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Anna Hale, PI #1
Death Secrets
A gripping thriller that explores the lengths one will go to for family, and the resilience needed to stand against the darkness.
In the shadow of Alaska's towering peaks, Anna Hale is haunted by a past painted in flames and betrayal. Marked by the tragic death of her mother and the scars of a childhood marred by violence, Anna has fought tirelessly to build a semblance of normalcy, only to have it shattered again and again. The latest blow comes when her sister, Tia Pace, vanishes without a trace, reigniting old wounds and casting Anna into a nightmare where she's the prime suspect.
As she grapples with her stepfather's execution and the weight of suspicion, another crisis looms: Zoe Pace, her other sister, has disappeared in an eerily similar manner. The only clue a sinister black rose and a chilling letter. When her brother Josh, now a dedicated cop in the Anchor Police Department, begs for her assistance, Anna is pulled back into the fray. Despite the agony of reopening old wounds, she embarks on a desperate quest to unravel the mystery of her sisters' disappearances.
Faced with the unforgiving Alaskan frontier, Anna must confront a tangled web of corruption and deceit, with a copycat killer moving in the shadows. With every tick of the clock, Anna's hope for a normal life slips further away, but her resolve to find her sisters and bring them home burns fiercer than ever. Will Anna's journey through the cold, dark paths of Alaska lead her to her sisters, or will she find herself lost in the depths of a conspiracy that threatens to consume everything she holds dear?
Dive into this chilling tale of loss, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice against the backdrop of Alaska's unforgiving wilderness. Order your copy now.
In the shadow of Alaska's towering peaks, Anna Hale is haunted by a past painted in flames and betrayal. Marked by the tragic death of her mother and the scars of a childhood marred by violence, Anna has fought tirelessly to build a semblance of normalcy, only to have it shattered again and again. The latest blow comes when her sister, Tia Pace, vanishes without a trace, reigniting old wounds and casting Anna into a nightmare where she's the prime suspect.
As she grapples with her stepfather's execution and the weight of suspicion, another crisis looms: Zoe Pace, her other sister, has disappeared in an eerily similar manner. The only clue a sinister black rose and a chilling letter. When her brother Josh, now a dedicated cop in the Anchor Police Department, begs for her assistance, Anna is pulled back into the fray. Despite the agony of reopening old wounds, she embarks on a desperate quest to unravel the mystery of her sisters' disappearances.
Faced with the unforgiving Alaskan frontier, Anna must confront a tangled web of corruption and deceit, with a copycat killer moving in the shadows. With every tick of the clock, Anna's hope for a normal life slips further away, but her resolve to find her sisters and bring them home burns fiercer than ever. Will Anna's journey through the cold, dark paths of Alaska lead her to her sisters, or will she find herself lost in the depths of a conspiracy that threatens to consume everything she holds dear?
Dive into this chilling tale of loss, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice against the backdrop of Alaska's unforgiving wilderness. Order your copy now.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
About the author
January Bain
85 books1,105 followersLessons my Grandma taught me.
I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:
(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.
(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!
(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.
(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.
(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.
(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.
Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain
I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:
(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.
(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!
(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.
(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.
(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.
(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.
Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2024
Death Secrets is the first book by January Bain in a brand new series, Anna Hale, PI. January Bain has done it again written another best seller. Death Secrets pulled me deep into its world from the first page as Anna’s sisters disappeared. The mystery in Death Secrets kept rolling out page after page locking me deep into its world.
Many twists kept me mesmerized as I tried to figure out who was taking Anna’s sisters. I had so many questions like who took her sisters and why? Where were they? Were they safe? Were they still alive? Were they being taken care of? Were they being hurt?
Her brother Josh asked Anna to help find their sisters, Tia and Zoe. Josh works for the Anchor Police Department.
Death Secrets is filled with mystery and suspense that keep the pages turning. Death Secrets kept me glued to my seat as I followed Anna on her investigation into both sisters' disappearances. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I raced to the end.
The descriptions were so vividly written I could feel everything Anna and Josh were feeling. I could feel their sadness and heartache at not knowing where their sisters were and if they were ok.
Death Secrets is another great addition to the world of mystery. I highly recommend Death Secrets to all thriller and mystery fans! Grab a copy of Death Secrets today!
