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The Accident
Please note: This book was previously published as Tell Me No Secrets.
One wrong choice...
Every time Kate Duggan looks in a mirror she's reminded of the night her life changed forever. Kate managed to walk away from the car accident that ruined the lives of her siblings, but questions still remain about what really happened on that dark stretch of road....
Since then Kate’s life has been spiralling. On the surface her fiancé Rob is supportive, but the reality is he’s controlling and manipulative and Kate knows she has to get away.
So, when Kate begins work at a firm of private investigators, she hopes this is her chance to shake off her guilt and start again. She likes the idea of hiding in the shadows, watching others without being seen.
But that one fateful night will come back to haunt Kate in ways she never expected. And maybe the answers she seeks lie much closer to home than she ever imagined...
One wrong choice...
Every time Kate Duggan looks in a mirror she's reminded of the night her life changed forever. Kate managed to walk away from the car accident that ruined the lives of her siblings, but questions still remain about what really happened on that dark stretch of road....
Since then Kate’s life has been spiralling. On the surface her fiancé Rob is supportive, but the reality is he’s controlling and manipulative and Kate knows she has to get away.
So, when Kate begins work at a firm of private investigators, she hopes this is her chance to shake off her guilt and start again. She likes the idea of hiding in the shadows, watching others without being seen.
But that one fateful night will come back to haunt Kate in ways she never expected. And maybe the answers she seeks lie much closer to home than she ever imagined...
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2017
677 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 15, 2018
This one wasn't bad but not my favourite of the Choc Lit books I've read so far. I did like the characters even Kate's overbearing mother. They're quite clearly described and it's easy to imagine them.
It's a light, easy to read but I couldn't quite get into the plot and for me if I start getting distracted by other books in the middle of reading I'm not onto a winner. It's a nice enough romantic suspense story, but both, the romance and the suspense didn't grab me this time.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
It's a light, easy to read but I couldn't quite get into the plot and for me if I start getting distracted by other books in the middle of reading I'm not onto a winner. It's a nice enough romantic suspense story, but both, the romance and the suspense didn't grab me this time.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
July 7, 2017
Every morning when Kate Duggan looks in the mirror she is reminded of the worst day in her life. Riding with her twin sister and her brother James driving, the car veers off the road, and rolls. When Kate comes to, she's lying in the grass and rocks with her sister beside her. She doesn't remember how they got out of the car. Her brother is dead and her sister, Eve, is paralyzed as a result of being dragged out of the car. Kate, herself, is left with a huge facial scar. Her parents blame Kate for everything.
Kate has been living with her boyfriend, Rob, for a year. Things aren't going well in that direction ... he's become secretive, having whispered telephone conversations, and disappearing sometimes for days at a time.
Once upon a time, Kate had been a lawn enforcement officer. She would like to stay in that field of work, and decides to become a private investigator. Joining a well established firm, Kate is thrown in the path of Ben Parker, son of the owner. She has a lot to learn and Ben is more than happy to train her. But Ben has secrets ...something has happened to him in the past ... something he's not quite willing to share with Kate.
As a Romantic Suspense, this book has a very good story line with characters that are deftly defined. Kate's mother is the mother from hell, intrusive, sarcastic, and a very sharp tongue. She's the character you love to hate. There are twists, but not noticeable until parts of the story start to meld together. This is a light, easy read.
Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Kate has been living with her boyfriend, Rob, for a year. Things aren't going well in that direction ... he's become secretive, having whispered telephone conversations, and disappearing sometimes for days at a time.
Once upon a time, Kate had been a lawn enforcement officer. She would like to stay in that field of work, and decides to become a private investigator. Joining a well established firm, Kate is thrown in the path of Ben Parker, son of the owner. She has a lot to learn and Ben is more than happy to train her. But Ben has secrets ...something has happened to him in the past ... something he's not quite willing to share with Kate.
As a Romantic Suspense, this book has a very good story line with characters that are deftly defined. Kate's mother is the mother from hell, intrusive, sarcastic, and a very sharp tongue. She's the character you love to hate. There are twists, but not noticeable until parts of the story start to meld together. This is a light, easy read.
Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 22, 2023
I’m clearly in the minority but I didn’t really enjoy this book. It centers on Kate, who was in a car accident a year ago and is trying to get past her guilt. She wants to break up with her boyfriend Rob and she also meets a new guy named Ben at her new job. Rob is hiding secrets.
