Grave Secrets

Pennsylvania Parks #2

by Elle E. Kay

Two Disappearances, One Deadly Connection.

In Philadelphia, Gavin's sister Cate goes missing, and her disappearance is linked to an enigmatic sorority invite. Gavin's search for clues takes him to Ricketts Glen State Park, where Park Ranger Samantha is investigating her own family tragedy—the unsolved disappearance of her uncle. As they piece together a complex puzzle, they unearth connections that lead them to a shadowy society operating in the area. Together, along with Gavin's brother Grayson, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and danger.

As threats multiply, they're forced into a deadly showdown with a clandestine organization, willing to protect its secrets at any cost. In this landscape of breathtaking beauty, alliances are tested, bonds are formed, and justice is sought. Grave Secrets is a story of courage, love, and twisted minds, that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Christian, Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2023

About the author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning Christian fiction author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance novels. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is actively involved in her church's youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Her writing journey began with non-fiction, poetry, and children's books before she made her Christian fiction debut in 2016. Since then, she has written 24 novels in the genre.

Elle is the author of the Endless Mountain and Pennsylvania Parks series, both romantic suspense collections set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Appalachians.

In addition to her solo projects, she has contributed to several multi-author series, including the Lawkeeper series (three contemporary and four historical novellas), Blushing Brides (two novels), Heroes of Freedom Ridge (three novels), and Christmas in Redemption Ridge (two novels). In October 2024, she contributed Midnight Offensive to the Silent Night anthology, part of the Winter Shivers collection.

Her stories seamlessly weave faith, suspense, and romance, offering readers thrilling narratives grounded in Christian values.

For updates on her latest works and upcoming releases, visit her website at elleekay.com.

Reviews

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading Grave Secrets. I enjoyed seeing the developing feelings between Gavin and Samantha as they tried to figure out if there could even be a relationship. This book had all the twists and turns along with the romance and faith to keep me reading well after I should have put the book down, because I had to find out what happened. Just when I thought things were reaching a conclusion and the good guys were at the point of winning, another twist would come. The book was well written and such a joy to read. I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

Well crafted mystery/suspense story with secret societies, kidnappings and obscure clues. Toss is some faith, romance, and a bit of wit, too. It's an entertaining story.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Secrets by Elle E Kay is my first time reading this author, but it won't be my last. The action in this book was non-stop. A real page turner. The plot was scary because it's stuff that's happening in this day and age.
But the twist at the end blew me away.

I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[funkelbunt.liest · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars, rounded up to 4

The Pennsylvania Parks series is an interconnected Christian Suspense Romance series with partly recurrent characters and I read all three of them one after the other in two weeks.

We already know Samantha and Gavin as side characters from book one and I liked them both, even though by then we didn’t know much about them.

Sadly I felt little to no connection to them in this book and where I was annoyed with the FMC in book 1, but could get behind the love aspect, the characters having history together, the romance in this book fell totally flat for me.

There were a few things from the beginning that felt off, like they both had already a set picture of the other one because of one brief interaction and still it was definitely an insta love situation, that seemed to be based solely on looks. Their interactions and the dialogue in general was kind of stiff, I think due to the lack of narration surrounding the dialogue, it read sometimes a bit like a theater script. Sam’s reasons for being hesitant were also not logical and she really got on my nerves with her childish behavior.

Like in book 1 I ended up being totally annoyed by the FMC but in this case the other characters didn’t make up for it.

My main issue with the relationship between Sam and Gavin other than me not feeling any connection between them at all, despite them repeatedly telling me how special their bond was, was something revealed early on in the book. Since this is still a spoiler, especially if you haven’t read book 1 but are planning to, I’m hiding the text. But for this book, I wouldn’t even really consider it a spoiler.