Many twists kept me mesmerized as I tried to figure out who was taking Anna’s sisters. I had so many questions like who took her sisters and why? Where were they? Were they safe? Were they still alive? Were they being taken care of? Were they being hurt?
Her brother Josh asked Anna to help find their sisters, Tia and Zoe. Josh works for the Anchor Police Department.
Death Secrets is filled with mystery and suspense that keep the pages turning. Death Secrets kept me glued to my seat as I followed Anna on her investigation into both sisters' disappearances. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I raced to the end.
The descriptions were so vividly written I could feel everything Anna and Josh were feeling. I could feel their sadness and heartache at not knowing where their sisters were and if they were ok.
Death Secrets is another great addition to the world of mystery. I highly recommend Death Secrets to all thriller and mystery fans! Grab a copy of Death Secrets today!
September 2, 2024
I have read books by this author before and I enjoy her style of writing and this is a bit of a different style and genre from her other books. It is no less gripping and intriguing though. I liked the remote setting as it added another layer of tension to the storyline.
The characters are fascinating and Anna is quite compelling as well as troubled. You can’t help but like her maverick ways.
The book does a great job of building up the tension and having some unexpected twists. It is an enjoyable thriller to engross yourself in.
The characters are fascinating and Anna is quite compelling as well as troubled. You can’t help but like her maverick ways.
The book does a great job of building up the tension and having some unexpected twists. It is an enjoyable thriller to engross yourself in.
September 26, 2024
Strong capable woman. Really loved Anna’s character story moved well
August 27, 2024
I'm very excited about this series!
First - We get a flawed main character. She's been through a lot and is just trying to survive when we begin the book. By the end, she's finding her path and her purpose.
This one was good. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I appreciate a good mystery that gets wrapped up at the end.
This was hard to read at a few points. The pain of the characters really came through on the pages. I truly hope they find peace in upcoming books. They've been through A LOT.
I look forward to getting to know all of the characters more in future books and see what lies ahead for them!
First - We get a flawed main character. She's been through a lot and is just trying to survive when we begin the book. By the end, she's finding her path and her purpose.
This one was good. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I appreciate a good mystery that gets wrapped up at the end.
This was hard to read at a few points. The pain of the characters really came through on the pages. I truly hope they find peace in upcoming books. They've been through A LOT.
I look forward to getting to know all of the characters more in future books and see what lies ahead for them!
July 24, 2024
January Bain’s Death Secrets is a powerhouse of a mystery, a well-crafted tale and another solid entry into the adventures of Anna Hale. Her characters are vivid and realistic, with realistic conflicts conjured to demonstrate the most untrustworthy and nefarious parts of humanity. It’s mystery that unravels incrementally, and solidifies Bain as an authentic writer of PI fiction, a new and untapped genre that hers to explore and own. Read it now!
July 30, 2024
Fellow readers, here's a new book that will take you for a ride. Almost every page is exciting!
January Bain's "Death Secrets" is a thrilling addition to the mystery genre, promising a journey through the chilling landscapes of Alaska and the human heart. The first book in the Anna Hale PI series introduces us to a protagonist haunted by her past and driven by the disappearance of her loved ones. Bain weaves a tale of resilience and family ties that is as compelling as it is suspenseful. The story follows Anna Hale, a private investigator whose life has been marred by tragedy. The loss of her mother and the violent scars of her childhood have shaped her into a relentless seeker of truth. When her sister vanishes, Anna is thrust into a nightmare of suspicion and betrayal. The plot thickens as another sister disappears, leaving behind a black rose and a cryptic letter, pulling Anna into a web of deceit and corruption.
Bain's narrative is rich with the details of the Alaskan wilderness, a setting that mirrors the tumultuous journey of its characters. The environment is unforgiving, much like the challenges Anna faces. As she navigates through the complexities of her investigation, readers are treated to a story that explores the depths of familial bonds and the darkness that can consume them. "Death Secrets" is not just a mystery; it's an exploration of the human condition. Bain challenges her readers to consider the lengths one would go to protect family and the resilience needed to confront the evils of the world. With its well-developed characters and intricate plot, this book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and those who relish a story that delves into the psyche of its heroine. Bain has set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling series, and readers will undoubtedly be waiting with bated breath for the next installment.
