wrong . Someone is determined to take them out , and they won't stop until the girls are dead .
I really loved the different careers in this series . Some of them were brand new and interesting im different ways *Alexia is a smoke jumper *Serena is a medical examiner , she examines dead bodies . *Jillian is an investigative reporter ,something I wouldn't mind doing !
The whole series was high suspense and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Jillian is so tough and stubborn. Meg was absolutely hilarious. At times I felt like yelling at Jillian and Colton, because they wouldn't admi the fact that they both have feelings for each other even after being apart for so long. Great book and wonderful series. I guessed basically all of the "twists", (I'm sorry, I just can't help it!) nonethless, it was still suspenseful.
What an ending to a great series. This is a series to be read in order, since the plot of book 3 starts in Book 1 and continues and concludes in book 3. This series will found a place on my favourite list.
Jillian saw something 10 years ago on graduation night, and disappeared. Now after 10 years she is back for answers and to bring the truth to light even though her life is in danger. She reunites with Colton, her high school boyfriend, detective and nephew of the man she accuses of murdering the governor.
The suspense and mystery kept me guessing from beginning to end. Some questions were answered instantly, for example what was in the package Jillian send to Serena in book 2 and some was only answered towards the end of the book, who is the mystery man, who is sending the mystery notes. My list of suspects grew with the turn of each page and there was a few unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Jillian and Colton was my favourite couple of the series. They had a history and I felt for them, for all the lost years. It was beautiful to see how they forgave and grew closer to each other.
If you love suspense books, you need to read Lynette Eason. She kept me on the edge of my seat through all of the books of her I read, the plots are well written, the killers twisted (think criminal minds) and the love stories secondary to the suspense but sweet.
Talk about a twist from what I thought the ending was going to be! A suspenseful conclusion to a three book series that can has kept me on my toes.
I have been waiting for Jillian’s story for three novels now. She has been the reason and the driving forward behind what our killer has aimed for. It takes courage for her to come back and face the man who she believes to be after her life and the girl doesn’t get much of a break!
It seemed with this title, there needed to be an explosion or death threat every couple of chapters to keep the tension level high. After a bit this pace became a bit old, but the romance leveled in was a nice balancing act.
As I mentioned above, the end had a fantastic twist that I didn’t see coming for three books. I think it was a surprise for our would-be murderer too. Talk about depravity…but it was interesting and different. Made for a “did that really just happen??” moment.
Contemporary suspense with a flair of romance and more than just a pinch of fast finger-flicking through the pages. A weekend read sure to keep you up late to find out “who did it”.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available May 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
This may be my favorite book in Lynette Eason’s Deadly Reunions Series. I enjoyed all books very much, but the main characters in “When a Secret Kills” are my favorites. And finally we read the conclusion of the big mystery. You may be in for a surprise, although I started to suspect how the ending would be while devouring this story. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, then I recommend you start with the first book and take time to read the whole series in one sitting. It’s definitely worth your time!
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*
Who is the note writer threatening Senator Hoffman?
Who is the mystery guy trying to keep the secret quiet?
Who shot the governor?
Who organised the cover-up?
What did Jillian actually see that night 10 years ago?
Lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing as to who the bad guys are and what the motives could be...and just when you thought you had it figured, something else is thrown into the mix to send you wondering again! Lynette Eason has done a great job weaving the threads together throughout the series and keeping the intrigue high right to the end.
This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order, and one I highly recommend for fans of Christian Romantic Suspense.
#1 #2 #3
Looking forward to #4 ~ an ebook short where we meet up with our charaters 7 years later.
Jillian Carter has spent the last 10 years of her life hiding from a killer. Tired of hiding and living a secret Jillian decides to return home to confront the person trying to kill her. The killer is getting closer to Jillian and becoming desperate to finish the job.
Colton Brady is stunned to see the changes in Jillian, the girl he once was in love with. Once Jillian reveals her reason for disappearing 10 years before, Colton has a hard time believing her story. After several attempts on Jillian's life though, Colton has no choice but to confront someone very close to him.
