Secrets We Hide

by Stacy Claflin

Uncovering one killer was supposed to bring peace. I couldn't have been more wrong.

The podcast series was my way to honor Caroline's memory, to find justice. Instead, it's ripped open a Pandora's box of secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Now, as I shelter the man I've fallen for from those who want him dead, and hunt the killer who destroyed his life, something more sinister is creeping closer. Hexes appear on my doorstep. Objects vanish from behind locked doors. And with my grandmother now living in my home, I have more to protect—and more to lose.

In a town where a mysterious cult holds power and friends harbor deadly secrets, each step toward the truth puts me in greater danger. As the threats mount and the body count rises, I'm racing against time to solve a new murder and protect those I love. But in a web of lies this deep, the truth might be the deadliest threat of all.



In this heart-pounding second book in Stacy Claflin’s Watcher trilogy, the search for truth becomes a fight for survival, and in a town where secrets are currency, the price of knowledge might be too high to pay.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

About the author

Stacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.

Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.

Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Watcher’s Plan . . .

Podcaster Fleur had returned to find a cult in her home town intending to take over. Fleur still hasn’t found her missing sister, Lourdes. But the fast-paced, action-packed storyline jumps right into a nerve-shattering opening line telling the reader that the Watcher is disturbed that too many mistakes have been made, resulting in Shane and Fleur moving in together when that was the furthest situation that would ever have been intended; and they must be separated in a horrible way now so they will not be able to tolerate each other and reconnect. The cult activities and additional murders continue to distract her and keep the fast pace up, allowing both Fleur and the reader very little time to take a deep breath and think! And Fleur is well aware that having Shane stay with her is dangerous and puts granny at risk as well. With hexes being left and Fleur pulled in different directions, every move she makes increases the danger for everyone she cares about.

Be ready for the surprises in this second book. You won’t see them coming, but know they are waiting there for you. Is Fleur making enough progress here? Or is she confounded with all the varied information coming at her? Worse yet, will it cause her to make a mistake?

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏘👁👁Non-stop suspense start to finish👍

4.5🌟stars
This was a story that I picked up and couldn't put down until the last page about four hours later! It's fast-moving, has plenty of action and is set in a small community where it would be so simple for heroine podcaster Fleur to be accused of rampant paranoia. But she's not fantasizing or imagining that someone has it in for her and is keeping close watch over every move she makes. Eerie, creepy (it's the right season for it!) and a captivating ride of a murder mystery.

This is part of a series and definitely ends with a cliffhanger though some key questions are answered about who's dead set on taking control of Fleur's life and seems to relish in casualties resulting along the way. Her experience is so crazy that I was suspicious of everyone (except maybe her granny!). I love a suspense story like this one where the main protagonist and the reader is constantly kept off balance.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where the first one left off. HE's still watching and we still don't know who HE is but we do know what he wants. Shane & Fleur are working together to find Emmett so he can pay for killing Caroline and holding Shane prisoner for two years. Fleur's grandmother moves in. The Church is definitely behind all that is happening: murders, disappearances, power. The book ends and leaves the reader more than ready for the next in the series.

Stacy knows how to twist and turn a plot and does not make it easy to guest "who done it". Hopefully all will be revealed in the next book.

[Susan Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of a trilogy. It picks up exactly where the first book leaves off. Like the first, this one has twists and turns you won't see coming. It also has a cliffhanger ending, as it's part of a trilogy and not just a series. I'm all caught up in the story and want to now what happens next. Who can be trusted and what is real? These are not standalone books and you cannot read them out of order. I would recommend binge reading them if you can, because you will want to know what happens next without waiting in between. Looking forward to the finale.

I did receive an ARC at no cost, but this is my honest opinion.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets We Hide - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

The Watcher Book 2, by Stacy Claflin, Secrets We Hide, is spooky enough to get you in the Halloween mood, as podcaster Fleur returns to her home town, where a cult has evil intentions of controlling all.
She's still seeking answers about her missing sister Lourdes, but
family secrets and lots of lies from others make Fleur dazed and confused - can she untangle the web of danger closing in around her and her loved ones?
Read Stacy Claflin's spine-tingling thriller Secrets We Hide to find out!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets We Hide is the 2nd book in the Watcher series.
With Shane recovering at his former home after moving in with Fleur.
There are a series of breakins and other wierd things happening at their home.

There are developed characters and a solid plotline along with plenty of action.
At the end of the first book I wasn't sure if I liked the main character or not.
She is growing on men with the second installment, and there are a couple of major plot twist that make it really interesting to see what's going to happen next.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets We Hide is book #2 in The Watcher series by Stacy Claflin.

