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Deadly Secrets
Charismatic minister King Avery persuades state and federal authorities to split North Carolina into two states. He calls his Westcarolina “the first Christian state,” one he will stamp with his own beliefs.
The Charlotte Press hires high-profile Texas reporter Annie Price to investigate Avery, his new state, and his God’s Gift Church. The minister, in his new role as governor of Westcarolina, attempts a variety of bizarre changes. The first one would banish Wiccans (witches) from the Christian state, a move that exposes them to potential danger. He also hires Rob Ryland, a ruthless secessionist whom Annie has reason to hate. Gradually, Avery and Ryland attempt to take away other personal freedoms that don’t fit with their evangelical beliefs or desire to make more money.
Annie's love life takes a dramatic turn, even as circumstances conspire to bring her and Avery together. Though he knows Annie is likely the one person who can bring down his empire, he increasingly seeks out her company and advice.
An abortion-related bombing from Avery’s past comes back to haunt him, leading to secret plots and a string of killings. Westcarolina, Camelot to the true believers and a prison to other Westcarolina residents, is put in jeopardy by a crescendo of violence.
The Charlotte Press hires high-profile Texas reporter Annie Price to investigate Avery, his new state, and his God’s Gift Church. The minister, in his new role as governor of Westcarolina, attempts a variety of bizarre changes. The first one would banish Wiccans (witches) from the Christian state, a move that exposes them to potential danger. He also hires Rob Ryland, a ruthless secessionist whom Annie has reason to hate. Gradually, Avery and Ryland attempt to take away other personal freedoms that don’t fit with their evangelical beliefs or desire to make more money.
Annie's love life takes a dramatic turn, even as circumstances conspire to bring her and Avery together. Though he knows Annie is likely the one person who can bring down his empire, he increasingly seeks out her company and advice.
An abortion-related bombing from Avery’s past comes back to haunt him, leading to secret plots and a string of killings. Westcarolina, Camelot to the true believers and a prison to other Westcarolina residents, is put in jeopardy by a crescendo of violence.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2024
25 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Stancill
4 books15 followersGrew up in Radford Virginia. Graduated from University of North Carolina School of Journalism.
MFA from University of Tampa.
Worked as journalist for 38 years in Virginia, California, Texas and North Carolina.
My favorite newspaper job was investigative reporting for the Houston Chronicle and Charlotte Observer. Some of those experiences gave me ideas for my first book, Saving Texas. I wrote it living in London from 2009-2012. I wasn't working, so I had the time to write. I discoveered I loved crafting suspense novels and have written three, plus a memoir.
Deadly Secrets, which comes out in December 2024, is my first book set in North Carolina. Since much of it involves the mountain area, I'm donating half its proceeds to a hurricane Helene disaster fund.
MFA from University of Tampa.
Worked as journalist for 38 years in Virginia, California, Texas and North Carolina.
My favorite newspaper job was investigative reporting for the Houston Chronicle and Charlotte Observer. Some of those experiences gave me ideas for my first book, Saving Texas. I wrote it living in London from 2009-2012. I wasn't working, so I had the time to write. I discoveered I loved crafting suspense novels and have written three, plus a memoir.
Deadly Secrets, which comes out in December 2024, is my first book set in North Carolina. Since much of it involves the mountain area, I'm donating half its proceeds to a hurricane Helene disaster fund.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 20, 2025
Deadly Secrets is a high-stakes political thriller that drops readers straight into a near-future America fractured by extremism and secession. Centered around Annie Price, an investigative journalist still healing from a past ambush, the story unpacks the creation of a new state called Westcarolina—a theocratic breakaway backed by religious fanatics, corrupt politicians, and shadowy powerbrokers. As Annie chases leads through bombings, government secrets, and personal betrayals, the book balances political commentary with the pulse of a fast-paced mystery.
Let me just say it up front: I devoured this book. The writing has that brisk, no-nonsense cadence you want in a thriller—nothing bloated or overly poetic. Every sentence moves the story forward. Nancy Stancill doesn’t waste time. Her protagonist Annie is sharp without being snarky, tough without being cartoonish. And while the plot careens through explosions, shady politicians, and mounting paranoia, it never forgets the emotional toll all this takes. Annie’s moments of doubt and trauma hit hard. You don’t just watch her chase a story—you feel the cost.