• ASIN: B0D5Z2K5ZK
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 7/30/2024
• File Size: 3122 KB
• Print Length: 284 pages
• Genre: Women's Detective Fiction - Private Investigator Mysteries
January Bain's "Death Secrets" is a thrilling addition to the mystery genre, promising a journey through the chilling landscapes of Alaska and the human heart. The first book in the Anna Hale PI series introduces us to a protagonist haunted by her past and driven by the disappearance of her loved ones. Bain weaves a tale of resilience and family ties that is as compelling as it is suspenseful. The story follows Anna Hale, a private investigator whose life has been marred by tragedy. The loss of her mother and the violent scars of her childhood have shaped her into a relentless seeker of truth. When her sister vanishes, Anna is thrust into a nightmare of suspicion and betrayal. The plot thickens as another sister disappears, leaving behind a black rose and a cryptic letter, pulling Anna into a web of deceit and corruption.
Bain's narrative is rich with the details of the Alaskan wilderness, a setting that mirrors the tumultuous journey of its characters. The environment is unforgiving, much like the challenges Anna faces. As she navigates through the complexities of her investigation, readers are treated to a story that explores the depths of familial bonds and the darkness that can consume them. "Death Secrets" is not just a mystery; it's an exploration of the human condition. Bain challenges her readers to consider the lengths one would go to protect family and the resilience needed to confront the evils of the world. With its well-developed characters and intricate plot, this book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and those who relish a story that delves into the psyche of its heroine. Bain has set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling series, and readers will undoubtedly be waiting with bated breath for the next installment.
• ASIN: B0D5Z2K5ZK
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 7/30/2024
• File Size: 3122 KB
• Print Length: 284 pages
• Genre: Women's Detective Fiction - Private Investigator Mysteries
September 10, 2024
I've read a lot of Author Bain's work, and I can confidently say this is some of her best work. It blew me away. It is more than just original. She doesn't follow any typical murder mystery structure here, nor does she follow any police procedural that I've ever read. (And I've read a ton) It all works on many levels. I flew through this book and had to catch my breath at the end. I added it to my top five of the year. (I don't acknowledge which book is number 1, 2 etc because its too hard)
So this book introduces you to Anna Hale, who is a bit of a lost soul after having a traumatic event happen to her as a teenager. She luckily was adopted by the Pace family, who she is close to. They all live in a small town in Alaska, and Author Bain does an amazing job putting us the reader right there in the gloom. She also makes Anna a strong lead character, someone who earned her PI name. I loved those evidence gathering scenes.
"Spotting what looked like a cigar butt, she bent and took a closeup photo then carefully retrieved what might be evidence from the ice holding it to the ground, using her Leatherman tool to dislodge it from the crusted frozen snow. “Cuban.” She sniffed it. “Smells expensive. Who sells these in town?”
“A new place just opened up on Front Street a couple of months ago. The Perfect Smoke. Bit exotic for Anchor, but at least it means the town’s growing.”
She tucked the cigar into a small paper bag and pressed the flap closed. Plastic destroyed DNA evidence, sealing in bacteria.
There's so much to devour in the story, and nothing is really as it seems. I also liked that Author Bain added a tinge of paranormal to the story. Nothing that should scare away readers who dislike books on wolves, vampires, etc. This paranormal bit works and is essential to some characters. She makes a valid argument within the book that fits Anna's character.
"...Who could protect the people if the hands of the law were tied up in red tape, taking decades to find justice? And that was only if some half-@ssed lawyer didn’t get them off on a technicality, or because they whined about their client’s terrible lot in life. Gosh, give them another chance and they’d turn their tenth-grade education into a university degree in no time, clean up the drug use and be a huge asset to society. Right. And if they believed it, then bless their foolish hearts. For if there was anyone in society that deserved the death card more, it was seri@l k$llers. She could get behind. Big-time."
I also loved that almost everything is cleaned up at the end. You will feel satisfied at the end, but there's a couple of things that you might take with you to book 2. Author Bain did a magnificent job, truly. I'm ready for book 2. Author Bain has obviously successfully challenged herself and I'm here for it.
