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DCI Michael Yorke Thriller #8
The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray: A DCI Yorke Thriller, Book 8
Come closer.
My name is Lacey Ray and I am thirteen years old. I should be an ordinary girl, but I am not. My ancestors were killers. I was born into darkness and secrets.
Come closer.
I am fourteen years old. I am learning to move. To navigate the silences that exist between the ticking of clocks. To stand on the edge of the abyss and look down.
Come closer.
I am fifteen years old. I am ready to be alone. To be powerful. To be the perfect predator.
Come closer and let me whisper to you.
My name is Lacey Ray and I can hardly wait to get started.
The eighth book in a series of procedural crime thrillers by bestselling writer Wes Markin. The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray is perfect for fans of J.D Kirk, L.J Ross, Ian Rankin, Alex Smith, David Gatward, Rachel McLean and Ann Cleeves, among others.
My name is Lacey Ray and I am thirteen years old. I should be an ordinary girl, but I am not. My ancestors were killers. I was born into darkness and secrets.
Come closer.
I am fourteen years old. I am learning to move. To navigate the silences that exist between the ticking of clocks. To stand on the edge of the abyss and look down.
Come closer.
I am fifteen years old. I am ready to be alone. To be powerful. To be the perfect predator.
Come closer and let me whisper to you.
My name is Lacey Ray and I can hardly wait to get started.
The eighth book in a series of procedural crime thrillers by bestselling writer Wes Markin. The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray is perfect for fans of J.D Kirk, L.J Ross, Ian Rankin, Alex Smith, David Gatward, Rachel McLean and Ann Cleeves, among others.
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First published June 7, 2024
103 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Wes Markin
33 books224 followersBe sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 1, 2024
What can I say, this book is just incredible.
I love how we get to understand Lacey and what she is all about from her early teenage years. It takes us through her first real friendships and shows how certain times in her life have certainly added to the woman we love in the DCI York books.
Lacey is a very complex psychopath, and this book really helps us understand in finer detail the intricacies that make Lacey Ray what she is. A dreadful home life, with a father who is a monster in hiding, a mother who struggles with mental health and an uncle that believes aliens are coming for him. We can see why her early years may have shaped her into the woman she is now.
Lacey Ray is one of these characters, that although she is an out and out killer, you kind of find yourself rooting for her! And I find her blue room so intriguing.
Absolutely brilliant read, this is definitely a 5 star read for me.
Highly recommend.
I love how we get to understand Lacey and what she is all about from her early teenage years. It takes us through her first real friendships and shows how certain times in her life have certainly added to the woman we love in the DCI York books.
Lacey is a very complex psychopath, and this book really helps us understand in finer detail the intricacies that make Lacey Ray what she is. A dreadful home life, with a father who is a monster in hiding, a mother who struggles with mental health and an uncle that believes aliens are coming for him. We can see why her early years may have shaped her into the woman she is now.
Lacey Ray is one of these characters, that although she is an out and out killer, you kind of find yourself rooting for her! And I find her blue room so intriguing.
Absolutely brilliant read, this is definitely a 5 star read for me.
Highly recommend.
June 11, 2024
This is billed as book 8 in the DCI Yorke series and is probably best read where it has been placed even though on the face of things it appears to be a stand alone. It is written in the form of a diary (obvious I know) starting from when Lacey was 13 and is basically her origin series, detailing a series of events which shaped the girl into the women we all love and hate as an adult. It brings her right up to where we find ourselves in the series and could be spoilery if read too early.
So.. Lacey, a young girl, living in the shadow of her notorious family, the half of which you won't believe. On a pig farm, her inheritance, with her mad mother and strict father. She's a bit of a loaner at first but, as is often the case, one loner attracts another and, before you know it, she has two friends. But the darkness is there, bubbling under, biding its time, before... and that's all you're getting...
It's a cracking read. I do love a good origin story but tend to find that they only really work if the character is worthy of one. Which Lacey most definitely is, and then some. She's one of my favourite characters in this series and I always wondered what, apart from the obvious, made her the women she is today. This book explores all this and more. Especially her first forays into the infamous Blue Room...