Some characters lean toward caricature, especially the villains. Reverend Kingston Avery, the zealot who builds a “Christian state,” reads at times like a mashup of every televangelist villain trope. That said, his hypocrisy and ambition feel eerily relevant. What really surprised me, though, was how layered the story becomes—especially in the way it weaves Annie’s personal entanglements with broader questions about truth, faith, and power. The romantic subplot adds tension without slowing things down, and there’s this subtle ache in Annie’s longing for normalcy that sneaks up on you.
Deadly Secrets feels like a warning disguised as entertainment. It’s a propulsive, emotionally grounded novel that juggles political fiction, crime drama, and character study without dropping the ball. I’d recommend it to fans of investigative thrillers, political dramas, and anyone who likes their mysteries with a bite of real-world grit. If you’ve ever wondered how close fiction can creep to reality, this one might leave you a little uneasy, in all the right ways.
Let me just say it up front: I devoured this book. The writing has that brisk, no-nonsense cadence you want in a thriller—nothing bloated or overly poetic. Every sentence moves the story forward. Nancy Stancill doesn’t waste time. Her protagonist Annie is sharp without being snarky, tough without being cartoonish. And while the plot careens through explosions, shady politicians, and mounting paranoia, it never forgets the emotional toll all this takes. Annie’s moments of doubt and trauma hit hard. You don’t just watch her chase a story—you feel the cost.
Some characters lean toward caricature, especially the villains. Reverend Kingston Avery, the zealot who builds a “Christian state,” reads at times like a mashup of every televangelist villain trope. That said, his hypocrisy and ambition feel eerily relevant. What really surprised me, though, was how layered the story becomes—especially in the way it weaves Annie’s personal entanglements with broader questions about truth, faith, and power. The romantic subplot adds tension without slowing things down, and there’s this subtle ache in Annie’s longing for normalcy that sneaks up on you.
Deadly Secrets feels like a warning disguised as entertainment. It’s a propulsive, emotionally grounded novel that juggles political fiction, crime drama, and character study without dropping the ball. I’d recommend it to fans of investigative thrillers, political dramas, and anyone who likes their mysteries with a bite of real-world grit. If you’ve ever wondered how close fiction can creep to reality, this one might leave you a little uneasy, in all the right ways.
October 30, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Nancy Stancill's new book, and it didn't disappoint!
Deadly Secrets is not just a political thriller - it's an absolute sprint through the worlds of political corruption, Christian nationalism, and high stakes reporting. The story follows journalist Annie Price as she investigates the newly formed state of Westcarolina and its controversial and charismatic leader King Avery. From the beginning, Westcarolina is designed to be a Christian nationalist state, embracing traditional, hard line conservative values. But Price's reporting soon sheds light on the hypocrisy and potential sinister motives of its leaders threatening not only their future, but Annie's as well.
With a well-paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, Stancill does an excellent job of parsing the complexity of the political landscape, and highlighting ambition, betrayal, and the impact of leadership failures. The investigative journalism elements are detailed, showcasing the challenges and ethics faced by reporters and, no doubt, drawing on Stancill's own experiences.
Overall, Deadly Secrets is a fast and engaging read that successfully blends personal and political drama. Finishing the book in the final days of the current election cycle felt all too appropriate. As the political arena isn't likely to get less complicated any time soon, not only is Deadly Secrets sure to have staying power, but Annie Price is likely primed for a few more stories as well.
Deadly Secrets is not just a political thriller - it's an absolute sprint through the worlds of political corruption, Christian nationalism, and high stakes reporting. The story follows journalist Annie Price as she investigates the newly formed state of Westcarolina and its controversial and charismatic leader King Avery. From the beginning, Westcarolina is designed to be a Christian nationalist state, embracing traditional, hard line conservative values. But Price's reporting soon sheds light on the hypocrisy and potential sinister motives of its leaders threatening not only their future, but Annie's as well.
