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She was supposed to be safe.

For the first time in her life, Charlie felt like she belonged.

She loved living in Redemption, Wisconsin. She had everything she ever wanted: a home, friends, a new business, a new love.

However, nothing is ever what it seems in Redemption. And you should never, ever, discount the darkness hiding under the surface.

The Reckoning is Part 2 of Charlie's story and resolves the cliffhanger from The Summoning. Both books are a prequel to the main series and can be read before Books 1-3.

Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2020

324 people are currently reading
340 people want to read

About the author

Michele Pariza Wacek

64 books1,433 followers
A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

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5 stars
295 (50%)
4 stars
214 (36%)
3 stars
66 (11%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
2 reviews
December 31, 2020
I need about 5 more books

I love the sequence of the books. I like learning about Charlie now after her presence in the earlier books. I need more books. I have to know more. In the meantime I will have to read the entire series from the beginning and see if there is anything I missed. I hope there are more books to come.
716 reviews5 followers
Read
December 28, 2020
A terrific story, as always!

This is an intense and complicated story. So many questions, new and old, are hanging out there. I can't wait for the next book in this series. This is a well written series, with complex characters and a twisting plot. Well done!
81 reviews
January 1, 2021
Exciting read

Really enjoyed how it all came together. Still lots of questions left, so the story hopefully continues. Easy reading, and it was nice getting to know the characters. I'm waiting for next book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
26 reviews
Read
January 8, 2021
This was a wonderful addition to the Secrets of Redemption series. I love that these last two books went back and introduced us to the characters from the past. I cannot wait for more of this series!
Profile Image for Marian Cox.
173 reviews
December 27, 2020
Fabulous

I can not wait to read more about Redemption! I was on the edge of my seat..keep bring us fabulous books!
3 reviews
December 31, 2020
Great!!

I can’t wait till the next book in the series, I know it will be good also, she’s a great author.
Profile Image for AvidBibliophile.
191 reviews8 followers
December 27, 2020
A Storm on the Horizon Brings Darkness and Irreversible Impulsivity 🌪

The “witch” house still creaks and hunky Jonathan remains as masculine and mysterious as ever. Midnight still comes and goes and meows, and Aunt May’s is still the town epicenter of ravenous appetites and scintillating bits of gossipy accusations. Alan, the delusional, insufferable ex, resurfaces in some eerily haunting ways, and black cat mishaps abound as unlikely lady-accomplices join forces to combat evil. A great many secrets get forever buried.

I did deduct a star on account of encountering several grammatical and typographical errors that somewhat disrupted my reading enjoyment, but, overall, this latest tale was a nice addition to the SECRETS OF REDEMPTION series. Always love stopping by to see what this cast of characters is up to!
Profile Image for Betsy Byrd.
213 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2022
Great!

I still have some questions... Like I think Becca is really Charlie's and Jonathan's daughter!! I do have some questions still. I have to go to the Charlie series... Hopefully it will answer my questions.
Profile Image for Bethany.
69 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2023
Another great installation in the Secrets of Redemption series! This time we follow Charlie through what happens when someone she hoped never to see again comes to town...and sparks a side of someone that she wished never came to light. Through disappearances, lies, cover ups, and emotional turmoil, Charlie has to decide what is best for everyone else. Allies emerge from the unlikeliest places, even if only for a moment...in an effort to rid Redemption of one of the most dangerous people living within its borders.

I am adoring this series. Every book keeps me on my toes, and each book is just as great as the last. I hate to have to put them down when my reading time is interrupted by such things as sleep or work or...responsibilities.
Profile Image for Ruth McDaniel.
268 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2023
This was a really good book. I've enjoyed all the books thus far in this series, but I really liked getting to know Aunt Charlie's back story.
Also finding out the parentage of some of the characters from previous books.
There were quite a few moments that I lost myself in the story and was reading alone at night.....of course that makes one's mind go to all sorts of places when you hear a noise or something, haha. That, to me, is a sign of a good thriller!
I'm looking very forward to the next book in the series, and I also can't wait to start reading the Charlie Kingsley mystery series.
Highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Annemarie .
955 reviews22 followers
April 27, 2024
What on earth did they unleash and who was the little girl that Claire saw? Charlie's haven is quickly taking on nightmarish proportions. Things are rapidly spiraling out of control. Is Charlie mentally strong enough to do what needs to be done, or will her actions only make things worse?

The author states that both The Summoning and The Reckoning can be read before Books 1-3 in the series, but I think that's only true of The Summoning. The Reckoning contains spoilers for Book 3 so I personally think that reading this in this order is fine.

I am loving this series.
Profile Image for Emily Gawlak.
121 reviews7 followers
November 7, 2025
WOW…..amazing. MPW is a fantastic author! The Reckoning did not go where I thought it would. The amount of twists and turns is still boggling my mind. Everything about this book is great. The suspense is strong, the story is great, and the characters are outstanding.

I will say, the direction the book started is exactly where I thought it was going, but my goodness the turn it took was breath taking! I’m still trying to process everything.

Overall I love this book and its series. I highly recommend it!

Happy reading! 📖
Profile Image for Dawn Huffines medley.
56 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2024
It’s interesting how things started out with Aunt Charlie. But I have the 6rh book to get into yet. Here’s my thing this started out as advertisement on my Facebook page for It Started with a Lie. I thought I’ll give it a try and oh I loved and to find out more and more definitely a book series that intrigues your interest and keeps you turning the pages
Profile Image for Kerry.
664 reviews41 followers
May 23, 2024
The Reckoning is another excellent read in the Secrets of Redemption series. It is the second book centred around Charlie’s story and it answers a lot of questions!

Another book full of suspense and tension. I can’t seem to get enough of this series. I’m already reading book 6! I look forward to picking my kindle back up each evening to see what might happen next.

It’s a long time since I read a series of books one after the other, but I am really invested in these characters and their stories.

https://chataboutbooks.blog/2024/05/2...
214 reviews
November 27, 2024
Not the hest if the series

For me, this was not the best in the series because I felt like I already knew what was happening. I already knew Jesse had gone missing, and Charlie had an affair with a married man. The parts about the ex-fiance were a good touch, though, and really is what set hoe the book progressed nicely.
134 reviews
July 10, 2022
This is another adventure of Charlie Kingsley. This book is very dark and so often wanted to shake Charlie and tell her to wake up. For the answers to some of her questions were right there before her. The only thing is that I wish I had read this book before the series.
Profile Image for Mariam Salami.
35 reviews
April 23, 2025
This one might be my favorite of the series. So good completely reeled me in! Love how we got insight into Aunt Charlies time in Redemption. I have so many more questions. This town is so interesting. Excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
Profile Image for Kimberly Blaha.
120 reviews
May 31, 2021
Loved this series!

Could not put this series down. I really enjoyed all the characters-even the ones you are supposed to hate. Well written and suspenseful. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Michelle Sporlein.
190 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2023
Great

I need more... I can't believe what happened to Jonathon and afar he became. Poor Charlie, and everyone really. Good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
20 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2023
I listened to this entire series while home sick with pneumonia and the flu. I thoroughly enjoyed each installment and it was easy enough to go back if I missed something.
278 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2023
great book

I am really loving this series. I think I may have picked up on an important piece of the overall puzzle in this one. I will have to keep reading to see if I’m right.
49 reviews
February 27, 2024
Putting it together!!

This series has kept me hooked into the intriguing mysteries. I do notice some things repeating in each book. Someone always knocks a chair over…
Profile Image for Sheryl Wolford.
238 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2024
Dots connecting.

So great to understand past history and how it connects
S to the future. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Sommer.
306 reviews
August 9, 2024
Not my fave in the series so far but still loving these books!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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