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Danger. Corruption. Passion.
When an explosion unearths human remains—and almost lands them in the morgue—historical preservationist Samantha Jordon and San Antonio police detective Nick Ballard reluctantly team up to investigate.


Since the case is as cold as the corpse, Samantha turns to the cutting-edge science of genetic genealogy to unravel the dark history of a gruesome unsolved murder and identify the body. But Nick is obstructing her at every turn. Then a targeted hit and run and a break-in force them to seek refuge in San Antonio's forgotten historic sites and underground tunnels.

Despite their differences, Samantha is falling for the jaded detective. And Nick cares for her more than he should. But coming clean about his past—and the reason he's been dragging his feet during the investigation could end his career and put his deceased partner's family in jeopardy. As the final puzzle pieces fall into place and Samantha discovers the truth, Nick will have to face his own demons and the corruption rampant in the SAPD to save her from a cunning killer.

Can love survive their buried secrets?

This story is a standalone with a satisfying conclusion and an HEA.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2025

198 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Denise Diana Huddle

7 books89 followers

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5 stars
73 (55%)
4 stars
43 (32%)
3 stars
10 (7%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
4,568 reviews19 followers
February 28, 2025
This was my first read from this author. The story pulled me in from the start and held my interest until the end. The reason I gave it four stars is because it was written in the third person.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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4,841 reviews446 followers
January 7, 2026
Buried Secrets picks up with a jolt. The book throws Samantha Jordan and Detective Nick Ballard straight into a chaotic mix of protests, an explosion at a construction site, and a buried set of bones that kick off a genuine mystery. The plot widens fast. What starts as a fight over Comanche remains becomes a deeper story involving political pressure, corruption within law enforcement, tribal tensions, and a startling discovery tucked inside the concrete foundation of an old grocery store. The book follows Samantha and Nick as they clash, cooperate, and dig into a crime that was literally cemented over. The stakes climb fast, and so does the tension between them.

I felt myself reacting to this one in a more personal way than I expected. The writing moves with confidence, and the pacing is punchy. It felt like watching fireworks go off one after another. Some scenes made me grin because the banter hit just right, and then others had me tense because the danger felt close. Samantha and Nick have a dynamic that made me laugh and sigh. They get under each other’s skin in that messy, irresistible way that makes their partnership crackle. I liked how Samantha carries her knowledge like armor. She never apologizes for it. Nick, on the other hand, is a storm of frustration and loyalty and old wounds. Seeing them work through their differences while everything around them blew up kept me rooting for them.

The ideas sitting under the plot also caught me off guard. The book digs into how politics twist simple decisions until nothing is simple anymore. It touches on greed, identity, and the uncomfortable ways power gets used when no one is watching. I liked how the story made space for that without slipping into heavy language. The scenes in the medical examiner’s office felt eerie and sad. The discovery of the young woman’s remains pulled the story into a darker place, and I could feel my stomach drop when the characters realized what it meant. The writing captures that dread without drowning the reader in it. It reminded me how crime fiction can make you feel the weight of a life even when that life isn’t on the page anymore.

Buried Secrets is a great pick for readers who love crime novels with emotional punch, fast pacing, and characters who spark off each other. It felt to me like Buried Secrets carried the same mix of tension and character chemistry that you get in The Lincoln Lawyer, only with a sharper emotional pull and a mystery that hits closer to the heart. This book is perfect for anyone who wants mystery mixed with humor, tension, and a touch of romance that doesn’t feel forced.
Profile Image for Jaime K.
Author 1 book44 followers
October 6, 2025
Samantha, an architect with multiple disciplinary backgrounds, is on a site with protests from Indigenous tribes. A local detective, Nick, is told by his sexist, chauvinist boss to keep an eye on her...and implicate a tribal leader for multiple issues at a construction/dig site.

The building blows up. The bones of a woman 12 years dead are found.
Then the two are almost killed while walking. The night they're almost hit by an SUV, someone breaks into her home and steals her computers and harddrives.

I feel like the author tried too hard to hit certain checkboxes.
They know each other for 2 or 3 days and they're gaga over each other. Within a week he lurrrvvesss her. The buildup to the romance feels rushed and irrational. It also bothers me that Nick notes what Samantha eats and is basically like "she's a real woman for not wanting tea and salad." On top of that, cops don't trust Nick because too many feel he's the reason his former partner is dead even though the investigation cleared him of any fault. They don't even help Samantha when they're almost hit. I understand the cop mentality, but to a point. Not caring to help Samantha makes no sense.

Nick's boss is yelling at him to come up with evidence against the Indigenous man the entire time, and it's suspicious from the start, but Nick just thinks he's doing it to force Nick to retire.
Samantha is a stickler for the rules until they impede her; then, she's okay with breaking the law like not checking to see if a warrant is needed or making copies of files she's told not to.

There is a dog named Sally Ride who, of course, only does things on commands that are astronaut related.
When Samantha pets the dog, Nick thinks the dog is lucky. *cue hardcore eye roll*
There are corrupt cops but of course Nick doesn't tell her because he's scared she'll go to the mayor even though he should bloody well realize that's why people have it out for him.

It wasn't until I was 50% in that I realized aside from a random side character and the dead female, there aren't female characters beyond Samantha. It makes the story feel even more weak.

Some reviewers said they didn't guess the end. Maybe I read a lot more than them because I knew one of the key antagonists by chapter 3.
60 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2025
After going through a serious reading slump, "Buried Secrets" by Denise Diana Huddle was exactly what I needed to fall back into my reading. From start to finish, this book just kept me hooked. I could not sleep just because I needed to know what happened next. That is the sign of a great mystery-romance novel, people.
The story follows Samantha, a genealogist who is trying to solve an unsolved murder with a detective, Nick, who is trying to keep her from solving the murder (because of some political reasons). The pair is so fun to follow throughout the story. The tension, chemistry, and the frustrating dynamic between the two are so well written. The layer of slow-burning romance mixed with the mystery plotline is a chef’s kiss.
What impressed me the most was that no elements, whether it is mystery, romance, or life-threatening dangers, are overdone at any time. The backstories of the characters also blend so well with the current mystery they are facing. The pacing keeps you on edge, the twists genuinely surprised me, and the settings feel so real you can picture yourself there.
The book is professionally edited with limited profanity. The dialogues are sharp and natural. The spice level in the book is also limited (depends on your preference).
The only tiny complaint I have with the book is the third-person POV. I usually like first-person perspective as it gives the readers more insight into the character’s emotions. That is a personal preference; it might not be the same for others.
The book is fun, suspenseful, and well-written. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I wish I could give you more about the book without giving spoilers.  I would recommend this book to everyone who loves romance, suspense, and mystery because it has it all. I would love to read more books by the author.
Profile Image for VDKeck.
571 reviews79 followers
January 9, 2025
Samantha, a determined genetic genealogist, is on a mission to identify a body tied to a chilling unsolved murder. Her journey into the past isn’t just about uncovering the truth—it’s about giving a name to the forgotten and bringing justice to the voiceless. But standing in her way is Nick, a brooding detective with his own agenda. His evasive behavior and resistance to Samantha’s methods add layers of tension, especially as his murky past threatens to upend not only his career but their fragile partnership.

Huddle masterfully weaves suspense and romance, taking readers through San Antonio’s eerie historic sites and shadowy underground tunnels. These richly described settings add a sense of urgency and atmosphere as Samantha and Nick are thrust into life-or-death situations—hit-and-run attempts, break-ins, and a relentless killer closing in.

What makes Buried Secrets shine is its intricate balance of personal stakes and professional integrity. Samantha’s dedication to uncovering the truth contrasts sharply with Nick’s inner turmoil, creating a dynamic that’s both frustrating and endearing. Their chemistry simmers beneath the surface, and as secrets unravel, so does the possibility of trust and redemption.

Perfect for fans of crime thrillers with a strong emotional core, Buried Secrets is an engrossing ride you won’t want to put down. Denise Diana Huddle has crafted a tale that’s equal parts heart-pounding and heartwarming, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next story.
Profile Image for Elise Larson.
Author 8 books54 followers
January 26, 2025
This story is a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense and romance! I read and review dozens of books each year, but seldom do I find one that meets all of my criteria for a perfect read. Buried Secrets does that in spades! From first page to last, I could not put this book down. Seriously. It's that good.

I usually include a plot summary in my reviews, but not this time. No words of mine could possibly do justice to this masterpiece, and I don't want to spoil anything for future readers. The online book description gives a tantalizing glimpse of the plot, so read those few paragraphs and dive right into the story. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Beyond the gripping, twisty plot, this book merits five stars for other reasons. The author's extensive research, coupled with her career as a private investigator and forensic genealogist, give this story true authenticity that shows in every scene. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, which accounts for the story's immersive settings in that city. The slow burn romance between our hero (Nick) and heroine (Samantha) is beautifully done, with just one semi-steamy scene in Chapter 25. Flawless proofreading and limited profanity also contributed to my reading pleasure.

I look forward to enjoying more gripping novels by this very talented author. Buried Secrets easily earns five perfect stars and my highest recommendation!
Profile Image for Kay Hertz.
398 reviews21 followers
January 23, 2025
I'm absolutely not ready to say goodbye to this series!

Plot: 4.5 📍
Spice: 1.5 ♥️
Overall: 4 ⭐
Mystery: 4.5 🔍

Another fantastic installment in this Trilogy!

I love how Ms. Huddle always manages to include true history in her mysteries! The research she does is unparalleled! Add in her background as an investigator and you have an incredibly realistic mystery plot to unravel.

That mix of real and imagination just makes the book that much more exciting! Nick and Samantha are an absolute bombshell team,their strengths complementing one another perfectly.

I also always appreciate that Ms. Huddle's characters are both strong, capable but often imperfect human beings.

Now, excuse me while I go down a few rabbit holes and research the book's historical references!

Thank you so much for the early copy to review! Can't wait to see what Ms. Huddle writes next! I definitely will be reading it!

All opinions are my own.
49 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2025
Very suspense book of who did it and when. Samantha is a historical preservationist who is refusing to release a site due to the historical significance of indigenous bones at the site. Nick Ballard is the San Antonio office on the outs with the department since his corrupt partner was killed. He has now been delegated to a newly created cold case area where his boss rides him due to Samantha’s site costing the city with protesters. Nick saves Samantha when a bomb goes off at the site, but a new can of worms is created as new bones not hundreds of years old are discovered in the concrete. As Nick’s boss is pushing him to investigate one way, Samantha is leading him into a path on discovering the identity of behind the new bones. As this is going on Samantha has multiple attempts in her life that Nick thwarts. During this time on the run, the two become closer. Soon we discover that PD corruption may be connected to the new bones.
47 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
Passion + Corruption = Danger

This was my favorite book of the Trilogy! The characters of Samantha and Nick were spot on. Who knew that a historical preservationist could be so interesting and caught up in so many situations. You might think that an historical preservationist would be dry and boring, but Samantha is anything but. She’s begins working on this case with Nick, but he’s not exactly forthcoming. What is going on?

Huddle has a way of combining suspense and romance into a storyline that keeps you turning the pages.The plot takes lots of twists and turns, the characters have trust issues and the situations are dangerous. All of this makes for an emotional, suspenseful read. Try it, you’ll like it!
1,397 reviews16 followers
January 21, 2025
I love all things Denise Diana Huddle, and this does not disappoint; this is book three in The Deadly Secrets Texas Trilogy Series. This will keep you guessing till the very end!! Dr. Samantha Jordon is a historical preservationist, she is working on a site trying to identify the nameless. Nick Ballard is a San Antonio Police Detective, working the cold case crew. Are they working on the same team, or opposing teams; sometimes it's hard to tell. They are in some dangerous situations: almost run off the road, hit and run, shot at, and the building collapse. Can they work together? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters I look forward to reading more from Ms. Denise Diana Huddle!!!
Profile Image for Shelly Neinast.
Author 4 books23 followers
January 22, 2025
Who can you trust?

For having not read the other two books in the series, this read quite well as a stand-alone. The storyline was quite interesting and kept me reading to find out what happened next. I loved the protagonist, Samantha, who wasn't going to let finding human bones buried in the foundation of a building after the building exploded go uninvestigated.
The deeper Samantha and the Detective, Nick Ballard dug into the cause of the explosion they learned more than they expected, and soon things became dangerous, and their lives were in danger.
The book was very intriguing and suspenseful and kept the reader on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn throughout the book with a surprise ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michael Lartey.
63 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2025
I love this book because it represents the essence of true teamwork between Nick and Samantha. The duo truly sticks to the motto, “Protect and Serve.” Their personalities and backgrounds may be as different as salt and pepper, but together they make a good team. Nick is by far my favorite character; although he can be obstructive, he plays the role of the knight in shining armor on multiple occasions, ensuring the safety of Samantha at all times, earning her trust and affection. Samantha, on the other hand, is smart, intrepid, and sleuthful, leading the case with gusto. I am glad to have read this awesome book. I rate it a perfect 5-star rating for its emotionally intense and epic context and style. Recommended to lovers of psychological thrillers.
556 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2025
Denise Diane Huddle did a wonderful job of keeping interested in this storyline with all the twist and turns.
The main characters Samantha and Nick have alot of personal issues to deal with so they were not as open with each other as they could have been. But the more that Samantha pushed Nick the more he could see that she was right and that he need to find out about the body that had been in the cement foundation. They make a very good pair with how they work things threw. This was an excellent book on how two people from different backgrounds can work together and solve the mystery.
I would recommend this boo to anyone who enjoys a great murder mystery.
Profile Image for Laurie.
458 reviews10 followers
January 17, 2025
Buried Secrets by Denise Diana Huddle
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this novel
Awesome! Third book in the series and I loved it the most. This author has an incredible way of weaving a story that keeps the readers interested, I didn't want to put the book down. Great characters, plot and setting. The writing flows so well. I loved the mystery and suspense of this novel. Great ending
So excited to see another series is in the works! I will not hesitate to read more of Denise Huddle's books
421 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2025
Ok I honestly loved this one the most out of all three books in this series! Unlike the other two, this one is about mystery bones, mystery bombs, and who trying to stop them from talking. It's super interesting and I honestly wanted to cry when Nick was talking about his backstory and why he was afraid of certain areas. It's like, this guy had nothing but bad luck his whole life! It keeps you on your toes with everything that happens! Like I said, I really liked this one the most out of the whole series!
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2025
This is another great book from this author! I love her writing because it’s very authentic and real, while still being very entertaining. This book was probably my favorite out of the three in this series. I loved the storyline so much. The chemistry between Nick and Samantha was chef’s kiss. The suspense and twists kept me guessing through the book. If you haven’t read any of her books, I highly suggest checking them out!!
Profile Image for Shatana.
399 reviews
January 10, 2025
I totally didn't see all those twists coming! This book was a wild ride filled with passion and betrayal. It balanced compassion with some shocking truths, keeping me thrilled and intrigued. I felt a mix of happiness, excitement, anger, and curiosity while reading. It's definitely a page-turner that you won't want to set aside. Big thanks to the author for crafting such an amazing suspenseful tale!
29 reviews
January 14, 2025
I LOVED Nick and Samantha. Although I loved all three books in the series, I think this is my favorite. The attraction between them was hot, but so much stood in the way of them getting together. There were lots of things to figure out with the crimes. I couldn’t put this book down. Denise does a wonderful job with the details of police procedure, and she really describes the scenes so I feel like I’m there. And her characters are so individual.
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
622 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2025
Another great read in this series. It starts off with a literal bang, and has so many twists and turns you can’t help but keep reading.
I did like Nick and Samantha. Samantha was so cool, and loved the surprises she kept showing Nick. This read has a plot within a plot, and I enjoyed when it all came together, and this couple got their HEA.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
161 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2025
Another great book in the Deadly Secrets Texas series. Denise Diana Huddleston creates layers of right and wrong and human emotions that the H and h must wade through to come to a satisfactory ending. The danger creates another layer of closeness that almost forces the issue. I love how she compounds all the elements of her stories to create and adventurous, suspenseful, romantic read. The danger and feelings levels are high.
1,648 reviews15 followers
January 24, 2025
What a thrilling story! A lot of action, suspense, twists, more villains than you can count, romance and a tad of spice. This is my second story by this author, and I love how she weaves her storyline.

Lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 3 out of 5. Secrets unravel slowly and kept me engaged. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA. This is a standalone story with great main and secondary characters. (ljb)
Profile Image for Carrie.
159 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2024
Another “edge of your seat” thriller! This time, we are dealing with corruption. The hardest part is not knowing who you can trust and who to turn to for help. Add in someone who’s been burned in the past by corruption, and then there are the trust issues because of the secrets.
An amazing book to finish off the trilogy!
Profile Image for BeBop19.
503 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2025
I was not prepared for this level of twists. it was a very exciting book that had passion and deception. It had compassion and the revealing of truths. it had me happy and excited and it made me mad and curious. This is book you will be excited to read and will not be able to put it down. Thank you to the author for such a wonderful depiction of this suspense story.
Profile Image for Gazelle.
847 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2025
This book is one that will have you hanging on every word. Samantha and Nick are the perfect enemies to lovers characters. I loved how Samantha was going to get answers to her questions even if she had to go around Nick. This one is action packed with lots of mysteries to solve and chemistry that is off the charts! I have really loved this series and I absolutely recommend it!
Profile Image for Janet.
267 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first I've read by Ms Huddle. I was captivated by the building relationship between Samantha and Nick. The twists in the Plot kept me guessing and the ending is great. And, as a Texan, it's such fun to be familiar with the places of the setting. I recommend this book, and I will be reading more of Ms Huddle's work.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,410 reviews85 followers
January 21, 2025
Allow a full day for this contemporary adult standalone laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers murder mystery procedural romantic suspense novel involving politics and prejudice in San Antonio, Texas during summer when ancient bones are found at a construction site.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6 reviews
March 9, 2025
Sam and Nick keep finding themselves in dangerous situations and Nick is very protective of Sam, even though he is supposed to stop her meddling in the dig! You can feel the sensual tension/attraction between them at every turn! You won’t want to put this book down, once you start it!
Could we see some wedding bells….?
Profile Image for Cheryl.
441 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2025
Samantha and Nick are both working the same case, a corpse unearthed by an explosion. She’s working from an historical aspect, and Nick is working it as a cold case police detective. Plenty of suspense, secrets, and adventure. Can they work together before the case gets one of them killed?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,116 reviews555 followers
October 13, 2025

A bit difficult to get comfortable reading this action-packed crime-spree involving corrupt cops. I really liked the two main characters -- although I found their story and the convoluted case attached to them difficult and messy to follow with the different timelines, mixes of evidence and a large list of suspects.

Profile Image for Lori.
304 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
Another amazing read! This story had me hooked from the start. The corruption storyline was very well written and I loved that there was more of a story and that it didn't focus mainly on the romance between the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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