Fleur is a true crime podcaster who moved into a “murder” house to solve the crime. She solved it and has her old flame back, but they still haven’t caught the killer. My heart is still pounding after finishing this book. I was absolutely shocked by a twist at the end. Fleur and Shane have quite a challenge ahead of them. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Veronica Gelderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Fleur is a wonderful main character, and with all the twists and turns, it really kept me guessing. Fleur is smart and strong and is determined to get to the truth, but the truth is so much stranger than fiction. I really love all the supporting characters. Shane is great and, of course, the grandmother's antics. If you love a great mystery that is full of twists, turns, and some fun, then you will love this book. And of course, we can't forget about Fleur's dog Zorro. So,
we have cults, murder, cover-ups, and lots of chaos.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has ramped up the tension in this second book of The Watcher Series with more cult activities, murder and the ever present Watcher that is hiding in plain sight. Now the Watcher has a surprise for Fleur and Shane. One they never saw coming, nor can they fathom. I read this non-stop and look forward to the next book. I received an early copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought book one was good wait till you read book two! An extraordinary, heart pounding read that has you in its grips from start to finish. Well paced and so suspenseful as Fleur continues to hunt for the killer, in the town that has so many secrets and the fight for survival is high! Action, danger, drama, murder and mystery, this is a thrilling read, tense and brimming with twists and turns that will have you spinning and unable to stop reading.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is a bit different and definitely engaging. The characters are well developed with some being led by leaders that have formed a cult like religion and those who oppose them. There are some twists in the story that create ‘what happens next’ moments. Definitely should be in your to be read pile.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[BJayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nail-biter in “The Watcher” Series! It seems like just when I think I can catch a breath, another twist comes, with a really big twist at the end of this one. I am SO looking forward to the next books in this series.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Melanie Robertson-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster ride! Twists and turns and pulse-racing intrigue are all there in the second book of Stacy Claflin's Water series.

I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I had to know how it ended. And that last twist? I didn't see it coming.

Thanks to the author for a free review copy of the book.

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a cliffhanger ending with the first book this one picks right up where it left off. I devoured this in one sitting as its fast pace full of suspense, mystery and more twists kept me eagerly turning the pages. There's more murders and disappearances each leaving you with more questions. Then right at the end POW! another big twist!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky vibes

Fleur and Shane are living in his old house but they haven't realized yet in what danger they are. Emmett is still on the run and he wants Shane dead plus the Beacon of Truth Fellowship isn't keen on Fleur either. I couldn't stop reading and I didn't expect the last twist at all.

I'm hooked and can't wait for book 3!

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So many twists and turns. Alpha and Omega are up to their usual. Someone keeps breaking into Fleur's house, leaving hexes and taking things. Steve makes a shocking discovery and a revelation is made that shocks Fleur to her core.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Secrets We Keep through BookFunnel, and have chosen to leave a review.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story picks up where Book 1 left off and things get spookier and stranger. Keeping Shane in her house can only bring disaster and granny needs protection too. How will Fleur balance all this and keep those she loves safe? Hurry with Book 3 - I can't wait to see what happens next.
Highly Recommended.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting more and more twisted with secrets.

Fleur is trying to bring Caroline's murderer to justice. However she is unable to do so because of the "church" which has control of the town. Then she herself is accused of another crime. The secrets start coming out at the end of the book, with a real twist at the end. We will have to read the final book to see what happens.

[Tonya Bryant Gillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kept in the edge of my seat through the entire book!! This is an amazing series and I can’t wait to read what’s next! This book will keep you guessing and you will never believe what happens next. Hang on to your seats this is an awesome read!

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Watcher series. It picks up where the previous book left off. It’s fast paced and action packed. There’s danger, secrets, drama, suspense, murder and plot twists. A thrilling page turner.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets We Hide is the second book in the series and keeps the mysteries, twist and turns at full speed! Do not start reading this book at night, otherwise, you'll find yourself reading through the night! Entertaining!
I thank the author for this ARC.

[Suzan Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really great 2nd part. I loved it. Fleur seems to have gotten into herself into a bit of trouble. She is trying to find out who killed Caroline and helping an old flame come to terms with his losses. While all of this keeps her dead sister in the forefront of her mind. So good!

[Denise Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy brought her A game with this book! More secrets, more murder, more twists and turns and mystery! You will probably read this book in one sitting. It grabs you at page one and takes you for a ride! Looking forward to book three!

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! The secrets and lies and mystery just keep building! You honestly don’t know who to trust.
This is the second installment and we realize how much power the church actually has.
That ending though!! I cannot wait to read the next one.

[Tabatha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is awesome and I love book 2 even more then the first book. Book 2 is more intense. The characters are very well developed and makes me more excited for book 3!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intricately woven suspense. A creepy watcher and a deadly cult keep you on the edge of your seat. This one has a bombshell that will blow your mind.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns
Don't Blink
I like the simple recap from book 1, characters who grab your attention, the storyline keeps you turning each page, hoping to bring you closer to The Watcher.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing story that will keep you guessing what could possibly happen next. A podcast , danger and lots of suspense to make you want more.

[Carrie Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great suspense

So many twists!! Keeps you reading. I have already purchased the next book in the series. Wow!! What a story

[Jannah Alazzawi · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely one of my best reads this year