With a well-paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, Stancill does an excellent job of parsing the complexity of the political landscape, and highlighting ambition, betrayal, and the impact of leadership failures. The investigative journalism elements are detailed, showcasing the challenges and ethics faced by reporters and, no doubt, drawing on Stancill's own experiences.
Overall, Deadly Secrets is a fast and engaging read that successfully blends personal and political drama. Finishing the book in the final days of the current election cycle felt all too appropriate. As the political arena isn't likely to get less complicated any time soon, not only is Deadly Secrets sure to have staying power, but Annie Price is likely primed for a few more stories as well.
November 15, 2024
Before Hurricane Helene savaged the North Carolina mountains and western counties, author Nancy Stancill wrote Deadly Secrets, the third novel in her series detailing the investigative reporting of journalist, Annie Price.
After recovering from an attempt on her life, Price leaves Texas to accept a job at the Charlotte Press just as the North Carolina has spun off its western counties to become the new 51st American state. The popular evangelist King Avery has been named governor of the declared theocratic state and he sets out to enact laws in line with his church’s teachings. Balancing the demands of her personal life and new position at The Press, Price encounters no shortage of violent villains seeking to take advantage of the weak Avery’s naivete and sideline her professional inquiry into the lawlessness that threatens to tear the new state apart.
Stancill’s research and personal memories of the western North Carolina mountains before Helene almost become a standalone character in Deadly Secrets. For a while anyway, until western North Carolina recovers and rebuilds, the character and characteristics of the area will remain fond memories as captured in Stancill’s homage.
With publication slated for after Helene, Stancill had announced she will devote fifty percent of her profits to the recovery efforts. But for a quick trip down switchbacks and vistas of the Blue Ridge, sit down with a tall glass of sweet tea, Price’s favorite, and enjoy the ride.
After recovering from an attempt on her life, Price leaves Texas to accept a job at the Charlotte Press just as the North Carolina has spun off its western counties to become the new 51st American state. The popular evangelist King Avery has been named governor of the declared theocratic state and he sets out to enact laws in line with his church’s teachings. Balancing the demands of her personal life and new position at The Press, Price encounters no shortage of violent villains seeking to take advantage of the weak Avery’s naivete and sideline her professional inquiry into the lawlessness that threatens to tear the new state apart.
Stancill’s research and personal memories of the western North Carolina mountains before Helene almost become a standalone character in Deadly Secrets. For a while anyway, until western North Carolina recovers and rebuilds, the character and characteristics of the area will remain fond memories as captured in Stancill’s homage.
With publication slated for after Helene, Stancill had announced she will devote fifty percent of her profits to the recovery efforts. But for a quick trip down switchbacks and vistas of the Blue Ridge, sit down with a tall glass of sweet tea, Price’s favorite, and enjoy the ride.
November 17, 2024
Nancy Stancill is a seasoned author having penned this her fourth book, "Deadly Secrets", a political, legal thriller centered on a tough and sharp investigative reporter, Annie Price. Annie moves to the newly secession state of Westcarolina. The story delivers plenty with a bombing in the first chapter, an “accidental” death soon to follow, Christian nationalists, hard-hitting reporting and murder.
The cast of characters are not all likeable and nor should they be, but the author gives the reader a chance to decide for themselves who they might side with as the plot develops. The writing is cleverly disguised almost as if a reporter was telling the story. It is a brilliant use of storytelling where the reader gets a better taste of where the narrator is coming from.
Stancill writes in solid well-crafted prose. Her story moves at a nice pace, keeping the writer involved but cautious. Something like when you aren’t sure what lurks around the corner so you peek, timidly thinking it will lessen the blow. No use here, you cannot lessen what is coming nor will you want to. Some of the agenda might be a little provocative, but the writer has a wonderful way of delivering an evocative resolution. This reporter has declared, Stancill is a writer’s writer.
The cast of characters are not all likeable and nor should they be, but the author gives the reader a chance to decide for themselves who they might side with as the plot develops. The writing is cleverly disguised almost as if a reporter was telling the story. It is a brilliant use of storytelling where the reader gets a better taste of where the narrator is coming from.