Jillian and Colton have really never stopped loving each other. As Colton fights to keep Jillian alive the attraction they had for each other many years before is once again rekindled. Jillian has one last secret that she is keeping from Colton though. Will this be the secret that ends their relationship forever?
With so many twists and turns I kept thinking "oh this is the killer" or "oh no, THIS is the killer" and then change my mind again! What a great story that can have you guessing right up until the very end of the book! WHEN A SECRET KILLS was a quick and suspenseful read that has me looking forward to reading more of Lynette Eason's stories.
Ten years ago, Jillian saw a murder committed at a graduation party in her hometown. Changing her name, she fled the state and remained in hiding until she realized she had been found. Now, she has returned home to bring the murderer to justice; that is, if she can stay alive long enough....
In her third and final installment in the Deadly Reunions series, Ms. Eason is tying up all the loose ends from the first two novels. Jillian and Colton are finally reunited and work together to solve the mystery, while also coming to terms with their relationship. One of the most suspenseful aspects of the book is waiting for Jillian to reveal her secret to Colton and his response to her shocking revelation.
Clean, suspenseful mystery with romantic subplot; soft Christian theme.
4.5 stars
"Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I loved this book completely amazing, kept me at the edge of my seat as my craving of wanting to know what happened next built up as I turned each page. I must say Jillian is one lucky lady, having being able to survive all those attempts on her life. I always predict the ending right but this time I was caught unaware, I completely did not expect that Elizabeth would be the mastermind. Lynette Eason outdid herself in this book and I would recommend this to all mystery and investigative lovers out there. She researched widely sought advice from all corners and the result is this outstanding novel. I can honestly say, She's just become one of my favorite authors. P.S Meg jillian's daughter is very witty every time she spoke I couldn't help but smile, what a cute smart young lady there.
A solid 4.5 stars. A thrilling conclusion to the series, and the mystery that we have had from the opening page of book 1 is finally revealed and a conclusion reached. We finally meet the mysterious Jillian, who left her friends Avery and Serena on the night of their high school graduation, and disappeared. Jillian and Colton reunite, and the action is non stop. Great read, very hard to put down.
Investigative report Jillian Carter comes back to Columbia, SC after 10 years to deal with her past. A past where she witnesses a murder and has been on the run for her life. Enough is enough and it's time to report the truth.
All the characters from the series are reunited for a fast-paced, action-packed who dun it that will make you keep turning pages.
This book is fantastic! The suspense never lets up, and I was totally blown away by the ending. The whole story is full of one twist after the other, and I can see why Lynette Eason is a well-known and well-liked author. I'm one of her faithful fans.
Over all.....I give this book a 5+ star rating. Way to go, Ms. Eason. Keep the outstanding books coming.
Even if the characters are like: "Oh, hey Jillian. How have you been?" We finally got to see her!!! We finally got to know what this was all about!!! We finally got to have an end!!! And little Meg!!! I LOVED HER!!! And Bert and Ernie; German Shepherds military dogs named after the characters from Sesame Street!!! YES!!! And that plot twist!!!!
The One Thing I Didn't Like In This Series:
So Eason has created these wonderful characters, especially the side characters. But, ummm, where are they???
I felt there were a lot of things that was incomplete with the series.
Like Hunter's brother Chad. So he has this problem with his ex-wife in book one. Book two his ex is in the hospital from a car wreck and he is supposed to watch his little girl. And then... AND THEN!!!! Nothing. I wish I could say read and find out, but I can't, in this book Chad is nonexistent.
Then we have Hunter's sister Christine; she is dating Rick in book one. I don't think we even see her in book 2. And in book three we see her, but we don't get to see any developments with her and Rick. But yet, Rick has a role in all three books!!! Really, this needed to be clarified.
Then there's Rick and Katie. Katie really grew on me as the series went on, at first I didn't really like her, but then I began to. These two were wonderful side characters, but we hardly ever got to see them!!!!
Then we have our main characters, Alexia, Hunter, Serena, Dominic, Jillian, and Colton. Look these are the important ones.
But like in book one Serena leaves for China, that's fine for the beginning book. Jillian is nowhere to be found, again that's fine.
Book two: Alexia and Hunter are trying to find her dad (so the author removes extra characters again.) They were in the book but with limited roles.
Book three: Jillian comes in on the scene, and no one is that surprised??? Alexia is almost always working through this book and we hardly see her, Serena is around but her role is limited, as is Dominic's and Hunter's. I thought that Alexia and Serena were important for the grand finale, isn't that why those things happen to them for??? So why is it only about Jillian for???
Then there were those notes.... The book never tells us who was sending them....
Content in Book:
This is a crime story, so be aware that the contents might have some spoilers.
1. Violence (shooting people with a gun, a car crash on purpose, shooting dogs and people with tranquilizer darts, etc.)
2. Kidnapping.
3. Threats.
4. Autopsies on dead people. (This is part of a crime investigation.)
5. A child born out of wedlock.
6. A bomb.
Will I continue with the other Books in the Series???
Wait.... Isn't this the last book??? Yes, but there is a novella that takes place after this book. And Retribution is so good!!!
Special thanks to Sarita, my good Goodreads friend and buddy for the 2018 Christian Fiction Bloggers group Duo Team Challenge, thanks for recommending this series to me, I LOVED IT!!! Like you said I was going to. =)
Lynette Eason in her new book, “When A Secret Kills” Book Three in her Deadly Reunions series published by Revell takes us into the life of Jillian Carter.
From the Back Cover: She’s come home to put a killer behind bars. But the killer plans to put her six feet under.
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do–find the truth and expose it. And the truth is that Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago–and Jillian watched it happen.
Didn’t she?
Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to this explosive series.
A car bomb that blows up the wrong person and a botched assassination attempt at the airport. Someone really really does not like Jillian Carter! A ten-year old secret is about to be exposed and the killer will go to any lengths to make sure that it does not happen. To complicate matters the police do not believe the story that Jillian tells them. How is she going to be able to prove the truth when she can barely stay alive? “When A Secret Kills” is a thriller, no doubt about it. Jillian and Colton’s lives are in great danger from page one and the danger grows with the body count. Just when you think you might know where the story is heading Ms. Eason tosses in another turn which you take at high-speed on two wheels. Ms. Eason makes her characters so real and you root for them to complete their mission and you root for their romance to blossom. Ms. Eason knows how to tell a story that keeps you flipping the pages and guessing as to who the bad guys really are. This is a wild ride read and I recommend it highly. With this book this high-octane series comes to an end however I am already looking forward to the next series from Ms. Eason.
If you missed the interview for “Too Close To Home”, the first book in the other series, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I really enjoy Lynnette Eason's books, but I wasn't too sure about this series. It sounded really good, so its not that. I wasn't too sure about a trilogy where you everything wasn't solved until the last book. I like to see a book end, and the first two in the series had endings, but there was still so much that didn't end. I still enjoyed the first two books immensely though, but to say I was eagerly waiting for book three to come out, is an understatement. I read it the day it came in the mail, and it was well worth the wait.
In book three of The Deadly Reunions Series, we finally get to meet the woman who has been at the heart of all the threats and attempts on the lives of her two friends in the previous two books. The book brings all three friends together along with other characters from the other two books. The suspense and attempts to silence Jillian are stepped up in this book, and I couldn't have put the book down if I'd had to. Even though I thought I knew everything, there were still some surprises, and this book was even more of page turner than the other two were.
This is definitely the best book, and series from this author so far. It is a series that definitely needs to be read in order. The books do have a lesson. It is always important to do the right thing, even when it can mean your life. Book three also dealt with forgiveness. Jillian had to forgive those who had wronged her so much, and the police detective who had been her senior year love in high school, also had much to forgive.
I absolutely loved this whole series, and especially this last book in the trilogy. It is one I found myself reading back over some parts, including the great ending. I am sad to see the series end, but what a great journey the books took me on.