So this book introduces you to Anna Hale, who is a bit of a lost soul after having a traumatic event happen to her as a teenager. She luckily was adopted by the Pace family, who she is close to. They all live in a small town in Alaska, and Author Bain does an amazing job putting us the reader right there in the gloom. She also makes Anna a strong lead character, someone who earned her PI name. I loved those evidence gathering scenes.
"Spotting what looked like a cigar butt, she bent and took a closeup photo then carefully retrieved what might be evidence from the ice holding it to the ground, using her Leatherman tool to dislodge it from the crusted frozen snow. “Cuban.” She sniffed it. “Smells expensive. Who sells these in town?”
“A new place just opened up on Front Street a couple of months ago. The Perfect Smoke. Bit exotic for Anchor, but at least it means the town’s growing.”
She tucked the cigar into a small paper bag and pressed the flap closed. Plastic destroyed DNA evidence, sealing in bacteria.
There's so much to devour in the story, and nothing is really as it seems. I also liked that Author Bain added a tinge of paranormal to the story. Nothing that should scare away readers who dislike books on wolves, vampires, etc. This paranormal bit works and is essential to some characters. She makes a valid argument within the book that fits Anna's character.
"...Who could protect the people if the hands of the law were tied up in red tape, taking decades to find justice? And that was only if some half-@ssed lawyer didn’t get them off on a technicality, or because they whined about their client’s terrible lot in life. Gosh, give them another chance and they’d turn their tenth-grade education into a university degree in no time, clean up the drug use and be a huge asset to society. Right. And if they believed it, then bless their foolish hearts. For if there was anyone in society that deserved the death card more, it was seri@l k$llers. She could get behind. Big-time."
I also loved that almost everything is cleaned up at the end. You will feel satisfied at the end, but there's a couple of things that you might take with you to book 2. Author Bain did a magnificent job, truly. I'm ready for book 2. Author Bain has obviously successfully challenged herself and I'm here for it.
August 4, 2024
Anna Hale thought that she left the horrors of her childhood in the past, which was the murder of her mother and the stepbeast that took her life. But she was wrong. After the monster’s execution, Anna finds out that her adopted sister was missing. Only a black rose and a letter were left behind. Soon, it becomes 2 sisters that were missing. Anna Hale was putting her P.I. skills to the grueling task.
This case was an interesting mystery full of witty speculation and searching for clues. Anna Hale is one tough chick. It was kind of hard to gauge how the undertaker and the mayor’s son tied into things as we get their perspectives in the story. This definitely could’ve used more proofing with minor inconsistencies like the odd switching of his and her and misspellings like “reality” instead of “realty.” It made for some odd reading in those instances.
Story was slow in some areas, but, overall, this was a quick read that you can get through in one sitting. You just can’t help but be curious at how this whole thing ends. The ending, quite frankly, wasn’t as climactic as I would’ve liked, but I still enjoyed it overall.
A good mystery overall.
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
This case was an interesting mystery full of witty speculation and searching for clues. Anna Hale is one tough chick. It was kind of hard to gauge how the undertaker and the mayor’s son tied into things as we get their perspectives in the story. This definitely could’ve used more proofing with minor inconsistencies like the odd switching of his and her and misspellings like “reality” instead of “realty.” It made for some odd reading in those instances.
Story was slow in some areas, but, overall, this was a quick read that you can get through in one sitting. You just can’t help but be curious at how this whole thing ends. The ending, quite frankly, wasn’t as climactic as I would’ve liked, but I still enjoyed it overall.
A good mystery overall.
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
July 28, 2024
Anna Hale had a horrific childhood. Her abusive stepfather killed her mother and tried to kill her. She has the physical, emotional, and physical scars to remind her. Her mother ensured the neighbors would be her legal guardians if something happened.
That family loved her like their child and adopted her on her one condition. She wanted to keep her entire name.
Anna devoted her life to seeking justice. Then her life came crashing down with the disappearance of her sister. She was the prime suspect. Alcohol became her best friend as she blamed herself for not being there when it happened. Then her other twin sister disappeared. Her brother had returned and joined the police force. Together they set a course to find their sisters without involving the corrupt detective.
What they found nearly cost them both of their lives. The twists and turns, so many lives taken, corruption, was this person the killer or were they a copycat killer.
Great story and well written.
That family loved her like their child and adopted her on her one condition. She wanted to keep her entire name.
Anna devoted her life to seeking justice. Then her life came crashing down with the disappearance of her sister. She was the prime suspect. Alcohol became her best friend as she blamed herself for not being there when it happened. Then her other twin sister disappeared. Her brother had returned and joined the police force. Together they set a course to find their sisters without involving the corrupt detective.
What they found nearly cost them both of their lives. The twists and turns, so many lives taken, corruption, was this person the killer or were they a copycat killer.
Great story and well written.
July 28, 2024
" Marked by the tragic death of her mother and the scars of a childhood marred by violence, Anna has fought tirelessly to build a semblance of normalcy, only to have it shattered again and again. The latest blow comes when her sister, Tia Pace, vanishes without a trace, reigniting old wounds and casting Anna into a nightmare where she's the prime suspect."
I just want more!! This was a can't put down page turner that left me wanting more. I could have picked it right back up and started over again. Following Anna through this crazy world she has to navigate was really a great time. She had to handle so much yet did it all!
Well written and pulls you in! Excellent job!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just want more!! This was a can't put down page turner that left me wanting more. I could have picked it right back up and started over again. Following Anna through this crazy world she has to navigate was really a great time. She had to handle so much yet did it all!
Well written and pulls you in! Excellent job!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2024
January Bains is a new to me author, and Death Secrets is a fabulous introduction to her! Wow.
This is unlike any other P.I. series I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot. A fresh take on the P.I’s mindset, how they tackle things and a fantastic backstory that makes you truly feel like you are there living it with them.
Even thus headache couldn’t keep my from flipping pages, completely engrossed in the story, the twists and turns making my mouth drop! Can’t wait to dive in to book two!
This is unlike any other P.I. series I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot. A fresh take on the P.I’s mindset, how they tackle things and a fantastic backstory that makes you truly feel like you are there living it with them.
Even thus headache couldn’t keep my from flipping pages, completely engrossed in the story, the twists and turns making my mouth drop! Can’t wait to dive in to book two!
July 30, 2024
a young woman from a damaged background finds her way in the world after many years in the military.
when twisted tragedies strike the family of her heart, challenges without and within must be faced for her to put her investigative skills to work. wrenching investigations into twisted situations.
when twisted tragedies strike the family of her heart, challenges without and within must be faced for her to put her investigative skills to work. wrenching investigations into twisted situations.
Read
August 8, 2024This is the Death Secrets: An Anna Hale, PI Thiller and it is what it says. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I didn't know who the killer was, I was waiting for more secrets, and why was there a copycat? But also, in my mind I was wondering if it really was a copycat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2024
This conclusion the last book was amazing it held me in that world until the last word. Just brilliant you feel every single thing all emotions that Henri and Ily and the Jewels went through, and it was devastating, scary and powerful.
The ending was perfection and time to heal. What an intense journey finding love in such a horrible place. I won't forget for a long time.
The ending was perfection and time to heal. What an intense journey finding love in such a horrible place. I won't forget for a long time.
September 6, 2024
In Death Secrets, we met Anna, a strong character who has her own struggles later in life, after experiencing a traumatic event when she was younger.
The author does a great job of building the thrill and suspense, keeping me hooked to see how it all plays out. I'm curious to see what kind of mystery Anna gets pulled into next.
The author does a great job of building the thrill and suspense, keeping me hooked to see how it all plays out. I'm curious to see what kind of mystery Anna gets pulled into next.
December 25, 2024
Excellent thriller
This is a fast moving thriller that follows the feisty Anna as she investigates several murders in a small Alaskan town .
She faces danger and deceit bravely.
I won’t give away the ending but it kept me on tenterhooks till the end.
This is a fast moving thriller that follows the feisty Anna as she investigates several murders in a small Alaskan town .
She faces danger and deceit bravely.
I won’t give away the ending but it kept me on tenterhooks till the end.
August 23, 2024
A gripping mystery thriller that took me on an interesting journey as I followed Anna in her life's journey for answers and clues. Well woven tale with lots of intrigue and twists.
January 31, 2025
Gripping dark story kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. Wonderful characters has me anxious for their next adventure. I couldn't put this one down.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews