The Farm: Secrets in the Heartland Series-Book 1

by Andrea Heckner

Have you ever wondered how an ordinary person could know and interact with a serial killer and not know it until it was too late? The Farm, book one in The Secrets in the Heartland series, centers on the disappearance of Kelsey Learner, a seemingly ordinary midwestern single mom. When Kelsey goes missing, no one even notices for almost two days. Detectives Kass Minor and Mitch Leet zero in on two suspects, Joe Learner, Kelsey’s ex-husband, and Helen Hann, Kelsey’s boss's wife. Joe has little contact with Kelsey or their daughter Claire and seems unconcerned when he finds out Kelsey is missing. Detectives quickly learn that Joe is lying to them. Meanwhile looking into Kelsey’s last known movements, Minor and Leet realize that Helen Hann has developed an unhealthy obsession with her. These two suspects may hold the key to finding Kelsey but is the obvious always the right answer?
Parallel to the investigation into Kelsey's disappearance, a pair of serial killers are murdering in the area for what they perceive to be a higher good. Police have yet to connect their victims and, in some cases, even know they are missing. Is Kelsey their latest victim, or is it a coincidence that a serial killer couple is on the loose and Kelsey has vanished?
Are Kelsey's disappearance and the serial killer's mission connected, or is their convergence just an eerie coincidence?

From debut author Andrea Heckner, The Farm will start you looking forward to the next in the series The Secrets in the Heartland series. Be prepared to stay up all night reading but be left with unanswered questions.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2023

Reviews

[Crystal Wrongerahippie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next shoe to drop. Great detective work involved. Hated for it to end. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Olivia Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

People are missing and people are dying. What is going on here? Kelsey Learner has gone missing and no one knows where she is. Her ex-husband didn't even report her missing for a couple of days. The detectives on the case are wondering who is responsible for her disappearance, especially when some of the evidence seems to contradict what they were told by the ex!

In a series of twists and turns in this novel, you will feel yourself lost, but wait till the end. Then you will feel really lost as you must be on the edge of a cliff with nowhere in sight to fall or finish this story.

You have to wait for another book to actually put all the pieces together. I would have preferred to know ahead of time that this was not a "stand alone" novel. The ending just left me feeling very unsettled. So I will look for the next book to finish up what I began with The Farm.

I was given an advanced copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only.com

[Jas Stock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise of the book and the overall plot. The characters were well written and I could see where things were headed and I was kept guessing a lot which is great. I did struggle with the jumping back and fourth si frequently, I get why it was chosen but it just made getting into any of the various subplots hard. I will definitely be interested in reading further books in the future.

I would also note that the ebook is not very well formatted which I can appreciate given it's an indie author. In particular the double spacing on the lines was an issue. This didn't affect my overall enjoyment but is something that could perhaps be improved on for a better ebook finish.

[Mackenzie Maczko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was not a disappointment at all. Andrea Heckner outlined the timeline thoroughly throughout the novel. The characters are highly relatable in my opinion. I enjoyed the fact that it was a page-turner and had me reading one more chapter before putting it down. I can't wait to read the sequel and the third book as well. Dismantling the Farm (Book 2) and Remembering the Farm (Book 3).

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.

[Mordestia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book kept me interested from beginning to end. I am excited to know that there are more books to the series. Heckner manages to aspire for total attention and is stellar in doing so. I was continuously guessing the story as I read along, but the storyline is one that is mysteriously, and darkly intriguing. Causing the reader to pay attention and move forward with curiosity and knowing how it ends. I would recommend the additional books from this author as the writing abilities and stroy content show much potential in captivating a reader.


-Mordestia M. York, Author, The Art of Poetry

[Nancie Blume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where is Kelsey??

This is the first book I've ever read by Andrea Feckner and really enjoyed it! The jumping back and forth on the timeline was kinda off-putting but the different range of characters was great, making it increasingly difficult to determine who is responsible for the mystery. The short chapters are easy to read, yet impossible to put down, leaving the reader eager to continue. This new author has made a lasting impression, and can't wait to read book 2 of this series!

[Bre3924 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Voracious Readers Only and it was not a disappointment. From the beginning I related to the characters and found it easy to follow the timeline as the author outlined it so well throughout. I enjoyed this book and found myself reading just one more page....several times before turning in for the night. I am anxious to read book number 2 to find out what is next. Thank you Voracious Readers Only.

[Julia Henty-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the storyline and had many thoughts about who took Kelsey Learner. The story jumped between the past and present with many interesting characters with secrets who could be the culprit. I expected to find out at the end but realised it is the first in a series, so will just have to keep reading! It certainly seems like there is a serial killer at large. A good read with twists and turns. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Brittney Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very well thought out book with frequent timeline changes. The frequent jumps between timelines got to be a bit tricky at times, especially with multiple perspectives and stories intertwining. The end was very frustrating, only because now I HAVE TO keep reading the next book! I need to know what happens and uncover the truth to these mysteries. I love how secrets slowly came to light and were revealed as the story went along.