There was very little character development in this story- it just jumped right in and I didn’t get a good indication of why these characters made the decisions they made. It also seemed very unrealistic that Kate and Rob would have gotten to this stage in their relationship based on the way he treated her. Even when Rob’s secret was exposed it didn’t really make sense to me. Lastly there was a romance aspect to the book that I didn’t see coming and I like to keep my mysteries to just the mystery.
Overall, this one didn’t speak to me but seems like others have really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was very little character development in this story- it just jumped right in and I didn’t get a good indication of why these characters made the decisions they made. It also seemed very unrealistic that Kate and Rob would have gotten to this stage in their relationship based on the way he treated her. Even when Rob’s secret was exposed it didn’t really make sense to me. Lastly there was a romance aspect to the book that I didn’t see coming and I like to keep my mysteries to just the mystery.
Overall, this one didn’t speak to me but seems like others have really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2018
4☆ Full of intrigue
Tell Me No Secrets is full of intrigue, secrets, grief, Suspence and Romance with a sting of Danger.
When an accident changes Kate's life forever she decides it's time for a change.
After previously being working for the police she decides she wants to do something like that again so she takes up a career in private investigator work.
However it's not smooth sailing and danger lurks.
Kate's detective partner Ben also has secrets but as the two get closer so does their friendship.
Will Ben ever be able to share his past with Kate?
Will love blossom or will Kate finally be honest with herself and realise her marriage is over!
This is my second book I have read by Lynda.
She always has fab characters, creates suspense and intrigue and a story you will want to keep reading. This is a perfectly paced story which holds the readers attention the whole way through. With the right amount of Twists and turns to keep up the intrigue.
If you are looking for an intriguing Suspense with a sprinkle of Romance and a dash of danger then you will thoroughly enjoy Tell Me No Secrets.
Thank you to Choc Lit for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Tell Me No Secrets is full of intrigue, secrets, grief, Suspence and Romance with a sting of Danger.
When an accident changes Kate's life forever she decides it's time for a change.
After previously being working for the police she decides she wants to do something like that again so she takes up a career in private investigator work.
However it's not smooth sailing and danger lurks.
Kate's detective partner Ben also has secrets but as the two get closer so does their friendship.
Will Ben ever be able to share his past with Kate?
Will love blossom or will Kate finally be honest with herself and realise her marriage is over!
This is my second book I have read by Lynda.
She always has fab characters, creates suspense and intrigue and a story you will want to keep reading. This is a perfectly paced story which holds the readers attention the whole way through. With the right amount of Twists and turns to keep up the intrigue.
If you are looking for an intriguing Suspense with a sprinkle of Romance and a dash of danger then you will thoroughly enjoy Tell Me No Secrets.
Thank you to Choc Lit for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
April 19, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Choc-Lit in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The main character, Kate has been through the ringer, she was in a car accident that left her brother dead, her sister paralyzed, and left her with a permanent scar on her face. Her parents have been acting as though the accident was her fault, though her brother was the driver and her self-confidence has hit an all time low, not to mention that her live-in boyfriend either sleeps on the couch or doesn't come home at all. Now Kate has a job as a private investigator, has met a wonderful, caring man who has experienced his own share of heartbreak, and an investigation that just might get them both killed. I really loved the characters and the way the author built up the suspense throughout the story, the added shockers were enough to make this a true page turner. I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 7, 2017
Following a car accident, Kate's family has been left broken and destroyed. A former police officer in the Met, she is trying to start afresh in Yorkshire with a new job as a private investigator where she is working for, and with, Ben, the owner's son, who too has been grieving for the past four years. Working on a case involving drug dealing, they become close as the case turns dangerous, threatening Kate and those close to her.
Not much to say about this. I thought it was ok and it held my attention, but I wasn't fully won over. It's a nice enough romantic suspense story, but both, the romance and the suspense, were a bit tame for me.
I never fully believed the entire setup and the characters were just a little too cookie-cut and easily forgettable.
I think this will appeal more to readers who are looking for a very light read. It was all very convenient and works if you're looking for a bit of unchallenging escapism. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
Not much to say about this. I thought it was ok and it held my attention, but I wasn't fully won over. It's a nice enough romantic suspense story, but both, the romance and the suspense, were a bit tame for me.
I never fully believed the entire setup and the characters were just a little too cookie-cut and easily forgettable.
I think this will appeal more to readers who are looking for a very light read. It was all very convenient and works if you're looking for a bit of unchallenging escapism. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
April 11, 2017
a little bit of everything in it! Romance, grief, new starts, secrets, lies, romance, danger ...... think every base is covered in this new release from Lynda Stacey!