It's brutal and intense, and pulls no punches. But you already know that as you are already familiar with both Lacey and the author's graphic side of writing. But it's a wonderful insight into one of the darkest and best characters that I really look forward to meeting up with again - in a book though, not in real life...
So.. Lacey, a young girl, living in the shadow of her notorious family, the half of which you won't believe. On a pig farm, her inheritance, with her mad mother and strict father. She's a bit of a loaner at first but, as is often the case, one loner attracts another and, before you know it, she has two friends. But the darkness is there, bubbling under, biding its time, before... and that's all you're getting...
It's a cracking read. I do love a good origin story but tend to find that they only really work if the character is worthy of one. Which Lacey most definitely is, and then some. She's one of my favourite characters in this series and I always wondered what, apart from the obvious, made her the women she is today. This book explores all this and more. Especially her first forays into the infamous Blue Room...
It's brutal and intense, and pulls no punches. But you already know that as you are already familiar with both Lacey and the author's graphic side of writing. But it's a wonderful insight into one of the darkest and best characters that I really look forward to meeting up with again - in a book though, not in real life...
July 7, 2024
My Thoughts
Before I started reading...
When I saw this on The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook. The synopsis and cover drew me in, so I knew I had to read it.
As I sat down to read I went to Goodreads so I could input my "currently reading" status and this is when I discovered that The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray is in fact book number eight in Wes Markin's DCI Yorke series. This did make me feel gutted, purely because I really like to read series' from the beginning to get a feeling of who the characters are. I read a few reviews of this book and from what I could grasp was that Lacey is a character in the series. Lots of people were asking for a spin off origin book about her. And here we are.
"I don’t know how to write the following words. To call them whispers would be a lie. This isn’t a diary entry for whispers. This is one long, torturous shout, echoing from the depths of hell."
After finishing reading...
This book is dark. At times it made me feel uneasy reading Lacey's story. Her diary entries are raw, and don't hold back. I'd suggest to those that need trigger warnings to look into them before embarking on Lacey Ray's origin story.
Like I've stated I have no prior knowledge of Lacey Ray or of Wes Markin's books. But, if this book is a testament to how Markin writes and the darkness of his story telling. Then I'm going to be a new fan of his.
I found myself disgusted at some scenes. I felt completely uneasy reading some parts. There were times that I thought what am I reading? But, I didn't stop and I wanted to know more, find out more and see how far Lacey Ray would go.
Before I started reading...
When I saw this on The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook. The synopsis and cover drew me in, so I knew I had to read it.
As I sat down to read I went to Goodreads so I could input my "currently reading" status and this is when I discovered that The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray is in fact book number eight in Wes Markin's DCI Yorke series. This did make me feel gutted, purely because I really like to read series' from the beginning to get a feeling of who the characters are. I read a few reviews of this book and from what I could grasp was that Lacey is a character in the series. Lots of people were asking for a spin off origin book about her. And here we are.
"I don’t know how to write the following words. To call them whispers would be a lie. This isn’t a diary entry for whispers. This is one long, torturous shout, echoing from the depths of hell."
After finishing reading...
This book is dark. At times it made me feel uneasy reading Lacey's story. Her diary entries are raw, and don't hold back. I'd suggest to those that need trigger warnings to look into them before embarking on Lacey Ray's origin story.
Like I've stated I have no prior knowledge of Lacey Ray or of Wes Markin's books. But, if this book is a testament to how Markin writes and the darkness of his story telling. Then I'm going to be a new fan of his.
I found myself disgusted at some scenes. I felt completely uneasy reading some parts. There were times that I thought what am I reading? But, I didn't stop and I wanted to know more, find out more and see how far Lacey Ray would go.
May 6, 2024
Where to begin?
Lacey Ray has long been a favourite character, after emerging in the later books of this series. Wes has been asked about doing a spin off for her character and he finally gave in!
When I found out I was super excited.
Did the book live up to this level of excitement. Oh no, no, it far, far exceeded them.
This follows Laceys story from childhood, when she turns 11 and gets a diary for her birthday. Her mother is mentally ill and her father strict.
