Secrets Don't Sink

by K.B. Jackson

Loose lips may sink ships, but bodies and secrets will always float to the surface.

Audrey O’Connell has returned from Portland to her hometown of Chattertowne, Washington, a place where gossip is currency but knowing when to stay tight-lipped is priceless. Procuring a part-time job at the local newspaper to keep an eye on her impetuous sister following Vivienne’s latest romantic scandal, Audrey is assigned a feature series for the upcoming festival which has her digging through the town archives in search of anything interesting. When her former boyfriend Marcus is found floating dead in the marina not long after reaching out to her in hopes of utilizing her research skills, her investigation reveals his conspiracy theories about Chattertowne and corruption within its leadership might not have been so crazy after all.

As she plumbs the depths of the town’s 150-year history, she discovers that beneath the façade of this idyllic hamlet lie secrets long-submerged–including within her own family–and finds herself in the crosshairs of those who guard them.
Now with three dead bodies, an intense case of aquaphobia, and a narrow window before her deadline, Audrey looks to City Manager Holden, octogenarian historian Mildred, and her enigmatic almost-boyfriend Darren to help her discover the truth that will forever change her and Chattertowne.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2023

About the author

When Kate B Jackson (K.B. Jackson) isn't writing about Sasquatch, secrets, and murder, she enjoys unearthing family scandals under the guise of ancestry research. A 2-time Agatha Award winner, 3-time Anthony Award finalist, and 2-time Silver Falchion Award nominated author of mysteries for kids and grownups, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her trophy husband and enjoys traveling with their four grown children. She writes the Sasquatch Hunters Middle Grade series, the Chattertowne Secrets mysteries, and the Cruising Sisters mysteries.

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Don't Sink follows Audrey O’Connell, a reporter for the Chattertowne newspaper, while she ventures in search of the truth about her ex boyfriends mystery death. Through twists and turns she finds new shocking informations about her hometown history that will rock the boat putting her life at risk.

I liked the cover and the title of this book at first sight. Then reading it I was absolutely raptured by the storyline, the writing, the pace and the characters.

I adored Audrey, she is curious, focused to find the truth, and meticulous. It was fun and thrilling to get on this journey with her.

K. B. Jackson brought to life a very well thought mystery, filled with plenty of surprises that make the readers doubt of everyone.

I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

[J.C. Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery whodunit based on my home state, along with this being my first K.B. Jackson mystery. It won't be my last.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by author K.B. Jackson, and certainly won't be my last. Full of intrigue and plenty of red herrings, I was guessing until the final pages. A great debut!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to write a review for this one!
Except for a few things, I found this book a delightful and fun read!
I most definitely loved Audrey's point of view! Lol, she cracked me up and was full of surprises for just a reporter.
The mystery was fun, too. I really loved the family dynamics! Just wow! quite a lot of family history and quite a lot to put themselves out for family heirlooms so to speak.
There's one character that I didn't particularly care for but I won't say who he is. He is a male but that's all I'll say.
The author has done a fantabulous job in keeping me engaged throughout this novel and I loved how she made them realistic.
I'm not going to give anymore away but I'm also going to say that I didn't approve of Chief Kimball's ways if you know what I mean? You'll have to read this book to see why.
I finished this book in a few hours because I wanted to find out who the perpetrator was and boy howdy was that a surprise!
Actually there's lots of surprises in this story and to my idea it's what made it a good book!
The name Chattertowne is cool. Definitely different!
A true twist and turns mystery that will leave u on the edge of your seat and keep turning the pages. Trust me when I say you don't want to out this book down! Just wow!
A new to me author that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will be looking forward to more from her. 5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Start To A New Mystery Series

Secrets Don’t Sink: A Chattertowne Mystery is the first of a new series by author K. B. Jackson. Set in the a small coastal town, journalist Audrey has returned home and taken a job writing for a the town newspaper. Assigned to cover the annual town festival, a job she sees as boring and wants to add a new spin on it by adding the towns history. When her high school boyfriend is found murdered, Audrey is given the impetus to start digging deep. This is a mystery filled this characters from the towns past and present. As Audrey digs she has to confront her own fears, battle trust issues and expose the truths of the past. Jackson has written a great, fun mystery. Audrey, her sister, and the town folk are wonderful characters that I hope we will get to know better in books to come. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next ones.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

#SecretsDontSink #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author.
Audrey returns home after her sisters disastrous last relationship, it seems Vivienne has a tendency to get herself in awkward situations.
Audrey takes on a position at the local newspaper, and she's hoping to spin a different tale about the Chattertowne festival.
Digging into the town's history leads Audrey to uncover some dirty little secrets, and someone is trying to make sure Audrey keeps her mouth shut.

I really found this book to be entertaining and quirky, the author did a fantastic job with all the little details.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

I'm happy to recommend this book to other readers. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Zuzu Burford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Don't Sink is a pleasant read because it was written in a mystery style significantly distinct from the conventional plot.
With a ton of identities to keep you on your toes and the occasional subtle joke thrown in, it's sure to keep you thinking to a surprising finish.
An independent review for NetGalley / Level Best Books

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rushed through Secrets Don't Sink like my pants were on fire. Main character Audrey had me laughing out loud, the mystery was full of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and the writing was compelling. I loved the Pacific Northwest setting and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

[MaryEllen Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book.

I enjoy the twist and turns in K.B. Jackson’s books. The keep the reader alert and very entertained . Well worth the time spent reading. Also pick up her other books. I’m a big fan of the Cruising Sisters Series.

[Bethanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all…secrets do not sink! Audrey, the main character finds this out in this fun, twisty mystery. I loved the cozy setting and characters. K.B. Jackson has left me wanting more!

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many twists, so many suspects. Wonderful!

[Zuzu Burford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Don't Sink is a pleasant read because it was written in a mystery style significantly distinct from the conventional plot.
With a ton of identities to keep you on your toes and the occasional subtle joke thrown in, it's sure to keep you thinking to a surprising finish.
An independent review for NetGalley / Level Best Books

[Ivanka Fear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in a coastal town with a history of secrets worth murdering for. Love the title – no, secrets don’t sink, they come to the surface sooner or later. One hundred and fifty years later, in this case. Author K. B. Jackson weaves a complex crime story that goes back generations and involves settlers, prominent citizens, and the indigenous Salish people of Chattertowne.

The main character, Audrey, a local reporter, doesn’t let anything deter her from finding the truth about her ex-boyfriend’s murder. Marcus, a conspiracy theorist, was digging into the town’s past before his body surfaced in the marina. As Audrey investigates, she uncovers a buried history and learns that people aren’t always who they present themselves to be. Unsure of who to trust in her cozy little community, Audrey puts herself in danger to solve Marcus’ murder.

I loved the author’s voice in telling the story through Audrey’s point of view, with a definite edge in her personality that comes through with quips about her situation, particularly her attraction to the men in her life. The added humor and romantic element was a real plus for me. Jackson delves into Audrey’s life to present a lovable heroine who gets herself into trouble in her personal life, her pursuit of a good story, and her quest to find justice for Marcus.

There are plenty of surprises and twists in this mystery to keep you turning the pages. Jackson builds the suspense and keeps the reader wondering right to the very end, shedding suspicion on several of Chattertowne’s respected citizens. Well-written and engaging, the perfect mix of a fun romantic cozy and a suspenseful thriller, Secrets Don’t Sink is an entertaining read. I look forward to more adventures with Audrey in Chattertowne.

[Renee Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of secrets in a small coastal town make this an intriguing read. Audrey, a reporter is out to find who murdered her ex boyfriend. Chattertowne sounds like so many small towns where for decades secrets abound! Lots of red herrings to delight the reader! The mystery flows smoothly. Thanks #Netgalley and #LevelBestBooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

[Jenn Scaglione · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard read it lacked flair and was hard keep going I ended up not finishing the book. There was some good characters and detail in some parts. I am will to try more if the author make this a series.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well plotted and entertaining cozy mystery I enjoyed. A solid mystery, likeable character, ther right level of humour.
I hope there will be other featuring this characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Cynthia Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun new cozy mystery. The characters were interesting. I am curious to see where the series will go next.