What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Love and Danger #1
Written in Secret
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2025
19 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Caudill
8 books544 followersCrystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 15, 2025
1880 Cincinnati, Ohio
What a fun start to this series! The beginning pages were humorous and pulled me right in. Lydia Pelton is an author that writes romance in her own name and crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin. She's willing to go to great lengths to test out theories for her novels. When she learns there is a killer inspired by her crime novel main character, she is crushed. And scared.
My favorite side character was Officer Abraham Hall's sister Clara, an avid reader.
The storyline and characters were well crafted. Loved the use of humor throughout.
Can't wait for the next in this series.
My gratitude to the Just Read Tours, the author and publisher Kregel for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
What a fun start to this series! The beginning pages were humorous and pulled me right in. Lydia Pelton is an author that writes romance in her own name and crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin. She's willing to go to great lengths to test out theories for her novels. When she learns there is a killer inspired by her crime novel main character, she is crushed. And scared.
My favorite side character was Officer Abraham Hall's sister Clara, an avid reader.
The storyline and characters were well crafted. Loved the use of humor throughout.
Can't wait for the next in this series.
My gratitude to the Just Read Tours, the author and publisher Kregel for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 12, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of love and danger that grew out of a bare mention in another book. There is a slapstick element to it of physical comedy that was fun to read and the characters are absolutely delightful. The mystery was intriguing, and the romance sweet. I truly enjoyed this waltz through Gilded Age Cincinnati.
June 13, 2025
Ohhhhh I have discovered a new favorite author!
I love a good historical mystery. This one hit ALL the right buttons!
Lydia Pelton has hidden her secret career as a dime novelist from those around her. Suddenly, her secrets are turned inside out when someone starts bringing her crime stories to life and enacting personal vengeance on
un-convicted criminals.
Officer Abraham Hall is directed to investigate the crimes. When a goat and a circus throw him into the path of Lydia, he soon unravels who the secret dime novelist is—but now he must solve the murders while putting up with the incorrigible Lydia. And try to keep from falling in love. 🥰
If you enjoy the show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, this is right up your alley! I loved the similar vibes.
Things I enjoyed:
🔎historic setting
🔎the humor
🔎strong faith elements-FMC seeking God for guidance and purpose.
🔎Both MC’s had solid family relationships and respect for their parents.
🔎the mystery
🔎writing style
🔎historic details
This is Christian fiction, very clean, no language or spice. There are slightly gruesome descriptions/details regarding the crimes in the story.
I loved this so much that I immediately went and ordered a copy of the first book in her previous series. I’ve been eyeing it for days and hope to start it soon! I HIGHLY recommend this! 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I love a good historical mystery. This one hit ALL the right buttons!
Lydia Pelton has hidden her secret career as a dime novelist from those around her. Suddenly, her secrets are turned inside out when someone starts bringing her crime stories to life and enacting personal vengeance on
un-convicted criminals.
Officer Abraham Hall is directed to investigate the crimes. When a goat and a circus throw him into the path of Lydia, he soon unravels who the secret dime novelist is—but now he must solve the murders while putting up with the incorrigible Lydia. And try to keep from falling in love. 🥰
If you enjoy the show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, this is right up your alley! I loved the similar vibes.
Things I enjoyed:
🔎historic setting
🔎the humor
🔎strong faith elements-FMC seeking God for guidance and purpose.
🔎Both MC’s had solid family relationships and respect for their parents.
🔎the mystery
🔎writing style
🔎historic details
This is Christian fiction, very clean, no language or spice. There are slightly gruesome descriptions/details regarding the crimes in the story.
I loved this so much that I immediately went and ordered a copy of the first book in her previous series. I’ve been eyeing it for days and hope to start it soon! I HIGHLY recommend this! 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 13, 2025
A cross between a dime-store novel and a true crime saga, Written in Secret is a masterful mix of intrigue, wit, and razor-sharp storytelling. Lydia Pelton, a writer with an uncanny sense of justice, finds herself ensnared by her own words. Writing under the male pseudonym E.A. Dupin, her crime novels serve as a vehicle for vigilante justice—until a real-life serial killer begins mirroring her fictional murders. Now, she must unravel the deadly consequences of the world she’s created.
What makes this novel unforgettable is its seamless fusion of humor, suspense, and spiritual depth. The dialogue crackles with energy, especially between Lydia and Officer Abraham Hall—their witty exchanges had me grinning even as the tension mounted. But beyond the sharp humor, Caudill isn’t afraid to explore the murkier depths of sin, justice, and mercy, crafting a mystery that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping.
Lydia’s journey is about coming to terms with the power of her own words. In a reality where fiction has turned lethal, she wrestles with the weight of conviction and responsibility. Her internal battle is raw and compelling: she longs for justice, but at what cost? The spiritual themes running through the novel don’t feel like an afterthought; they challenge, provoke, and linger well after the final page.
Then there’s Abraham Hall, the skeptical detective, who has little patience for Lydia’s brand of justice or her genre. Their dynamic is electric, a slow-burning push-and-pull that adds richness to an already intense story. The romance? Completely earned. No rushed passion, just two strong-willed individuals colliding in the midst of chaos, trying to understand each other while evading a killer’s grasp.
Lydia’s struggle forces readers to reflect on the stories they tell themselves—the ones that shape their past, guide their choices, and define their future. Caudill weaves everything together with masterful prose, a taut plot, and characters so vivid they feel like real people.
This book has it all: high stakes, razor-sharp dialogue, a touch of romance, and faith content that is both authentic and compelling. It’s the kind of story that grips your heart, challenges one’s heart and mind, and refuses to let go. If you crave a novel that keeps you turning pages late into the night and leaves you thinking long after, Written in Secret is the book you’ve been waiting for.
I received a digital ARC of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on excellent writing and splendid story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
What makes this novel unforgettable is its seamless fusion of humor, suspense, and spiritual depth. The dialogue crackles with energy, especially between Lydia and Officer Abraham Hall—their witty exchanges had me grinning even as the tension mounted. But beyond the sharp humor, Caudill isn’t afraid to explore the murkier depths of sin, justice, and mercy, crafting a mystery that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping.
Lydia’s journey is about coming to terms with the power of her own words. In a reality where fiction has turned lethal, she wrestles with the weight of conviction and responsibility. Her internal battle is raw and compelling: she longs for justice, but at what cost? The spiritual themes running through the novel don’t feel like an afterthought; they challenge, provoke, and linger well after the final page.
Then there’s Abraham Hall, the skeptical detective, who has little patience for Lydia’s brand of justice or her genre. Their dynamic is electric, a slow-burning push-and-pull that adds richness to an already intense story. The romance? Completely earned. No rushed passion, just two strong-willed individuals colliding in the midst of chaos, trying to understand each other while evading a killer’s grasp.
Lydia’s struggle forces readers to reflect on the stories they tell themselves—the ones that shape their past, guide their choices, and define their future. Caudill weaves everything together with masterful prose, a taut plot, and characters so vivid they feel like real people.
This book has it all: high stakes, razor-sharp dialogue, a touch of romance, and faith content that is both authentic and compelling. It’s the kind of story that grips your heart, challenges one’s heart and mind, and refuses to let go. If you crave a novel that keeps you turning pages late into the night and leaves you thinking long after, Written in Secret is the book you’ve been waiting for.
I received a digital ARC of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on excellent writing and splendid story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
December 28, 2025
Crystal Caudill continues to put a fresh spin on the Gilded Age with this brilliant first book in her new historical romantic suspense series. Written in Secret delights from beginning to end with a dashing policeman hero, a plucky dime-novel-author heroine, and a mysterious vigilante villain. The layered and amiable characters come alive under Caudill's skilled pen, and her engaging writing voice and clever plotting kept me solidly immersed in the story. This is another entertaining winner from Caudill, with meaningful, practical faith applications too. A must-read in every way!