Lacey doesn't make friends and is used to being alone. That is until she meets Lance, rescuing him when he's being bullied. They form a strong, wonderful friendship. Showing Lacey is capable of caring for another.
I love how Wes explores various aspects of her character. He touches on the darkness that is always there, but how she is able to control it. He also introduces the Blue Room and how that came to be.
There are some dark scenes in the Dead House, but none without good reasons.
I raced through reading this, picking it up at eberu opportunity, even if meaning I could only read a page or 2. I had to know what happened next.
This is a breathtaking read. The way Wes gets into the mind of a psychopathic teen is quite concerning.
A contender for one of my books of the year.
Lacey Ray has long been a favourite character, after emerging in the later books of this series. Wes has been asked about doing a spin off for her character and he finally gave in!
When I found out I was super excited.
Did the book live up to this level of excitement. Oh no, no, it far, far exceeded them.
This follows Laceys story from childhood, when she turns 11 and gets a diary for her birthday. Her mother is mentally ill and her father strict.
Lacey doesn't make friends and is used to being alone. That is until she meets Lance, rescuing him when he's being bullied. They form a strong, wonderful friendship. Showing Lacey is capable of caring for another.
I love how Wes explores various aspects of her character. He touches on the darkness that is always there, but how she is able to control it. He also introduces the Blue Room and how that came to be.
There are some dark scenes in the Dead House, but none without good reasons.
I raced through reading this, picking it up at eberu opportunity, even if meaning I could only read a page or 2. I had to know what happened next.
This is a breathtaking read. The way Wes gets into the mind of a psychopathic teen is quite concerning.
A contender for one of my books of the year.
July 16, 2024
This is got to be the first time I’ve not known what to say about a book - it’s left me kind of speechless! I’ve read other Wes Markin books but not in the DCI Michael Yorke series. This book worked fine for me as a standalone.
This book was dark, shocking and at times I had no idea where it was going but I really enjoyed it. Parts of it were very graphic and the insights into Lacey’s mind via her diary were powerful and shocking.
Lacey Ray was a 13 year old girl who had no friends. Her family had lots of secrets and the local people all knew of her family because of shocking things some of her relations had done. Her father was a pig farmer and her mother had mental health issues and never came out of her bedroom. Lacey was given a notebook for her birthday and she used this as a diary and she wrote down all of her thoughts - some of which were very dark and disturbing.
Lacey didn’t want to be like her dad and she hated that her family were all tainted by the actions of one of her relatives but she also knew that deep down she had dark thoughts and that she could easily carry some of these out.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a few sittings as I had to find out what Lacey was going to do next.
This book was dark, shocking and at times I had no idea where it was going but I really enjoyed it. Parts of it were very graphic and the insights into Lacey’s mind via her diary were powerful and shocking.
Lacey Ray was a 13 year old girl who had no friends. Her family had lots of secrets and the local people all knew of her family because of shocking things some of her relations had done. Her father was a pig farmer and her mother had mental health issues and never came out of her bedroom. Lacey was given a notebook for her birthday and she used this as a diary and she wrote down all of her thoughts - some of which were very dark and disturbing.
Lacey didn’t want to be like her dad and she hated that her family were all tainted by the actions of one of her relatives but she also knew that deep down she had dark thoughts and that she could easily carry some of these out.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a few sittings as I had to find out what Lacey was going to do next.
May 26, 2024
If you have read anything by Wes Markin, you know how twisted and dark he can get! The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray takes the reader right back to the beginning of our own 'friendly' Lacey Ray.
I could not wait for this book to arrive, and when it eventually did, I was hooked. The cover and title just screams 'read me!' I was dying to know how Lacey became who she is.
From the very first paragraph, I couldn't put this book down for a minute. The youngest would have definitely starved if he didn't get his own food that day!
Wes Markin has the skill of creating characters that you know you should really dislike, but you can't. Lacey Ray is one of those. It almost feels like voyeurism reading this book. Witnessing her inner thoughts and feelings, which veer into certain categories and don't change much as an adult!