— mild spoilers ahead —

So Gavin was dating Sandra, the bodyguard that was killed in book one, only months ago. He even tells Sam he was going to propose, already having a ring. We see no grieving AT ALL, he is immediately thinking about Sam as “the perfect woman for him”, literally months after the woman he wanted to marry is killed while working for him. This didn’t seem right. Especially considering that the whole book, the whole romance is taking place while Gavin’s sister is missing, probably kidnapped by a group of rapists, murderers and psychopaths and he has nothing better to do than pursue a woman who is being bratty and spiteful most of the time.
And everybody around them is behaving equally inappropriate.

“I’ve never seen him so smitten before. It’s cute.”

This is said by Gavin’s sister in law literally while Gavin and his brother are making a plan on how to save their sister. And also, I’m repeating myself - he wanted to marry another woman only months before and was never so smitten?

This is only one of many examples, like when several law enforcement operatives are strategizing (because several young women including Gavin’s and Gray’s sister are held hostage…) and then starting randomly talking about Sam’s and Gavin’s dating life. Like what is wrong with these people? Why don’t they concentrate on the imminent danger, concerning Gavin’s sister??

When Sam is insisting that she doesn’t need Gavin to protect her.

“Nobody is getting their paws on me. And I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.”

His last girlfriend was a trained bodyguard who was killed on duty. Who does she think she is? This is such an insensitive thing to say. But everybody says stuff that isn’t tactful, so I could let it slide as a slip up. But instead of cringing and apologizing, she repeats the thought, only focusing on her feelings, on her pride.

“I’m a big girl, Gavin. I can take care of myself.”

“Yes, I get it Gavin. You have a god complex.”

It must have been hurtful to Gavin after what he’s been through and it’s extremely stupid to think she can handle multiple armed psychopaths on her own. Talking about a god complex… And of course she ends up in the hands of said psychopaths, not able to take care of the situation on her own.

I’m ending my rant now, but it really irked me and did nothing to endear any of the characters to me.

— end spoiler —

Like in book 1 I preferred the suspense part to the romance part and it was an interesting plot. This and the faith messages were the aspects of the book that kept me from DNFing. Even though I didn’t really like the characters, I can appreciate how Sam recognized that God wasn’t the one who failed her and that she learns to put her trust in Him again while Gavin had strong faith from the beginning and we see that in most situations.

Like I said in the beginning, I read all three books in the series and since I obviously didn’t enjoy this second one too much, I’m happy to say book 3 did surprise me and was in my opinion by far the best book of the series.

I generally don’t enjoy cheesy romances, so maybe this was partly a me problem because I know there are people who like insta love and kind of corny love stories and will enjoy this book. So I’m giving this book a rounded 4 star rating.

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

[Carol J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The morbid thoughts make sense. Sometimes beautiful places hide grave secrets

Samantha and Gavin's love story is thrilling. We meet them in Book 1 where Sam and Emily are best friends and Gavin and Wade are best friends and they help save Emily. Now they are to be Best Man and Maid of Honor at their wedding. Gavin lives in New York City with his brother Grayson, who is married to Jenna and they own a security company. Sam is a law enforcement park ranger in a small town in Pennsylvania. They like each other but don't see how they can be together because they live in different states. When Gavin's sister, Cate, is kidnapped, they work together to try to find her. Sam's friend, Billy, who is a Park Ranger is very helpful. When Sam is kidnapped, Gavin and Grayson will do anything to find her and Cate. Through a series of events, Sam escapes and tries to save ALL the other girls. Gavin arrives and arrests are made. Gavin proposes to Sam but she does not answer him. He waits until Emily and Wade's wedding and proposes with a ring and she agrees to marry him. I love a book with a wedding and Emily and Wade's wedding is beautiful.
Coincidences are God's breadcrumbs. He's leading us somewhere but it's up to us to follow the trail.
Sam said "I didn't just come here to deliver the book". Gavin lifted her chin so he could see her beautiful eyes. Then he kissed her gently on the lips.
God has a better world for us when we're done with this one. While we're here, we need to make the most of this life we've been given. "Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last".
Gavin was the whole package. Every woman's dream guy with a kind heart, soulful eyes, rugged good looks, and a protective instinct that made Sam want to trust him with her future.
In Samantha's letter from Uncle Richard, he tells her "You have been the light of my life, and I've never known how to tell you about this, even though you deserve to know, so I've kept these grave secrets to myself".
"Samantha Rollins, will you do me the honor of becoming Samantha Garrison?" "Yes, yes. I'll marry you Gavin".
"I love you". Her lips brushed his "I love you, Gavin. And I'll follow you to New York." "I would never ask that of you.You belong in the woods, and I belong with you".

