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Lake Superior #3
Superior Secrets
It’s wintertime on the North Shore and the snow is thick on the ground. Jonah Borden, the coffee-guzzling, wisecracking, mystery-solving man of the cloth, is about to tie the knot with his sweetheart, Leyla Bennett. But just a few weeks before they do, Leyla decides to go undercover in a new cult to get an exclusive exposé which would make her name as a journalist. However, as time goes on, Borden is worried that her commitment to the troubling new religion and her devotion to its evil, charismatic leader are more than just professional.
When Borden confronts the cult leader, he is turned away and threatened. Meanwhile, mysterious hunting accidents begin happening around the town of Grand Lake. Assisted by his friends, Jonah tries to find a way to get Leyla out. What he uncovers is bigger than any of them had guessed. Now, he’s in a race to save his own life, and those of his friends, before a powerful enemy finds them and destroys them.
Superior Secrets is set amidst the wild beauty of Lake Superior. Featuring a cast of unique, memorable characters, this is part of the Lake Superior Mystery series. None of the books have to be read in order.
When Borden confronts the cult leader, he is turned away and threatened. Meanwhile, mysterious hunting accidents begin happening around the town of Grand Lake. Assisted by his friends, Jonah tries to find a way to get Leyla out. What he uncovers is bigger than any of them had guessed. Now, he’s in a race to save his own life, and those of his friends, before a powerful enemy finds them and destroys them.
Superior Secrets is set amidst the wild beauty of Lake Superior. Featuring a cast of unique, memorable characters, this is part of the Lake Superior Mystery series. None of the books have to be read in order.
- GenresMystery Thriller
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2013
41 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Tom Hilpert
15 books35 followersTom Hilpert writes character-driven fiction with humor and flair. He loves cats, as well as dogs and is kind to little children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 20, 2014
While a little rough around the edges, I found this third Jonah Borden mystery easy to read and difficult to put down. While some aspects of Borden's character might stretch credulity--several brown belts and one black? Really?--in the end, he comes across just as Hilpert wants him to, as an authentic Christian who is neither a saint nor a hypocrite, an imperfect follower of Christ who walks daily with Christ nonetheless. Unlike some authors, Hilpert accomplishes this authenticity without coming across as "preachy" or stilted. Plus, the action and suspense of this installment make the pages fly by. (And anyone who has known many Scandinavian Lutherans will definitely see the humor.)
May 24, 2018
I loved this book. I loved the first 2 also, but there was something more about this one. I hope there'll be a 4th one in this series.
Great book. I hope there will be another one in this series. I like that I live in Minnesota and I love the north shore. I'm assuming it takes place in Grand Marais!
Great book. I hope there will be another one in this series. I like that I live in Minnesota and I love the north shore. I'm assuming it takes place in Grand Marais!
April 23, 2018
I liked this book better than his second book but each of his mysteries always has one seemingly impossible incident occur. When Heide shows up at midnight frozen with blue lips, and Jonah not only let's her in, but take a shower - really😘 Still a very enjoyanle read.
July 6, 2017
Loved it!
This book is a real page turning mystery, it kept me on edge, until I turned the last page! Great Job Tom! I'm on to your next book!
This book is a real page turning mystery, it kept me on edge, until I turned the last page! Great Job Tom! I'm on to your next book!
February 6, 2019
A real page-turner. Lots of unexpected twists. Fun read!
January 17, 2021
I have read al in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.
July 7, 2021
A new adventure for Jonah & Leyla
The book keeps you reading to find out what Jonah will get into next. The encampment & meth storyline kept one guessing what was next.
The book keeps you reading to find out what Jonah will get into next. The encampment & meth storyline kept one guessing what was next.
December 28, 2015
In book 3 of this series, Lutheran pastor Jonah Borden is getting ready to marry his fiancée, Leyla Bennett. Leyla, the editor of the local newspaper, decides to go undercover to get the scoop on a local cult, a move which will send her life in unplanned directions. Meanwhile, Jonah stumbles over yet another body, sending him directions he didn’t plan either. The resolution to the mystery kept me on the edge of my seat.
Jonah is a man of contradictions. He is peace-loving, but has a problem with his temper, and the mixed martial arts skills to back it up. He preaches from the pulpit, but runs an informal counseling service in a bar. He clearly loves Leyla, but follows his moral code in waiting to get busy until after the wedding. He does what he thinks is right and stands ready to take the consequences of his actions.
I have difficulty when authors use their writing as a cudgel to bludgeon their religious beliefs into readers. One of the reasons I like this book, and the Superior series, so much is that Jonah’s beliefs are organic and germane to the stories, rather than thinly-veiled attempts at proselytization. Plus he’s got a great sense of humor and interesting tastes in music. He’s the kind of minister I’d want, if I were in the market for one.
