Dark Little Secrets

Eva Rae Thomas #16

by Willow Rose

Diane Matthews lost everything when her daughter Angela died in a mysterious accident.

But when Angela's husband, Will, is arrested for her murder three years later, Diane's world is turned upside down again.

Desperate and seeking answers, she turns to an unlikely source - FBI agent Eva Rae Thomas, who quickly becomes embroiled in the case.

As she delves deeper, Eva Rae uncovers shocking inconsistencies in the evidence against Will and sets out to clear his name.

But as she faces off against a corrupt detective and fights to uncover the truth, she realizes that this small town may hold more secrets than she ever imagined.

With twists and turns at every corner, this thrilling novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Willow Rose is a multi-million-copy best-selling Author and an Amazon ALL-star Author of more than 100 novels.

Several of her books have reached the top 10 of ALL books on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than three million books all over the world.

She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy.

Willow's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming. That's why her fans call her The Queen of Scream.

Willow lives on Florida's Space Coast. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.



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Reviews

[Mrs D D Poore · Rating 1 out of 5]

This the worst book have read for years I have read loads of Willows books but they are getting steadily worse padding out with way more words than required with over expression!!! Will not be bothering with her books again

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Eva Rae Thomas series. This one had some slow, non-essential content. But it did come together in the end, although not very satisfying. The epilogues were about Eva’s relationship with her family and nothing to do with the mystery.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Wow, Willow Rose is certainly a master of building nail biting tension.
When FBI Agent Eva Rae Thomas receives a call from an old friend of her mothers, and despite the reservations and protests of her husband Matt and her family, Eva Mae knew that she had to travel to St. Augustine, Florida to help.
Diane Mathews' daughter, Angela Jennings, had died three years previously after falling down the stairs, now a distraught Diane pleaded with Eva Rae to help free her her son in law, paediatrician Will Jennings who had been arrested and charged with her murder.
This wasn't an easy case for Eva Rae, the local police were antagonistic towards her, blocking her from any information.
As this story unfolds, Eva Rae's famous "gut feeling", a feeling that has saved her life so many times, goes into overdrive as this case twists more times than a corkscrew, it throws out so many red herrings, there are so many missed clues, so many lies, so much corruption and deception, I really couldn't put this book down and just when I thought that the case was solved ..............
I love how the author writes about Eva Rae's chaotic home life, how she is torn between making the world a safer place and the peace of mind of her husband and the neglect of her children, many readers can probably relate to this guilt.
A thoroughly enjoyable, emotional, action packed read packed with edge of your seat suspense. Highly recommended,
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book and my review is an honest one.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is another example of Willow Rose's ability to put you on the edge of your seat while you turn page after page. You are grabbed and taken through so many twists and turns until a surprise end. The protagonist, Eva Rae, a wife and mother is sometimes torn by guilt when she leaves her family to investigate an important case. Justice is important to her. So when the friend of her mother's asks for help, she does feel compelled to help even though there is the guilt of having to leave her family. So she goes down to St.Augustine, Florida to help. It seems the daughter, Angela Jennings was found at the bottom of the stairs by her son three years before and it was deemed an accident. But now, Eva's mother's friend, Diana is living through the death again when her son-in-law, Will, Angela's husband is charged with Angela's murder. Diana is sure her son-in-law is innocent and being railroaded. So Eva is investigating despite banging heads with the local police, corruption, and secrets. With so many twists and turns, dead ends and red herrings can Eva Rae prove Will's innocence? Or will she get caught up in the danger? This is a fantastic addition to the Eva Rae Thomas series. I highly recommend the entire series if you like well written edge of your seat mysteries. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Tripip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite wanting to take some time off with family, Eva Rae is pulled into another murder mystery with the call from her mother’s friend. This was an exciting mystery with a twist that I didn’t see coming. On the whole I enjoyed the story but there were a couple things that bothered me.

I think the biggest irritation I had was the characters talking to themselves. Mainly Eva Rae and one other character. I don’t know why that irritated me since I talk to myself as well, but it struck oddly to me.

The other thing was the relationship with Eva Rae and her life partner. In the story before (Rest in Peace), Matt was suffering from depression because of his drastic life change from losing a leg in the line of duty. In this story, he is supposedly all better with a new work purpose. It didn’t feel legitimate to me. Then Eva Rae asks him to do something illegal, possibly resulting him getting fired, in order to help her with her investigation. While his discreet inquiries helped her investigation, it seemed selfish of her to ask.