Elle has written another exciting book about being a forest ranger, owning a security company and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Elle's books to everyone. I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seems to beg the question what would you do for family. If your family was in danger or lost to you, would you put yourself out there to find justice. Gavin and Sam must both answer that question in the story as they navigate a landscape fraught with evil. The author did an excellent job of building a story that would keep you turning the pages. The story takes us from a sorority invitation to a old secret society arranging marriages. It was quite a roller coaster ride for our good guys as they pieced together the clues to save the day. Sam's faith was tested when she learned of her legacy role in the society and as she fell for a man she didn't believe who stay by her side. Gavin was a terrific male lead who did not let his money keep him from being a really good caring man who just wanted a chance for a family. One of the best aspects of the book was the closeness of the family. Grayson, Gavin's brother, and Jenna, his wife, were an intricate part of helping out and proofing that nothing is stronger than family. The book was a skosh too long but not so long that it prevented me from getting the other book in the series. Overall, I would recommend this book for the family and the wild plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Secrets. I received a review copy of this book. I will be honest I was not expecting it to be such a engrossing book. This story is about a secret society that has been around since before 1800. They had twisted what the Bible says to meet their own needs. They kidnap young wealthy girls and arrange a marriage to a wealthy man once they get them "ready" to be the perfect wife. There are reprimands if they step out of line before or after the marriage. They are locked away while they are being taught to be the perfect wife. They have members of high status in their group. There is a legacy of members that go back to the beginning of the society. To keep this legacy going they have to recruit a member of a family that has been in the society once an older member has passed or is killed for insubordination. This society gets girls to pledge to a sorority at the University of Pennsylvania. It is the hub where the leader of the society works and chooses the right girls. But when he chooses the baby sister of Grayson and Gavin Garrison they will do whatever it takes to find her even joining the society when asked. This will start a domino effect that will either bring down the society or get them both killed.

[Brandi | RB Momma Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, and it was very well done; Emily Norman brings the characters to life.

Grave Secrets is a great continuation of the characters from the previous book in the series. The story immediately grabs you and pulls you into the suspense of what the creepy villain is up to. Readers will know pretty early on who did it, but the mystery lies in why—and just how deep the pool of bad guys goes. Just when you think one thing is wrapping up, another problem comes to light, further muddying the waters.

This story tackles tough topics such as trafficking, cult-like religious gatherings, deranged Christian behaviors, and murder. It’s a fast-paced, suspenseful read/listen that’s hard to put down once you start.

Minor Content Warnings: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting

The content warnings apply to minor descriptions within the story’s context. The author doesn’t provide graphic detail but instead allows the reader to understand events through context. Due to the subject matter, this book is best suited for mature readers.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Pennsylvania Parks series and while I liked the execution of the first book more this one had the more dynamic plot and romance. Overall, I just wanted a little bit more from this author’s writing. I don’t feel like the reader is lingered in the suspense long enough and it made the transitions jarring. And I still don’t know how I feel about getting a bit of the villain’s POV, I thought it worked in the first book. My thoughts are fairly brief on this: I enjoyed the characters and overall plot line but feel the execution could have been more satisfying.

This series is so bingeable though. If you need a quick clean thriller read with some faith content on a stormy night this trilogy is perfect for that.

In this book: billionaire bodyguard MMC, park ranger FMC, secret society/cult, missing persons
Content Guide: clean for romance and language, off-page and/or brief & non-graphic violence, light amount of faith content
Content Warnings: cult victims, human trafficking, verbally implied SA

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! It was fantastic! The first book in the series was great, so it this one! You don't have to read the first book but you should! You'll meet all the main characters in this book. Gavin is a wealthy part-owner of a bodyguard company and as he juggles all that entails, he's trying to keep an eye on his somewhat rebellious sister who is in college. Samantha is a park ranger in a Pennsylvania state park and when Gavin's sister goes missing, he enlists Sam to help him. They have known each other before but there is a little tension there. Sam's uncle also went missing years before - coincidence? This is a story about secrets - a secret society filled with fear and coercion. Men that will do anything to be kept from being discovered. Literally, I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night until I finished it! It was so good!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Secrets drew me in quickly and didn't let me go. Samantha (Sam) and Gavin are likeable main characters. I enjoyed reading about their romance and their faith. There is a wonderful proposal scene. The villain's thinking is twisted; he truly believes he's doing good. Inside his head is a scary place! Author Elle E. Kay does a phenomenal job of showing not just the main characters' motivations, but also that of several supporting characters. The plot has twists and turns, and the last one is shocking. I would definitely read more in this series and anything else that this author writes. I would recommend this book to readers of clean romance, Christian romance readers, and readers who love romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting and engrossing romantic suspense and although it can be read as a standalone, all the main characters also appear in book 1 where we see the start of Gavin and Samantha’s relationship. I liked Samantha and Gavin's relationship and understood her reluctance to both him and her faith. I liked the message of forgiveness. This is also a frighteningly scary story of how easily a person can be persuaded to be obedient to evil intentions which initially manifest as innocent actions as our main characters investigate mysterious disappearances of women, including Gavin’s sister, and also the disappearance of Samantha’s uncle several years ago. Is there a connection?

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin goes on vacation to visit friends in Pennsylvania. While there, his sister goes missing. They find clues that she might be in the area where he is visiting. Samantha is a park ranger that he has met before. Her uncle went missing 5 years ago and she still struggles with missing him.

Gavin, Grayson (his brother) and Samantha work together to find his missing sister. They uncover a clandestine society and realize it's more than Gavin's sister who is in danger.

The first couple of chapters are a bit confusing as all of the characters are introduced. But, then you better hold on to your hats! The action and suspense do not let up until the end.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin and Samantha have met before, but Gavin was dating someone else, though even then he was drawn to Sam and flirted with her. When girls start disappearing, including Gavin's younger sister, Cate, Gavin and Sam are on the trail, along with Gavin's brother, Grayson, and best friend, Wade. When they finally figure out exactly what's going on, and that it's been going on for generations, will they able to put an end to it all, and rescue all of the women? Or, is it too late for Cate, Emmaline, and Sam, who was also taken. Kept me reading to see what would happen!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book just as much as the first one, you do not have to read it, but it helps to understand some of the happenings. Sam just wants to find out what happened to her uncle, however when Gavin's sister and a senator's daughter both go missing. The clues that he finds start to overlap with the information that Sam has uncovered. Can the two of them work together to save the girls and figure out what happened to her uncle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raven2352 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.”

When Samantha Rollins first meets Gavinn Garrison, she crushes on him, he never calls. So when Gavin's sister goes missing he questions what happened to her uncle who's been missing for 5 years. The mysterious CA will bring them together as they hunt for his sister. Will they get together? Does she even want to take a chance on him again?

2nd book in the Pennsylvania Parks series. I highley recomment it.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Secrets is a well-crafted mystery/suspense story with twists and turns, a secret society, and missing girls. When Gavin's younger sister Cate disappears and he and Samantha, a park ranger, investigates, they realize that her disappearance and her uncle's disappearance are connected to a secret society.
The storyline kept my attention as the story unfolded with the characters working to shut down the secret society that twisted God's Word to fit their agenda, and rescue Cate and the other missing girls. This is a great plot line that will hold your attention from start to finish.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading book 1, I was curious who Sam would end up with. It was cool to open this book and see that we’d get her story immediately.