There's an edgy feeling from the start in this book and as you follow Kate in her new role in life, trying to deal with her past which isn't easy when she's reminded of it everytime she looks in a mirror. Her work as a Private Investigator soon helps to give her new focus, and she becomes intrigued by her new boss, Ben Parker, who also seems to be hiding something.
Really enjoyed how their relationship evolves and also loved how the case they are working on turns out to be a whole lot darker than they first thought! I loved it!
Thank you to Choc Lit for an early e-copy in return for a fair and honest review
There's an edgy feeling from the start in this book and as you follow Kate in her new role in life, trying to deal with her past which isn't easy when she's reminded of it everytime she looks in a mirror. Her work as a Private Investigator soon helps to give her new focus, and she becomes intrigued by her new boss, Ben Parker, who also seems to be hiding something.
Really enjoyed how their relationship evolves and also loved how the case they are working on turns out to be a whole lot darker than they first thought! I loved it!
Thank you to Choc Lit for an early e-copy in return for a fair and honest review
April 23, 2018
I received a copy of this through NetGalley for my honest review.
A well done suspenseful romance! I completely enjoyed the suspense/mystery part of this, and it had a great romance woven into it. Kate is in a "complicated" relationship with Rob. And by complicated, I mean he's a total jerk, who is obviously using her. She was left with a facial scar, that she feels makes her ugly, from an accident that killed her brother and left her sister paralyzed. She has a horrible mother who blames her for the accident, and Kate is happy to take on the guilt. She finally is going back to work after a year-long recovery, and finds herself working as a private investigator with Ben, who I absolutely loved. He is kind, gentlemanly, even-tempered, and a bit swoony!! The case they are investigating has everything to do with Kate, and things quickly come to a head. All things are not as they appear, and soon Kate is in the middle of all the secrets that start to unravel themselves.
A well done suspenseful romance! I completely enjoyed the suspense/mystery part of this, and it had a great romance woven into it. Kate is in a "complicated" relationship with Rob. And by complicated, I mean he's a total jerk, who is obviously using her. She was left with a facial scar, that she feels makes her ugly, from an accident that killed her brother and left her sister paralyzed. She has a horrible mother who blames her for the accident, and Kate is happy to take on the guilt. She finally is going back to work after a year-long recovery, and finds herself working as a private investigator with Ben, who I absolutely loved. He is kind, gentlemanly, even-tempered, and a bit swoony!! The case they are investigating has everything to do with Kate, and things quickly come to a head. All things are not as they appear, and soon Kate is in the middle of all the secrets that start to unravel themselves.
January 26, 2024
Though it appears I may be in the minority, I hated this book. It felt disjointed and murky at the best of times. This is not a psychological thriller, it is a romance novel that is trying to be "edgy". Very little of the plot makes any sense.
I did finish the book entirely because I do not think it's fair to review it without completion, but the ending is sappy and poorly written.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book.
I did finish the book entirely because I do not think it's fair to review it without completion, but the ending is sappy and poorly written.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book.
January 15, 2024
This was such a good book! This was about a girl who was in a car accident with her siblings. Her brother died, and her sister became disabled and ended up in a wheelchair. She had a boyfriend that was not very nice to her, that she suspected was up to no good. She started a new job as a private investigator and she meets a new man. The story that unfolds from there was really good. There were twists and turns that I didn’t expect in the book but those, of course, made it even more enjoyable. When the book was over I wanted more. This was a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
December 16, 2025
Extremely amateurish in it's plot and writing.
March 9, 2024
I have read a couple of Psychological Thrillers that the author has written, and she is always a “must read” for me. She has written a riveting, fast-paced psychological thriller with perfect timing and pacing to draw you in and keep you engaged with the characters and the storyline. There are twists and surprises throughout the book that keep you intrigued, and the ending was shocking final reveal. It gave me everything I love in a suspense thriller from the easy, fast-paced storyline to the intriguing plot and unexpected twists. I recommend this book and LH Stacey other thrillers to serious psychological thriller fans that like a fast-paced, suspenseful, and well-written story.
February 5, 2018
This book started off fairly enjoyably, with the main protagonist, Kate, starting a new job and trying to get on with her life following a traumatic car accident that affected her entire family. She starts a fascinating new job, and with it you can see a burgeoning romance. Fairly predictable in that sense, but heart-warming nonetheless, and makes you feel quite invested in Kate's romantic life.