Stancill writes in solid well-crafted prose. Her story moves at a nice pace, keeping the writer involved but cautious. Something like when you aren’t sure what lurks around the corner so you peek, timidly thinking it will lessen the blow. No use here, you cannot lessen what is coming nor will you want to. Some of the agenda might be a little provocative, but the writer has a wonderful way of delivering an evocative resolution. This reporter has declared, Stancill is a writer’s writer.
December 6, 2024
The newly formed state of Westcarolina is a radical evangelical fundamentalist right-wing extremist vision of heaven on earth. Sort of. Actually, it’s an opportunity for aspiring politicians to grab one of the new senatorial and representative seats, engage in some behind the scenes shenanigans, and become wealthy beyond their wildest imaginations. And, to be fair, there are those who truly believe that Westcarolina’s no-abortion, no consumption of wine or spirits policies will bring peace and harmony, but blowing up the factory that manufactured the morning-after pill hasn’t done much to help the cause. And, oh yes, the murders. That’s a problem that Reverend Kingston Avery, head of the mega-God’s Gift Church and governor of the new state is wrestling with. And it’s also the reason why Annie Price, investigative reporter, has become interested in the whole mess. It’s a power struggle and the danger is real.
Annie’s got her own issues. She’s just back to work after recovering from being shot, she’s torn between two lovers, and her search for stability in both her personal and professional life is consuming her.
Deadly Secrets is Nancy Stancill’s latest work featuring Annie Price, and it’s a good one. Highly recommended.
Annie’s got her own issues. She’s just back to work after recovering from being shot, she’s torn between two lovers, and her search for stability in both her personal and professional life is consuming her.
Deadly Secrets is Nancy Stancill’s latest work featuring Annie Price, and it’s a good one. Highly recommended.
January 9, 2025
Politics, Treachery, Deception, and Murder!
When mixed well, these ingredients combine to create the frighteningly realistic new novel, Deadly Secrets by Nancy Stancil. To tip the balance of power in the United States Senate for years to come, North Carolina’s ultra-conservative supermajority in the General Assembly votes to create the nation’s 51st state. Once the United States Congress approves the formation of the new Christian-State, the twenty-eight predominantly ruby-red counties west of Interstate 77 become Westcarolina, and King Avery, a charismatic, evangelical minister is appointed as its first Governor. The Charlotte Press hires experienced investigative journalist, Annie Price, to lead the paper’s coverage of the new state. As she uncovers and reports on the new administration’s sometimes illegal and often unethical efforts to raise money and restrict citizens’ rights, Annie soon finds herself in the crosshairs of the governor’s ruthless right-hand man, Rob Ryland — who views Annie as the obstacle standing between him and the power he craves. A well-crafted story that is a must read!
When mixed well, these ingredients combine to create the frighteningly realistic new novel, Deadly Secrets by Nancy Stancil. To tip the balance of power in the United States Senate for years to come, North Carolina’s ultra-conservative supermajority in the General Assembly votes to create the nation’s 51st state. Once the United States Congress approves the formation of the new Christian-State, the twenty-eight predominantly ruby-red counties west of Interstate 77 become Westcarolina, and King Avery, a charismatic, evangelical minister is appointed as its first Governor. The Charlotte Press hires experienced investigative journalist, Annie Price, to lead the paper’s coverage of the new state. As she uncovers and reports on the new administration’s sometimes illegal and often unethical efforts to raise money and restrict citizens’ rights, Annie soon finds herself in the crosshairs of the governor’s ruthless right-hand man, Rob Ryland — who views Annie as the obstacle standing between him and the power he craves. A well-crafted story that is a must read!
March 2, 2025
Annie Price is back in Nancy Stancill’s Deadly Secrets. This installment sees the investigative report relocating to North Carolina to cover the newly formed state of Westcarolina. The state is created as America’s first theocracy and is led by the corrupt pastor of a large church who has no problems blurring the line between church and state. As Westcarolina gets started, Annie, and her reporter colleagues, cover stories showing how the state’s policies relate directly to the prosperity of the church. Then, opponents of the new state start dying.
Deadly Secrets has an explosive opening and deftly moves into political intrigue. Stancill’s writing is lively and she expertly showcases the complexities of Annie’s character and weaves details of Annie’s relationship drama into the suspense and chaos of the creation of a new state. Deadly Secrets is a must-read for fans of political fiction.