This book is dark. Not graphic, but there are clear implications from the ideas of depraved minds. It held my attention immediately. Kidnappings and a secret society. Family secrets. Using God and the Bible mistakenly to keep women in a place of servitude under authority.

It was very well written. Kay gets inside the villains’ minds expertly and writes chilling scenes. I’m anxious to begin book 3 of this series.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Egomania & Greed - The extremely well narrated audio version of the book loses none of the dynamism of the written novel in this action-packed adventure. Women are disappearing, to the bafflement of those assigned to protect them, and the dismay of friends and family, as a massive conspiracy that dates back to the founding of the country comes to light. Faith and romance play large parts in the story, too, as private bodyguards and park rangers join forces to unravel the threads of deception and find the missing persons. Tension- and faith-filled, fast-moving story.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Gavin join forces again in this second book of the series by Elle E. Kay.
Gavin encourages Samantha, Sam, to investigate her uncle’s disappearance years ago. When Gavin discovers a connection with something his sister is involved in, they join forces to try to figure things out. Will they be able to ignore the attraction between them?
Another well written, intense clean book.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha suspected something was going on close to where she works but she couldn't prove it. When Gavin shows up looking for his sister and another missing woman, the things they discover Are frightening. The deeper they dig the more horrifying the situation becomes. This is edge of the seat reading material, the characters are strong and interesting, this faith filled romance was very intriguing.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping and thrilling mystery read that pulls you in deeper and deeper as we follow Gavin’s steps as he tries to locate his missing sister. Joining forces with park Ranger Sam whose uncle went missing mysteriously years before hand, they find themselves on the edge of danger in this captivating and suspenseful story. With many twists and turns to keep you spinning, this has you on the edge of your seat and unable to stop reading.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. When Gavin’s sister Cate goes missing clues take him to Ricketts Glen State Park where he works with Park Ranger Samantha. As they piece together the puzzle pieces, they are led to the old Ricketts estate and a clandestine group. Intrigue and mystery abound in this book as people continue to disappear. An interesting book which continues to hold your interest with all the happenings and the growing faith of the characters.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Gavin and Samantha. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with all the intrigue, suspense and danger. I was glued to the pages with all the twists, turns and surprises along the way. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Carlien Peens · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me this new author hit all the sweet spots! Romance to your hearts delight, the suspense and drama will keep you engaged, and off course it has to be topped up with God's love.
Gavin and Samantha faced quite a conundrum, people vanishing around them and no proof of who or why. They had quite a challenge in front of them and yes to see if they would escape evil was nailbiting! Excellently written, would deffinitely recommend this author and her books.

[Tiffany Silitonga · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot got more illogical as the book went on. Someone else already wrote a review that detailed a lot of my complaints about the relationship and the two main characters. But the secret society and bad guy is just so ludicrous and unbelievable…I don’t even know what to say. The whole plot line is just not even remotely plausible. I do appreciate that there is a faith element and the book doesn’t read like an unedited self published book so I gave two stars.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know the characters. I loved Gavin and Samantha's story. These two work together trying to solve her uncle's disappearance as well as his sister's. In the middle of all the mystery, suspense and intrigue they find love. A captivating read that I totally enjoyed. I anxiously await the next book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of suspense and romance. A security team works together to try to find their sister. They are up against a psychopath who likes to collect girls for human trafficking. Gavin and Samantha get closer trying to figure out what is going on in the park where she is a ranger. Lots of danger and secrets are uncovered.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very suspenseful story that kept me glued to the pages until the end. Young ladies disappearing and not one clue to follow. When their sister goes missing Gavin and Grayson don’t let anything or anyone get in their way. Secret societies, obscure logos and a little romance make for an amazing story.
I received a copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Another breath taking story. This one started a little slower than the first but was still the same can't put down as the first one. Loved the characters...do love those Garrison brothers! Loved the growth of Samantha and the natural feel of her journey back to God.