Nothing Hidden

by Paulette Bullinger

In the quiet landscape of the Upper Great Plains in North Dakota, good people keep up appearances: Through holy works, and by imbibing in the spirit of bootleg moonshine, they navigate the waters between Heaven and Hell. It’s a place where love triangles cross rivers and religious lines at the same time, and when a lover is spurned, the local medicine woman can join herbs and the fruits of the land into a potion that can cure anything—perhaps even a broken heart. In a landscape with few places to hide, it’s a place where there’s Nothing Hidden, but even murders can go unsolved—for generations.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Amazon

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2012

About the author

Paulette grew up in the small town of Huff, North Dakota. She attended country school there and graduated from Mandan High School. After high school, she graduated from the University of Mary with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. She is currently employed at Odney in Bismarck as a media buyer/planner. She is married to Bob, and they own Circle Diamond Ranch Supply in Mandan, North Dakota. They have seven children and five grandchildren. Paulette’s interests include photography, history, and now, writing. This is her first published work.

Reviews

[Val Sanford · Rating 3 out of 5]

While interesting, this book didn't go where it could have gone. The story peters out into expected, cliche events and emotions. While reading i would be distracted and stop to do something else. I enjoyed the background of religious life in the early 1900's and the duplicity of bootleggers. This was not Big Rock Candy Mountain, though.

Probably worth reading, but only if you're looking for light historical mysteries; it's more about love gone wrong and inexhaustible human greed.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was relatively inexpensive at $2.99 on Kindle. The idea behind it wasn't bad, but the writing was very simplistic with the author simply relating a story rather than building up a world with real people for the reader. Because of this I never felt a connection with the characters or even the setting. It's a shame because in the hands of a more experienced writer this could have been an interesting little tale.

[Linda Reinhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. I enjoyed the story - partly because I am familiar with the area but also because I found the historical aspects of interest. The book doesn't contain much dialogue or character development but is an example of storytelling that was entertaining to me.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because it is based in the early 1900s near the city in which I live. Overall I enjoyed it. I think this author will get better at her development of characters as she writes more.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catholicism, murder, and greed are at the heart of "Nothing Hidden."

Catholicism will keep you from the one you love. Greed will make you pretend you love. Murder? Well, folks murder for all sorts of reasons and priests are bound by oath.

During the height of Prohibition one man's greed will propel him into the arms of a woman who can further his ambitions in his moonshine business. She is loved by another whose different religion keeps them apart. Rose has a dream though and that doesn't include men. Her father has a dream and that doesn't include Rose's. Her brother has a dream and a debt.

Rose has a long-time friend Lillian who is in love with the man who loves Rose. Lillian has a friend Anna who knows the truth.

This is somewhat of a page-turner and a bit of a surprise.

[GlenK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A low key chamber mystery set in early 20th century North Dakota and involving rivalries, deceptions, murders, and secrets hidden across decades. The setting and small cast of characters are all nicely drawn and - for a first novel - it's extremely polished.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice read. I could see where it was going for the most part, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable. Some parts were quite unexpected, and that was nice. Very well written. Nothing to difficult - a great light read.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it's a great story, the characters are so thinly developed that it's hard to get upset when a main character dies. The author develops the story, but then, in a few chapters, brings it to an abrupt end. I enjoyed the premise of the story, but just wasn't well written.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. The murky past, real everyday people, old primary source material, and geneaology in a good semi fictitious tale.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so impressed Paulette!! Great book!

[Karen B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad for a Kindle freebie. IMO it would have been a whole lot better if the characters were better developed.