Deadly Secrets has an explosive opening and deftly moves into political intrigue. Stancill’s writing is lively and she expertly showcases the complexities of Annie’s character and weaves details of Annie’s relationship drama into the suspense and chaos of the creation of a new state. Deadly Secrets is a must-read for fans of political fiction.
February 4, 2025
Annie Price, who made a name for herself uncovering crime and corruption in a Texas secessionist movement, has set her sights on North Carolina. King Avery, a popular evangelical minister, has convinced the state and federal governments that the mountainous western section of North Carolina should be its own state of Westcarolina. Furthermore, he should be appointed its first governor. What could go wrong? The Charlotte newspaper hires Annie to find out. She finds herself following leads on bombings, murders, and power grabs. Acquaintances from Texas soon arrive, including her former lover, Jake Satterfield, and her nemesis, Rob Ryland, who eventually becomes lieutenant governor. Be prepared for an entertaining and well-written journey through love (or sometimes just sex) lost and won, crime, and debates about separation of church and state.
Read
June 26, 2025A gripping mystery with a strong, smart heroine at its core.
Deadly Secrets pulls you into a world of suspense, small-town secrets, and investigative twists that keep the pages turning. Annie Price, a determined journalist with a nose for truth, finds herself tangled in a web of lies and danger as she digs deeper into a case that hits close to home.
Nancy Stancill crafts a compelling mystery that blends crime, drama, and character development seamlessly. Annie is both relatable and fierce, making it easy to root for her as the stakes rise. The pacing is steady, with just the right amount of tension to keep you guessing without overwhelming you.
If you enjoy stories with a smart female lead, layered storytelling, and a mix of investigative journalism and classic mystery, Deadly Secrets will not disappoint.
Deadly Secrets pulls you into a world of suspense, small-town secrets, and investigative twists that keep the pages turning. Annie Price, a determined journalist with a nose for truth, finds herself tangled in a web of lies and danger as she digs deeper into a case that hits close to home.
Nancy Stancill crafts a compelling mystery that blends crime, drama, and character development seamlessly. Annie is both relatable and fierce, making it easy to root for her as the stakes rise. The pacing is steady, with just the right amount of tension to keep you guessing without overwhelming you.
If you enjoy stories with a smart female lead, layered storytelling, and a mix of investigative journalism and classic mystery, Deadly Secrets will not disappoint.
December 2, 2024
Nancy Stancill's ace investigative reporter Annie Price is back, and in Deadly Secrets, Stancill’s new political thriller, she’s moving to North Carolina to tackle one of the strangest, most consequential stories of her life. After North Carolina’s legislature votes to split the state in two, Annie is assigned to investigate both the new state of Westcarolina and its governor, a charismatic evangelical minister named King Avery.
Stancill is adept at tapping into the political zeitgeist, and this fast-paced tale of power and secrets tackles some of our nation’s most polarizing issues. As Annie seeks the truth behind King Avery and his empire, she discovers a story darker than anything she could have imagined.
Stancill is adept at tapping into the political zeitgeist, and this fast-paced tale of power and secrets tackles some of our nation’s most polarizing issues. As Annie seeks the truth behind King Avery and his empire, she discovers a story darker than anything she could have imagined.
October 11, 2025
Investigative journalist Annie Price moves from Texas to accept a job covering news developments in the newly formed secessionist state of Westcarolina.
The story takes relevant cultural and political issues to the next level with a near future secession movement led by corrupt but charismatic leaders. Well meaning citizens are mislead with utopian promises while creating a state where the greed of their leaders knows no bounds. As Annie is drawn into the secessionist governor’s inner circle, she finds him to be a charmingly complex and flawed character. Deadly Secrets is compelling, fast paced, and unforgettable. It left me eager to read the rest of the books in the Annie Price series.
The story takes relevant cultural and political issues to the next level with a near future secession movement led by corrupt but charismatic leaders. Well meaning citizens are mislead with utopian promises while creating a state where the greed of their leaders knows no bounds. As Annie is drawn into the secessionist governor’s inner circle, she finds him to be a charmingly complex and flawed character. Deadly Secrets is compelling, fast paced, and unforgettable. It left me eager to read the rest of the books in the Annie Price series.
December 19, 2024
In the dystopian future Nancy Stancill creates for DEADLY SECRETS, her imagined church-state of Westcarolina has become reality for an intrepid investigative reporter, the hero of the Annie Price series. Weaving secret plots by corrupt fanatics with deadly consequences, Stancill ratchets up the stakes for Annie Price and the unsuspecting citizens of new Westcarolina. Stancill’s own storied career as an investigative reporter brings authenticity to a premise that could seem far-fetched, but with deftly-sketched zealots and political strivers, her thriller became uncomfortably believable as I raced through DEADLY SECRETS.
December 3, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Secrets, Nancy Stancill's latest suspense novel about intrepid investigative reporter Annie Price. She's moved from Texas to Virginia this time, but some of the Texas political players and journalists remain on the scene in this new twist on a secessionist plot. The story moves along at a brisk pace while Annie uncovers the machinations of a powerful evangelist church bent on making North Carolina a theocracy. Along the way, she has to sort out her own love life and cope with an unexpected development in her future plans.
May 24, 2025
Nancy Stancill breathes her years as an investigative journalist into the protagonist Annie Price in this political drama. Wavering between two lovers in Texas, Annie chooses a new job in the Carolinas where a secessionist movement has succeeded in creating a new state – Westcarolina. And so begins her journey investigating the new Governor’s motives and the question of separation of church and state. A well-crafted novel that is perfect for fans who enjoy pulling back the curtain on a story, human behavior, and intrigue.
December 16, 2024
"DEADLY SECRETS" ADVANCE PRAISE
“The Bottom Line: Crackling with immediacy and suspense, “Deadly Secrets” is an unforgettable political thriller about murder, corruption and personal freedom in the divided states of America.
Welcome to Westcarolina, the newest American state. Encompassing a conservative region of what was once western North Carolina, the new government is sponsored and backed by Kingston Avery, the state’s minister-governor. The move follows a pattern happening elsewhere. Secessionists in Texas are… enroute to becoming a true nation, and similar movements are also underway in Alaska and California.
As “Deadly Secrets” opens, a radicalized anti-abortion activist and his wife are about to become domestic terrorists. Specifically, they bomb a local chemical plant that makes a key ingredient of the abortion pill. The act appears to have the full backing of God’s Gift leadership, of which they are insiders.
Enter 42-year-old Pulitzer-prize winning report Annie Price. After accepting a new job offer, she travels to Westcarolina to cover the new state. Little does she know that one of Avery’s top officials, Rob Ryland, is responsible for murdering her best friend back in Texas.
Annie quickly sets about interviewing residents, community leaders and politicians… As she continues to dig into what appears to be an unconstitutional theocracy in the making, a series of troubling “accidents” begin to claim the lives of Avery’s rivals--and even some of his allies.
…The book can be read as pure entertainment but given how closely the book parallels real political divisions, it’s equally effective as a warning.”
--BestThrillers.com
“Investigative journalist Annie Price is at it again in “Deadly Secrets.” When a church-led secessionist movement pushes the envelope, someone must dig deep to find the truth. Well-written with a strong female protagonist, “Deadly Secrets” employs themes of greed, religious takeovers, and political turmoil, yet is balanced with those of love, trust, and personal growth. A must-read for fans of good reporting and twisted characters.”
—Kathryn Dare, Portland Book Review
“Nancy Stancill has done it again! Annie Price--the investigative reporter felled by gunshot wounds while investigating successionists and baby-selling schemes in Texas--has recovered and brought her considerable talents to Charlotte, North Carolina where she tangles with Christian fundamentalists who aren't afraid to kill, and the equally dangerous leadership of a new ultra-conservative state called Westcarolina. . . Events pile on events, the pace is quick, and you'll find yourself turning pages long after your bedtime."
--David Collins, author of Accidental Activists, Mark Phariss, Vic Holmes, and their Fight for Marriage Equality in Texas; and editor of Boundless
“Imagine western North Carolina has seceded from the state to become a theocracy where the explosive schemes of its evangelical leader and his hypocritical minions gain the attention of seasoned investigative reporter, Annie Price. From the big city lights of Charlotte to the mountain resort town of Blowing Rock, with stops along the way for pork barbeque, hush puppies, banana pudding, and other Southern tastes, Annie has a lot on her plate as surprising events in her love life intersect with a dangerous political world turned upside down.”
