Family Secrets: Psychological Thriller

by Rose Majors

How will one family survive the attacks of a vicious killer?

The grizzly, burnt body of Evelyn Carter was found amid the ashes from a fire in her greenhouse.

I’m Agent Kitty Forrest. Agent Darby Fell & I were assigned to investigate Evelyn’s horrific death.

She was the family matriarch, rich and influential, and the CEO of her banking and investment firm.

When her lawyer read Evelyn’s will before her death, her adult-damaged children were shocked and outraged. But were they angry enough to kill her?

At her funeral sat a stranger, visibly grieving for Evelyn. That stranger was Evelyn’s childhood lover, who later was key to finding the killer’s lair near the mansion.

Inside the lair, a victim was lying dead on the floor, unrecognizable. There were pictures of potential victims from the Carter family. Evelyn’s picture was sliced up by a knife. Then I saw myself and Darby pinned up on the wall.

We must apprehend this vicious killer before they kill again. The next victim could be one of us!

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Beverly Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting

Family Secrets by Rose Majors is a riveting story of murder, intrigue, and family secrets.
Driving the detectives to the breaking point with the lies and deceit by the family of the murdered matriarch.
This kept my interest all the way through and my heart beating fast in the last chapter.

[Mark Menard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing Main Character
The body of Evelyn Carter was found burnt in her garden. Agents Forrest and Fell are assigned to the case. Evelyn was the CEO of her own banking and investment firm. Before her death she changed her will and when it was read her husband and children received a pittance while her niece garnered the rest of the estate. This outraged her children and could be the motive for murder. Secrets abound as the agents work to solve the murder.

I didn’t like the book so I will try to be kind and gentle in my review. I almost decided not to review the book so as not to cause anyone any hurt.

The characters (all of them) had no redeeming qualities amongst them. For most of the characters that was okay because they pretty much were all antagonists. But when the main character has no redeeming qualities I think it mars the story from the beginning.

Agent Kitty Forrest almost made me DNF this book. She is rude, arrogant, mean, judgmental, condescending, unethical and a bully. She and Agent Darby Fell did so many things that were unethical and illegal I found myself believing that they were just as bad as the murderer.

Now let me give something positive. The story and plot are great and there was some wonderful writing along the way. There were also some twists and turns that were surprising. I believe this could have been a better book if Agent Forrest had been a more likeable and a better person and agent.

I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Carter, the CEO of her own banking and investment firm, was found burnt to death in her greenhouse. Agents Kitty Forrest and Darby Fell get assigned to her case because of the person and type of case. When her will was read, her husband, Ben who she wanted to divorce, her son, Kurt, her daughter, Mary all were sure they were going to inherit Evelyn's estate. But when the reading of the will was finished, Ben, Kurt and Mary were only left a small part of the estate, while Evelyn's niece, Tessa was left the bulk of the estate. So now we have at least three suspects. Can there be more? After all, Evelyn was in business where there can be enemies. While Kitty and Darby are investigating, Evelyn's maid, Sara Logan as well as Evelyn's boyfriend, Luca Ashwood are murdered. What did they know? What did they see? With many twists and turns and surprises you are provided with a great whodunit mystery that thoroughly entertains. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Rose Majors before, OMG this was fantastic!! The disfigured body of Evelyn Carter was found burnt to death in her greenhouse. Agents Kitty Forrest and Darby Fell are assigned to her case. Evelyn is the CEO of her own banking and investment firm. Who would benefit the most from her death? We have her husband Ben, whom she wanted a divorce. We have her children; Mary and Kurt, and her niece Tessa. At the reading of the will; her husband and children get very little, Tessa her niece gets the majority. Ben and the children are outraged. As the investigation continues, Sara Logan; Evelyn's personal maid is murdered. Luca Ashwood, Evelyn's lover is also murdered. Who is behind all of this? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Rose Majors!!!

[Marietta]

This was the first book of Rose Majors that I have read and I find her writting excellent as there are so many twist and turns that you have a hard time keeping up with the author but that is what makes it so good. The main character Agent Kitty Forrester is very good at what she does and it is madding when people won't help to solve the murder of Evelyn Carter not even her family. But that just makes Kitty all the more determined to solve the murder. Everyone of the characters has something to hide even the husband and Evelyn's children. I could not put the book down until I figured out who the murder was even if I had to stay up late to finish the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s better than a murder mystery. After Evelyn Carter was found dead in the burnt ruins of her greenhouse, Agent Kitty Forrest and Agent Darby Fell were assigned to the case. Her adult children were angry about the will. There was one person truly grieving at the service. The agents find a place where the killer likely hides out. It has pictures of Evelyn and her family on the wall, with Evelyn’s picture sliced up. The agents then saw their own pictures too. Were they in danger too? The story kept you guessing with different twists in it. Overall, it was enjoyable. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😱 this story was so intriguing of mystery and chaos. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. This FBI agent has to investigate a murder case and who will be in the middle of all this drama. It was going to be complicated on so many levels. Could the killer be caught in time or will she be the next victim.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their mother is killed - and she suspects someone in the family.
Her husband does not want to answer any questions. Did he do it?? His wife always had to be right — so it could have been anyone in the family!! What are the secrets they are hiding?? The will cut off every child’s inheritance!!! So many problems with the family . . . . .this is A SUPERB MYSTERY. Whodunit?? I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evelyn Carter is murdered and set on fire. Her personal maid Sara Logan is found dead with Evelyn's cell phone on her. Evelyn's will show she left the majority of her estate to Tessa Born and not her children or husband. Agent Kitty Forrest has her work cut out for her as the family members are not very cooperative.

[Terry M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder, a family with no morals and many secrets. Kitty and Darby have their work cut out trying to find the killer. I found both Kitty and Darby very aggressive in inappropriate situations and the dialogues weren't the best. Overall, a reasonable murder mystery. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lazarra Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

When someone starts picking off family members the special agents are called in to solve the case.... as each family member points the finger to someone else and every single one of them is clearly hiding something, its hard to tell who is actually the killer.. interesting read that kept me entertained and engaged, few nice twists thrown in to keep you on your toes, overall I quite enjoyed getting lost in this book for a few hours!

[Chere Gruver · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing!

To be honest, I could not even finish this story. I got a little over halfway, and that was it. Between the grammatical errors and the unlikeable characters, this was just a no for me. I was so busy trying to figure out what the author meant, that I pretty much lost the plot.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I received an advance copy of this book I am leaving my honest review which is that I was a bit disappointed as it felt a bit disjointed. The story was good but I got a bit lost at times as it jumped around and I'm still unclear about some bits. I still recommend it though as it might just be me!

[Emmy McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty Forest is called in on the mystery death of Evelyn Carter, CEO of a large family firm. It seems that Evelyn was murdered and a kitchen fire was set to cover it up. So many suspects and with Evelyn and her family always at odds, any one of them is a likely suspect. A great fast paced mystery.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twisted Murder Mystery. Family Secret by Author Rose Majors was interesting. I read it in a few hours and though it had a good plot it did drag some and jumped around a lot.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes Murder Mysteries. I did enjoy reading it.

[Kandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many interesting characters in this book. The story line keeps you guessing. When you think you have it figured out, something happens to make you think something else. I will be looking for other books by this author to enjoy.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting and chilling.

I found this book to be a haunting and chilling story with family dynamics playing a major role as events occur and secrets are revealed. A truly fascinating story.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily providing this review.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced mystery with good characters and a great plot. The story follows investigators Kitty and Darcy who are investigating the death of a heiress, Evelyn. The story has some unique and strong characters who all seem equally devious.

[Marsha Asquith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline

I was really enjoying this book until the unnecessary language was used. I know personal preference but the story was really getting exciting with all the suspects. If language isn't a problem for you, then read this book and enjoy the adventure.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I even start. So many suspects. So many questions. Constant redirection. Totally kept me guessing. Loved every minute.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many players! So many secrets! So many suspicions! So many twists and turns! A very entertaining read! Such a great book!

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Evelyn Carterr and why??? Abuse??? She threatened to expose her??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.