March 15, 2025
This book had a great balance woven throughout of humor, wit, sweet romance, mystery, suspense, and Christian fiction elements. It started off with quite the humorous situation which landed Miss Lydia into Office Abraham Hall's path. An occurrence that kept happening throughout the book. At first unplanned, but that quickly changed as they must work together to solve who the Billy Poe copycat is. Who is Billy Poe, you might ask? Why he is the character from Lydia's crime solving novels that she pens under a pseudonym. And that pseudonym has all of Cincinnati in an uproar over the string of murders happening that mirror E. A. Dupin's books.
You'll be pulled into this book trying to solve the case right along with Abraham and Lydia before the killer strikes again.
Abraham and Lydia have a yo-yo type relationship. Definitely an enemies to more vibe going on for them. Abraham can't quite decide to make of her until they are place in more and more situations together. First impressions can be deceiving as they learn this throughout the book. Not just about each other but all of the people they are interacting with. They have several suspects but the question is, who is the real Billy Poe copycat? Some of the back and forth had me a little frustrated because of the assumptions of character made but I really liked the dynamics of their relationship as they started to not judge each other and truly come to know the other. They're a pretty great team, once they put their heads together!
Lydia's group of friends were highly entertaining and endearing. I can't wait for more books in this series to see if the books will feature them. They'll have you smiling over their friendships, antics, experiments and fiercely loyal protectiveness of each other!
Content: Clean. The book does talk about murder and the justice system and some of the murders are talked about but not in a lot of detail or overly graphic. This is a Christian fiction novel and the characters do talk about God guiding them and trying to follow His will for them. There is nothing more than a couple of sweet kisses. No language.
I received a copy from the publisher, Kregel Publications, through JustRead Tours. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
You'll be pulled into this book trying to solve the case right along with Abraham and Lydia before the killer strikes again.
Abraham and Lydia have a yo-yo type relationship. Definitely an enemies to more vibe going on for them. Abraham can't quite decide to make of her until they are place in more and more situations together. First impressions can be deceiving as they learn this throughout the book. Not just about each other but all of the people they are interacting with. They have several suspects but the question is, who is the real Billy Poe copycat? Some of the back and forth had me a little frustrated because of the assumptions of character made but I really liked the dynamics of their relationship as they started to not judge each other and truly come to know the other. They're a pretty great team, once they put their heads together!
Lydia's group of friends were highly entertaining and endearing. I can't wait for more books in this series to see if the books will feature them. They'll have you smiling over their friendships, antics, experiments and fiercely loyal protectiveness of each other!
Content: Clean. The book does talk about murder and the justice system and some of the murders are talked about but not in a lot of detail or overly graphic. This is a Christian fiction novel and the characters do talk about God guiding them and trying to follow His will for them. There is nothing more than a couple of sweet kisses. No language.
I received a copy from the publisher, Kregel Publications, through JustRead Tours. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 13, 2025
This novel was packed full of goodies: an absorbing plot, a handsome detective, a forward thinking heroine, a clever but diabolical villain and spiritual lessons that make you think.
Lydia Pelton has published dime novel crime fiction under a pseudonym. All to bring justice to the victims whose perpetrators have gone free. But someone is out for vengeance and is using information in her novels to murder the villains. He is bringing fiction to life in the worst way.
This is by no means a dark tale because the author tempers it with witty banter, a blossoming romance and shows the faith journey of the two main characters.
Lydia dubs Abraham “Detective Darcy and we see into her writer brain: “Abraham was the hero she’d never dared to write- but real life rarely lived up to fiction.” The author depicts an authentic repentance when Lydia confesses to her father about her secret writing. And Abraham and Lydia encourage each other in Godly things.
This was a delightful story and I am awaiting the next book in this series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Lydia Pelton has published dime novel crime fiction under a pseudonym. All to bring justice to the victims whose perpetrators have gone free. But someone is out for vengeance and is using information in her novels to murder the villains. He is bringing fiction to life in the worst way.
This is by no means a dark tale because the author tempers it with witty banter, a blossoming romance and shows the faith journey of the two main characters.
Lydia dubs Abraham “Detective Darcy and we see into her writer brain: “Abraham was the hero she’d never dared to write- but real life rarely lived up to fiction.” The author depicts an authentic repentance when Lydia confesses to her father about her secret writing. And Abraham and Lydia encourage each other in Godly things.
This was a delightful story and I am awaiting the next book in this series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
November 22, 2025
This was a fun historical romantic suspense. Though the romance moved a bit quickly for my liking and I was able to guess the villain relatively early on, Ms. Caudill threw me a few twists and turns and created absolutely delightful (and despicable) characters, with some shades of gray in between, that kept me engaged and interested. This book follows Lydia Pelton, who writes dime novels - romance under her own name, and crime novels under an alias. When someone starts carrying out the murders conveyed in her story and she is exposed as the author, she finds herself in danger on all sides.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book and the character development. There were several humorous escapades (such as the opening scenes) and the romance had some humorous banter included as well, which always makes a romance better in my book. I enjoyed the faith element of this one as Lydia comes to recognize her own sins and struggles as the story progresses. The romance was sweet without being too syrupy and the flirty scenes were a lot of fun (which is why it still gets 5 stars even though I said the romance moved too quickly). Also, I absolutely adored Lydia's friends and can't wait to see their stories! This was an overall enjoyable story and a great beginning to a series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book and the character development. There were several humorous escapades (such as the opening scenes) and the romance had some humorous banter included as well, which always makes a romance better in my book. I enjoyed the faith element of this one as Lydia comes to recognize her own sins and struggles as the story progresses. The romance was sweet without being too syrupy and the flirty scenes were a lot of fun (which is why it still gets 5 stars even though I said the romance moved too quickly). Also, I absolutely adored Lydia's friends and can't wait to see their stories! This was an overall enjoyable story and a great beginning to a series.
March 17, 2025
Written in Secret is a book about a woman author who writes dime novels and mysteries in the 1800s in Ohio. Obviously, she uses a pen name and is quite popular. The story is humorous and starts out with a fun slapstick scene. However, the heroine is caught up in a real life murder mystery that is connected to her books. The handsome detective on the case sets out to solve the murders amidst several characters who could be the suspect in the all of the crimes.
I enjoyed this book with unforgettable characters, sweet romance, and inspiring message.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this book with unforgettable characters, sweet romance, and inspiring message.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
March 13, 2025
This book is a 4.5-star read, rounded up to 5! Lydia Pelton is a known author in Cincinnati, and her romantic dime novels sell like hotcakes—or whatever the 1880s equivalent is. People don’t realize that she’s also the author of the wildly popular crime novels under the name E.A. Dupin. But when a real-life serial killer starts acting out her books, Lydia finds herself entangled with Officer Abraham Hall as they race to stop the murders.
This book is jam-packed with suspense and action. Even though I figured out the killer early on, it was still thrilling. Lydia is strong, intelligent, and well-balanced. Seeing her wrestle with whether her words could inspire murder felt heartfelt and real.
Officer Abraham Hall is headstrong, smart, and determined to solve the case. He struggles with both his suspicions about Lydia and his growing feelings for her.
I have strong opinions about romance during traumatic events (why is a love interest important now?), but somehow Caudill made it work! The romance was both slow-building and fast-paced, making it feel authentic and rewarding.
With strong themes of justice, humility, and mercy, this book delivers a powerful Christian message. I loved it and can’t wait for the next in the series!
𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
This book is jam-packed with suspense and action. Even though I figured out the killer early on, it was still thrilling. Lydia is strong, intelligent, and well-balanced. Seeing her wrestle with whether her words could inspire murder felt heartfelt and real.
Officer Abraham Hall is headstrong, smart, and determined to solve the case. He struggles with both his suspicions about Lydia and his growing feelings for her.
I have strong opinions about romance during traumatic events (why is a love interest important now?), but somehow Caudill made it work! The romance was both slow-building and fast-paced, making it feel authentic and rewarding.
With strong themes of justice, humility, and mercy, this book delivers a powerful Christian message. I loved it and can’t wait for the next in the series!
𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
February 21, 2025
The Art of Love and Danger series is off to an impressive start with this delightful, entertaining mystery set in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1880. The rather unique storyline, which grabbed my attention immediately and kept me invested for the entirety of the story, features light laugh-out-loud moments and witty banter combined with serious, sometimes dangerous, ones and a villain who I never suspected! The diverse, engaging cast of characters is headlined by Lydia Pelton, the high-spirited dime novelist heroine, and Abraham Hall, the dedicated, determined police officer hero. It was fun and touching to watch their slow building enemies-to-lovers romance develop. I appreciate the relevant spiritual truths that are seamlessly woven into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this Gilded Age adventure story and highly recommend it!
I received of copy of this book through JustRead Tours with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received of copy of this book through JustRead Tours with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 5, 2025
Castle meets Miss Scarlet & the Duke in this rollicking tale of love and danger!
Set in Gilded Age Cincinnati, this historical romance features a spunky dime novelist, exacting poetic justice with her pen, and a straitlaced police officer, investigating a string of literary-inspired murders. When the pair are forced to work together to stop a killer, sparks fly as they debate the difference between justice and vengeance.
Fans of Jen Turano and Michelle Griep will love Crystal Caudill's unique blend of humorous shenanigans, quirky characters, action-packed mystery, sarcastic wit, and an enemies-to-more romance with all the banter.
If you fancy a book brimming with flirtation, faith, and firearms, Written in Secret is sure to be your cup of tea!
📚 The Art of Love and Danger Series
📖 1) Written in Secret
Set in Gilded Age Cincinnati, this historical romance features a spunky dime novelist, exacting poetic justice with her pen, and a straitlaced police officer, investigating a string of literary-inspired murders. When the pair are forced to work together to stop a killer, sparks fly as they debate the difference between justice and vengeance.
Fans of Jen Turano and Michelle Griep will love Crystal Caudill's unique blend of humorous shenanigans, quirky characters, action-packed mystery, sarcastic wit, and an enemies-to-more romance with all the banter.
If you fancy a book brimming with flirtation, faith, and firearms, Written in Secret is sure to be your cup of tea!
📚 The Art of Love and Danger Series
📖 1) Written in Secret
March 27, 2025
This was my first introduction to Crystal Caudill but I’m definitely hooked! She had me hooked from the beginning! One evening I decided I was going to sit down and just read a chapter… about three chapters later I realized I was still reading. XD
Her characters were so fun and loveable! Everything about this story was simply so much fun. I can’t wait for the next book in this series but in the meantime I definitely plan to go back and read her previous series. <333
I highly recommend this book for any lovers of historical fiction!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Her characters were so fun and loveable! Everything about this story was simply so much fun. I can’t wait for the next book in this series but in the meantime I definitely plan to go back and read her previous series. <333
I highly recommend this book for any lovers of historical fiction!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2025
Written in Secret is one of the most enjoyable historical/romance/mystery stories I've read in a long time. It piqued my interest right away as I read about Lydia, a dime novel author in the 1800s. And how a secret she's hiding from even her family comes back to cause her immense problems. Even with her writing skills and imagination, she never imagined her fate.
The historical details brought the plot to life, and I felt I was there with the characters. The characters were quite a variety, but each added so much to the plot and fast-paced action. There were many twists, and my attempt to figure out the real villain escaped me. It was quite a surprise.
The story's spiritual and biblical aspects were well woven into it, and I enjoyed following the transformation that occurred. I was glued to the pages and couldn't put it down. I loved the witty banter between the main characters, and the slow-building romance was sweet. This is a Must-Read! Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author through Net Galley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The historical details brought the plot to life, and I felt I was there with the characters. The characters were quite a variety, but each added so much to the plot and fast-paced action. There were many twists, and my attempt to figure out the real villain escaped me. It was quite a surprise.
The story's spiritual and biblical aspects were well woven into it, and I enjoyed following the transformation that occurred. I was glued to the pages and couldn't put it down. I loved the witty banter between the main characters, and the slow-building romance was sweet. This is a Must-Read! Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author through Net Galley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2025
Scripture Connection
From the epigraph, cited in the King James Version:
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God?
Micah 6:8
And… from Caudill’s email signature:
Based on the gift each one of you has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10
Spiritual Themes
There’s a constant interplay between truth and deception, as Lydia and Abraham wrangle with questions of culpability, identity and morality. The protagonists must also discern between appearances and reality, as other characters incur suspicion.
Nuanced discussions of guilt shed light on the question of justice: Who has the right to carry it out, and how should people respond to a miscarriage of justice?
While justice is a fairly common theme, Caudill offers fresh perspective as her exploration finds an outlet in the imagination of a writer: What does it look like when man-made justice is carried out, in story form?
Because of the emphasis on the story, there is also some conversation of the importance of words:
Our words have power, Lydia, no matter if they are meant to be fictional or not. We must always be careful in what we say or write and be sure that it is God-glorifying and edifying to those around us.
119, Written in Secret
And with it, discussion about what it means to steward the gifts Jesus has entrusted to us.
What I Liked
Generally speaking, historical fiction is NOT my go-to genre, because I often get bored or bogged down in historical settings. Not so with Written in Secret! My copy arrived the same day as another title that I was also really looking forward to reading. I had planned to read the other first, and asked myself if I dared to sneak a peak in Written in Secret. The first sentence hooked me and I ended up bringing it with me to work so I could read at lunch. The other book would have to wait.
Throughout, the novel maintains an overall fast clip, and it certainly held my interest. I ended up gobbling down most of the book in one day, and my interest level was the same as if I were reading a novel with a contemporary setting.
In terms of the mystery, Caudill does a fantastic job of layering apparent evidence in such a way as to keep the reader guessing. She implicates a character on one page, only to shift the apparent blame just a few pages later– and so on; with compelling, but ambiguous, evidence flying through the well-paced story.
Familial Relationships
I appreciated the love and honor demonstrated in familial relationships. Lydia recognizes her father’s wisdom and seeks to honor him, even as he offers spiritual encouragement and direction. As an older brother to Clara, Abraham is diligent and protective.
Personal Relationship with Jesus
The characters’ faith is integral to their actions and decisions. Even though I didn’t always agree with the characters’ conclusions, it was absolutely beautiful to see how they constantly looked to Jesus for wisdom and guidance. This is very apparent with both Abraham and Lydia.
Symbolism
While I won’t go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, I really like what Caudill did in terms of juxtaposing the names of two main characters in a way that parallels the juxtaposition found in Scripture. Absolutely brilliant! Here is a tiny hint for what I’m referencing: Galatians 4:21-31. I suspect that the names of these characters are also intended to offer insight into the question of how Lydia approaches writing, as well.
Discussion of Romance
In the book, there is some criticism levied against romantic stories, in terms of their giving women false expectations about men. While I have more to say, below, about the discussion of romantic story content, I thought the author raised an interesting point: Readers can read romance, not with an expectation that it is an exact mirror of reality, but as an example of someone loving sacrificially or demonstrating the attributes of a godly husband (even if the situations arising in the story are unrealistic). I think this is a neat way to look for the good in a story.
Respectful Discussion (Thematic)
Lydia is an author of “dime novels,” which are quite controversial in her time period. Throughout, Lydia wrestles with questions about her writing and whether it is indeed honoring God. She feels justified, at some points, and ashamed at others. Early on, Lydia and Abraham butt heads over her writing, and Lydia asks if he has actually read her work. Accepting the challenge to read some of her books, Abraham is very surprised by the good message in what he reads.
The novel implicitly addresses the question of book bans, and back matter includes a discussion question about whether some books should be banned– foregrounded with a mention of Abraham’s initially-unfavorable view of dime novels.
Because this is being pointed to as one of the novel’s key themes, and because this key theme touches my work as a reviewer, I’m going to get a little personal. I’ve debated whether to include this, but I ultimately feel that thematic trajectory is important to take into account, as I discuss recommendation status.
First off, there’s a decent chance that I would have opposed dime novels if I’d been alive with Lydia. I can see how her romantic content, while “tame” by today’s standards, may have been unsettling for readers in her time period. As far as the question of banning books today, I don’t feel that the “don’t knock it ’til you try it” approach is the best one. With tools like genre tags (and the search function on GoodReads), it is easy to determine what sort of content to expect in modern books, and there are a lot of books that I do not need to read in order to veto.
While I recognize that book banning goes beyond personal choice, I also think there is something to be said about protecting readers– especially young readers. (Notably, this is Abraham’s intent in the book, which I very much appreciate). In the case of YA books, for example, there is so much content that literally makes me feel sick– and it’s being written for minors.
Turning back to the actual story… In context, we know that Lydia is seeking Jesus in her writings, and this is something that Abraham reiterates when he takes the time to read some of her work. At the same time, we also see Lydia grappling with the effects of her words (I’m not sure I agree with all of her thought processes / conclusions, but I appreciate her motive and sincerity in seeking Jesus’ will).
I do appreciate Caudill’s honest evaluation of both sides of the issue. Through Lydia’s perspective, we see a desire for accountability in the written word. She’s definitely not embracing an “anything goes” attitude, as a writer. I think my concern is that many writers do not share this conviction.
While the story, overall, “works” for me, my hesitation comes when being to asked to apply the themes of the story to a modem context– and I believe that is the aim of the book-banning question. As a reviewer, my caution is against readers feeling the need to try a book before deciding it isn’t a good fit.
Content Notes
Written in Secret ended up being a “heavier” read for me, reminding me of a modern serial killer thriller. This definitely captured my interest, but I also felt a bit weighed down, upon finishing the book.
Of note, the killer is a vigilante who executes his own version of justice: punishing wrongdoers with “sentences” similar to their crimes. I can remember at least one fairly-detailed description, which I found hard to read.
There are a few kissing scenes, including a recurring joke about the events that precipitated the first kiss.
Recommendation Status
Debuting Caudill’s Art of Love and Danger series, Written in Secret explores themes of justice and culpability against the intrigue-rich backdrop of late 19th century Cincinnati. Recommended with reader discretion due to the implications of the book banning thread.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
From the epigraph, cited in the King James Version:
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God?
Micah 6:8
And… from Caudill’s email signature:
Based on the gift each one of you has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10
Spiritual Themes
There’s a constant interplay between truth and deception, as Lydia and Abraham wrangle with questions of culpability, identity and morality. The protagonists must also discern between appearances and reality, as other characters incur suspicion.
Nuanced discussions of guilt shed light on the question of justice: Who has the right to carry it out, and how should people respond to a miscarriage of justice?
While justice is a fairly common theme, Caudill offers fresh perspective as her exploration finds an outlet in the imagination of a writer: What does it look like when man-made justice is carried out, in story form?
Because of the emphasis on the story, there is also some conversation of the importance of words:
Our words have power, Lydia, no matter if they are meant to be fictional or not. We must always be careful in what we say or write and be sure that it is God-glorifying and edifying to those around us.
119, Written in Secret
And with it, discussion about what it means to steward the gifts Jesus has entrusted to us.
What I Liked
Generally speaking, historical fiction is NOT my go-to genre, because I often get bored or bogged down in historical settings. Not so with Written in Secret! My copy arrived the same day as another title that I was also really looking forward to reading. I had planned to read the other first, and asked myself if I dared to sneak a peak in Written in Secret. The first sentence hooked me and I ended up bringing it with me to work so I could read at lunch. The other book would have to wait.
Throughout, the novel maintains an overall fast clip, and it certainly held my interest. I ended up gobbling down most of the book in one day, and my interest level was the same as if I were reading a novel with a contemporary setting.
In terms of the mystery, Caudill does a fantastic job of layering apparent evidence in such a way as to keep the reader guessing. She implicates a character on one page, only to shift the apparent blame just a few pages later– and so on; with compelling, but ambiguous, evidence flying through the well-paced story.
Familial Relationships
I appreciated the love and honor demonstrated in familial relationships. Lydia recognizes her father’s wisdom and seeks to honor him, even as he offers spiritual encouragement and direction. As an older brother to Clara, Abraham is diligent and protective.
Personal Relationship with Jesus
The characters’ faith is integral to their actions and decisions. Even though I didn’t always agree with the characters’ conclusions, it was absolutely beautiful to see how they constantly looked to Jesus for wisdom and guidance. This is very apparent with both Abraham and Lydia.
Symbolism
While I won’t go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, I really like what Caudill did in terms of juxtaposing the names of two main characters in a way that parallels the juxtaposition found in Scripture. Absolutely brilliant! Here is a tiny hint for what I’m referencing: Galatians 4:21-31. I suspect that the names of these characters are also intended to offer insight into the question of how Lydia approaches writing, as well.
Discussion of Romance
In the book, there is some criticism levied against romantic stories, in terms of their giving women false expectations about men. While I have more to say, below, about the discussion of romantic story content, I thought the author raised an interesting point: Readers can read romance, not with an expectation that it is an exact mirror of reality, but as an example of someone loving sacrificially or demonstrating the attributes of a godly husband (even if the situations arising in the story are unrealistic). I think this is a neat way to look for the good in a story.
Respectful Discussion (Thematic)
Lydia is an author of “dime novels,” which are quite controversial in her time period. Throughout, Lydia wrestles with questions about her writing and whether it is indeed honoring God. She feels justified, at some points, and ashamed at others. Early on, Lydia and Abraham butt heads over her writing, and Lydia asks if he has actually read her work. Accepting the challenge to read some of her books, Abraham is very surprised by the good message in what he reads.
The novel implicitly addresses the question of book bans, and back matter includes a discussion question about whether some books should be banned– foregrounded with a mention of Abraham’s initially-unfavorable view of dime novels.
Because this is being pointed to as one of the novel’s key themes, and because this key theme touches my work as a reviewer, I’m going to get a little personal. I’ve debated whether to include this, but I ultimately feel that thematic trajectory is important to take into account, as I discuss recommendation status.
First off, there’s a decent chance that I would have opposed dime novels if I’d been alive with Lydia. I can see how her romantic content, while “tame” by today’s standards, may have been unsettling for readers in her time period. As far as the question of banning books today, I don’t feel that the “don’t knock it ’til you try it” approach is the best one. With tools like genre tags (and the search function on GoodReads), it is easy to determine what sort of content to expect in modern books, and there are a lot of books that I do not need to read in order to veto.
While I recognize that book banning goes beyond personal choice, I also think there is something to be said about protecting readers– especially young readers. (Notably, this is Abraham’s intent in the book, which I very much appreciate). In the case of YA books, for example, there is so much content that literally makes me feel sick– and it’s being written for minors.
Turning back to the actual story… In context, we know that Lydia is seeking Jesus in her writings, and this is something that Abraham reiterates when he takes the time to read some of her work. At the same time, we also see Lydia grappling with the effects of her words (I’m not sure I agree with all of her thought processes / conclusions, but I appreciate her motive and sincerity in seeking Jesus’ will).