--Landis Wade, founder, Charlotte Readers Podcast, and author of Deadly Declarations
“A sharp, page-turning mystery that left me breathless as journalist Annie Price untangles shady business deals, a bombing, and a series of murders connected to Westcarolina, a new “Christian state” created from a section of North Carolina. The reporter is unexpectedly charmed by the new governor but horrified when someone from her past emerges in a major leadership position.”
--Donna Koros Stramella, author of “Coffee Killed My Mother” and “Among the
Bones”
“…Libraries and readers seeking a story set in a fictional, yet familiar, near future where religious, psychological, social, and political interests intersect will find much to appreciate in Annie’s character and focus in “Deadly Secrets.”
“Book clubs, too, will find it an unexpected opportunity to discuss a variety of subjects about church, state, women’s issues, and the price of proactive thinking and behavior on all sides.
“In short: “Deadly Secrets” is powerful in its characterizations, astute in its political extrapolations, unexpected in its action and twists and turns, and hard to put down.”
--D. Donovan, editor, Bookwatch
“The Bottom Line: Crackling with immediacy and suspense, “Deadly Secrets” is an unforgettable political thriller about murder, corruption and personal freedom in the divided states of America.
Welcome to Westcarolina, the newest American state. Encompassing a conservative region of what was once western North Carolina, the new government is sponsored and backed by Kingston Avery, the state’s minister-governor. The move follows a pattern happening elsewhere. Secessionists in Texas are… enroute to becoming a true nation, and similar movements are also underway in Alaska and California.
As “Deadly Secrets” opens, a radicalized anti-abortion activist and his wife are about to become domestic terrorists. Specifically, they bomb a local chemical plant that makes a key ingredient of the abortion pill. The act appears to have the full backing of God’s Gift leadership, of which they are insiders.
Enter 42-year-old Pulitzer-prize winning report Annie Price. After accepting a new job offer, she travels to Westcarolina to cover the new state. Little does she know that one of Avery’s top officials, Rob Ryland, is responsible for murdering her best friend back in Texas.
Annie quickly sets about interviewing residents, community leaders and politicians… As she continues to dig into what appears to be an unconstitutional theocracy in the making, a series of troubling “accidents” begin to claim the lives of Avery’s rivals--and even some of his allies.
…The book can be read as pure entertainment but given how closely the book parallels real political divisions, it’s equally effective as a warning.”
--BestThrillers.com
“Investigative journalist Annie Price is at it again in “Deadly Secrets.” When a church-led secessionist movement pushes the envelope, someone must dig deep to find the truth. Well-written with a strong female protagonist, “Deadly Secrets” employs themes of greed, religious takeovers, and political turmoil, yet is balanced with those of love, trust, and personal growth. A must-read for fans of good reporting and twisted characters.”
—Kathryn Dare, Portland Book Review
“Nancy Stancill has done it again! Annie Price--the investigative reporter felled by gunshot wounds while investigating successionists and baby-selling schemes in Texas--has recovered and brought her considerable talents to Charlotte, North Carolina where she tangles with Christian fundamentalists who aren't afraid to kill, and the equally dangerous leadership of a new ultra-conservative state called Westcarolina. . . Events pile on events, the pace is quick, and you'll find yourself turning pages long after your bedtime."
--David Collins, author of Accidental Activists, Mark Phariss, Vic Holmes, and their Fight for Marriage Equality in Texas; and editor of Boundless
“Imagine western North Carolina has seceded from the state to become a theocracy where the explosive schemes of its evangelical leader and his hypocritical minions gain the attention of seasoned investigative reporter, Annie Price. From the big city lights of Charlotte to the mountain resort town of Blowing Rock, with stops along the way for pork barbeque, hush puppies, banana pudding, and other Southern tastes, Annie has a lot on her plate as surprising events in her love life intersect with a dangerous political world turned upside down.”