[Arlene W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters and plot and the book kept me engaged. The constant switch between past and present was a little much though. I did not realize this was part of a 3 book series and didn’t realize until the end. Although I am interested in learning the outcome, if the next two books have as much past and present switchbacks I may not continue with the series.
I received this book through Voracious Readers.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving and will keep you guessing!
Wow! I finished this book in one day! The author does a great job balancing the present and past, as this book follows timelines in both. Additionally, character development is well done, along with a few red herrings, which I love! The book does have loose ends, so I will be impatiently waiting for book two in this series!

[RK Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Methodical!

this book offers misdirection after misdirection so the minute you feel confident that you know what happened to Kelsey Lerner, another possibility opens up. there ARE real serial killers in this book and their reasonings are as logical as they are insane. A Silence of the Lambs for the internet age!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terrible. New authors however need to stop with the jumping back and forth timeline. This is the 3rd book in 2 months that has done that. Stop it. I got to a point I just didn’t care about the timeline. A story flow typically goes in one direction and not usually backwards.
The story itself was captivating. I will read book 2 for sure.

[Lyndsay Fiorentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and it left you wanting more. I'm torn about whether I enjoyed the way it was written with the back and forth so much on past/present but once I reached the end I understood the point of it a bit better. Worth the read. Looking for lward to the rest of the series. I was given a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only

[Rachael Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often you read a suspense book where you get more than halfway through and you are still on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who the killer is. I found myself questioning the characters all the way to the end. I am one that loves an ending that leaves you waiting for more and this book did not disappoint! I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2 soon!

I read an advanced copy provided through voracious readers. Thank you Andrea Heckner for sharing!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey Learner is missing. Of course, her ex-husband is a suspect. Kelsey's daughter, Claire, doesn't believe her dad would do something like that. But who else would? The hunt is on. This is a great story. I loved the author's writing style and the way this tale unfolds. This is book one in the series, if the others are even half as good, grab them.

[Kelly Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Farm is a gripping debut that kept me hooked from start to finish. Andrea Heckner masterfully blends small town secrets, complex suspects, and the chilling presence of serial killers into a story full of twists and tension. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next book in The Secrets in the Heartland series!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Farm” kicks off the Secrets in the Heartland series with a gripping mix of mystery and suspense. The disappearance of Kelsey Learner sets off a story that quickly becomes more layered and unsettling than it first appears.
Engrossing, suspenseful, and full of clever twists, this is a strong start to the series. Perfect for fans of small-town crime thrillers with secrets, danger, and just enough intrigue to keep you hooked.

[Suzan Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe’s ex wife goes missing and the husband is always the first suspect. Others have also gone missing but no one realizes right away. Really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the get go. I recommend this book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, getting immersed in the characters. However I found the constant changing between time periods confusing. However I was disappointed when the book ended and I discovered that I needed to read the next book to witness the end to this tale!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated from the first page of this crime thriller. The intricate plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and the characters were expertly developed. The cliffhanger ending left me eagerly anticipating the next book in this gripping series. 5 stars!

[Rubina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It kept me going till the end, I had a few theories not correct, the end did surprise me. Have to get the next book to see how it ends, I have a feeling but will have to wait and see. Too bad it didn’t complete with this book

[Karyne Robillard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished the novel. There were a lot of lengths, a lot of characters who appear and we don't know where they come from. Having known that I would not have a conclusion to this investigation, I would not have finished that book.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Novel catches the reader but felt the back and forth movement of time prevented cohesion of the storyline. Characters proved interesting. May read second in series as warned, the first book ends with cliffhanger.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book, a little slow at times but picked up quickly. I was disappointed that Kelsey was not found but glad she was alive, that was before I realized this was book 1. I will have to look for part 2 to see what happens to her.

[Terri Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book; however almost didn’t make it past the first few chapters because of editing. If this is on you tbr - please give it a chance - the editing gets better and it’s an enjoy read that leaves you in a cliffhanger.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Pretty good book, with lots of questioning of who did it. Fair warning, this does end with no resolution so you’ll have to get the other 3 books in the series. The book does jump around a lot but once you get into the story it’s not as hard to follow.

[Kari Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This was a good book. Well written. Good characters. Multiple time lines made it a little confusing, especially in the beginning, but once I got going, that became less of a problem.

I plan to continue this series to see what happens next.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced, excellent thriller with an exciting twist that ends with a well executed cliffhanger.THe characters are well developed. Can't wait to read book 2.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An absolutely BS ending, that was no ending at all! Too much skipping around and lots of missing words in sentences. Not a fan.