I do appreciate Caudill’s honest evaluation of both sides of the issue. Through Lydia’s perspective, we see a desire for accountability in the written word. She’s definitely not embracing an “anything goes” attitude, as a writer. I think my concern is that many writers do not share this conviction.
While the story, overall, “works” for me, my hesitation comes when being to asked to apply the themes of the story to a modem context– and I believe that is the aim of the book-banning question. As a reviewer, my caution is against readers feeling the need to try a book before deciding it isn’t a good fit.
Content Notes
Written in Secret ended up being a “heavier” read for me, reminding me of a modern serial killer thriller. This definitely captured my interest, but I also felt a bit weighed down, upon finishing the book.
Of note, the killer is a vigilante who executes his own version of justice: punishing wrongdoers with “sentences” similar to their crimes. I can remember at least one fairly-detailed description, which I found hard to read.
There are a few kissing scenes, including a recurring joke about the events that precipitated the first kiss.
Recommendation Status
Debuting Caudill’s Art of Love and Danger series, Written in Secret explores themes of justice and culpability against the intrigue-rich backdrop of late 19th century Cincinnati. Recommended with reader discretion due to the implications of the book banning thread.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
March 12, 2025
“Mercy, Abraham. It’s the gift of not giving someone what they deserve. It is what Miss Pelton needs and what God requires of you.”
Wow! Crystal Caudill pens a thrilling historical romantic suspense novel with truths that are needed today! Written in Secret starts out with plenty of laughs, but ends up deadly serious. Literally. In 1880 Cincinnati, Lydia Pelton, daughter of Cincinnati coroner, and her friend Theresa Plane decide to rescue an abused circus animal. When their plans are thwarted by both animals and humans, they first meet policeman Abraham Hall. Hall quickly surmises Lydia’s character as untrustworthy, after all, “He should have known a woman who’d steal a goat wasn’t to be trusted.”
Corruption of the Cincinnati police force and its government in general is a huge factor in this story. Because of her father’s connections, Lydia‘s crime is glossed over. She is even less happy when earlier in her life, different known violent criminals receive acquittal. Feeling that she must take justice into her own hands, she writes Billy Poe crime novels under a pseudonym. When real life begins to mirror the justice meted out in her books, both Lydia’s safety and her spirit are in danger. Her life, because all of Cincinnati is blaming the Billy Poe author as a dangerous criminal, and her spirit, as she defends her profession. “A man’s heart is corrupted by sin, not by literature.”
I loved the great tension and suspense married with the spiritual truths. Will Lydia and her family survive to see another day? What will become of her and Abraham’s hearts, as they begin to get entangled, yet appear to be on opposite sides of the law? How many people will die before the *real* Billy Poe is found? Intermingled with these plot threads are themes of justice, mercy, and grace. “Justice was meant to bring restoration, but this? This was judgment without mercy. Condemnation that darkened the soul and made one incapable of seeing the light, hope, and forgiveness of Christ.”
One of the subplots of this book is Lydia’s idolization of and close relationship with her father. How will her actions change his perception and actions towards her? I wanted to bawl after one fatherly rebuke her father delivered!!
Much, much food for thought and personal change for those who claim to follow God. Be sure not to miss the author notes! And anticipate the coming stories of the other *Guardians!*
I received a copy of the book from JustReadTours. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“But lies worked like a deck of cards. You might be able to build a house out of them for a little while, but at some point, the whole construction would collapse.”
“Our job is to shine the light. People must choose for themselves whether to walk toward or away from it. We can’t force them, but we can offer truth.”
“With Christ, there is always hope. After all, He’s the Author of life.”
“Acknowledging that we have done wrong is the first step toward forgiveness and restoration. Confess it to Christ and then allow Him to begin the work of changing you. It won’t be easy and it will hurt, but discipline is meant to restore us to each other and to Him.
Wow! Crystal Caudill pens a thrilling historical romantic suspense novel with truths that are needed today! Written in Secret starts out with plenty of laughs, but ends up deadly serious. Literally. In 1880 Cincinnati, Lydia Pelton, daughter of Cincinnati coroner, and her friend Theresa Plane decide to rescue an abused circus animal. When their plans are thwarted by both animals and humans, they first meet policeman Abraham Hall. Hall quickly surmises Lydia’s character as untrustworthy, after all, “He should have known a woman who’d steal a goat wasn’t to be trusted.”
Corruption of the Cincinnati police force and its government in general is a huge factor in this story. Because of her father’s connections, Lydia‘s crime is glossed over. She is even less happy when earlier in her life, different known violent criminals receive acquittal. Feeling that she must take justice into her own hands, she writes Billy Poe crime novels under a pseudonym. When real life begins to mirror the justice meted out in her books, both Lydia’s safety and her spirit are in danger. Her life, because all of Cincinnati is blaming the Billy Poe author as a dangerous criminal, and her spirit, as she defends her profession. “A man’s heart is corrupted by sin, not by literature.”
I loved the great tension and suspense married with the spiritual truths. Will Lydia and her family survive to see another day? What will become of her and Abraham’s hearts, as they begin to get entangled, yet appear to be on opposite sides of the law? How many people will die before the *real* Billy Poe is found? Intermingled with these plot threads are themes of justice, mercy, and grace. “Justice was meant to bring restoration, but this? This was judgment without mercy. Condemnation that darkened the soul and made one incapable of seeing the light, hope, and forgiveness of Christ.”
One of the subplots of this book is Lydia’s idolization of and close relationship with her father. How will her actions change his perception and actions towards her? I wanted to bawl after one fatherly rebuke her father delivered!!
Much, much food for thought and personal change for those who claim to follow God. Be sure not to miss the author notes! And anticipate the coming stories of the other *Guardians!*
I received a copy of the book from JustReadTours. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“But lies worked like a deck of cards. You might be able to build a house out of them for a little while, but at some point, the whole construction would collapse.”
“Our job is to shine the light. People must choose for themselves whether to walk toward or away from it. We can’t force them, but we can offer truth.”
“With Christ, there is always hope. After all, He’s the Author of life.”
“Acknowledging that we have done wrong is the first step toward forgiveness and restoration. Confess it to Christ and then allow Him to begin the work of changing you. It won’t be easy and it will hurt, but discipline is meant to restore us to each other and to Him.
March 29, 2025
I enjoy when chaos is served with a helping of hilarity. That is what I found as I began reading this entertaining novel. The opening scenes were fast paced and so much fun to read. All of this fun led me to a rather intriguing mystery. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery. Clues were discovered, motives were uncovered and suspects were sought.
I loved how books, authors, publishers and readers were an important part of the storyline. The main character was a talented, passionate author with a spirit of adventure, a vivid imagination, an eye for details and opinions that were ahead of her time. She wanted corruption to end and a feeling of safety to return…very worthy desires. I really enjoyed spending time with her.
While reading this book, I was reminded that words have power. I was also reminded of the dangers of the mob mentality and of the harm it can do.
This mystery was filled with twists galore and with unexpected villains. This book has storylines of romance and mystery in it. I happen to enjoy both genres, so this has been a fun read for me.
I received complimentary copies of this book from Kregel Publications through JustRead Publicity Tours and NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.
I loved how books, authors, publishers and readers were an important part of the storyline. The main character was a talented, passionate author with a spirit of adventure, a vivid imagination, an eye for details and opinions that were ahead of her time. She wanted corruption to end and a feeling of safety to return…very worthy desires. I really enjoyed spending time with her.
While reading this book, I was reminded that words have power. I was also reminded of the dangers of the mob mentality and of the harm it can do.
This mystery was filled with twists galore and with unexpected villains. This book has storylines of romance and mystery in it. I happen to enjoy both genres, so this has been a fun read for me.
I received complimentary copies of this book from Kregel Publications through JustRead Publicity Tours and NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are mine.
March 19, 2025
I expected to like this book, but I didn't expect it to be THAT AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!
First, that introduction was the BEST OPENING SCENE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING!!!!!!!!!!!! It was the PERFECT setup to Lydia and Abraham's characters and just made their relationship THAT MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lydia's character had such incredible depth. Her character journey was so beautifully complex and I loved the themes discussed through her story. She was a writer through-and-through, and I loved her strength, determination, and ingenuity.
Abraham is a police officer. He feels very duty-bound and has a very white-and-black view of morality. At the beginning of the story, he is quite quick to judge Lydia for her hobbies, but I LOVED the added goodness that added to their love story!!!!!!!!!!! I love how he cares about his family and is loyal to a fault. He's such a sweetheart.
The mystery aspect of the book was written SO WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The suspense was put in perfectly, and there were delightful foreshadowing hints about the villain's identity. Crystal just constructed the mystery SO UNBELIEVABLY WELL. I still can't believe how perfectly she wrote it!!!!!!!!
The THEME in this book. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved how it discussed how we shouldn't focus on the dark parts of life and should leave justice in His hands. It was so intriguing how she wrote that theme through the story of a novelist!
Overall, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you're looking for a fast-paced mystery with sweet, clean romance and beautiful themes, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received an advance copy of this book. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
First, that introduction was the BEST OPENING SCENE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING!!!!!!!!!!!! It was the PERFECT setup to Lydia and Abraham's characters and just made their relationship THAT MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lydia's character had such incredible depth. Her character journey was so beautifully complex and I loved the themes discussed through her story. She was a writer through-and-through, and I loved her strength, determination, and ingenuity.
Abraham is a police officer. He feels very duty-bound and has a very white-and-black view of morality. At the beginning of the story, he is quite quick to judge Lydia for her hobbies, but I LOVED the added goodness that added to their love story!!!!!!!!!!! I love how he cares about his family and is loyal to a fault. He's such a sweetheart.
The mystery aspect of the book was written SO WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The suspense was put in perfectly, and there were delightful foreshadowing hints about the villain's identity. Crystal just constructed the mystery SO UNBELIEVABLY WELL. I still can't believe how perfectly she wrote it!!!!!!!!
The THEME in this book. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved how it discussed how we shouldn't focus on the dark parts of life and should leave justice in His hands. It was so intriguing how she wrote that theme through the story of a novelist!
Overall, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you're looking for a fast-paced mystery with sweet, clean romance and beautiful themes, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received an advance copy of this book. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
March 14, 2025
Written in Secret
The Art of Love and Danger #1
By Crystal Caudill
Lydia Pelton finds herself in trouble with the law when she agrees to help out a friend. But that is nothing when someone decides to bring her writing out of the realm of fiction and into the real world. Lydia's mystery series meets out justice to those she feels have escaped it. Now someone has decided to use her stories as a blueprint. With a serial killer targeting her victims, Lydia finds her "hero" suspect number one.
Officer Abraham Hall doesn't have time for Lydia's antics, and their first meeting is not about to be forgotten soon. First impressions aside, he is even more flabbergasted when Lydia's alter ego turns out to be prime suspect number one.
But when the very city who embraced her hero, Billy Poe turns on him, Lydia's life just gets much more complicated. How can she prove that a character who is only a figment of her imagination is innocent? And when the good people of Cincinnati decide that her writing is it blame, how can she get the answers she seeks and keep her loved ones safe?
This is an interesting read that delves into more than just murder and motive, it examines the heart. Do the words we use make us guilty even if we don't do the deed? Is it the thought that counts? And then there is the question of justice, vengeance, and mercy. Which do we pass out?
This is a book that makes you think and examine while entertaining. I love how the characters grapple with these very issues. This book was a page-turner that had some moments of levity, it isn't heavy or dreary. This is a historical romantic suspense that is well-worth reading. I love how Lydia compares what she is "experiencing" to how she writes the scenes.
Of note: There are no overly graphic scenes, but there is enough description that one feels the scene. (Sensitive readers may find some scenes a little disturbing.)
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Art of Love and Danger #1
By Crystal Caudill
Lydia Pelton finds herself in trouble with the law when she agrees to help out a friend. But that is nothing when someone decides to bring her writing out of the realm of fiction and into the real world. Lydia's mystery series meets out justice to those she feels have escaped it. Now someone has decided to use her stories as a blueprint. With a serial killer targeting her victims, Lydia finds her "hero" suspect number one.
Officer Abraham Hall doesn't have time for Lydia's antics, and their first meeting is not about to be forgotten soon. First impressions aside, he is even more flabbergasted when Lydia's alter ego turns out to be prime suspect number one.
But when the very city who embraced her hero, Billy Poe turns on him, Lydia's life just gets much more complicated. How can she prove that a character who is only a figment of her imagination is innocent? And when the good people of Cincinnati decide that her writing is it blame, how can she get the answers she seeks and keep her loved ones safe?
This is an interesting read that delves into more than just murder and motive, it examines the heart. Do the words we use make us guilty even if we don't do the deed? Is it the thought that counts? And then there is the question of justice, vengeance, and mercy. Which do we pass out?
This is a book that makes you think and examine while entertaining. I love how the characters grapple with these very issues. This book was a page-turner that had some moments of levity, it isn't heavy or dreary. This is a historical romantic suspense that is well-worth reading. I love how Lydia compares what she is "experiencing" to how she writes the scenes.
Of note: There are no overly graphic scenes, but there is enough description that one feels the scene. (Sensitive readers may find some scenes a little disturbing.)
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
January 14, 2026
Loved it!
January 2, 2026
I thought this book was fun, cute and enjoyable as this was a first read for me by this author. Abraham an officer and Lydia writing fiction (but also writes romances) are thrust together as a serial killer is using Lydia's words for inspiration for their killings. So, it became a problem they both need to solve.
I won this book in a giveaway and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I won this book in a giveaway and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 22, 2025
This is only my third historical suspense/mystery and the genre is quickly becoming one I want to read more and more of.
Crystal Caudill does a fantastic job of writing an engaging story that captivated me from the very beginning. The research that went into understanding the time period and history of Cincinnati during that time were evident.
Lydia Pelton, the FMC, was dynamic, witty, and intelligent. Abraham Hall, the MMC, was charming and had tons of integrity. I really enjoyed the strongly woven faith thread and seeing the wrestling that Lydia did as she faced the consequences of her reckless words as a writer.
The whodunit element was also well-written and kept me turning the (Kindle) pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary advanced read copy of this from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Crystal Caudill does a fantastic job of writing an engaging story that captivated me from the very beginning. The research that went into understanding the time period and history of Cincinnati during that time were evident.
Lydia Pelton, the FMC, was dynamic, witty, and intelligent. Abraham Hall, the MMC, was charming and had tons of integrity. I really enjoyed the strongly woven faith thread and seeing the wrestling that Lydia did as she faced the consequences of her reckless words as a writer.
The whodunit element was also well-written and kept me turning the (Kindle) pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary advanced read copy of this from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2025
Oh my do I love this book. I was laughing, crying, nervous, swooning, and just all the emotions. I adored Caudill’s first series, but I think I might like this one even more! I LOVE the premise – a dime novelist (I’m not a writer, but I am a reader!) who writes under a pen name and then those murders end up happening. Um…..every bookish suspense lover’s dream right there!
And then to pair that with the very handsome and intelligent Officer Abraham Hall. What more could a girl want? I loved their chemistry right from the start. I mean, they didn’t really get off on good feet so to speak. Hall wasn’t really, well, thinking highly of Lydia to put it nicely. But man, that made it even more fun to read! (I know you’re probably thinking I have a few nuts loose, but I promise I don’t!) The more time they spent together, the more the chemistry just built and had this reader highly anticipating that first smooch!
Caudill takes readers on such a wonderful ride in solving who the real “Dupin” is in this story. I thought I had it figured out, but slowly Caudill showed me just how very wrong I was, and when I actually figured it out I was like yep – I should have saw that coming. Oh it was just so well done. I kinda want to go back and read it again to see if I can pick up on any hints early on in the book.
Written in Secret was everything I wanted it to be and more. In addition to the romance build up, intriguing plot, and super fun mystery, you’ve also got a beautiful faith thread that speaks directly to your heart. I highly recommend for historical fiction and suspense fans alike!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And then to pair that with the very handsome and intelligent Officer Abraham Hall. What more could a girl want? I loved their chemistry right from the start. I mean, they didn’t really get off on good feet so to speak. Hall wasn’t really, well, thinking highly of Lydia to put it nicely. But man, that made it even more fun to read! (I know you’re probably thinking I have a few nuts loose, but I promise I don’t!) The more time they spent together, the more the chemistry just built and had this reader highly anticipating that first smooch!
Caudill takes readers on such a wonderful ride in solving who the real “Dupin” is in this story. I thought I had it figured out, but slowly Caudill showed me just how very wrong I was, and when I actually figured it out I was like yep – I should have saw that coming. Oh it was just so well done. I kinda want to go back and read it again to see if I can pick up on any hints early on in the book.
Written in Secret was everything I wanted it to be and more. In addition to the romance build up, intriguing plot, and super fun mystery, you’ve also got a beautiful faith thread that speaks directly to your heart. I highly recommend for historical fiction and suspense fans alike!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2025
I cannot even express how much I loved this book! We meet characters we’ve seen before in Golden Hearts of the Gilded Age, but I Immediately loved Lydia so much! She’s such a lively character, is willing to fight for things she believes in, and isn’t above a little subterfuge to make sure those things happen. As a result, she has been writing crime novels for years under the pen name E A Dupin. This is working just great until little bit of trapeze work in the name of research puts her in the path of Officer Abraham Hall. To further muddy the mix, someone is duplicating the fictitious murd3rs Lydia has written into her books. Together they investigate to find the kill3r before he strikes again, but meanwhile both Abraham and Lydia find their collaboration isn’t nearly as unpleasant as they expected. There’s loads of romance, intrigue, Gilded Age antics and corruption, enough to satisfy anyone who reads ANY of those genres. Crystal Caudill’s books are always an adventure! I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
March 14, 2025
The heroine of Written in Secret is a novelist in the 1880s. She writes wholesome romance dime novels under her own name and secretly writes murder mysteries under a pseudonym. That’s all well and good because while “society” might not approve, her own conscience is satisfied that the mysteries are also wholesome. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees and that’s where the plot thickens.
I appreciated the Christian integrity of the main characters in this story and the growth of the heroine in particular. There were some downright hilarious moments and a classic whodunnit plot that kept me guessing. I liked the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the writing and publishing process 150 years ago–handwritten manuscripts, can you imagine?
If you enjoy classic mysteries with a romantic subplot, check it out.
Disclosure: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All views expressed are my own.
I appreciated the Christian integrity of the main characters in this story and the growth of the heroine in particular. There were some downright hilarious moments and a classic whodunnit plot that kept me guessing. I liked the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the writing and publishing process 150 years ago–handwritten manuscripts, can you imagine?
If you enjoy classic mysteries with a romantic subplot, check it out.
Disclosure: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All views expressed are my own.
March 11, 2025
4.5 stars
Crystal Caudill pens another delightful Gilded Era story in the first novel of what promises to be a fantastic series. Starting off with slapstick humor that emerges into a delightful romp, this story of a dime novelist and a young detective will have readers laughing out loud. Their internal monologue brought several smiles to my face as I got lost within the pages of this engaging story.
This is a pleasant foil to the dark mystery that unfolds. As a mysterious villain continues his mission of macabre vengeance, readers will revel in each clue skillfully parceled out. With expert plot pacing and engaging characters, I found myself thoroughly immersed in the story as it revolved with a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Crystal Caudill pens another delightful Gilded Era story in the first novel of what promises to be a fantastic series. Starting off with slapstick humor that emerges into a delightful romp, this story of a dime novelist and a young detective will have readers laughing out loud. Their internal monologue brought several smiles to my face as I got lost within the pages of this engaging story.
This is a pleasant foil to the dark mystery that unfolds. As a mysterious villain continues his mission of macabre vengeance, readers will revel in each clue skillfully parceled out. With expert plot pacing and engaging characters, I found myself thoroughly immersed in the story as it revolved with a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 12, 2025
Interesting start to the series. There was mystery and suspense but also fun romance. I loved the way that Lydia and Abraham related to each other (even at the beginning when they were at odds). Lydia’s struggle to remain true to the gifts that God gave her but use them in a manner worthy of Him was very gripping. While I wasn’t surprised by the villain, I did particularly enjoy the part when he was revealed and was riveted to the pages as Lydia and Abraham discovered who the serial killer was. The story is set in the same world as the first book of this author’s previous series, so there are some characters that return to the pages.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
March 12, 2025
This is a Christian historical romance with suspense and mystery that takes place in Ohio in the 1880s. Our heroine, Lydia, is a dime novelist. While she writes romance under her own name, she writes crime books under a penname that is assumed to belong to a male. When people start being killed, just like in her books, her penname comes under fire. Our hero, Abraham, is a cop who joins in as a detective on this case. This book is through and there are some laughs and big pains inside. I had my suspicions by halfway through and was thrilled to find out that I was right. There is so much packed inside this read. The historical aspects, the secret identity, a serial killer and a stalker. It was an intriguing and new read that I really enjoyed. This was my first book by this author but won’t be my last. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 18, 2025
A compelling blend of historical romance, suspense, hope, and humor
Written in Secret is a compelling blend of historical romance, suspense, hope, and humor woven together with vibrant characters, moral dilemmas and a mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages. While readers of Caudill’s first series, Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, will recognize the hero and heroine, the book completely stands alone.
As a historical romance writer myself, I found Caudill’s protagonist, Lydia Pelton, both intriguing and endearing. Lydia is a dime novelist who also secretly writes crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin. However, only Lydia’s editor knows Dupin’s true identity. Abraham Hall is a handsome, straight-laced lawman newly promoted to Detective. He is intelligent, often skeptical, with a strong sense of duty and a clear moral compass who is often completely flummoxed by Lydia’s quirky, independent nature.
When a crazed serial killer begins bringing to life the deaths Lydia has fictionalized—exonerated criminals being murdered in the style of her books—the hunt is on to not only find the killer, but Dupin himself. After Abraham blames Dupin suggesting his fiction has influenced the killer to commit violence, Lydia begins to wrestle with ethical question about an author’s responsibility to their reader and whether or not her books have provoked a killer to murder.
The novel is well-researched and brings life in 1880s Cincinnati (“Queen City”), with its corruption, social stratification, and burgeoning media culture, vividly to the page. The detail around dime novels and the publishing culture, the constraints on women writers of the period, the expectations of propriety—all provide a dynamic historical backdrop for the novel.
For the romance lover, the meet cute will bring a definite smile to your face and probably more than a chuckle or two. And the slow-burn chemistry between Abraham and Lydia is palpable.
Christian themes of justice, mercy, humility, and integrity are sewn seamlessly throughout the story without feeling preachy. Lydia and Abraham’s faith journeys bring authenticity without overwhelming the mystery or romance. And, Lydia’s internal struggle—about hiding her secret writing, about whether her stories have incited something darker, and how her faith intersects with her actions—is especially well done.
Caudill does a good job of parceling out clues, planting red herrings, and keeping the tension rising. There are moments of lighter comic relief (especially via Lydia’s thoughts or the more absurd situations) that balance the darker material of murder, corruption, and danger. While I had narrowed the killer down to two suspects, one of which was correct, the mystery holds until quite late, with satisfying reveals. While not gratuitous, the murders and their implications are darker than what some romance readers might expect in Christian historical romantic suspense.
Written in Secret is a strong start to Caudill’s Art of Love and Danger series. The novel delivers a satisfying mix of suspense and romance, anchored by moral complexity and historical detail. It’s a book that will especially resonate with readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction, mysteries, and stories about the power and consequences of words.
I listened to this book on audio. The narrator, Libby McKnight, gave a strong performance adding to my enjoyment of this novel.
Written in Secret is a compelling blend of historical romance, suspense, hope, and humor woven together with vibrant characters, moral dilemmas and a mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages. While readers of Caudill’s first series, Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, will recognize the hero and heroine, the book completely stands alone.
As a historical romance writer myself, I found Caudill’s protagonist, Lydia Pelton, both intriguing and endearing. Lydia is a dime novelist who also secretly writes crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin. However, only Lydia’s editor knows Dupin’s true identity. Abraham Hall is a handsome, straight-laced lawman newly promoted to Detective. He is intelligent, often skeptical, with a strong sense of duty and a clear moral compass who is often completely flummoxed by Lydia’s quirky, independent nature.
When a crazed serial killer begins bringing to life the deaths Lydia has fictionalized—exonerated criminals being murdered in the style of her books—the hunt is on to not only find the killer, but Dupin himself. After Abraham blames Dupin suggesting his fiction has influenced the killer to commit violence, Lydia begins to wrestle with ethical question about an author’s responsibility to their reader and whether or not her books have provoked a killer to murder.
The novel is well-researched and brings life in 1880s Cincinnati (“Queen City”), with its corruption, social stratification, and burgeoning media culture, vividly to the page. The detail around dime novels and the publishing culture, the constraints on women writers of the period, the expectations of propriety—all provide a dynamic historical backdrop for the novel.
For the romance lover, the meet cute will bring a definite smile to your face and probably more than a chuckle or two. And the slow-burn chemistry between Abraham and Lydia is palpable.
Christian themes of justice, mercy, humility, and integrity are sewn seamlessly throughout the story without feeling preachy. Lydia and Abraham’s faith journeys bring authenticity without overwhelming the mystery or romance. And, Lydia’s internal struggle—about hiding her secret writing, about whether her stories have incited something darker, and how her faith intersects with her actions—is especially well done.
Caudill does a good job of parceling out clues, planting red herrings, and keeping the tension rising. There are moments of lighter comic relief (especially via Lydia’s thoughts or the more absurd situations) that balance the darker material of murder, corruption, and danger. While I had narrowed the killer down to two suspects, one of which was correct, the mystery holds until quite late, with satisfying reveals. While not gratuitous, the murders and their implications are darker than what some romance readers might expect in Christian historical romantic suspense.
Written in Secret is a strong start to Caudill’s Art of Love and Danger series. The novel delivers a satisfying mix of suspense and romance, anchored by moral complexity and historical detail. It’s a book that will especially resonate with readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction, mysteries, and stories about the power and consequences of words.
I listened to this book on audio. The narrator, Libby McKnight, gave a strong performance adding to my enjoyment of this novel.
March 18, 2025
Crystal Caudill’s latest release Written in Secret, the first book in Ms. Caudill’s The Art of Love and Danger series, takes the Reader on a journey back to the 1880s full of twists and turns that involves clowns, goats, and murders causing the work of famed author E.A. Dupin’s mystery dime novels come to life. Lydia has a dream of writing the novels of her choice and under the penname of E.A. Dupin, her dream of writing mysteries comes true, despite keeping it a secret. Getting inspiration from her Father’s job as coroner and her passion for justice, Lydia takes cases from her hometown of Chicago and puts a creative fictional twist on the cases, writing the justice she believes the case deserves into her stories. The public quickly fall in love with E.A. Dupin’s books and Lydia’s sense of justice–to the point that fiction becomes reality when one warped Dupin fan decides to take justice into their own hands, putting the entire city of Chicago on edge and Lydia in danger. When Abraham, a cop who shows promise as a detective is put on the case, all of Lydia’s secrets come to light and the Culprit is closer than either Lydia and Abraham could ever believe.
Crystal Caudill work has been on my reading radar and in my TBR list for quite some time and I was ecstatic when I got the opportunity to read Written in Secret! I loved Written in Secret from the very first page and I was slightly sad when it ended! The plot amazed me and it reminded me of Joanna Davidson Politano’s Lady Jayne Disappears at times because of the female author aspect of Written in Secret. I love how Written in Secret kept me on the edge of my seat, giving me nail biting suspense from the get-go! I love meeting Lydia and Abraham! The way that Ms. Caudill wrote Lydia’s character and the reason for writing her stories really resonated with me (and it even convicted me to an extent) because it opened up my eyes to how the words that we write are just as powerful as the words that we say. I love how Abraham’s character was written as well and how Ms. Caudill wrote Abraham as a man of integrity, showing Abraham’s internal struggle when it came to Lydia and the consequences and reasonings for her secrets. I love reading about the introspective and soul searching journey that Lydia herself went on regarding people’s reaction(s) to her stories and gleaned a lot from it. I love that when Abraham and Lydia were dealing with the case, Ms. Caudill wove stories of the Bible into the storyline to help illustrate points into their conversations so that the other person would understand their view of the matter. I also love the relationship that develops between Lydia and Abraham due to their mutual Faith and spark for life and thought their relationship was paced well in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Written in Secret for the thrill it gave me and how it reminded me of God’s Truth! If you are looking for thrilling read that points you to Truth, then I highly recommend Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill! I’m excited to see what Ms. Caudill does with the The Art of Love and Danger series next!
Have you read Written in Secret? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank the Publisher and Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me a copy of Written in Secret to review, for letting me be a part of the Written in Secret Just Read Publicity Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape and Amazon.
Crystal Caudill work has been on my reading radar and in my TBR list for quite some time and I was ecstatic when I got the opportunity to read Written in Secret! I loved Written in Secret from the very first page and I was slightly sad when it ended! The plot amazed me and it reminded me of Joanna Davidson Politano’s Lady Jayne Disappears at times because of the female author aspect of Written in Secret. I love how Written in Secret kept me on the edge of my seat, giving me nail biting suspense from the get-go! I love meeting Lydia and Abraham! The way that Ms. Caudill wrote Lydia’s character and the reason for writing her stories really resonated with me (and it even convicted me to an extent) because it opened up my eyes to how the words that we write are just as powerful as the words that we say. I love how Abraham’s character was written as well and how Ms. Caudill wrote Abraham as a man of integrity, showing Abraham’s internal struggle when it came to Lydia and the consequences and reasonings for her secrets. I love reading about the introspective and soul searching journey that Lydia herself went on regarding people’s reaction(s) to her stories and gleaned a lot from it. I love that when Abraham and Lydia were dealing with the case, Ms. Caudill wove stories of the Bible into the storyline to help illustrate points into their conversations so that the other person would understand their view of the matter. I also love the relationship that develops between Lydia and Abraham due to their mutual Faith and spark for life and thought their relationship was paced well in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Written in Secret for the thrill it gave me and how it reminded me of God’s Truth! If you are looking for thrilling read that points you to Truth, then I highly recommend Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill! I’m excited to see what Ms. Caudill does with the The Art of Love and Danger series next!
Have you read Written in Secret? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank the Publisher and Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me a copy of Written in Secret to review, for letting me be a part of the Written in Secret Just Read Publicity Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape and Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews