Her Father's Secret

Detective Margot Phalen Series #2

by Kate Wiley

The sun is beginning to set as Margot watches the dive team haul the girl’s body from the lake, untangling the bag that had been used to weight it down among the rocks and the reeds. But it isn’t the cool evening air that chills Margot to the bone as the bag is opened up. It is the glimpse of its contents. The old toys. Margot’s toys.

Detective Margot Phalen has spent years running from her father’s shadow – and the awful truth of her own past as the daughter of a serial killer. But then she receives a message from him. He’s willing to share his darkest secret – but only with her.

>Now, as she sits across from the empty chair waiting for Ed Finch to be led in, Margot closes her eyes and steels herself for what lies ahead. The key to solving one of California’s most infamous missing persons cases is here, in the one place she fears her father’s cell.

But she knows that the deeper she delves into her father’s twisted mind the greater the risk he’ll get under her skin. And retracing the missing girl’s last steps will mean questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and her family's dark history…

Packed with pulse-pounding suspense and shocking twists, this gripping thriller will keep you riveted until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Serial Killer, Mystery Thriller, Adult

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2024

Reviews

[fadheela ♡ (semi-ia writing assignments)]

ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

🔪06/23/24
Alright, drum rolls please 🥁🥁🥁 We are here with another instalment of Detective Phalen, yayy!!! I'm lowkey so very excited to get this ARC!🤭 I loved reading the first book as an ARC and I can't believe I got approved for the second one too🤧 Let's hope this gives me more chills down my spine and doesn't let me down🤞🏻💕

I'm here for all the Wes x Margot banters😍🔥

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series really is refreshing. A police office working multiple cases at one time - so much more realistic! Excellent character development, continuation from the first book in the series and I love the switching timelines and the curtain being drawn back further surrounding her father and his crimes! Looking forward to the third book!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting this one to see what more Margot’s father has to say and I did thoroughly enjoy it, as Margot is busily doing her best to solve murders that are happening around the San Francisco area with her partner Wes, she is asked to visit her father notorious serial killer Ed Finch he has another body to give up, can Margot keep doing this sitting across from her father to give the families of the missing woman closure?

The pressure is on Margot as not only are there murders for her to solve but there is also a sniper on the loose and visiting her father gets harder he wants to ask her questions to know what is happening all the time, but her biggest question is how many more victims are there, and will he ever give them all up?

This one was a bit slower than the first one but filled with action and it was good getting to know more about Margot and her past as Ed opens up about his victims, I am sure there will be more to come in this series and I look forward to it. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, crime story.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has quickly become a favorite new series for me.
I already can’t wait for book 3 to come. Margot is such an interesting main character. She really holds her own. Between her job as a detective and helping the FBI with her father’s case this book is nonstop and has such interesting cases.

Can’t wait to read book 3!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for an ARC in exchange for honest review

[Lezlie The Nerdy Narrative · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Storm Publishing, on NetGalley and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.

After recently reading and loving the first book in the Detective Margot Phalen series, I was excited to get my hands on the next in the series.

Again, I enjoyed that Detective Phalen was investigating several cases at once, some that she was assigned in the first book as well as some new cases in this one. I feel that is an accurate portrayal of what a detective's day to day must look like - and how it is that mistakes can happen. I enjoyed reading insights about the way these different investigations are worked - in fact, that's my favorite part of this particular installment in the series.

My main reason for starting this series was the serial killer Ed Finch. I have a love/hate relationship with this character though. I feel so bad for poor Margot having to meet with her horrible father, but also I am so intrigued to see how many of his victims were undiscovered. I thought we would have a lot of focus on Ed in this book, but was left wanting in that regard.

I'm currently on the fence about continuing the series - the next installment will have to really have a killer book description to get me to pick it up.

A full non spoiler video discussion regarding my experience with HER FATHER'S SECRET will be posted soon on my BookTube Channel!

A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!

Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Mel

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Father's Secret by Kate Wiley is the second in the Detective Margot Phalen series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

  
Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Detective Margot Phalen is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department.  She was born Megan Finch, but her father is the notorious serial killer Ed Finch, and she wants no part of his name. Only three people on the force know her identity -- her Captain (Gordon Tate), her partner (Wes Fox), and another detective, Leon Telly.   Margot's anxiety sometimes rears its ugly head.  Over twenty years have passed, but Margot is still trying to forget the fact that her father is a serial killer.   Margot also has a brother (now called David), who has not fared well either.  Recently, her father was transferred from New York to San Quentin, and will provide Margot with information on more of his victims -- if she visits him.  She is working with FBI Special Agent Andrew Rhodes to deal with Ed.

 
My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A sniper is targeting the area, and no one is safe.  Margot finds herself smack dab in the middle of this case.  No one is safe.