I received a free copy from Netgalley. this is my unbiased review.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years ago, Diane Matthew's daughter Angela was killed in a tragic accident. She calls FBI profiler, and the daughter of one of her oldest friends, after her son in law Will is arrested for Angela's murder. Eva Rae agrees to travel to St. Augustine, Florida to investigate the case. She quickly realized that the case against Will is full of holes, and the detective in charge of the case is corrupt. But the deeper she digs into the case the more questions she has, but when she finally uncovers the shocking truth, she rushes headlong into danger to confront the murderer.
I definitely did not see this one coming! As always, this author has created fascinating and realistically portrayed characters that kept me engrossed in the pages of this book from the first page to the last. Yet another impossible to put down mystery by this author with many unexpected twists and turns in the plot that will keep a reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. I highly recommend this book to any reader.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Rose is a very prolific author who manages to keep her stories and characters fresh and the mysteries tough enough to solve that readers keep coming back. DARK LITTLE SECRETS IS Book# 16 in the Eva Rae Thomas series.....just one of the many series that keep her fans happy. When the St Augustine, Florida police arrest Diane Matthews' son in law for the murder of her daughter, Angela.....three years AFTER declaring Angela's death an accident.......Diane will contact an old friend who just ahppens to be Eva's mother and ask for Eva's help.

FBI Agent Eva Rae Thomas is a realistic character who loves her job and works hard to help solve the twisted puzzles that criminal investigations pose. She is also a wife and mother who balances her love of her job with the guilt of being absent when she gets a call for help. Willow Rose keeps showing us that real people can love, work and play. And a big plus....her books are fast paced and easy to read in one sitting. It's a good thing she releases a new title every couple of months.

[Talia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 17 book of the Eva Rae Thomas series, and she is still going strong!

Eva Rae hears from a friend of the family in regards to a murder case. So like Eva Rae fashion, she goes to help get an innocent man free. Only nothing is quite as it seems.. Like all other books in this series, the clues aren't quite presented until we need them to be. So we don't get the full story until Eva Rae does.

This one was tricky, and I am not sure what to think about the ending to this one, while it is conclusive and there are no loose ends, I just find it was unjustified. Also, her coming home to Matt, who supported her going, to then have him get mad at her for putting herself in danger.. That is literally her job.. I just don't think that was the way to go, but their relationship has always been rocky.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. You never want to put it down. A friend of FBI Agent Eva Rae Thomas’s mom wants Eva Rae to help her, clear her son in law’s name. Three years before his wife Angela, fell down the stairs and died. It was ruled accidental, then new evidence was called in. Will was arrested and charged with murder. So Eva Rae went to St. Augustine Florida. Well of course that’s when the story is fast paced and full of twist and turns. You don’t know what is going to happen next. The book covers what was happening three years ago and also the present. You will never guess what happen to Angela. Definitely a awesome book.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can’t help but hurt for a mother who loses her daughter. Three years later, Eva Rae Thomas is called in by the mom to figure out what really happened.

Eva Rae Thomas once again leaves her family to try to ease someone’s suffering. Doing what she does best, Eva Rae investigates and gets caught up in some tricky situations,

Will Rose has a way of incorporating intrigue into her stories, all the while showcasing the dynamics of family life. As always, there are lots of twists and turns and and good drama. Well written with relatable characters.

Another good read. I did receive an ARC, but the comments are my own

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva Rae is back on another interesting case. Diane lost her daughter three years ago, now her son-in-law, Will is arrested for murdering her. Diane calls Eva Rae in desperation to help prove him innocent. Eva Rae's determination won't let her quit, when she hits roadblocks with the police. The closer she gets, the more secrets she uncovers. This is an interesting story with a surprise twist, but it didn't keep me on the edge of my seat like the previous books in the series. I would recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI agent Eva Rae Thomas is called to another case. I love small town mysteries because everyone knows each other and there are so many secrets. In this case, Eva Rae helps Diane Matthews after Diane’s husband is charged with the murder of their daughter, which occurred three years earlier. As with other books by Willow Rose, things keep moving. Eva Rae is a great character. You see the real woman as her own life situation is written into the story. I love this series. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Lynseygibs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Dark Little Secrets.
3.5 stars
Having read Willow Rose before, I was excited to get this book. There was something a little off about this one. The main character constantly refers to herself as Eva Rae, the name is said a lot throughout the book. Even the writing at points felt a little repetitive, walss were shrinking several times for example.
Even though I found some negatives, I still devoured this book withing a couple of hours. It was gripping and twisting, and I enjoyed it overall.
Recommend.

[Stephanie F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd say maybe 2.5 ⭐️
This was very slow, which is what I'm finding with her last few Eva Rae reads. they're becoming repetitive and, to a point, predictable.

I was kind of interested but then at the same time felt like everything dragged on was this about family. Was it about catching a killer and solving a case I don't know.

Also, were three epilouges really needed, absolutely not they could have been shortened into one if even that.

Read it if you want to finish the series. Otherwise, it may not be worth the read.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela is found at the bottom of the stairs by her son. Her husband Will calls 911. The police rule it as an accident. 3 years later Will is arrested for murder. Angela's mother calls Eva Rae Thomas of the FBI for help in getting her son-in-law out of jail. Eva Rae takes a look and finds the detective not cooperative. Eva Rae is relentless. A story line that takes you to an unexpected conclusion. A page turner.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruled a horrible accident, Angela fell down the stairs in the middle of the night and has died. However, three years later, new evidence has surfaced that her husband had a hand in Angela’s death. FBI Agent, Eva Rae has been called by Angela’s mother to prove that her son-in-law couldn’t possibly have killed Angela. Intriguing and engaging, this book has enough twists to keep you involved till the final absorbing page. I received an early copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Rose did it again!...love the story...kept me in suspense throughout the whole book!
Willow Rose is my favorite author as she always has books with amazing plots and characters. Love this series and she didn't disappoint with this latest one with all of its twists and turns...Was surprised by the ending!...Now have to wait impatiently for the next book this this series! You have to read this book!
I received an advance copy of this book and here is my honest review!

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy the way Ms. Rose bases her stories on a real-life situation, then shows her talents for crafting an intriguing mix of twists and turns that makes me feel like I’m watching a movie that I can’t stop watching! This is one of those rare stories where I actually guessed the perp, but then the book carried on through a completely surprising finish. Well done, Ms. Rose!! Please keep Eva Rae solving cases!!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Rae is back and on another case. A friend of her Mother's calls Eva Rae and wants to have her on a case against her former son-in-law. She believes her son-in-law is innocence. Eva Rae doesn't want to leave her family, but in the end she does go.
Now the page turner story starts. The twists and turns in this case are challenging, but the end is the biggest twist yet.
Dark Little Secrets, by Willow Rose, is one of her best yet!

[Jennifer Ziolkowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love Willow Rose's books, especially the Eva Rae series. This book is so boring. It's not the usual writing style. 2 characters will have a discussion and it will take 5 pages, with everything over described, to tell you what she could have told you in a paragraph. It was very boring and slow moving. I hope Willow goes back to her old style. I don't know if she used AI with this one or what, but I would not continue purchasing her books if the words are basically just filler.

[Michael Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as ARC. As usual with this author, book has some great characters. Not necessary good people, but well developed characters.. Eva Rae is asked by an old friend of her mother to prove her son-in-law is innocent of murdering her daughter. The plt goes back and forth with a surprise ending. Great addition to Eva Rae's story.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever, thrilling and captivating story full of tension and suspense! Great multi-faceted, realistic characters. Very interesting plots. Vivid descriptions. A great addition to the series! Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Nancy A Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid Eva Rae story

Our heroine is a middle-aged FBI agent, struggling with family commitments and the life and death realities of her job. Another case takes her out of town to help an old friend of her mother's. Is the cost of justice too high a price for her family to continue to pay?

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixteenth book in the fantastic Eva Rae Thomas FBI Mystery series. It’s fast paced and full of mystery. I never could guess what would happen next! It’s a fascinating story of murder and suspense. It’s well written and full of twists and turns. This is one of my favorite series. A must read!

[Kathleen Ebner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old murder comes back to haunt the family.

Eva Rae Thomas is asked to help defend the husband of the victim. She digs in to find evidence that frees him. However,she can’t stop there, she needs to find out who is the killer. The answers she finds will surprise not only her but you too!!!

[Donna Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the scream queen from day one.
This book was such a disappointment.
It dragged on page after page explaining feelings and emotions before getting to the point.
I believe I knotted off a couple of times.
If she continues to fill pages in this manner, I am no longer a fan.
Sad

[Emmy McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was Angela Jennings murdered or did she fall down the stairs to her death? The first suspect is always the husband, Will Jennings. Angela's mother, Diane Matthews, asks Eva Rae for help in finding out who really killed her daughter because she knew Will had nothing to do with it. This book is so so good, a real pager turner and very unlikely murdered.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

I love you Willow Rose and I’ve enjoyed Eva Rae! She’s a spitfire and I love her! The end was kind of one of the top 3 guesses and I wished it wasn’t. That’s all I’ll say. I love trying to guess the whole way through! Matt needs to accept who Eva Rae is but I love him too. The kids are hysterical. Great job!

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

First 14 were better

I've read all 16 books up to now, and I obviously kept enjoying them, but not these last 2. The writing got repetitive (gravel crunched under feet or tires like 6 times in this book) with metaphor after metaphor in successive sentences. And the plot twists were more predictable in both.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless!

I knew the husband was cheating, I just didn't know with who! Wow, the climax left me wondering how I didn't figure it out.
Each of the characters comes to life with each page you turn. They are that well defined!
I strongly urge you to read this book. Believe me you won't be upset!