When the main plot story starts to unfold (I won't divulge any details because it'll ruin the entire story), I found that it was too much on the unbelievable side for me to get on board with. It started to get a little complicated with a few too many characters to keep track of, and the crime side of the story was a bit convoluted and I lost interest here.
It's not the most well-written book, but not at all bad; it's a fairly straight-forward read, but I found the writing left a lot desired and the plot fell quite flat for me. The book didn't hold my attention particularly well, and I finished it more for the sake of finishing it and getting it off my 'to be read' list as opposed to feeling like I really wanted to know what was going to happen.
When the main plot story starts to unfold (I won't divulge any details because it'll ruin the entire story), I found that it was too much on the unbelievable side for me to get on board with. It started to get a little complicated with a few too many characters to keep track of, and the crime side of the story was a bit convoluted and I lost interest here.
It's not the most well-written book, but not at all bad; it's a fairly straight-forward read, but I found the writing left a lot desired and the plot fell quite flat for me. The book didn't hold my attention particularly well, and I finished it more for the sake of finishing it and getting it off my 'to be read' list as opposed to feeling like I really wanted to know what was going to happen.
May 6, 2025
Having read some of the other reviews, I’m wondering if I’ve even read the same book.
This didn’t work for me. A good book sucks you and makes you feel. This felt very flat, there was a lack of story telling and the characters didn’t have their own personalities. It could have made a good story but it just felt rushed and empty I guess.
Maybe it’s because I’ve read some truly awesome books lately, but this has put me off reading anything else by the same author.
This didn’t work for me. A good book sucks you and makes you feel. This felt very flat, there was a lack of story telling and the characters didn’t have their own personalities. It could have made a good story but it just felt rushed and empty I guess.
Maybe it’s because I’ve read some truly awesome books lately, but this has put me off reading anything else by the same author.
August 8, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
Immediately drawn into the story, we get to know Kate Duggan whose life changed forever thirteen months ago. Intelligent and happy, Kate was working as a police officer in London, when she was involved in a devastating accident that left her brother dead and her twin sister Eve paralysed. Many believed that Kate was lucky walking away with only a scar on her face but guilt and grief have left Kate deeply scarred both inside and out and she struggles to connect with her parents who blame her for what happened.
Now over a year later, Kate is finally taking steps to start afresh with her fiancè Rob, and her new job as a private investigator with Parker and Son. But when Kate meets Ben, her colleague, she cannot help the spark of attraction that flares to life within her and makes her question her relationship with Rob which has been floundering for some time now. As Kate and Ben throw themselves into a new case, they forge a strong friendship and begin to trust each other with their pasts and their fears. But when danger gets a lot closer to home, Kate must find the strength to face it head on even if the truth may shock everyone to their core.
With family drama, shady characters, drama, suspense and some romance thrown in for good measure, TELL ME NO SECRETS by Lynda Stacey is a thoroughly gripping tale from start to finish and I devoured it within a few hours. The characters are engaging and make you care about them - especially Eve who I really wanted to see find happiness, as well as Kate. TELL ME NO SECRETS is perfectly-paced and it had just the right balance of romance and suspense to hold my attention throughout. So if you enjoy a thrilling romantic suspense with a loveable group of main characters then TELL ME NO SECRETS by Lynda Stacey is the perfect book for you.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
Immediately drawn into the story, we get to know Kate Duggan whose life changed forever thirteen months ago. Intelligent and happy, Kate was working as a police officer in London, when she was involved in a devastating accident that left her brother dead and her twin sister Eve paralysed. Many believed that Kate was lucky walking away with only a scar on her face but guilt and grief have left Kate deeply scarred both inside and out and she struggles to connect with her parents who blame her for what happened.
Now over a year later, Kate is finally taking steps to start afresh with her fiancè Rob, and her new job as a private investigator with Parker and Son. But when Kate meets Ben, her colleague, she cannot help the spark of attraction that flares to life within her and makes her question her relationship with Rob which has been floundering for some time now. As Kate and Ben throw themselves into a new case, they forge a strong friendship and begin to trust each other with their pasts and their fears. But when danger gets a lot closer to home, Kate must find the strength to face it head on even if the truth may shock everyone to their core.
With family drama, shady characters, drama, suspense and some romance thrown in for good measure, TELL ME NO SECRETS by Lynda Stacey is a thoroughly gripping tale from start to finish and I devoured it within a few hours. The characters are engaging and make you care about them - especially Eve who I really wanted to see find happiness, as well as Kate. TELL ME NO SECRETS is perfectly-paced and it had just the right balance of romance and suspense to hold my attention throughout. So if you enjoy a thrilling romantic suspense with a loveable group of main characters then TELL ME NO SECRETS by Lynda Stacey is the perfect book for you.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
April 14, 2017
Kate Duggan blames herself for an accident which killed her brother and crippled her twin sister Eve. She has a constant reminder of the crash – a scar on her face which she camouflages with makeup. Not only does she feel guilty for what happened, her own physical disfigurement has left her with low esteem. When she meets handsome personal trainer Rob, she believes she has found someone who looks beyond the scar and really loves her. Now engaged and living in a cottage her grandmother left her, things appear to have changed. Rob is no longer a warm loving man but bullying and secretive.
Originally training as a lawyer, Kate joined the Met as a police officer . Having left her uniform days behind she is about to begin working for private investigators Parker and Sons. On her first morning when introduced to the owner’s son Ben she feels a spark of attraction but reminds herself she is already committed to Rob. Ben is also attracted to Kate but is still mourning the death of his wife and unborn child. As the two of them begin working together on a drugs case, a close friendship forms.
Lynda Stacey provides all the right ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable read. She skilfully brings her characters together , introducing us to a hero and heroine still holding onto their painful pasts, a thoroughly unpleasant boyfriend and the mother from hell to mention but a few There are enough plot twists and turns in the plot as it sweeps Ben and Kate in and out of dangerous situations, as you wonder whether they will eventually get together or not. An excellent follow up to her first novel House of Secrets.
Originally training as a lawyer, Kate joined the Met as a police officer . Having left her uniform days behind she is about to begin working for private investigators Parker and Sons. On her first morning when introduced to the owner’s son Ben she feels a spark of attraction but reminds herself she is already committed to Rob. Ben is also attracted to Kate but is still mourning the death of his wife and unborn child. As the two of them begin working together on a drugs case, a close friendship forms.
Lynda Stacey provides all the right ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable read. She skilfully brings her characters together , introducing us to a hero and heroine still holding onto their painful pasts, a thoroughly unpleasant boyfriend and the mother from hell to mention but a few There are enough plot twists and turns in the plot as it sweeps Ben and Kate in and out of dangerous situations, as you wonder whether they will eventually get together or not. An excellent follow up to her first novel House of Secrets.
December 27, 2017
Wat een opmerkelijk verhaal...een must-read!
Kate, het hoofdpersonage, beleeft een moeilijke tijd. Na een auto-ongeval waarin haar broer James overlijd en gaan tweelingzus Eve veroordeelt wordt tot een rolstoel, denkt Kate dat iedereen haar veroordeel, dat zij de schuldige hiervan is. Op ieder moment wordt ze er aan herinnert want op haar gezicht is een lidteken zichtbaar.
Stilaan probeert ze haar leven terug op rails te zetten: haar vriend Rob ziet haar graag en ze vind werk als privé-detective. Tijdens haar opleiding onderzoeken zij en Ben-de zoon van het detectivebureau "Parker en zoon"een drugtraffic in een nabijgelegen dorp.
Als uiteindelijk blijkt dat "haar" Rob 1 van de verdachten is, laat ze hem vallen. Wat deze natuurlijk niet accepteert want Kate is zijn perfect alibi. Ben moet haar uit de nesten helpen ....
Lynda Stacey schrijft vlot en weet haar verhaal levendig te houden. Romantiek, spanning, leugens en geheimen houden je verder in het verhaal. Dit smaakt naar meer!
Kate, het hoofdpersonage, beleeft een moeilijke tijd. Na een auto-ongeval waarin haar broer James overlijd en gaan tweelingzus Eve veroordeelt wordt tot een rolstoel, denkt Kate dat iedereen haar veroordeel, dat zij de schuldige hiervan is. Op ieder moment wordt ze er aan herinnert want op haar gezicht is een lidteken zichtbaar.
Stilaan probeert ze haar leven terug op rails te zetten: haar vriend Rob ziet haar graag en ze vind werk als privé-detective. Tijdens haar opleiding onderzoeken zij en Ben-de zoon van het detectivebureau "Parker en zoon"een drugtraffic in een nabijgelegen dorp.
Als uiteindelijk blijkt dat "haar" Rob 1 van de verdachten is, laat ze hem vallen. Wat deze natuurlijk niet accepteert want Kate is zijn perfect alibi. Ben moet haar uit de nesten helpen ....
Lynda Stacey schrijft vlot en weet haar verhaal levendig te houden. Romantiek, spanning, leugens en geheimen houden je verder in het verhaal. Dit smaakt naar meer!
January 30, 2018
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, multi-genre read! I expected a romance, but got so much more. Though Kate is the main character, there are also sections written by some major and minor secondary characters. There's a lot more going on that meets the eye, with layers in the plot, and people and events connected in surprising ways. There was a very cringe-worthy choice that Kate made, which didn't make sense to me, given her previous experience with a certain character, but without that choice, a major part of the plot couldn't have happened. Otherwise, I found the story to be believable, and I cared about the well-developed, realistic characters and what happened to them. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance, mystery, and action stories!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2017
Writers fear the second book, and with good reason. It's an important book to send out into the world, and Lynda's book does not equal House of Secrets, it surpasses it. Stacey is an author who shows that she can flex her writing muscle, both books are as different as night and day - both are 5 star reads that keep you turning those pages. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
January 30, 2024
Really twisty, turny and exciting. Detailed and fast paced, loved Ben (who wouldnt)!? The characters were believable and relatable. Read in 1 sitting. Fantastic book. Will look for more by this author now
August 6, 2025
Another excellent book by this author! I'm hooked on her books!
January 1, 2024
I didn’t mind this book and would read more by this author if I saw them. I was a bit confused by the ‘psychological thriller’ category as I thought it was more of a romance novel with a bit of mystery thrown in on the side. I didn’t mind the development of the relationships between Kate and Ben and Eric and Eve, although you could see what was going to happen as soon as the characters of Ben and Eric were introduced. I didn’t understand the mental breakdown of Kate’s mum. She was described as always being dismissive and nasty, so I was surprised when Kate realised that she was being nasty because she was having a mental breakdown - I would have just thought she was just being her normal bitchy self. The mystery, wasn’t particularly mysterious, but I guess did add another element to the story. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 23, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.
This was my first book by L.H. Stacey and it won’t be my last! The Accident had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the writing style and found myself loving all of characters - minus Mother, IYKYK!!
Fast paced and twisty, I was so impressed.
This was my first book by L.H. Stacey and it won’t be my last! The Accident had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the writing style and found myself loving all of characters - minus Mother, IYKYK!!
Fast paced and twisty, I was so impressed.
November 8, 2017
Shrouded in mystery and thrills, "Tell Me No Secrets" will keep readers in suspense and make it hard to put the book down!
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 5, 2024
That was an interesting book to read ! I loved everything going on, felt sick about one horrible character ! All in all, I feel like it was a really happy ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwoold books for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwoold books for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2017
Tell me no Secrets, Lynda Stacey
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: women's fiction, Romance
Gah, women's Fiction, I won't rant...too much..but why women's fiction? Why assume men won't like this? Aren't we being as sexist as men are when they exclude women? Horrible category title.
Its a Choc Lit book, and usually I love those so I looked forward to this. I didn't dislike it, but TBH was a bit indifferent to it.
The characters were very “just so”, almost caricatures, the grieving widower, the nerdish employee, the sister in the wheelchair, the scarred sister, the wicked boyfriend and the parents with issues....it was almost like the author had a tick list of characters to include. They were OK, but none of them really stood out to me, they weren't in any way special, and I guess that's why I fixed on their type instead of who they are.
The plots too were a little cut and dried, I felt I was being spoon fed them. The problem would be mentioned and hey, Kate's in the hairdressers, and just happens to hear some info which sounds really vague, but Eric the nerd manages to dredge out time, place, transport from it. Then the bad guys just happen to leave out a handy map with everything noted on it for Kate to photograph. I almost expected a pirate style X to be marked on it ;-)
Maybe for other readers that works, perhaps they like to be given results, but I prefer to try to work it out myself from some more subtle clues.
Its horses for courses, everyone wants different things, and just because I don't like this way of delivering the story doesn't mean its not a good way, doesn't mean others won't love it, just that its not right for me.
Stars: Two and a half, will be perfect for others but too slick, too quick with answers for me.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: women's fiction, Romance
Gah, women's Fiction, I won't rant...too much..but why women's fiction? Why assume men won't like this? Aren't we being as sexist as men are when they exclude women? Horrible category title.
Its a Choc Lit book, and usually I love those so I looked forward to this. I didn't dislike it, but TBH was a bit indifferent to it.
The characters were very “just so”, almost caricatures, the grieving widower, the nerdish employee, the sister in the wheelchair, the scarred sister, the wicked boyfriend and the parents with issues....it was almost like the author had a tick list of characters to include. They were OK, but none of them really stood out to me, they weren't in any way special, and I guess that's why I fixed on their type instead of who they are.
The plots too were a little cut and dried, I felt I was being spoon fed them. The problem would be mentioned and hey, Kate's in the hairdressers, and just happens to hear some info which sounds really vague, but Eric the nerd manages to dredge out time, place, transport from it. Then the bad guys just happen to leave out a handy map with everything noted on it for Kate to photograph. I almost expected a pirate style X to be marked on it ;-)
Maybe for other readers that works, perhaps they like to be given results, but I prefer to try to work it out myself from some more subtle clues.
Its horses for courses, everyone wants different things, and just because I don't like this way of delivering the story doesn't mean its not a good way, doesn't mean others won't love it, just that its not right for me.
Stars: Two and a half, will be perfect for others but too slick, too quick with answers for me.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
May 29, 2017
Lynda Stacey’s Tell Me No Secrets is an edgy suspense romance. It is filled with twists that seemed unconnected but by the end of the story all are woven together. Kate Duggan has survived a car accident that left one paralyzed and one dead. She was not without injury either. Her entire family was changed by this. Kate cannot count on them now since it is a totally dysfunctional unit. However, I liked her strength to go on with life even when she wanted to give up. Ben Parker also has suffered losses but he makes a great work partner for Kate in her new job.
It is as she begins working that the story really takes off. What looks to be one investigating job, turns out to have many connections to the characters. There is more than one nil biting scene as Kate tries with Ben’s help to piece it all together. Through it all he remains a strong loyal friend. Despite the villains all is resolved.
The last chapter reads more like an epilogue since it happens a year late. It shows the two main characters finally getting their HEA which they both rightly deserved. Still, I liked the friendship only between Ben and Kate during the main story since she was in a relationship with Rob, murderous sorry person that he not withstanding.
Romance suspense readers will love this one. The first book that I have read by Lynda Stacey but I want to read more now especially since she wrote that this is the second book published but the first book she wrote. I predict she is only going to perfect her writing craft even more.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
It is as she begins working that the story really takes off. What looks to be one investigating job, turns out to have many connections to the characters. There is more than one nil biting scene as Kate tries with Ben’s help to piece it all together. Through it all he remains a strong loyal friend. Despite the villains all is resolved.
The last chapter reads more like an epilogue since it happens a year late. It shows the two main characters finally getting their HEA which they both rightly deserved. Still, I liked the friendship only between Ben and Kate during the main story since she was in a relationship with Rob, murderous sorry person that he not withstanding.
Romance suspense readers will love this one. The first book that I have read by Lynda Stacey but I want to read more now especially since she wrote that this is the second book published but the first book she wrote. I predict she is only going to perfect her writing craft even more.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
February 19, 2018
I got a copy of this book from ChocLit to review. This would not be the kind of story I normally read but I'm glad I did. Because it had that detective part that I like so much in stories.
Kate wears a heavy past with her. She has been in a car accident which has left a big scar on her face. Her sister Eve got paralysed and her brother was killed in that same accident. She blames herself for all of that. She begins to work at a firm for private investigators and winds up in a case with unexpected perpetrators.
This is the second book I’ve read by Lynda Stacey and I have to say I liked this one better than House of Christmas Secrets. Probably because this one had more action in it.
All characters is this book are described very well. They have all different personalities and have all ben marked by the past. I like the fact that the writer doesn’t reveal everything at the same time but you learn secrets of their past bit by bit.
This story is not a story tob e put in one specific genre. It has drama but also thriller and detective parts. But you can also find a hint of romance in there.
When sisters Kate and Eve bicker or when they have words with their mom, you can really see it happen. It is written very vividly. There is a lot going on in this family. It was also one of the few times I go tinto the story from the beginning. Most of the time when I read a book, it takes me 20 or more pages to get into the story, but not with this one. Stacey got me from the first page.
I particularly liked the part where they went to the bay of Whitby. The landscape is descibed so well you can feel the wind blowing and see the waves of the water.
It is beautiful to see the characters evolve. Kate from being insecure and hiding her scar to being more confident in her imperfections. You want to read on because you want to know what Kate will encounter next and how she will deal with it. I’ve read the book in 2 days. It is really a page turner.
I give this book a 4* out of five.
Kate wears a heavy past with her. She has been in a car accident which has left a big scar on her face. Her sister Eve got paralysed and her brother was killed in that same accident. She blames herself for all of that. She begins to work at a firm for private investigators and winds up in a case with unexpected perpetrators.
This is the second book I’ve read by Lynda Stacey and I have to say I liked this one better than House of Christmas Secrets. Probably because this one had more action in it.
All characters is this book are described very well. They have all different personalities and have all ben marked by the past. I like the fact that the writer doesn’t reveal everything at the same time but you learn secrets of their past bit by bit.
This story is not a story tob e put in one specific genre. It has drama but also thriller and detective parts. But you can also find a hint of romance in there.
When sisters Kate and Eve bicker or when they have words with their mom, you can really see it happen. It is written very vividly. There is a lot going on in this family. It was also one of the few times I go tinto the story from the beginning. Most of the time when I read a book, it takes me 20 or more pages to get into the story, but not with this one. Stacey got me from the first page.
I particularly liked the part where they went to the bay of Whitby. The landscape is descibed so well you can feel the wind blowing and see the waves of the water.
It is beautiful to see the characters evolve. Kate from being insecure and hiding her scar to being more confident in her imperfections. You want to read on because you want to know what Kate will encounter next and how she will deal with it. I’ve read the book in 2 days. It is really a page turner.
I give this book a 4* out of five.
October 18, 2018
An easy read that I found somewhat intriguing. That being said, the romantic aspect was lacklustre. I felt absolutely no connection or chemistry between Ben and Kate whatsoever. For a person who was once a police officer, Kate was very naïve, clueless and stupid whether it be working as a "private investigator" or dealing with her life. As much as she whined about her mother to anyone who would listen, she let her walk all over her; perhaps because of the guilt she felt and her parents blaming her for her brother's death. She also let her fiancée walk all over her. She never stood up to him and asked him why he was never home or why he wouldn't sleep with her. She was once a cop and is now an investigator, you would've thought she'd check to see what her fiancée was up to on her own. I did like the relationship she had with her twin sister, Eve. There was some suspense but honestly, it was easy to figure out early on who was involved. The one issue I really take is the ending. The author wrote pages and pages yet when it came to the ending, it was like she couldn't be bothered. I really hate when authors do this; so much goes on and then bam! They're married, have a kid, in love. All done. Investing so much time reading a book I think we readers should be entitled to a lot more when it comes to the end or epilogue.
January 22, 2024
The feeling of jeopardy starts from the opening pages as it becomes clear that Kate’s partner, Rob, is not all that he may seem to be. That feeling doesn’t pass easily as more of Kate’s story unfolds. I genuinely felt sympathy for her as it became clear that she was carrying a huge burden of guilt having survived a terrible accident that took the life of her brother and seriously impacted her sister’s way of life. Kate’s injuries may seem superficial, but the damage is much deeper.
I must admit, this book hooked me in, and I inhaled it in a single night. I simply couldn’t put it down while the action was playing out across the pages. As Kate starts over as a private investigator, life soon brings complications to her door that enable her to see beyond what she has been told and get closer to the truth.
The last thing I want to do is include any spoilers, so I will steer away from the plot and leave that to the synopsis. What I will focus on is the skillful way the author introduces and develops her characters. The pain and confusion that Kate endured was tangible and that created a nervous feeling as I was reading.
There’s also a need to mention how the villains are cleverly drawn, creating a deeper feeling of danger in the pages. Of course, that is why Lynda’s books are so successful. I absolutely despised Rob and his manipulative ways, but I did wonder if his behaviour was a cover; as I said, no spoilers from me.
I loved every minute of this book and can highly recommend it.
I must admit, this book hooked me in, and I inhaled it in a single night. I simply couldn’t put it down while the action was playing out across the pages. As Kate starts over as a private investigator, life soon brings complications to her door that enable her to see beyond what she has been told and get closer to the truth.
The last thing I want to do is include any spoilers, so I will steer away from the plot and leave that to the synopsis. What I will focus on is the skillful way the author introduces and develops her characters. The pain and confusion that Kate endured was tangible and that created a nervous feeling as I was reading.
There’s also a need to mention how the villains are cleverly drawn, creating a deeper feeling of danger in the pages. Of course, that is why Lynda’s books are so successful. I absolutely despised Rob and his manipulative ways, but I did wonder if his behaviour was a cover; as I said, no spoilers from me.
I loved every minute of this book and can highly recommend it.
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