She is also investigating the bludgeoning of a prostitute, and not everything is as it seems.  Margot ends up with a gun pointed at her head, and the man's finger on the trigger.

Of course, she is still working with Leon to find the killer of the two women found in the woods, and that case doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Then, there is her father.  Ed Finch is playing games.  He agrees to tell her where the body of his 78th victim is,  but he reneges on the deal when she shows up.

 Margot's stress level is high.


My Opinions:
I continue to be impressed by this series.  Again,  the story is told from both Margot's perspective, and from her father's perspective in his killing time-line.

Although some of the twists were expected, others were not.

Margot is a strong woman.  Yes, she suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, and the occasional breakdown.  I would think that was par for the course.  I continue to like the other characters in the book, and although Margot sometimes feels that Andrew is using her, she doesn't really object.  She and Wes make a great pair (and no, I'm not a romance reader....but I wonder).

Basically, this was a great addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to Book 3.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Margot Phalen series has quickly become one of my absolute favorites this year. I was lucky enough to have received an ARC for the first book and fell in love with the characters and I'm so thankful and happy to have been able to read an ARC of Her Father's Secret

The characters have continued to grow on me, the premise and plot is intriguing, and I love the writing style. The dual POV between Margot and Ed Finch in his killing days were interesting and added a lot of depth to the story. I think Kate Wile does an excellent job portraying complex trauma, character arc growth, and a strong FMC who is 100% human.

I can honestly say that Kate Wiley has become an autobuy author for me. I absolutely cannot wait for book 3 to release!

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author Kate Wiley for my arc in exchange for my honest review :)

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 - I’m finding I don’t love the detective/cop story lines. This was okay, some parts I felt like I needed to keep reading other parts, I prob could have stopped reading entirely. I liked the idea of this story, the ending leads to the next book in the series.

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fab instalment to this series. Fast paced and gripping.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gem of a series.

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Father's Secret is Kate Wiley's second book in the Margot Phelan Series. It is a spell- binding, keep you on the edge of your seat thriller. Margot's father Ed Finch is serving life in prison for the brutal murders of at least 77 women. Although Margo moved away from her family's hometown and changed her name, she cannot escape the fear and shame of being Ed Finch's daughter. After being in a New York prison for years he has been transferred to a San Francisco facility and is playing mind games with Margot. He has initiated contact through his attorney and dangles snippets of information that may lead to finding a body or a new victim. While Margot hates him,she feels a responsibility to each victim and their loved ones to see justice done. In addition to this burden, Margot is dealing with a cold case, the bodies of two women discovered in a local park; the brutal murder of a young prostitute and a sniper on the loose. Her Father's Secret is a fast paced, very well crafted novel; I am anxiously awaiting the release of what I hope will be a third book in this series. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Kate Wiley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Her Father's Secret; my review reflects my honest opinion. 4 stars

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I can for sure say that I really love Kate Wiley's writing style. It's very appealing to me and makes it easy to fly through the book. I like how there's more than just one story happening throughout the book. With this being a police procedural, it intrigues me that there's several cases going on. It makes it more realistic.

In this story, we follow Detective Margot Phalen as she continues to receive messages from her father who is a notorious serial killer. He wants her to visit him in prison in order to get information from him. This weighs over her heavily because it's mentally traumatizing each time. While all of this is going on, she also works on other cases.

This book wasn't as good as the first book, but I still really enjoyed it. I feel like it's hard to make a series with each one being equally as interesting, but this is pretty close. I like the creativity for the other cases. It makes me not want to put it down because I was so intrigued to find out what was going to happen. Which makes me very excited for future books. I'm eager to read the rest of her series.

** Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital copy. I'm very grateful. **

[CAROLYN Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Father’s Secret by Kate Wiley. Detective Margot Phalen Series #2

Her Father’s Secret is a fast paced crime thriller, or police procedural.

It is told by a Homicide Detective named Margot Phalen. Her dad kept many secrets when she was little, like the fact that he was a serial killer. Now living in prison, he likes to show her just how many secrets he has, by revealing the location of another victim, but only if she plays his game and comes to see him. This reminds me of Silence of The Lambs in some ways.

The book is a fast paced crime drama from beginning to end. This book surprisingly had more action than the first, with A Sniper, murders, as well as Ed’s past all converging at once. This book just had twists everywhere, giving you a constant Oh Wow! Feeling. I enjoyed the story that the author weaved once again. Kate Wiley had me staying up so late as I just had to read a little more.

The characters are very developed. And I enjoyed Margot’s interaction with her fellow detectives the story had lots of questions and I’m sure the next book in the series will answer them. This one showed Margot from a different perspective, and the toll that talking to a man she hates, is having on her

I have been a crime junkie for a long time, switching between stories, news articles, tv shows and pod casts. I tease my husband that if he ever went missing I would be a suspect based on my watching, reading and listening history.

This book was a fast read, quickly drawing me in and holding my attention. I love the different layers that we are starting to see from Margot. This book had action from beginning to end keeping you engaged and engrossed until the very end.

This is definitely for fans of James Patterson Women Murder Club series, as well as Freida McFadden fans. The twists are dark and the clues are all present as you read.

[Zoe Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series of Homicide Detective Margot Phelan, daughter of prolific serial killer Ed Finch dubbed the classified killer with 77 named victims to date. I jumped straight from book one onto this one after receiving my arc (thanks to NetGalley, storm publishing and the author)

Margot and her partner Wes Fox are straight into new cases as the book kicks off, we also have throwback chapters to her father’s reign of terror. There is the brutal murder of a sex worker along with a sniper on the loose, with these alongside her dads increasing need to be in contact with Margot she begins to struggle.

This was a brilliant read, picking up on things left in book one and growing our main characters further. Really looking forward to book 3, this is a series I will definitely be keeping up with

[Kiirstyannee.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Storm Publishing & Kat Wiley for this great read.

This second instalment of the series was just as gripping as the first. I am thoroughly invested in Margot's story and I cant wait for more.

This book was again unexpectedly dark in all the right ways. The crimes were gruesome but that's what makes me so motivated to find out who the killers are. This book was pretty action packed with multiple crimes to solve alongside the back drop of Margot dealing with her own father's chilling crimes of the past. There is never a dull moment and if you're anything like me you will speed through this in no time.

I cant wait for more in this series and I really am impressed at how much I love this series already. Dark gruesome crimes, fast paced, multiple timelines, many crimes to solve and a protagonist that you can't help but care for

4.5/5

[Sierra Dean]

Not rating because I wrote it, but I DID read it this year.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series, but my first by this author. I can honestly say I have transferred her name to my list of favorite authors and it did not take me long to do this. 

As soon as I opened the book, I was sold. I loved the characters, the writing style and the premise.

Margot is a strong woman. Not only does she still have to come to terms with her personal life, but she also has a few cases to solve together with her partner. 

She is a detective in heart and soul and when a dangerous situations presents itself, she dives straight into it even though it might be a big risk to her own life. 

She has an immense sense of duty and protecting others is on the top of her list. 

I liked Margot a lot. She is like a brick wall on the outside, when sometimes she dies on the inside. To the outside world she is unstoppable, but she cannot forget to unwind from time to time and there is one person who might be the one to turn to.

I cannot wait for the next book. 5 stars

Thank you

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Her Father's Secret picks up right where The Killer's Daughter left off. Detective Margot Phalen is working on multiple cases at once, it's no wonder the poor woman is always a wreck. There is still the case where girls are being found in parks, a new one where a sniper is shooting random people on city streets, and of course a new one given to her by her serial killer father, Ed Finch. I really empathize with Margot. She's the daughter of an infamous serial killer, who had to relocate and change her name after her father was finally arrested when she was a young teen. She's practically estranged from her brother, and her mother committed suicide a few years after her father was taken into custody. She is unable to form meaningful attachments to other people, and is so lonely as a result. (The only people she really even trusts are her partner at work and her therapist.) But as much of an emotional wreck as Margot is, she always puts others first and deals with her father in order to be able to close many cold cases on missing women. The end leaves off nicely, where I'm sure the next in this series will jump right off from.

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

After devouring the first book to this series, The Killer's Daughter, I just knew I needed to get my hands on the next book! I was so excited to receive this ARC, having very high expectations that it would exceed its predecessor. Given the title and where we left off in the first book, I thought we'd touch more on Ed Finch, but unfortunately, we didn't. It was pretty much the same secret Ed revealed at the end of the first book- there may be another victim. We didn't really dive into Ed Finch, the Classifed Killer, or make any shocking new discoveries, which I found myself disappointed by. Much of the book was Margot solving crimes, which is to be expected with her being a detective.
Overall, this book is a good quick read, especially if you like detective mysteries with some drama. Even as a stand-alone, it's quite entertaining, and I'd definitely recommend!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing,  and Kate Wiley for this ARC!

[Cindy (leavemetomybooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series!

Margot Phalen is an SFPD detective and the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch. Ed has recently been transferred to San Quentin, and he's willing to talk about his crimes, including murders he hadn't previously been connected to ... but he'll only talk to Margot.

Margot should be a mess. She's dealing with all of the murdery dad drama + her already stressful job as a homicide detective + her lack of a personal life + an ongoing murder investigation of what appears to be a copycat of her creepy dad + some increasingly confusing feelings about her partner Wes + finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time alarmingly frequently. So... she is a mess, but she's also extremely competent and smart, and I love her.

I'm already dying to read book three in the series because holy cow there are some loose ends that need wrapping up!

* Thanks to Storm Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. Her Father's Secret publishes June 26, 2024.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this awesome book

poor Detective Margot Phalen her father is in jail and is never getting out doesnt help that he is a serial killer and has numerous murders to his name ...by changing her name she hopes to rid herself of the stench of him from her but alas when his lawyer calls with the suggestion of meeting him again about another undocumented murder she has to agree so that the family can have closure and bring her home....

so not only does poor margot have to visit her father and work with the fbi but san Francisco has a sniper in town and hes picking off random people on no set day

as the tension mounts and the body count goes up its all hands on deck to catch him if they can....

but is he closer to home than they all think

wow edge of the seat stuff with this book... i love this series and cant wait for the next one in this series

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her Father’s Secret” by Kate Wiley proved to be an engrossing 5-star read! This is the second installment in the Margot Phalen series. Margot is an SFPD detective who once again finds herself torn between her hatred for her father and providing closure to a family. With the weight of that decision on her shoulders, she is also working to solve a cold case and the murder of a sex worker.

Just like the first book, I really enjoyed this second book. It’s packed with action and just a little bit of suspense. We really get to see the struggle Margot has with meeting with her father, even when it’s for the greater good. There is also further development in the relationship between Margot and her partner Wes, so much tension there. I can’t wait for book number 3!

Thanks to Storm Publishing, Kate Wiley, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Her Father's Secret by Kate Wiley is the second book in Detective Margot Phalen's Series. It's a detective mystery with some family drama elements and active investigation. I didn't read the first one, but I didn't feel like I was missing out as there was enough background information so it could be read as a stand-alone.

Her father, Ed Finch, is a convicted serial kiIIer currently serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison. He has been found guilty of kiIIing more than 70 women, a number that law enforcement, including the police and FBI, is aware of, but there may be additional victims.

He keeps Margot close by revealing one small detail at a time. It's an exciting detective story with plenty of action and ongoing cases, but it lacks originality.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this copy!

[Vilde Nakstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing to note before staring this book, its a page turner.

From the moment i started the book i was captivated. I loved the way the characters are developing in the story, and that we really get to know them.

I really like a book that goes back and forth in time, and here we read about Margot as a woman, but also as a child through her fathers eyes.

Margot is an incredible strong woman. With the history of her father being a serial killer, losing her mother and having a difficult relationship with her brother. But at the same time she shows up to work, is strong, smart, tough and everything one can hope for in a police woman.

Her father decides that she needs to visit him in prison, and if she does, he will tell her a secret. So Margot teams up with the FBI and tries to talk to her father Ed Finch.

This book was really good, and i loved the story line. I will defiantly continue with the series and i am patiently waiting for the third book.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

[Katie Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I want to say thank-you to @netgalley and @@stormbooks_co for allowing me o read this book in exchange for an honest review 🥰

I was lucky enough to read her first book as an ARC but was unsure on the book so decided to give it a second chance with the second in the series as I do love good detective series! 😍 this follows Detective Margot Phalen as her past continues to come back to her through her Dad! There is a plot running alongside this as a sniper hits random parts of town, causing complete chaos! 😳 I found this book so easy to read and I really enjoyed it! It contained so many twists and turns and I was so invested in the story and in Margot! I would strongly recommend this! 😍

[Rainelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but I found that book didn’t bring that intensity that suspense or psychological- thrillers have. I at least thought that there would be some with Margo and Ed, but no. The story did have a fast pace to it in which I did like. There were three cases that Margo and Angel worked that had some bite to them. And Margo’s flashbacks to her farther Ed’s evil deeds were great. These were great adds to the book, but the book for me still felt like it had a flat line to it. What I mean is the book moved without emotion or feelings. It had action. I give the book that. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! #Netgally #Goodreads #BookBub

[Victoria Fensom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely gripping from the get go and from the minute I started reading it I didn’t want to put it down. I felt that the first book in the series provided a good base for becoming invested in the characters, however the second book built on that massively and I found myself more and more invested as the pages went on in this book. Something that really stood out for me (other than the plot) was the writing style. I really enjoyed the way it flashed back between present day chapters and still managed to do it in a way that flowed perfectly. I’m so glad I discovered this series and I already can’t wait for the third one. Without a doubt a 5* read in my opinion!

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the book #HerFathersSecret by #KateWiley. I absolutely loved this book and just realized I didn’t read the first one. So that is up next. This book is about a woman named Margot, previously Megan before she found out her father was a serial killer. Margot is a cop and trying to get by without anyone knowing the truth. Her father likes to feed her information on his kills. But just how much can one person take?

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margot and Ed back at it just as strong as the first. Really enjoy seeing more into Margot’s policing and the absolute hate she has for her dad. The sniper story line was realistic and scary and was handled very well.

[myreadingescapism · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I enjoyed in the first book, was annoying in this one 😅