--Landis Wade, founder, Charlotte Readers Podcast, and author of Deadly Declarations
“A sharp, page-turning mystery that left me breathless as journalist Annie Price untangles shady business deals, a bombing, and a series of murders connected to Westcarolina, a new “Christian state” created from a section of North Carolina. The reporter is unexpectedly charmed by the new governor but horrified when someone from her past emerges in a major leadership position.”
--Donna Koros Stramella, author of “Coffee Killed My Mother” and “Among the
Bones”
“…Libraries and readers seeking a story set in a fictional, yet familiar, near future where religious, psychological, social, and political interests intersect will find much to appreciate in Annie’s character and focus in “Deadly Secrets.”
“Book clubs, too, will find it an unexpected opportunity to discuss a variety of subjects about church, state, women’s issues, and the price of proactive thinking and behavior on all sides.
“In short: “Deadly Secrets” is powerful in its characterizations, astute in its political extrapolations, unexpected in its action and twists and turns, and hard to put down.”
--D. Donovan, editor, Bookwatch
December 13, 2024
DEADLY SECRETS by Nancy Stancill is a great story. A masterfully written thriller I couldn’t put down … just kept turning the page to see what was going to happen next. And although it’s the third in a series, Stancill did such a great job of creating and writing Deadly Secrets, it’s a complete and stand-alone story of its own. You don’t need to have read the first two Annie Price books in the series to thoroughly enjoy this one—although you’ll want to.
Daniel Norman
Daniel Norman
December 27, 2024
Imagine a 51st State with a charismatic Christian nationalist governor carved out of the western region of North Carolina. Add the bombing of a pharmaceutical plant that makes Mifepristone, murder, infidelity, and a hard-nosed female journalist chasing down all these stories, and you have the page turner novel DEADLY SECRETS by Nancy Stancill. Using her own extensive skills as a news reporter, Stancill keeps us turning page after page until each and every deadly secret is revealed.
February 26, 2025
What if a conservative minister with dubious intentions led a secessionist movement in North Carolina that resulted in the creation of Westcarolina with him in charge? That's the scenario Nancy Stancill has crafted for her heroine and investigative reporter, Annie Price, to untangle. Throughout her journey, she faces love, death, and a series of unexpected twists and turns. The novel is a tightly written thriller featuring well-developed characters and surprising events.
March 3, 2025
Annie Price is back in a thriller that has her investigating Christian secessionists who have established the new state of Westcarolina. She’s dealing with major changes in her life, and Nancy Stancill brings her iconic investigative reporter into a world of political intrigue and personal challenges. This is a book with lots of North Carolina (Westcarolina) and Charlotte color along with interesting and devious characters. A great read, and another terrific addition to the Annie Price series.
February 6, 2025
Reading Deadly Secrets in the midst of all that's going on in our country is terrifying... but, mesmerizing! This is a vexing, morally serious, yet highly entertaining book. Nancy Stancill has the heart of a storyteller and the skill of a journalist. She is both.
October 13, 2025
i won this book in a giveaway and am thankful for that! I grew up and live in the area very near where Westcarolina would be and this was a great story and feels very true the the geographic area and quite plausible. I recommend it.
October 29, 2025
Nancy Stancill has created a sleuth truly worthy of the best characters in the suspense / mystery genre. Journalist Annie Price is blazing a new trail in the next edition of this series. Moving on from her escapades in Texas to Westcarolina, Annie is on the beat investigating a mega-church that has intertwined itself with a new state government. Stancill has skillfully authored a tale that is more probable in today’s environment than it might seem at first blush. The author quickly wraps up the story, tying all loose ends together efficiently and effectively. Deadly Secrets is well-crafted and a pleasure to read.
March 27, 2025
With a reporter’s eye for detail, Nancy Stancill brings to life a fictional state called Westcarolina for her third Annie Price mystery. Price, the intrepid newspaper reporter, has moved from Houston to Charlotte to investigate strange goings-on at an evangelical mega-church whose minister, King Avery, engineered the secession of North Carolina’s western half to make it into “the first Christian state.” Deadly Secrets is a tale of power and intrigue set off by an abortion-related bombing that leads to a string of complications as Price follows the money trail that accompanies Avery's newly found power.
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