This series is an interesting mix of cozy and action-packed for me. This book, particularly, left me saying “wow, just wow” (in a good way) at the ending. There was humor, intrigue, ass-kicking fights, witty dialogue, great settings, self-examination, an amazing denouement, and an undercover Mountie who I hope becomes a recurring character.
These can be read out of order, but I find them much more satisfying when read in order. It’s like catching up with old friends.
Jonah is a man of contradictions. He is peace-loving, but has a problem with his temper, and the mixed martial arts skills to back it up. He preaches from the pulpit, but runs an informal counseling service in a bar. He clearly loves Leyla, but follows his moral code in waiting to get busy until after the wedding. He does what he thinks is right and stands ready to take the consequences of his actions.
I have difficulty when authors use their writing as a cudgel to bludgeon their religious beliefs into readers. One of the reasons I like this book, and the Superior series, so much is that Jonah’s beliefs are organic and germane to the stories, rather than thinly-veiled attempts at proselytization. Plus he’s got a great sense of humor and interesting tastes in music. He’s the kind of minister I’d want, if I were in the market for one.
This series is an interesting mix of cozy and action-packed for me. This book, particularly, left me saying “wow, just wow” (in a good way) at the ending. There was humor, intrigue, ass-kicking fights, witty dialogue, great settings, self-examination, an amazing denouement, and an undercover Mountie who I hope becomes a recurring character.
These can be read out of order, but I find them much more satisfying when read in order. It’s like catching up with old friends.
June 4, 2015
So good...
When I read the review for the first book in the series, I thought, hmm, maybe. I was looking for something different than the romance novels I've been stuck in for awhile. I wanted adventure and mystery, some comedy with a little romance, but most importantly, I wanted something that was intelligent, while being relatable. This series is all of those things and more. I like the characters, I like the action, I like how every story is independent and different from the typical novel. I like how the adventure doesn't get sidetracked into unimportant drama. I like how I learn new recipes. I like how the main character is a strong male who, let's face it, looks and sounds like a young Tom Selleck. The stories are fresh, exciting, and leave me hoping for more. Soon. Please :).
When I read the review for the first book in the series, I thought, hmm, maybe. I was looking for something different than the romance novels I've been stuck in for awhile. I wanted adventure and mystery, some comedy with a little romance, but most importantly, I wanted something that was intelligent, while being relatable. This series is all of those things and more. I like the characters, I like the action, I like how every story is independent and different from the typical novel. I like how the adventure doesn't get sidetracked into unimportant drama. I like how I learn new recipes. I like how the main character is a strong male who, let's face it, looks and sounds like a young Tom Selleck. The stories are fresh, exciting, and leave me hoping for more. Soon. Please :).
August 9, 2014
Craving another book in the series.
Craving another book in the series.
I got hooked on this series with the first book. This series is one that envelopes all that is good in fiction...well developed and likable characters, emotional connections, the never ending battle between good and evil, and all that wrapped up in a clean novel of suspense. This author knows how to draw the reader in, and is an expert at action and fast pacing. This third installment is great!
Craving another book in the series.
I got hooked on this series with the first book. This series is one that envelopes all that is good in fiction...well developed and likable characters, emotional connections, the never ending battle between good and evil, and all that wrapped up in a clean novel of suspense. This author knows how to draw the reader in, and is an expert at action and fast pacing. This third installment is great!
January 10, 2015
great read!
I'm a pastor. I love a good mystery as a diversion. This is now my third Tom Hilpert "Superior"novel. Each has a combination of suspense that makes it hard to put down, enough humor to lighten darker moments, and a reality to faith that is genuine (and never preachy!). It's unusual to find a man of the cloth like Jonah Borden in any entertainment venue that is not a caricature to one extreme or another. I find myself liking this guy. Kudos to Tom for a great book. It will perhaps not go down in history as classic literature, but I hope he keeps on writing!
I'm a pastor. I love a good mystery as a diversion. This is now my third Tom Hilpert "Superior"novel. Each has a combination of suspense that makes it hard to put down, enough humor to lighten darker moments, and a reality to faith that is genuine (and never preachy!). It's unusual to find a man of the cloth like Jonah Borden in any entertainment venue that is not a caricature to one extreme or another. I find myself liking this guy. Kudos to Tom for a great book. It will perhaps not go down in history as classic literature, but I hope he keeps on writing!
December 30, 2016
Loved It
Another wonderful book! I gave it 5 because there's nothing about it I didn't like. The plot kept my interest, the story line kept moving & going in unexpected directions, and the characters were very believable. I didn't have to be on constant alert for vulgar language or profanity. Neither the characters nor the plot seemed to go out of its way to be politically correct. I really dislike books that are emotional, sad, and full of conflict and misunderstanding between characters. These characters are real without lots of contrived problems.
Another wonderful book! I gave it 5 because there's nothing about it I didn't like. The plot kept my interest, the story line kept moving & going in unexpected directions, and the characters were very believable. I didn't have to be on constant alert for vulgar language or profanity. Neither the characters nor the plot seemed to go out of its way to be politically correct. I really dislike books that are emotional, sad, and full of conflict and misunderstanding between characters. These characters are real without lots of contrived problems.
November 21, 2014
I'm starting to think the author's big thing is writing books with slightly unusual settings. This isn't your average murder mystery, you also learn something about survival in the wilderness.
I still don't love Jonah Borden's love interest and I feel like this can't go anywhere good, but I guess we'll see.
There are some issues with quotation marks that are making me nuts and I get distracted, but the content and quality are alright. I'll probably read the next one.
I still don't love Jonah Borden's love interest and I feel like this can't go anywhere good, but I guess we'll see.
There are some issues with quotation marks that are making me nuts and I get distracted, but the content and quality are alright. I'll probably read the next one.
November 19, 2016
AS a Lutheran pastor myself, I really enjoy Tom's description of ministry and his light hearted sense of himself.
I love the tone of the language and the struggle with conventional morality. It is refreshing to have an exciting story that isn't littered with profanity and naked, writhing bodies but with wit and compassion. This is the world I inhabit- but without the crime and killing. I
I love the tone of the language and the struggle with conventional morality. It is refreshing to have an exciting story that isn't littered with profanity and naked, writhing bodies but with wit and compassion. This is the world I inhabit- but without the crime and killing. I
November 21, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. It is refreshing to have a pastor as the lead character who is not like the stereotype of a pastor. He is well rounded and has some surprising talents. The stories aren't "preachy" but exhibit how people can live with good morals and share about God in practical ways.
Plus the mysteries are not always predictable.
Plus the mysteries are not always predictable.
December 26, 2014
Jim read this on 5-13-14 and rated it 4.4 stars. I read this one and wasn't quite as impressed with the flow of the book as the first two in the series. Still appreciated the hero, but I don't think he seemed as smart and capable as in the others. I rated it 4.4 stars.
September 28, 2014
This book is the third in the series. I generally only read at night before sleep, but this one I had to finish and couldn't wait.
The book shows the author's growth. I love the characters and am really looking forward to the next.
The book shows the author's growth. I love the characters and am really looking forward to the next.
October 3, 2014
Another great read!
Enjoyed this third book in Lake Superior Mysteries just as much as the other two. Great plot and love his characters who are so human in their struggles to be good people, especially Pastor Jonah. Hope there's more to come from Mr. Hilbert.
Enjoyed this third book in Lake Superior Mysteries just as much as the other two. Great plot and love his characters who are so human in their struggles to be good people, especially Pastor Jonah. Hope there's more to come from Mr. Hilbert.
April 29, 2015
This book keeps you in suspense nearly to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to start the next one. A very good read for anyone who likes suspense and mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to start the next one. A very good read for anyone who likes suspense and mysteries.
April 30, 2015
Always a good mystery
More dependable than the mystery is the Christian slant. His believable characters deal with the difficult issues of modern society. An author easy to get hooked on.
More dependable than the mystery is the Christian slant. His believable characters deal with the difficult issues of modern society. An author easy to get hooked on.
February 25, 2014
Read on my Kindle. The last of this series, so far. I hope Tom Hilpert continues this series.
September 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this entire series. In this one you can kind of guess what will happen, but there are still twists and turns and neat characters.
October 8, 2014
I have really enjoyed this series!
October 12, 2014
Secrets
wonderful mystery.full of surprises a unexpected consequences.fast moving.thought provoking.must read.the preacher does it on once again. .waiting for more.go Borden
wonderful mystery.full of surprises a unexpected consequences.fast moving.thought provoking.must read.the preacher does it on once again. .waiting for more.go Borden
December 2, 2014
Hilpert just keeps getting better & better!
December 17, 2014
Book 3 -excellent!
Book 3 lived up to 1 & 2! Characters still strong and fairly believable
Book 3 lived up to 1 & 2! Characters still strong and fairly believable
December 18, 2014
Without a doubt this is an excellent book. The second book I have read in this series and again it was an excellent book. Very interesting characters and tremendous story
December 29, 2014
I love this series
This series is great! Read it if you like mysteries, Lutherans, Lake Superior, or Walleye. I happen to like all of those things so I a can't wait for book four..
This series is great! Read it if you like mysteries, Lutherans, Lake Superior, or Walleye. I happen to like all of those things so I a can't wait for book four..
August 5, 2016
Great run thru the snow
Another really great roller coaster ride thru the snow. Love the characters. I will now read # 4, but already can't wait for # 5!!!
Another really great roller coaster ride thru the snow. Love the characters. I will now read # 4, but already can't wait for # 5!!!
February 8, 2017
A most excellent 5 star read! Up all night reading...:)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews