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Crimson Cove #2

Second Nature

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Flirting, first love, fighting for your life.
All the things that represent a spectacular fall in Crimson Cove, named after the sight one sees when the trees all turn red in the crisp autumn air.
When school starts and the events of the summer no one is likely to forget haven't been solved, the five girls decide to take matters into their own hands.
But the problem with lifting stones to find the secrets hidden under them is that you never can tell just what lies beneath.
For the five unlikely friends, what lies beneath involves each and every one of them.
And as the story twists and turns, they start to see they are each connected to the murder and the disappearance still rocking the small sea side community.
Don't miss the exciting second book in The Crimson Cove Mysteries.

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First published September 30, 2015

74 people are currently reading
340 people want to read

About the author

Tara Brown

118 books2,378 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne

Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Alex (Bri's Book Nook).
805 reviews22 followers
April 22, 2018
The mystery of Rachel's murder has not been solved, but the girls have to go back to school. The trees are turning red in Crimson Cove, and the girls are running out of time. They are tired of waiting around for the police to do something, and they don't agree with the conclusions that the police come to. Deciding to take things into their own hands, they use Lindsey's secrets about everyone to try to catch the murderer. They end up getting into more than they expect as secrets that were never supposed to see the light of day are revealed. Lainey learns about her father's unfaithfulness as her family falls apart, and deeply-hidden secrets about Vincent and Rachel are also revealed.

The stakes in this book definitely run higher than in the previous novel, and the action scenes are intense by the end of the book. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire read, as the plot is still just as fast-paced. 

My favorite part of this book was definitely the character development as new characters are introduced and readers get to see into their family lives. Personally, I love the TV series Riverdale (even though I am very behind in the episodes). This series feels like Riverdale, but in written form with even more drama and rich people (if it was even possible). As I went on with the stories, I can definitely attest to the fact that the character development only gets better and the suspense only heightens. If you are a fan of Riverdale, definitely pick up this series!

I'm debating which book in the series was my favorite, but this might just have been. One of my favorite characters is Lainey, and I wanted to learn more about her family and her relationships with those around her. I'm glad that each book seems to be focusing on one girl so that we can have all 5 girls points of view before finishing the series. There is also clearly going to be romance with each of the five girls as the series progresses, and I can't wait to see how that will come into play. So far, the romance has been just as good as the rest of the series, but I want to know if this trend continues. 

I would recommend this series to anyone looking for addictive mystery/thrillers with some horror elements. 

I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. 
Profile Image for Shannon Ambroson.
2 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2023
The Little Crimson Lies
By Tara Brown

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Y'all, I don't know. I wanted to give this 3 stars. For much of the book I was just weirded out by the character POV change and nothing was seemingly happening to advance the story line... But then BAM, here it all comes, and then ends on a weird cliffhanger.

So ok, I'll read the next one. And I'll give it an extra star. But I'm almost not happy about it 🤣. Like I know what you're doing, author ... I get it. Fine, I will play your game. I'll keep reading and hope for answers in the next book.

#goodreadschallenge2023 #2023books
Profile Image for Amanda Feltner.
2 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2023
PLL done better

It’s straight up a knockoff of Pretty Little Liars, but in my opinion, it’s more adult and written a lot better. It’s more thought out.
Profile Image for Samantha Schwerin.
508 reviews28 followers
July 2, 2021
...So this is just Pretty Little Liars in different packaging. A group of best friends/frenemies gather for a party, one ends up dead and the dead girl starts texting the group blackmailing them and telling them they are next if they don't do as she says. There is a killer on the loose who kills one other person and attempts to kill another. Everyone is a suspect. All of that sound familiar?? I don't really remember the Pretty Little Liar's books all that much since I was in HS when I read them but the show is ingrained in my brain as the show I loved to hate watch. I would not be the least bit surprised if this series ended with a twin of the dead girl showing up to town. So...I would say that I am going to skip the rest of this series for that reason but also, there are sooooo many characters. I can't keep them straight. Tom got arrested and I honestly don't even remember who he is? A dad to someone? I didn't care to go back to find out since it's heavily implied that he's being framed so its all mute point anyways. Also-the love lives of these characters are TERRIBLE. All of the boys are just so lacking. So far in book one Lindsay thought she had it bad for the girl who serves her coffee. But out of the blue she ends up loving Vincent who is a womanizing asshole that constantly hits on her and kisses her without her consent (major Chuck Bass vibes)...WHY would she like this creep? Sure he sort of redeems himself by saying it was an act? I guess? But he still throws out inappropriate comments to everyone. He still gives off douche vibes. Why couldn't she be gay/bi for the girl barista? Why was that even included? Her sexuality was a big plot point that went nowhere and she ends up with him??? Just because he revealed that he always like her? Okay. And Lainey! She was always in love with Ashton but Jake randomly reveals that he has always loved her and BAM! She loves him too! Huh? There was zero lead up to that. She didn't even think about it! I just...I don't understand.
Anyways...the PLL series (tv show) gives me flashbacks of anger at the way it ended and just all around confusion so I think I will skip this version of the same thing.
Profile Image for Kanan Jain.
840 reviews
September 2, 2025
Tara Brown's Second Nature is the suspenseful second book in the Crimson Cove Mysteries series. The story picks up after a summer full of unresolved secrets and a still-reeling small town. The unlikely five female friends who survived the initial mystery are compelled to take matters into their own hands, but soon find the truth is more tangled than they expected.
The narrative weaves a web of murder and disappearances, connecting each girl to the central mystery. Brown masterfully creates a page-turning plot with twists that reveal the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of the quaint seaside community. The story is a gripping young adult mystery, exploring themes of friendship, first love, and fighting for your life. The high stakes and interconnected relationships ensure that readers will be captivated until the final page.
Profile Image for Naturalbri (Bri Wignall).
1,381 reviews120 followers
April 26, 2018
What a great addition to this series! I really loved the first book and it opened up a lot of options for where Brown took this read. She definitely went above and beyond to create a great extension to the series.

I found the author added a lot of detail and personality to the main characters. As we read through and found out more of the secrets and previously unknown details behind the tragedy, of the previous book, we also got to see a lot more about the girls, their lives and their pasts.

Overall, this was an excellent book, and the series still continues to to be brilliant. I am looking forward to reading the third book.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2020
Silence Is Not Golden

•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••


This series must be read in order. The first book is "Pretty Girls Die First". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Third Time's A Charm"!



When the killer said another person would be dead in a week and nothing happened it seems like everyone let their guard down. No one has been acting like they are being stalked by a crazed killer. Is the killer working alone? Or is it a conspiracy? Is it an outsider or one of their own who is the mastermind? Has the killer moved on? Or are they just lying in wait? Who will be targeted next?
Profile Image for Kas Dina.
9 reviews
August 21, 2017
I'm so in love with these books!!! Tara Brown I applaud you!!
Profile Image for Emma.
196 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2021
I’m really enjoying the series so far! Lainey’s point of view was refreshing and very in character.
Profile Image for Gigglez.
60 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2023
I really liked Lanies point of view everytime one question was answered three more popped up but I am enjoying the series so far
Profile Image for Marina McClure.
55 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2023
The thing I hated most about this book was the character changes. It’s so hard to adjust to each characters POV. I want to stick with one character for a few books and get different POVs later.
Profile Image for Gracie N.
472 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2025
In the previous books someone is targeting and murdering or torturing them. This book is written from Lainey’s point of view. They haven’t heard anything all summer so they think the killer got what they came for, until it starts back up again. One of the clans in the crew is not as forthcoming as they would like.
Profile Image for Kasia.
988 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2020
Very good part, Lainey is my favorite character in this series... and the plot is very dramatic and full of twists.
Profile Image for Rae Sontheyon.
263 reviews18 followers
October 15, 2015
Secrets Reap Consequences! . . .

These books just get better and better, Like Seriously?! WOW! Twist and secrets, deception and more than one possible killer! I enjoyed the first book, but the second book just went and nailed it. Can't wait for more as the couples get more intriguing and the plot becomes more complicated.

Told from Lainey's perspective, she gives the readers a new perspective on the group and situation they all find themselves in. The summer has passed and school has begun. The stalker has yet to make a threat or move lulling them all into a sense of normalcy except for Lainey, who doesn't doubt for one second the killer is just waiting to strike. Lainey with her eidetic memory, begins making a board mapping out all the evidence trying to pinpoint the killer and why they are the targets. Tracking down the killer is Lainey's focus, but the other reason is to find Ashton and bring him home. While she and the girls with the help of the boys find more clues and uncovering more lies, Lainey discovers love. But the killer may rob her of the happiness she only just discovered and everyone is in the race against time to save one of their own. The only problem with trying to identify the killer is everyone is on list of potential suspects and the group quickly realizes it could be anyone they know and trust, including anyone of them.

Overall, kind of slow start but an OMG!!! ending. I seriously just sat there after a certain part towards the end just baffled. Why? I'm not spoiling anything, I usually pride myself on guessing plot points in mysteries, but I didn't guess this one till that moment. The girls are in such denial about their lives being in danger that you want to jump in the book and slap some sense into them. Lainey is luckily the one that manages to be smart about being aware someone is still out there. The killer is psycho and plays with the girls heads and hearts in this book, making everyone divulge their secrets or dun, dun, duuuun! I seriously can't wait for the next book as the plot thickens and I think I know who they should be looking for but I could be wrong . . . maybe. So if you want a emotional mind teasing teenage rich girl drama filled mystery thriller, this series is worth a read.

**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**

------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
Profile Image for Lina.
454 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2015
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Well, I love every single book by Tara. Doesn't matter under which alias she chooses to write. I love her paranormal, criminal, erotic. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Yes, I know I screamed. But I can't help it.

The Second Nature is just as amazing as the first book. If not better. It takes off just right were the first book left and I love that. I don't have to wait for my questions to be answered so it's just AMAZING.

To avoid spoilers for people that have not read the first part I'm just going to say that the story is told from the POV of Lainey. She is giving us the full recap of all the situations the group finds themselves in. Where everyone seems to think that the stalker backed off, she gets more suspicious and start making maps of potential and knows moves of the killer (very Sherlock Holmes' like! Me likes!). She and her friends find more and more clues, and in her way to find the answers she also finds love. Unexpected and totally not wanted.

With the race to save everyone she cares about she uncovers more and more lies. She is not sure who to trust as everyone is on her suspect list.

I can't wait for the next book! Especially with this ending. It made my jaw to drop open. I think Tara is queen of twists and turns that no one expects!

AMAZING HEAVENLY FREAKING 5 STARS! <3
Profile Image for Cheree Castellanos Edits.
287 reviews28 followers
October 10, 2015
OH MY FREAKING GOSH!!! This book is epic!! Right off the bat I was freaked out and had the chills! Then it went back in time a few weeks and started down a trail I could have never predicted!! Tara Brown is a frightening genius! This story is so dark and twisty and at one point had me so on the edge of my seat and freaking out I literally thought I was gonna be sick! LOL. Knowing there are 3 more books to go after the end of this simply boggles my mind!! You think they have it all figured out....but oh no, not when it comes TB, when you think you have it all figured out, that means you are about to have the rug pulled out from under you! I was trying to read this slowly so it would last longer, but it is just impossible! I need December!!! Then I will need spring, then summer!
Profile Image for Christine Evans.
43 reviews17 followers
October 9, 2015
I'm reminded so much of PLL when I read this book but that is okay.

Now I'm stuck waiting for book three and I hate waiting.

This book finds a villain; not who was expected. Our PPL team also discovers love and betrayal for themselves and others.

Just because the villain was caught, doesn't mean the story ends. I like how Tara put the end of the book first and then repeated it again (obviously) at the end...but with just a bit more detail.

Not a cliffhanger; a teaser. You feel as though you read one complete story and aren't waiting for the next book to finish a sentence.

Tara knows how to keep us waiting in suspense. Please bring the next book soon...
Profile Image for Tammy Hall.
401 reviews22 followers
October 8, 2015
First off this second book takes up right where book one left off so there are no unanswered questions from the first one. I like that Second Nature is from Lainey's point of view I enjoyed getting to know her character better. This story wove me down twisted paths and around mysteries unknown and I loved every second of it. As the the plot thickened the book got better showing the answer to some questions but not all as that has been saved for another day and another story yet untold. I was buried deep into the darkness searching for the light when the story stopped and said this is the end. I cried out oh how can this be and then realized there may be book 3.
Profile Image for hollie.
1,119 reviews55 followers
April 7, 2020
Another rollercoaster read.
I think that the plot line is getting far more interesting and although this felt like a filler book, we saw a lot of character development from the characters I wasn’t so sure about.
I liked that this book was also in the point of view from another one of the girls and we got to see her side of events.
I think things are heating up and I’m excited to read book 3!
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
681 reviews28 followers
December 25, 2015
How can one little town have so many secrets? No one in Crimson Cove is who they appear to be. The lies, the secrets, the children…how do they keep it all straight? Tara Brown must be exceptional at note-taking and outlining to keep up with the evil genius that is her mind. Book 2, Second Nature, was even more thrilling, more suspenseful and more secret exposing than the first book. Just when you think you have had an “aha moment” and the killer has been exposed, the run is yanked from under you. Assume NOTHING.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,039 reviews
October 7, 2015
Lainey's Book

Okay, where to start..... This book takes up right where book 1 ended. Rachel is dead, Mr. Henning is dead and there is a killer still on the loose. Lindsay and Vincent are still a thing and Ashton is still missing. It is up to the group to try to make some sense of what is going on. There are lots of twists and turn and a little romance too. Can't wait for book 3. Bring it on!
Profile Image for April Preston.
10 reviews
November 16, 2015
Crazy good

Tara Brown does it again!!! This book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire thing. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation for what was to come. The characters are so perfectly written that you feel that you are a part of the story line yourself. I LOVE everything that Tara Brown puts out & I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the 3rd book to be released!!!
Profile Image for Sharon Obelenus Holland.
442 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2016
I am so hooked!!

This series just keeps getting better, but if you have read any of this author's books you wouldn't expect anything less then a page Turner.

Things have been quiet for a month, most feel the killer has moved on...that is until all Hello start a breaking loose again. Who is next?? Who is doing this?? Be careful with dirty little secrets..they always come out with the skeletons from the closet.
Profile Image for Christine Bishop.
523 reviews
April 23, 2018
Great!!!

Second Nature is the second book in the Crimson Cove Mysteries. The book is told from Lainey’s point of view. Second Nature begins one month after Rachel’s murder. Ashton is still missing, the killer hasn’t left anymore messages, and the girls have gone back to their everyday lives but we quickly learn that the killer has a plan for them and the girls are just puppets on his strings. I completed this book in two sittings and can’t wait to start book number three.
Profile Image for L.L. Hunter.
Author 105 books301 followers
April 21, 2018
These books get better and better with each instalment. The author really knows how to write suspense, humour and teen drama. And again the mystery had me guessing until the very end. I thought I knew who the killer was once again but Brown is far too good at eluding the reader and keeping us guessing. I need book 3 now!
Profile Image for Sharon Obelenus Holland.
442 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2016
This series just keeps getting better, but if you have read any of this author's books you wouldn't expect anything less then a page Turner.

Things have been quiet for a month, most feel the killer has moved on...that is until all Hello start a breaking loose again. Who is next?? Who is doing this?? Be careful with dirty little secrets..they always come out with the skeletons from the closet.
Profile Image for Sara Nelson.
Author 1 book13 followers
September 24, 2017
I loved being inside Lainey's head. Don't get me wrong, Lindsey is a great character, but Lainey is by far my fave. This story rocks her world and not only in the good department. She goes through so much and finds out exactly who she is and what she wants. Watch out guys, Lainey is coming out of her shell!! If you loved book 1 then you will love this book too!!!
Profile Image for Sophia.
424 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2015
Why does such a beautiful place have such horror!? This is truly an amazing series I keeps me on the edge of my seat and still scares the living crap out of me! But I love it! This series makes me want more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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