This is certainly a book that anyone who is a fan of Wes's will appreciate, and I can guarantee they will enjoy it too! As always, it is such a twisted and dark story that is excellently written.
Thanks to the author for the gifted ebook to write my honest opinion.
I could not wait for this book to arrive, and when it eventually did, I was hooked. The cover and title just screams 'read me!' I was dying to know how Lacey became who she is.
From the very first paragraph, I couldn't put this book down for a minute. The youngest would have definitely starved if he didn't get his own food that day!
Wes Markin has the skill of creating characters that you know you should really dislike, but you can't. Lacey Ray is one of those. It almost feels like voyeurism reading this book. Witnessing her inner thoughts and feelings, which veer into certain categories and don't change much as an adult!
This is certainly a book that anyone who is a fan of Wes's will appreciate, and I can guarantee they will enjoy it too! As always, it is such a twisted and dark story that is excellently written.
Thanks to the author for the gifted ebook to write my honest opinion.
April 30, 2025
When Wes Markin intimated that he was writing a book from Lacey Ray's point of view, I must admit that I sat rubbing my grubby little hands together in glee. When I found out it was going to be in diary form, my anticipation ramped up higher than when I heard about Sue Townsend's Adrian Mole books, back when I was a teenager.
Why, I hear you cry?? Lacey Ray is a sociopath or psychopath, depending on your definition, or maybe she's really a combination of both. But what she definitely is, is one of my favourite characters that Wes has written, in any of his series of books. And being given the opportunity to trawl the depths of her depravity from where/when it all began was just too much to resist.
Peering into the darkest of souls, a psyche so deeply tormented, fractured by who and what she is, is a revelation. And even after learning what makes Lacey tick, or at least sets her clock in motion, she's still one of my favourites ~ so there!!
Why, I hear you cry?? Lacey Ray is a sociopath or psychopath, depending on your definition, or maybe she's really a combination of both. But what she definitely is, is one of my favourite characters that Wes has written, in any of his series of books. And being given the opportunity to trawl the depths of her depravity from where/when it all began was just too much to resist.
Peering into the darkest of souls, a psyche so deeply tormented, fractured by who and what she is, is a revelation. And even after learning what makes Lacey tick, or at least sets her clock in motion, she's still one of my favourites ~ so there!!
May 26, 2024
Wow! What an intense and incredible read that was. Readers of the Michael Yorke series will be familiar with the Ray family and the incredible character that is Lacey Ray.
This is a departure, but what an amazing one it is. Lacey is gifted a diary for her birthday as a child, and this is an incredible insight into what she was like, her home life and surroundings, and how she gradually became the character we now know. The darkness was always there and the ability to control most of the people in her vicinity, but we see a more softer and caring side to her which took me by surprise.
Despite the intensity, I devoured this in a few hours. This author can do no wrong in my eyes, and this is another winner for me.
This is a departure, but what an amazing one it is. Lacey is gifted a diary for her birthday as a child, and this is an incredible insight into what she was like, her home life and surroundings, and how she gradually became the character we now know. The darkness was always there and the ability to control most of the people in her vicinity, but we see a more softer and caring side to her which took me by surprise.
Despite the intensity, I devoured this in a few hours. This author can do no wrong in my eyes, and this is another winner for me.
February 25, 2025
This is technically book 8 in the fabulous DCI Yorke series, but it has a standalone feel about it. Don’t read it first though, you need to have met Lacey in all her glory before you read her secret diary.
We meet Lacey as a hormonal teenager & all that entails. Her father is a monster, her mother mentally fragile & her uncle is waiting on the aliens coming. On top of all that she has no friends; then suddenly she has two at the same time. Turmoil ensues.
Lacey is a psychopath & her diary helps to understand why she is. There are some gruesome scenes - described & left to your imagination, but, even so, she is a character I’m drawn to. I’m not sure what that says about me but I can’t wait to meet her again.
We meet Lacey as a hormonal teenager & all that entails. Her father is a monster, her mother mentally fragile & her uncle is waiting on the aliens coming. On top of all that she has no friends; then suddenly she has two at the same time. Turmoil ensues.
Lacey is a psychopath & her diary helps to understand why she is. There are some gruesome scenes - described & left to your imagination, but, even so, she is a character I’m drawn to. I’m not sure what that says about me but I can’t wait to meet her again.
June 3, 2024
3.5* rounded up.
A dark and twisted read. Having read all the DCI Yorke books I was expecting nothing less from Wes Markin. I've loved them all with their gritty, fast paced and disturbing plots...but his one just didn't quite hit the mark with me. It's well written with some unique twists and turns but it dips it's toes too heavily into the horror genre for me which makes some aspects a little unbelievable. I wasn't gripped but still found it entertaining. There is a lot of good written into this book.....and plenty of evil!
A dark and twisted read. Having read all the DCI Yorke books I was expecting nothing less from Wes Markin. I've loved them all with their gritty, fast paced and disturbing plots...but his one just didn't quite hit the mark with me. It's well written with some unique twists and turns but it dips it's toes too heavily into the horror genre for me which makes some aspects a little unbelievable. I wasn't gripped but still found it entertaining. There is a lot of good written into this book.....and plenty of evil!
June 13, 2024
I got this as a e book from a face book group that I am a member of for my kindle app on my i pad. It wasn't too bad of a book. There is some trigger warnings in it I found. If it was a movie I probably wouldn't watch it because I am just a fan of reading books that are scary or thriller ones. It was a different style of writing for the author. Don't want to give away the trigger warnings as I don't want to be the one to give a spoiler alert for the book.
July 6, 2024
I suspect The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray is at its best if you're already familiar with the DCI Yorke series. I wasn't, so please take my review with a pinch of salt.
This book is about a 13-15 year-old girl on the edge of darkness. There is a history of violence within her family already and she starts a diary to record her own feelings, desires and worries.
It's clear from the start that Lacey isn't your average teen. For example, Lacey doesn't really know how to navigate normal childhood challenges like friendship - she tries, but doesn't always get it right, with terrible consequences.
Overall, this book is not for the faint-hearted, with issues from depression to rape and suicide being covered. Sometimes the darkness veered too much towards titillation for my liking.
I gather that for many readers, this book is a 'aha, so that's why she's like that' for when Lacey appears as an adult in the DCI Yorke series and no doubt I'd get more out of the book if I was familiar with it too.
This book is about a 13-15 year-old girl on the edge of darkness. There is a history of violence within her family already and she starts a diary to record her own feelings, desires and worries.
It's clear from the start that Lacey isn't your average teen. For example, Lacey doesn't really know how to navigate normal childhood challenges like friendship - she tries, but doesn't always get it right, with terrible consequences.
Overall, this book is not for the faint-hearted, with issues from depression to rape and suicide being covered. Sometimes the darkness veered too much towards titillation for my liking.
I gather that for many readers, this book is a 'aha, so that's why she's like that' for when Lacey appears as an adult in the DCI Yorke series and no doubt I'd get more out of the book if I was familiar with it too.
August 25, 2024
The book is dark but what more do you expect from Wes Markin.
A psychopath that we actually want to know more about! Knowing how much I love wes markin other series of books but havnt not started from the beginning of this series I was worried that I would be missing vital information but it can be read as a standalone. I would say I need a lie down in a dark room after that read but I think I'll be leaving the big light on just for now!
A psychopath that we actually want to know more about! Knowing how much I love wes markin other series of books but havnt not started from the beginning of this series I was worried that I would be missing vital information but it can be read as a standalone. I would say I need a lie down in a dark room after that read but I think I'll be leaving the big light on just for now!
July 10, 2024
wow
I’ve followed and enjoyed this authors work for a while now. The character of Lacey Ray has always intrigued me, drawing me to her so Thankyou to Wes Markin for writing this. I hope he enjoyed writing this as much as I’ve enjoyed reading her back story. Loved every minute of my time with Lacey Ray!
I’ve followed and enjoyed this authors work for a while now. The character of Lacey Ray has always intrigued me, drawing me to her so Thankyou to Wes Markin for writing this. I hope he enjoyed writing this as much as I’ve enjoyed reading her back story. Loved every minute of my time with Lacey Ray!
May 29, 2024
Wow! Using the diary format is a great way to explain the evolution of Lacie Ray! Actually...almost...felt some compassion for this psychopathic character! A must read for readers of the DCI Michael Yorke series
May 30, 2024
Lacey pops up fully formed in the author's DCI Yorke books, but this is her backstory. If you ever wondered how she got like that you need to read this book. Does a hard woman like Lacey Ray come about through nature or nurture? Or both? A hard read in places but this book fills the gaps.
June 11, 2024
Dang…
No matter her crimes and her psychopathy, Lacey is like a flame, and me, the moth. An incredibly brilliant character. I should avoid the flame, but can’t wait for the next chapter in her story. Well done.
No matter her crimes and her psychopathy, Lacey is like a flame, and me, the moth. An incredibly brilliant character. I should avoid the flame, but can’t wait for the next chapter in her story. Well done.
June 24, 2024
This is a very dark, sinister but excellent read. Lacey comes from a family of killers each generation seems to be worse than the next. Lacey has been taught by the best her Father who owns a pig farm brilliant place to get rid of bodies. A must read.
July 7, 2024
Wow what a book!
What a book. Very intense and a dark thriller covering lots of topics. The story been told by diary entries is so clever and adds to the Suspense. I couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend this book.
What a book. Very intense and a dark thriller covering lots of topics. The story been told by diary entries is so clever and adds to the Suspense. I couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend this book.
July 8, 2024
Wow what a book. Look Wes Markin books and this is him at his best. Love the diary style of this book of how it describes the rise of Lacie Ray. The characters are great and a good storyline. This is book 8 in the series and you need to read the series.
September 7, 2024
Interesting to read the background to the killer, Lacey Ray and discover her first interaction with Jake.
You're left with the impression that she would have evolved as a killer regardless of that early life which just intrigued her into the dark discovery
You're left with the impression that she would have evolved as a killer regardless of that early life which just intrigued her into the dark discovery
July 10, 2024
Gripping
This really makes sense of the previous books and really rounds out her character. Loved this book, looking forward to the next one.
This really makes sense of the previous books and really rounds out her character. Loved this book, looking forward to the next one.
July 15, 2024
This was a good book. I enjoyed it. Your in for a ride reading a book by this author
August 5, 2024
I don't even like the Lacey Ray sections in the normal series. I don't know why I thought I'd like it.
This is my last read before I embark on my holiday reads.
This is my last read before I embark on my holiday reads.
March 4, 2025
This book just flows from page to page. All is revealed and now I have a much better understanding of Lacey. Great read.
June 5, 2025
I'm sorry Wes
But I could have lived without this book. In fact I read a few chapters then skipped on more. Read a few and skipped to the end.
But I could have lived without this book. In fact I read a few chapters then skipped on more. Read a few and skipped to the end.
September 7, 2025
Very, very good.
June 11, 2024
Well I am used to Wes Markins different plots but this one really surprised me. The dark juvenile feelings explored in this book at times are quite shocking but as usual I loved his writing and was drawn deeper and deeper into the psychotic behaviour of most of the characters. Setting this book in diary form and written from a child’s perspective was absolute genius. I can imagine that not everyone would like such a dark plot but I couldn’t put it down!!
June 14, 2024
Deliciously dark, a real smorgasbord of the most sinister of themes. Within the story is the real triumph of evil running through a family line with serial killing, paedophilia, domestic abuse, rape, depression and mental illness just to name a few topics where this book does not fear to tread. The dark brilliance is compounded by the links to the familiar such as teenage angst, friendships and romances filtered through to diary entries where we get a glimpse of the utter truth and the confusion of the mind of the young centre character.
The stark and matter of fact storytelling by our teenage narrator makes this even more shocking and gripping and seriously ‘where is this going to go?!’ stuff.
I think this is to be continued? I really hope so!
The stark and matter of fact storytelling by our teenage narrator makes this even more shocking and gripping and seriously ‘where is this going to go?!’ stuff.
I think this is to be continued? I really hope so!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews