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The Secrets on Forest Bend
Another day . . . another dead body.
When Detective Adam Campbell learns that a WWII gun is connected to several murders he’s investigating, he hopes that tracking down the killer will be as easy as tracing the gun’s history. When he meets Jillian Whitmeyer, the last known owner of the weapon, the case becomes anything but simple.
Adam soon learns that people who get close to Jillian have a bad habit of turning up dead. Jillian claims that the spirit of her sister, accidently killed with that same gun, is responsible for the deaths. She warns Adam that he is likely to become the next victim. Adam’s been a lousy judge of women in the past and this one’s obviously a nut case. Or is she? How does a just-the-facts detective deal with a ghostly serial killer and the sexy-as-hell sister she won’t set free?
When Detective Adam Campbell learns that a WWII gun is connected to several murders he’s investigating, he hopes that tracking down the killer will be as easy as tracing the gun’s history. When he meets Jillian Whitmeyer, the last known owner of the weapon, the case becomes anything but simple.
Adam soon learns that people who get close to Jillian have a bad habit of turning up dead. Jillian claims that the spirit of her sister, accidently killed with that same gun, is responsible for the deaths. She warns Adam that he is likely to become the next victim. Adam’s been a lousy judge of women in the past and this one’s obviously a nut case. Or is she? How does a just-the-facts detective deal with a ghostly serial killer and the sexy-as-hell sister she won’t set free?
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First published January 1, 2011
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606 people want to read
About the author
Susan C. Muller
16 books75 followersSusan C. Muller is a fourth generation Texan. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she studied creative writing. Her novel, The Secrets on Forest Bend, has won several awards. The next novels in her Occult series,The Witch on Twisted Oak and Voodoo on Bayou Lafonte, have received excellent reviews..
She enjoys speaking to book clubs and writer’s groups.
She loves to travel and has been fortunate to see much of the world. Her favorite places include Kenya, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands. She has been to every continent except Antarctica. She has been spotted shopping for a heavy parka, just in case.
When not writing, she can be found doing volunteer work at a local hospital. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, snorkeling and taking long walks.
She can be found at: www.SusanCMuller.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 27, 2013
The Secrets on Forest Bend is a great, fast-paced story for anyone who loves a fun mystery packed with all the elements you'd need for an enjoyable read. Witty dialogue, a believable, yet sexy hero, and a spunky heroine. And, best yet, a ghostly villain. It doesn't get much better. Susan delivers a great story and I look forward to many more from her!
January 11, 2017
The Secrets on Forest Bend is a mystery with a supernatural presence and romance all rolled into one story. I was a bit curious how the author was going to pull this off and really wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. I am not a romance reader but what romance is in it seems natural and is not overpowering. The way it was written, the ghost was an essential character in the story and had a very 'deadly' side since she had a bad habit of leaving bodies behind even though most people, including those who were her victims, never saw her or knew of her presence. At the beginning of the story, only one person knew of her existence but even she didn't know of the extent this ghost went to in the past or is willing to go to, to get what she wants. She also didn't know how was she going to convince others of this ghosts existence.
The book opens with the Prologue of an event that took place 26 years ago involving two sisters that is essential to understanding the story while the book itself takes place in the present starting in April of 2015. The story does follow a natural timeline and refers to this event but stays in the present throughout. Although I am not sure how many months the story itself takes place in, it is not an issue since the story follows a natural time flow over the months with the setting being in the Montrose section of Houston, TX.
The main character of Jillian Whitmeyer is well developed throughout the story although the believability is what I question. Some of the things she does are completely 'off' to me but then again I don't know how I would act if my dead sister was haunting me all the time either. Since she had tried prior to the story taking place to tell others about the ghost of her sister only to find herself committed to a mental health facility, I assume that this is the reason for her 'odd' actions or reactions at times in the story.
Jillian's ghostly sister Heather is essential to the story so I would say she is also a main character. She is not developed as a person much since she was a child of 13 when she died, however she is developed enough for me to know just how pampered she was and how she always got her way. As a ghost her evil side shows without a doubt; how she still wants her way no matter who or what she destroys to get it.
Another main character is Detective Adam Campbell who is not developed as well as Jillian but still enough is known to make him a reasonably well-rounded character and for understanding why he feels or thinks the way he does. Although some of his actions seem questionable, since a ghost is involved then I guess anything is possible.
There are other minor characters in the story with various development. They strike me as characters any of us probably have in our own towns and are believable. My favorite one being the character of Snake-Eye who is a leader of a small motorcycle group and in desperate need of a shower.
The story itself is realistic, except for the ghost part. Detective Adam Campbell tries to trace a gun used in several murders which leads him to Jillian since she was the last owner of the gun. However, in finding Jillian, another problem is realized when she proves she had turned that gun into the police department a year ago to be destroyed. With Jillian's help, Detective Campbell tried to discover who at the department isn't doing their job which also puts both Detective Campbell and Jillian in contact with each other for a relationship to bloom. However, this also puts Jillian in the position of trying to convince Detective Campbell that her sister is a ghost who is responsible for the deaths of several people and he is likely to become her next target.
The story was well written with what I thought was the right blend of romance, ghostly encounters, and characters that kept me turning the pages. It was an easy read, always moving, and had some unexpected twists. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who likes ghost stories and crime stories with a touch of romance.
The book opens with the Prologue of an event that took place 26 years ago involving two sisters that is essential to understanding the story while the book itself takes place in the present starting in April of 2015. The story does follow a natural timeline and refers to this event but stays in the present throughout. Although I am not sure how many months the story itself takes place in, it is not an issue since the story follows a natural time flow over the months with the setting being in the Montrose section of Houston, TX.
The main character of Jillian Whitmeyer is well developed throughout the story although the believability is what I question. Some of the things she does are completely 'off' to me but then again I don't know how I would act if my dead sister was haunting me all the time either. Since she had tried prior to the story taking place to tell others about the ghost of her sister only to find herself committed to a mental health facility, I assume that this is the reason for her 'odd' actions or reactions at times in the story.
Jillian's ghostly sister Heather is essential to the story so I would say she is also a main character. She is not developed as a person much since she was a child of 13 when she died, however she is developed enough for me to know just how pampered she was and how she always got her way. As a ghost her evil side shows without a doubt; how she still wants her way no matter who or what she destroys to get it.
Another main character is Detective Adam Campbell who is not developed as well as Jillian but still enough is known to make him a reasonably well-rounded character and for understanding why he feels or thinks the way he does. Although some of his actions seem questionable, since a ghost is involved then I guess anything is possible.
There are other minor characters in the story with various development. They strike me as characters any of us probably have in our own towns and are believable. My favorite one being the character of Snake-Eye who is a leader of a small motorcycle group and in desperate need of a shower.
The story itself is realistic, except for the ghost part. Detective Adam Campbell tries to trace a gun used in several murders which leads him to Jillian since she was the last owner of the gun. However, in finding Jillian, another problem is realized when she proves she had turned that gun into the police department a year ago to be destroyed. With Jillian's help, Detective Campbell tried to discover who at the department isn't doing their job which also puts both Detective Campbell and Jillian in contact with each other for a relationship to bloom. However, this also puts Jillian in the position of trying to convince Detective Campbell that her sister is a ghost who is responsible for the deaths of several people and he is likely to become her next target.
The story was well written with what I thought was the right blend of romance, ghostly encounters, and characters that kept me turning the pages. It was an easy read, always moving, and had some unexpected twists. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who likes ghost stories and crime stories with a touch of romance.
August 9, 2013
Adam and Jillian are up against some mighty high odds and the road to happily-ever-after is filled with ruts and gravel. Adam is a detective and follows the trail of one particular gun and all the chaos surrounding it. Jillian's sister is pretty scary, just saying, but that's all part of the fun.
AND, I just read the ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of Susan C. Muller's next book, THE WITCH ON TWISTED OAK. Muller has written a second book, this time it's Adam's partner, Ruben, who's playing the lead. This book will be available on August 28th and I'll be buying a copy for my keeper shelf. Yeah, it's that good. Muller is now an Auto-Buy for me. :)
AND, I just read the ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of Susan C. Muller's next book, THE WITCH ON TWISTED OAK. Muller has written a second book, this time it's Adam's partner, Ruben, who's playing the lead. This book will be available on August 28th and I'll be buying a copy for my keeper shelf. Yeah, it's that good. Muller is now an Auto-Buy for me. :)
April 2, 2016
This was a Goodreads win that I found most delightful. I'm not one who usually cares for paranormals but this had a special touch. It had a little romance in it along with a mystery. I found the characters to be enjoyable and it was a nice easily-read page turner.
March 24, 2013
I highly recommend Secrets on Forest Bend. It's a great read with lots of twists and turns. I'm looking forward to reading more from Susan Muller.
December 5, 2018
The writing is good, and I liked the paranormal aspect of the story; however, I was a bit confused by what the ghost could and couldn't do. For example, the ghost was able to age progress beyond the age at which, she died. I also don't think she'd be able to go shopping and change clothes at will.
That's the problem with books with spirits and ghosts -- if the author's view does not align with your own, it can color your opinion of the whole story.
Although I liked the ending for the two, main non-spirits in the book, I'm confused as to the resolution of the ghost's storyline.
That's the problem with books with spirits and ghosts -- if the author's view does not align with your own, it can color your opinion of the whole story.
Although I liked the ending for the two, main non-spirits in the book, I'm confused as to the resolution of the ghost's storyline.
October 23, 2018
I was thankful to find a book that I enjoyed from start to finish after reading some sub-par and downright horrible books lately. The main and sub-characters were very likable and I actually liked Heather who was the main antagonist in this story. It's worth the read if you like detective mysteries and ghost stories with some romance mixed in.
November 13, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were well rounded, interesting characters. The story didn't drag out or take you down rabbit holes, but had enough meat in it to make you want to see how things would turn out or who was going to do what next, and kept me turning the pages. Nice work, Ms. Muller!!
October 20, 2018
Great read..
Another fantastic book by Muller, you just can't put them down. We don't understand the supernatural and it's easy to be dismissive but it can give you good for thought.
Another fantastic book by Muller, you just can't put them down. We don't understand the supernatural and it's easy to be dismissive but it can give you good for thought.
October 23, 2018
I found this book an excellent read. The characters were believable and delightful. I enjoyed the story line and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a light read.
April 17, 2019
The Secrets one Forest Bend
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a series of murders that appear to have no motive and a killer who leaves no evidence.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a series of murders that appear to have no motive and a killer who leaves no evidence.
November 27, 2022
High two/low three. Not impressed with the bedding of a civilian the way it went down, and I'm not entirely sure how the house burnt, but I'm well pleased it's finished.
April 23, 2014
A cherry cordial of a book with a sweet romantic center and a dark mystery story coating.
Detective Adam Campbell is working alone as his partner is on sick leave. The list of unsolved murder cases he is responsible for has been growing, and now with his latest one there seems to be some paranormal element involved. Not one to believe in spirits he looks for the rational answers. Adam’s past also is hindering his ability to solve the murders.
Jillian Rose Whitmeyer, gun shop owner, is not who or what Adam expected as he began to track down the history of the weapon used in his latest case. She does not fit the profile of a proprietor of a gun shop, but his attraction to her is even more surprising. She is not the type of woman he normally would be instantly drawn to.
The dark mystery of the history of the murder weapon takes Adam and Jillian to places they would never have anticipated going. The result is sweet satisfaction with the change that occurs in their lives.
This story checks all the boxes for a mystery, paranormal activity, and a satisfying romance.
Detective Adam Campbell is working alone as his partner is on sick leave. The list of unsolved murder cases he is responsible for has been growing, and now with his latest one there seems to be some paranormal element involved. Not one to believe in spirits he looks for the rational answers. Adam’s past also is hindering his ability to solve the murders.
Jillian Rose Whitmeyer, gun shop owner, is not who or what Adam expected as he began to track down the history of the weapon used in his latest case. She does not fit the profile of a proprietor of a gun shop, but his attraction to her is even more surprising. She is not the type of woman he normally would be instantly drawn to.
The dark mystery of the history of the murder weapon takes Adam and Jillian to places they would never have anticipated going. The result is sweet satisfaction with the change that occurs in their lives.
This story checks all the boxes for a mystery, paranormal activity, and a satisfying romance.
January 28, 2016
This is not my usual fare but I enjoyed it. It's a murder mystery/romance/paranormal. Adam, the detective, is tracking a gun that was supposed to have been destroyed years ago. That leads him to J.R. (Jillian) who owns a gun store. Jillian's sister was killed with the gun. Jillian's mother and father both died tragically and now one of her friends has killed himself. Adam falls for Jillie but has to clear her first and in trying to do that learns that their is more to Jillie than he thought. The characters are believable and flawed. The mystery was good and the romance was good. Just goes to show you that we all want love and we all have ghosts of our own. Give it a try! I think you'll be glad you did.
August 30, 2012
This was a very unusual but engrossing tale. The gradual revelation of Heather impacted so many lives leading to the surprising solution was paced perfectly. The understated quality of the narration made the plot twists and turns even more surprising. Loved the characters - they were so rich and non stereotypical. Totally fell in love with Adam - he was a clever problem solver with a sensitive and practical nature. Jillian was was a good match for him, and I liked how they understood each other so well, almost from the beginning.. I really hope this author writes more!
October 18, 2013
Loved it! I adored this book. It's a detective story with a difference. The sinister beginning ensures the reader is drawn into it immediately and the paranormal theme continues throughout the whole book. The plot gives nothing away with lots of twists and turns and unexpected events, but I particularly enjoyed the romance which weaves its way through the storyline.
The characters are well-drawn and the novel is well written.
The book should appeal to those who enjoy detective stories, paranormal stories and romances.
The characters are well-drawn and the novel is well written.
The book should appeal to those who enjoy detective stories, paranormal stories and romances.
August 24, 2013
I love a good ghost story. The characters were interesting and daring, keeping you guessing at every twist and turn. Even Snake Eye, with his mangled English, and degrees kept me wanting to know more about him and his red neck ways. This story has it all - romance, mystery, ghosts, deception and intrigue. I would definitely read more by this author.
April 26, 2016
This was a Goodreads win that I found most delightful. I'm not one who usually cares for paranormals but this had a special touch. It had a little romance in it along with a mystery. I found the characters to be enjoyable and it was a nice easily-read page turner.
October 29, 2016
The Secrets on the Forest Bend is a mix of several different genres. It has some romance, some mystery/cop procedural, and a little paranormal. This is the first book of Susan Muller that I have read. It took a little while to get into but once the story had its foundation set it pulled me in.
February 14, 2014
This was surprisingly good. I didn't think I'd like it but the characters ended up being likeable and it drew me in.
November 18, 2015
An entertaining page-turner if you like your mysteries with a dose of the supernatural.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews