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Where Secrets Live
Raised by stepparents after the loss of their birth parents, Liz and Meredith McCallister are the only constants in each other’s lives—until Meredith is murdered in her lake home. Devastated by the loss, Liz becomes desperate to know why Meredith was killed. But the more she digs into her sister’s past, the uglier the story gets.
As a teenager, Meredith gave up a child for adoption. When Liz meets her niece for the first time, she finds an angry, troubled teenager, whose reappearance in her mother's life may have been the catalyst that got Meredith killed.
When Liz digs deeper into her sister's life and murder, she finds that their family had many buried secrets. But as Liz uncovers the truth, she realizes that not all secrets were meant to come to light and her efforts have drawn the attention of someone who is determined to keep the past hidden—even if the cost is Liz's life.
As a teenager, Meredith gave up a child for adoption. When Liz meets her niece for the first time, she finds an angry, troubled teenager, whose reappearance in her mother's life may have been the catalyst that got Meredith killed.
When Liz digs deeper into her sister's life and murder, she finds that their family had many buried secrets. But as Liz uncovers the truth, she realizes that not all secrets were meant to come to light and her efforts have drawn the attention of someone who is determined to keep the past hidden—even if the cost is Liz's life.
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First published September 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 2, 2022
Elizabeth (Liz) McCallister is devastated when her sister Meredith is murdered and vows to find out who would've wanted her dead. As she carries out her own investigation, Liz uncovers many family secrets and finds that there are some things she's better off not knowing. The story is told from Liz's point of view.
This was a well-written and interesting novel and the story moved at a good pace until near the end where it seemed to drag a bit. At the start Liz is described as someone who uses alcohol and sex with strange men to deal with her problems yet she didn't seem to have any problem quitting cold turkey once she started looking into her sister's death. I think she would've struggled more, especially considering there was alcohol within easy reach. To be honest, I'm not sure why it was even brought into the story but good for Liz anyway! As well, it was quite a stretch to accept the level to which she interfered in the police investigation without consequences but it is fiction after all. There are matters implied and discussed which some people might find triggering.
I believe this is the author's debut novel and I recommend it in spite of a few flaws.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own. My review will be posted to Goodreads as of September 2, 2022 and on amazon.ca after the publiction date, September 6, 2022.
This was a well-written and interesting novel and the story moved at a good pace until near the end where it seemed to drag a bit. At the start Liz is described as someone who uses alcohol and sex with strange men to deal with her problems yet she didn't seem to have any problem quitting cold turkey once she started looking into her sister's death. I think she would've struggled more, especially considering there was alcohol within easy reach. To be honest, I'm not sure why it was even brought into the story but good for Liz anyway! As well, it was quite a stretch to accept the level to which she interfered in the police investigation without consequences but it is fiction after all. There are matters implied and discussed which some people might find triggering.
I believe this is the author's debut novel and I recommend it in spite of a few flaws.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own. My review will be posted to Goodreads as of September 2, 2022 and on amazon.ca after the publiction date, September 6, 2022.
August 9, 2022
4.5*
An awesome dynamic look at family secrets that I'm glad I picked back up after sitting it down to finish another one..Just Wow!! This will win over the psychological thriller fans. It was captivating and a page turning gripper!! This is fast-paced and creates an intense sleuthing for answers and piecing together evidence. It is hard to fathom their experiences.
You think this family saga couldn't get any worse after Liz and Meredith's parents died when they were young. Their relationship was close and dependent on one another. Their bond couldn't be broken even after their bad experience with their stepparents.
Under a drunken stupor most of the time, Liz is devastated when her sister is murdered after receiving a confusing voicemail from her. The clues lead to someone she knew. Meredith was always the lovable one, and as a teen she became pregnant and put her daughter up for adoption. Liz meets the troubled child that had resurfaced into Meredith's life and can't help but think Meredith's death is related. She uncovers more than she wants to know about their family secrets and someone doesn't want it to come to light and will kill to keep it that way.
Trigger warnings: child rape, pedophile
Thanks NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
An awesome dynamic look at family secrets that I'm glad I picked back up after sitting it down to finish another one..Just Wow!! This will win over the psychological thriller fans. It was captivating and a page turning gripper!! This is fast-paced and creates an intense sleuthing for answers and piecing together evidence. It is hard to fathom their experiences.
You think this family saga couldn't get any worse after Liz and Meredith's parents died when they were young. Their relationship was close and dependent on one another. Their bond couldn't be broken even after their bad experience with their stepparents.
Under a drunken stupor most of the time, Liz is devastated when her sister is murdered after receiving a confusing voicemail from her. The clues lead to someone she knew. Meredith was always the lovable one, and as a teen she became pregnant and put her daughter up for adoption. Liz meets the troubled child that had resurfaced into Meredith's life and can't help but think Meredith's death is related. She uncovers more than she wants to know about their family secrets and someone doesn't want it to come to light and will kill to keep it that way.
Trigger warnings: child rape, pedophile
Thanks NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2022
S.C. Richards' book Where Secrets Live is captivating from the first line. Using excitement and suspense, Richards' writing is laser focused on holding the reader's attention.
Synopsis:
The lives of sisters Liz and Meredith McCallister are lovingly woven together after the loss of their parents at a young age. Their step parents provide for the girls, but leave the sisters to grow up dependent on each other for emotional support. In light of the strong bond they share, the discovery of Meredith's brutally murdered body at her lake house shatters Liz's world. Meredith didn't have any enemies so why would anyone want her dead? Liz is determined to find out who killed her sister Meredith. She uncovers shocking family secrets as she begins her search for the truth.
Where Secrets Live is available on September 6th. S.C. Richards creates page-turning tension and unexpected plot twists you do not want to miss. (4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to review this riveting book by the highly gifted S. C. Richards. Your kindness is appreciated.
Synopsis:
The lives of sisters Liz and Meredith McCallister are lovingly woven together after the loss of their parents at a young age. Their step parents provide for the girls, but leave the sisters to grow up dependent on each other for emotional support. In light of the strong bond they share, the discovery of Meredith's brutally murdered body at her lake house shatters Liz's world. Meredith didn't have any enemies so why would anyone want her dead? Liz is determined to find out who killed her sister Meredith. She uncovers shocking family secrets as she begins her search for the truth.
Where Secrets Live is available on September 6th. S.C. Richards creates page-turning tension and unexpected plot twists you do not want to miss. (4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫)
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to review this riveting book by the highly gifted S. C. Richards. Your kindness is appreciated.
August 26, 2022
Family history and long buried secrets are the basis of this standalone thriller, Where Secrets Live by S C Richards. Elizabeth McCallister manages her grief with alcohol and casual affairs, after the trauma of her parents’ deaths and her dysfunctional wealthy stepfamily upbringing. When her sister is found murdered, Lizzie loses the one constant sustaining person in her life. She channels her devastation into trying to find out why Meredith was killed, only to discover how much of her family history had been hidden from her. A warning, some of the content of this story may be triggering for some readers. A warped family saga with numerous revelations and twists that make for a gem of a read with a four and a half star rating. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
February 2, 2022
A really fast paced and exciting thriller.
I raced through it!
Not too graphic or gritty, more of a sleuth story.
Recommended for psychological and crime thriller fans.
4 stars ⭐️
I raced through it!
Not too graphic or gritty, more of a sleuth story.
Recommended for psychological and crime thriller fans.
4 stars ⭐️
March 17, 2022
Liz and Meredith McCallister are sisters that have stayed close even through rough times. They were raised by stepparents after the death of their biological parents. Liz is devastated when Meredith is suddenly murdered in her home. Liz is desperate to solve the mystery of this tragedy and starts to play detective on her own. She finds out that Meredith has a daughter that was given up for adoption years ago. The daughter is now a troubled teen who had reappeared into Meredith’s life recently. Was this related somehow to her murder?
Looking for a very entertaining, quick and easy read? WHERE SECRETS LIVE fits the bill perfectly. A compelling murder mystery drives this story and keeps you on your toes. The writing is on point and I would highly recommend this excellent novel!
TW - Sexual Assault
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Looking for a very entertaining, quick and easy read? WHERE SECRETS LIVE fits the bill perfectly. A compelling murder mystery drives this story and keeps you on your toes. The writing is on point and I would highly recommend this excellent novel!
TW - Sexual Assault
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
August 15, 2022
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, S.C. Richards, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After receiving an ARC for this novel, I was eager to see how S. C. Richards would grow on me, as I have heard of her writing in the past. A strong story and well-developed ideas emerges early on, leaving me to lose myself in all the action and suspense. I am pleased to have had the time to devour this book and am eager to find some more of Richards’ work soon to whet my appetite.
After losing their parents at a young age, Liz and Meredith McCallister are forced to rely on their sibling connection. All this takes a turn for the worse when Liz learns that her sister was murdered. However, this is not the only mystery that Liz must shoulder at present. While trying to find her sister’s killer, Liz discovers that Meredith had a deep secret, one that could have fuelled the motive for her murder. Liz must come to terms with the fact that her sister had a child in secret, who is now a teenager and asking questions.
While piecing together both these mysteries, Liz is forced to confront a past that she and Meredith thought was buried away. Liz cannot stomach digging into all these dark corners, but soon realises that secrets may have been the one constant Meredith had in her life over all these years
Seeking some help from her step-mother, Liz discovers that the secrets continue to emerge, both held by Meredith and others. Liz looks back at her life and wonders how much of it took place under a rock, while those around her lived secret or mystery-filled lives of their own. It could prove to be the key to learning about Meredith’s murder, but the truth has a way of also derailing the bucolic nature of some people’s everyday, as Liz is learning all too well. What other secrets will emerge and how might Liz handle them all before things come crashing down before her? Richards does a masterful job weaving this tale of deceit and deception.
I have always enjoyed a good book where mystery and deception fuel the narrative flow. S.C. Richards has a knack for making things work well and keeps the suspense high for those who like it. A plot that twists throughout and some characters with strong backstories help turn this book into an enjoyable reading experience.
Richards has strong narrative capabilities and keeps the reader wondering how things will progress throughout. The characters who emerge are both multi-dimensional and well placed, keeping the story on track throughout. I enjoyed how it all added depth to the plot and provided some needed mystery, and the story progressed with ease. Richards never lets up, keeping the reader wondering until the end as the mystery finally has some resolution. I’d try another S.C. Richards novel in the future, if only to compare to this addictive piece.
Kudos, Madam Richards, for a great introduction to your abilities. I will have to see if I can get my hands on more of your books soon.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After receiving an ARC for this novel, I was eager to see how S. C. Richards would grow on me, as I have heard of her writing in the past. A strong story and well-developed ideas emerges early on, leaving me to lose myself in all the action and suspense. I am pleased to have had the time to devour this book and am eager to find some more of Richards’ work soon to whet my appetite.
After losing their parents at a young age, Liz and Meredith McCallister are forced to rely on their sibling connection. All this takes a turn for the worse when Liz learns that her sister was murdered. However, this is not the only mystery that Liz must shoulder at present. While trying to find her sister’s killer, Liz discovers that Meredith had a deep secret, one that could have fuelled the motive for her murder. Liz must come to terms with the fact that her sister had a child in secret, who is now a teenager and asking questions.
While piecing together both these mysteries, Liz is forced to confront a past that she and Meredith thought was buried away. Liz cannot stomach digging into all these dark corners, but soon realises that secrets may have been the one constant Meredith had in her life over all these years
Seeking some help from her step-mother, Liz discovers that the secrets continue to emerge, both held by Meredith and others. Liz looks back at her life and wonders how much of it took place under a rock, while those around her lived secret or mystery-filled lives of their own. It could prove to be the key to learning about Meredith’s murder, but the truth has a way of also derailing the bucolic nature of some people’s everyday, as Liz is learning all too well. What other secrets will emerge and how might Liz handle them all before things come crashing down before her? Richards does a masterful job weaving this tale of deceit and deception.
I have always enjoyed a good book where mystery and deception fuel the narrative flow. S.C. Richards has a knack for making things work well and keeps the suspense high for those who like it. A plot that twists throughout and some characters with strong backstories help turn this book into an enjoyable reading experience.
Richards has strong narrative capabilities and keeps the reader wondering how things will progress throughout. The characters who emerge are both multi-dimensional and well placed, keeping the story on track throughout. I enjoyed how it all added depth to the plot and provided some needed mystery, and the story progressed with ease. Richards never lets up, keeping the reader wondering until the end as the mystery finally has some resolution. I’d try another S.C. Richards novel in the future, if only to compare to this addictive piece.
Kudos, Madam Richards, for a great introduction to your abilities. I will have to see if I can get my hands on more of your books soon.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 29, 2022
I really loved this book! It had such a nice pace, and engaging, relatable and believable characters...
but the problem I had with it was the ending, a little. It felt like a different book for the last 25%! It sort of turned into this action thriller Mexican standoff thing with lots and lots of guns!
I did guess who was hurting the main character's sister and it was very satisfying to see I was right. :)
Overall, I give this book strong 4 stars, but it could have been all 5 if the ending wasn't so odd.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
but the problem I had with it was the ending, a little. It felt like a different book for the last 25%! It sort of turned into this action thriller Mexican standoff thing with lots and lots of guns!
I did guess who was hurting the main character's sister and it was very satisfying to see I was right. :)
Overall, I give this book strong 4 stars, but it could have been all 5 if the ending wasn't so odd.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
April 5, 2022
I found this book to be well written but unfortunately for me, I never quite got into the characters or the family dynamic. It took me a while to read it as I wasn’t pressed to pick it up and get stuck back into the story but I would imagine some would enjoy it. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.
July 3, 2022
THIS COVER DOES NOT DO THIS STORY JUSTICE! A colorful and complicated mystery thriller!
When her older sister Meredith is murdered, Liz comes back from the brink of alcoholism to investigate behind the scenes. Raised by a stepmother AND a stepfather, Liz missed out on loving parents and relied on Meredith for protection and kindness. Shadowing an old school friend turned detective, Liz unravels a complicated maze of deceit. This is not a book for the faint hearted nor will you guess the twisty turns! If you love a page turner, a flawed heroine, or the stories of the prodigal daughter returning to prove they are worthy, then Where Secrets Live is for you!
#Crookedlanebooks
When her older sister Meredith is murdered, Liz comes back from the brink of alcoholism to investigate behind the scenes. Raised by a stepmother AND a stepfather, Liz missed out on loving parents and relied on Meredith for protection and kindness. Shadowing an old school friend turned detective, Liz unravels a complicated maze of deceit. This is not a book for the faint hearted nor will you guess the twisty turns! If you love a page turner, a flawed heroine, or the stories of the prodigal daughter returning to prove they are worthy, then Where Secrets Live is for you!
#Crookedlanebooks
January 30, 2022
Where Secrets Live by S. C. Richards, published by Crooked Lane Books, is a murder mystery and I was intrigued by the blurb and so why not give it a try. And I'm happy to report, this book is so worth it.
Lizzie is a woman with some issues - be aware the book deals with sensitive subjects. And when she finds her sister a string of things are set in action that will change the outlook of her whole life.
This is a complex, intense read and I enjoyed the story very much till the last 10 percent. Then is changed to a confusing too much of everything. But until this point the story was just great, 4 stars.
Lizzie is a woman with some issues - be aware the book deals with sensitive subjects. And when she finds her sister a string of things are set in action that will change the outlook of her whole life.
This is a complex, intense read and I enjoyed the story very much till the last 10 percent. Then is changed to a confusing too much of everything. But until this point the story was just great, 4 stars.
February 6, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Two sisters, one is murdered, one is a drunken ne'er-do-well who can’t quit interfering in the police case, which is under the improbable control of a detective that had a personal relationship with the deceased. Stepparents had raised the sisters after their parents died in different accidents, weird people living in the deceased’s guest house, stepbrother who behaves oddly and spends his trust funds faster than he can afford, nobody seems to love anyone. No one is likable. A weird ending where the drama keeps changing and people keep alternating roles, and everyone is hurting (physically) everyone else. It’s just a big old mess. I feel this needs some editing. Too many storylines after a promising start. #wheresecretslive #septemberrelease #murder #missingperson #missingbaby #greed #moneyissues #meh
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@crookedlanebooks @netgalley Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC, but my thoughts and review are my own and without bias. #book #bookstagram #thrillerfiction #read #trustfunds
Two sisters, one is murdered, one is a drunken ne'er-do-well who can’t quit interfering in the police case, which is under the improbable control of a detective that had a personal relationship with the deceased. Stepparents had raised the sisters after their parents died in different accidents, weird people living in the deceased’s guest house, stepbrother who behaves oddly and spends his trust funds faster than he can afford, nobody seems to love anyone. No one is likable. A weird ending where the drama keeps changing and people keep alternating roles, and everyone is hurting (physically) everyone else. It’s just a big old mess. I feel this needs some editing. Too many storylines after a promising start. #wheresecretslive #septemberrelease #murder #missingperson #missingbaby #greed #moneyissues #meh
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@crookedlanebooks @netgalley Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC, but my thoughts and review are my own and without bias. #book #bookstagram #thrillerfiction #read #trustfunds
March 1, 2022
'Where Secrets Live' is an apt title for this novel. I have never read anything written by S.C. Richards before, so this was a great introduction to this author for me. Filled with intense moments and fast-paced action, the plot follows the antics of Liz, our main protagonist, and only narrator. The book entails her search for the truth behind the death of her sister, Meredith, who she describes as the backbone of her family. Arriving at Meredith's home with her cousin, Fred, Liz makes the grizzly discovery that her sister was murdered; and seemingly by someone she knows, as there is no evidence of a struggle or forced entry. This leads her along a path of hidden secrets and convoluted pasts, as she uncovers that everyone has something to hide, and no one is who they appear to be on the surface. In the end, she has to learn to reconcile what she has learned about her family, including her sister and deal with the repercussions of unearthed lies.
If you like action, and a novel that will constantly have you on your feet, this is the read for you. I enjoyed that it was fast-paced and I never felt like there were any dull moments. The storyline constantly kept me guessing and waiting for what would come next. I enjoyed Liz's character portrayal; book heroines in these tropes tend to be written in a "damsel" light, which can be quite annoying.
Alternately, there were times when Liz did go off half-cocked, getting herself into unnecessary trouble. If you know there's a crazy psycho murderer running around, why would you constantly be going out on your own?!? If there is one major issue I had with this, it was that I found the plot to be a bit scattered. I understand that the author was trying to make the book interesting (which she did succeed in doing), however it became a bit difficult to keep track of all the alternating stories.
Of course, who wants much reality when reading something like this, am-I-rite! 'Where Secrets Live' will definitely keep you reading, and while your head may spin sometimes, it is a fun way to pass a few hours. Trigger warnings include: rape (of a child), pedophilia, abandonment, death of a loved one, so if any of these significantly bother you, please look out. Due to some of the more sensitive areas tackled here, I would not recommend persons under 18 read this one. Otherwise, I would recommend this for lovers of 'whodunit' mysteries that are chock full of crazy moments. Happy reading!
*A great many thanks to Netgalley, S.C. Richards, and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
If you like action, and a novel that will constantly have you on your feet, this is the read for you. I enjoyed that it was fast-paced and I never felt like there were any dull moments. The storyline constantly kept me guessing and waiting for what would come next. I enjoyed Liz's character portrayal; book heroines in these tropes tend to be written in a "damsel" light, which can be quite annoying.
Alternately, there were times when Liz did go off half-cocked, getting herself into unnecessary trouble. If you know there's a crazy psycho murderer running around, why would you constantly be going out on your own?!? If there is one major issue I had with this, it was that I found the plot to be a bit scattered. I understand that the author was trying to make the book interesting (which she did succeed in doing), however it became a bit difficult to keep track of all the alternating stories.
Of course, who wants much reality when reading something like this, am-I-rite! 'Where Secrets Live' will definitely keep you reading, and while your head may spin sometimes, it is a fun way to pass a few hours. Trigger warnings include: rape (of a child), pedophilia, abandonment, death of a loved one, so if any of these significantly bother you, please look out. Due to some of the more sensitive areas tackled here, I would not recommend persons under 18 read this one. Otherwise, I would recommend this for lovers of 'whodunit' mysteries that are chock full of crazy moments. Happy reading!
*A great many thanks to Netgalley, S.C. Richards, and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
February 10, 2022
Thank you netgalley, publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
I was home from work sick today and I decided what better way to rest than to read a new book. This book did not disappoint . When Elizabeth's sister Meredith is murdered Elizabeth can't seem to shake the feeling she could have intervened when she'd seen the change in her sister. Meredith and Elizabeth were left in the care of their stepmother Ruth when their father died . Elizabeth armed with guilt she takes on finding out who killed her . All the digging brings up a lot of family secrets that that her stepmother Ruth and stepfather David had buried and it isn't pretty . Elizabeth soon learns that both her and Meredith were abandoned by the people who were supposed to care for them the most. It was a great read perfect for a day off at home .
I was home from work sick today and I decided what better way to rest than to read a new book. This book did not disappoint . When Elizabeth's sister Meredith is murdered Elizabeth can't seem to shake the feeling she could have intervened when she'd seen the change in her sister. Meredith and Elizabeth were left in the care of their stepmother Ruth when their father died . Elizabeth armed with guilt she takes on finding out who killed her . All the digging brings up a lot of family secrets that that her stepmother Ruth and stepfather David had buried and it isn't pretty . Elizabeth soon learns that both her and Meredith were abandoned by the people who were supposed to care for them the most. It was a great read perfect for a day off at home .
October 24, 2022
I truely didnt see this ending coming. I was gripped from the start and felt the story kicked off right from the begining. Lots of twists and turns lies and deception. Great book thats hard to not read in one sitting.
October 5, 2022
Where Secrets Live, is going to be a book that is long discussed between thriller lovers.
S.C. Richards, jam packed this book with secrets, deceit and family drama . With each secret exposed I was left aghast a little more each time. If you think the author "wont go there", you are dead wrong. Where Secrets Live, is one of the top 5 psychological thriller books I have read this year. When you read as many thrillers as I do, you become a little more critical each time. Where Secrets Live, does not leave any room for criticism.
The flow was consistent and fast paced. "One More Chapter" does not exist, when you are flying through a book, riddled with anxiety to find out what exactly is going on. My attention was captivated early on and never lost. I should have known better than to start reading before bed. Yes, once again I was kept up all night. There was no way I was putting this book down without finishing it!
As I read, I felt like a detective putting all the pieces together in my head. I was curious to see if I would be able to figure out what was going on.
I failed...
The dynamic and love felt between both Liz and Meredith (sisters) was instantly portrayed. These two girls had been through it all together, including the devastating loss of their parents when they were young. They were left with no one but each other. If you think it can't get worse, it can...
Meredith has been murdered. Always in the spotlight for being the "good sister", Liz is beyond confused. As Liz begins to dig into their family history she starts to uncover secrets that she was not prepared to face.
How far will someone go to keep their secrets buried?
Where Secrets Live, is one of the best books I have read this year. The amount of detail and research that went into this novel shows. This book was not rushed or repetitive . I was fully engaged in the storyline, loved the dimensional characters and the twist packed such a gut punch I am surprised I am still breathing.
S.C. Richards, jam packed this book with secrets, deceit and family drama . With each secret exposed I was left aghast a little more each time. If you think the author "wont go there", you are dead wrong. Where Secrets Live, is one of the top 5 psychological thriller books I have read this year. When you read as many thrillers as I do, you become a little more critical each time. Where Secrets Live, does not leave any room for criticism.
The flow was consistent and fast paced. "One More Chapter" does not exist, when you are flying through a book, riddled with anxiety to find out what exactly is going on. My attention was captivated early on and never lost. I should have known better than to start reading before bed. Yes, once again I was kept up all night. There was no way I was putting this book down without finishing it!
As I read, I felt like a detective putting all the pieces together in my head. I was curious to see if I would be able to figure out what was going on.
I failed...
The dynamic and love felt between both Liz and Meredith (sisters) was instantly portrayed. These two girls had been through it all together, including the devastating loss of their parents when they were young. They were left with no one but each other. If you think it can't get worse, it can...
Meredith has been murdered. Always in the spotlight for being the "good sister", Liz is beyond confused. As Liz begins to dig into their family history she starts to uncover secrets that she was not prepared to face.
How far will someone go to keep their secrets buried?
Where Secrets Live, is one of the best books I have read this year. The amount of detail and research that went into this novel shows. This book was not rushed or repetitive . I was fully engaged in the storyline, loved the dimensional characters and the twist packed such a gut punch I am surprised I am still breathing.
February 18, 2022
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for sharing an ARC of this book with me through NetGalley!
TRIGGER WARNING: alcoholism, mention of rape and children abuse, murder, SA, violence
“Our biggest strengths can become our weaknesses if we’re not careful”
A breath-taking, emotionally driven thriller where two sisters are ready to do everything in her power to protect each other!!
I loved every second of reading this book and I already can’t wait for it to be out in September so that more people can experience it.
It was a great thriller that at the beginning gave me so many “the Hunting of Hill House” vibes but it turned out to be so much more than that!!
I’d recommend to check trigger warnings before reading it but it’s definitely worth it.
The investigation leading to finding out the truth, the lies hidden to protect, the people our main character could rely on, and the ones that were ready to manipulate and betray her at her turn…
Even family is not exactly what it seems to be!
“I needed to know what brought her so much sadness”
It was great !!!
The sparkle of a relationship and the security another one could give, were anchor in a moment of doubts, pain and suffering too overwhelming to express.
But the truth is … you’d do anything you could for a sister, no matter the implication on yourself or your own life.
And that’s what this story is about !!!
Check this book out because you won’t regret it!!
“There’s got to be something in there that she didn’t want anyone to find”
TRIGGER WARNING: alcoholism, mention of rape and children abuse, murder, SA, violence
“Our biggest strengths can become our weaknesses if we’re not careful”
A breath-taking, emotionally driven thriller where two sisters are ready to do everything in her power to protect each other!!
I loved every second of reading this book and I already can’t wait for it to be out in September so that more people can experience it.
It was a great thriller that at the beginning gave me so many “the Hunting of Hill House” vibes but it turned out to be so much more than that!!
I’d recommend to check trigger warnings before reading it but it’s definitely worth it.
The investigation leading to finding out the truth, the lies hidden to protect, the people our main character could rely on, and the ones that were ready to manipulate and betray her at her turn…
Even family is not exactly what it seems to be!
“I needed to know what brought her so much sadness”
It was great !!!
The sparkle of a relationship and the security another one could give, were anchor in a moment of doubts, pain and suffering too overwhelming to express.
But the truth is … you’d do anything you could for a sister, no matter the implication on yourself or your own life.
And that’s what this story is about !!!
Check this book out because you won’t regret it!!
“There’s got to be something in there that she didn’t want anyone to find”
September 20, 2022
Liz and Meredith McCallister are very close. They were raised by stepparents after the death of their parents. After Meredith is killed and Liz starts to dig into her sisters past.
She finds out her sister gave up a child for adoption. Liz wants to meet the troubled niece. As she looks into her sister past she finds many secrets involving her family. Does her niece know why Meredith was murdered? Was she involved in the murder? Fast paced and captivating.
Thank you @netgalley, @crookedlanebooks and author @scrichards for this advanced copy. Out now!
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She finds out her sister gave up a child for adoption. Liz wants to meet the troubled niece. As she looks into her sister past she finds many secrets involving her family. Does her niece know why Meredith was murdered? Was she involved in the murder? Fast paced and captivating.
Thank you @netgalley, @crookedlanebooks and author @scrichards for this advanced copy. Out now!
!
February 6, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Two sisters, one is murdered, one is a drunken ne'er-do-well who can’t quit interfering in the police case, which is under the improbable control of a detective that had a personal relationship with the deceased. Stepparents had raised the sisters after their parents died in different accidents, weird people living in the deceased’s guest house, stepbrother who behaves oddly and spends his trust funds faster than he can afford, nobody seems to love anyone. No one is likable. A weird ending where the drama keeps changing and people keep alternating roles, and everyone is hurting (physically) everyone else. It’s just a big old mess. I feel this needs some editing. Too many storylines after a promising start. #wheresecretslive #septemberrelease #murder #missingperson #missingbaby #greed #moneyissues #meh
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@crookedlanebooks @netgalley Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC, but my thoughts and review are my own and without bias. #book #bookstagram #thrillerfiction #read #trustfunds
Two sisters, one is murdered, one is a drunken ne'er-do-well who can’t quit interfering in the police case, which is under the improbable control of a detective that had a personal relationship with the deceased. Stepparents had raised the sisters after their parents died in different accidents, weird people living in the deceased’s guest house, stepbrother who behaves oddly and spends his trust funds faster than he can afford, nobody seems to love anyone. No one is likable. A weird ending where the drama keeps changing and people keep alternating roles, and everyone is hurting (physically) everyone else. It’s just a big old mess. I feel this needs some editing. Too many storylines after a promising start. #wheresecretslive #septemberrelease #murder #missingperson #missingbaby #greed #moneyissues #meh
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@crookedlanebooks @netgalley Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC, but my thoughts and review are my own and without bias. #book #bookstagram #thrillerfiction #read #trustfunds
March 6, 2022
As soon as I read the synopsis for this I knew this may be a book and I would enjoy and I was right. Another new author for me and I will look out for further books in the future.
Liz is looking for answers in regard to to the death of her sister Meredith. After the death of their father both girls were raised by Ruth their stepmother and her new husband David. I have to say this was one character in the book I disliked and also along with her husband David. The couple did provide for the them in every way but I felt there was not a lot of love shown to the girls and I just did not warm to them at all
The book moves at a fast pace and there is plenty of action and twists to keep the reader engrossed. Family secrets will be laid bare and these will all come together to provide the answers that Liz is looking for to resolve Meredith's death and give Liz an understanding of where things went so terribly wrong. A quick read that I really enjoyed and would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for proving me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Liz is looking for answers in regard to to the death of her sister Meredith. After the death of their father both girls were raised by Ruth their stepmother and her new husband David. I have to say this was one character in the book I disliked and also along with her husband David. The couple did provide for the them in every way but I felt there was not a lot of love shown to the girls and I just did not warm to them at all
The book moves at a fast pace and there is plenty of action and twists to keep the reader engrossed. Family secrets will be laid bare and these will all come together to provide the answers that Liz is looking for to resolve Meredith's death and give Liz an understanding of where things went so terribly wrong. A quick read that I really enjoyed and would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for proving me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2022
Meredith and Liz are really close and have always been part of each other's lives. Meredith has always been responsible and organized and a social worker helping people whereas Liz is the one who is usually off-kilter and out drinking. So when the sweet and caring Meredith, who has no enemies is murdered, in her house, after leaving a very weird voicemail to Liz, she is determined to find out who did this to Meredith and why? What she doesn't anticipate is the amount of secrets that have been buried by close and known people around her including Meredith.
When I started this book, the first few chapters seemed a little disorganized. I really liked how they dived into the murder from the very first chapter, but the flow of the book was a little abrupt. But then, Liz starts investigating and that's when the book gets interesting.
And the best part...? She starts investigating almost immediately and secrets start coming out. I don't like when the murder drags on and then the main character obsesses over the last conversation between them and the victim for like a hundred pages and I am so so glad that it didn't happen here honestly. Once Liz figures out something was wrong in the voicemail and also the last time she and Meredith spoke, she dives right into the mystery.
Another super awesome thing was that literally everyone could be a suspect and have something to hide. Everyone was hiding something, and just when you would rule out someone as a suspect, one of their deadly secrets would come up and they would be back on the suspect list which made the book even more fun.
And omg the end!! I was completely shocked!! I mean I thought they caught someone but they actually didn't and then they caught someone else, and then a third person just wow. And oh god the past and present intertwining and the fact that there were so many different people who had done separate different things made you look at everyone with a suspicious eye.
As a murder mystery, this was great! It was a lot of fun with the murder the main plot along with mixing the past and present stories and dashes of romance (it was so cute). But, honestly only the last 30% of the book was thrilling. I know murder mysteries don't have to be thrillers but yeah.
When I started this book, the first few chapters seemed a little disorganized. I really liked how they dived into the murder from the very first chapter, but the flow of the book was a little abrupt. But then, Liz starts investigating and that's when the book gets interesting.
And the best part...? She starts investigating almost immediately and secrets start coming out. I don't like when the murder drags on and then the main character obsesses over the last conversation between them and the victim for like a hundred pages and I am so so glad that it didn't happen here honestly. Once Liz figures out something was wrong in the voicemail and also the last time she and Meredith spoke, she dives right into the mystery.
Another super awesome thing was that literally everyone could be a suspect and have something to hide. Everyone was hiding something, and just when you would rule out someone as a suspect, one of their deadly secrets would come up and they would be back on the suspect list which made the book even more fun.
And omg the end!! I was completely shocked!! I mean I thought they caught someone but they actually didn't and then they caught someone else, and then a third person just wow. And oh god the past and present intertwining and the fact that there were so many different people who had done separate different things made you look at everyone with a suspicious eye.
As a murder mystery, this was great! It was a lot of fun with the murder the main plot along with mixing the past and present stories and dashes of romance (it was so cute). But, honestly only the last 30% of the book was thrilling. I know murder mysteries don't have to be thrillers but yeah.
March 17, 2022
The author doesn't waste time and straight away the main character, along with her cousin finds out that her sister is murdered and that that too by someone she knew. And here the quest for the murderer starts and layer by layer all the family secrets start revealing.
The plot keeps us thinking "I'll just finish one more chapter before putting the book down", but it becomes more and more difficult to do that. The plot line becomes a little confusing because of unusual family dynamics, but the story is told from only one POV and that helps a lot to get a clear idea of everything.
There are some moments where you feel like rolling your eyes and yelling to the main character "there is a killer out there, don't do this alone", but we also can understand that she only really trusted and relied on her sister her whole life and she is gone, so she has do this on her own.
If you like fast paced, heart pounding whodunit plots and screwed up but strong main character, then don't skip this book.
Beware of some trigger warnings: Rape, grief, abandonment.
I thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for ARC copy in exchange of my honest review.
The plot keeps us thinking "I'll just finish one more chapter before putting the book down", but it becomes more and more difficult to do that. The plot line becomes a little confusing because of unusual family dynamics, but the story is told from only one POV and that helps a lot to get a clear idea of everything.
There are some moments where you feel like rolling your eyes and yelling to the main character "there is a killer out there, don't do this alone", but we also can understand that she only really trusted and relied on her sister her whole life and she is gone, so she has do this on her own.
If you like fast paced, heart pounding whodunit plots and screwed up but strong main character, then don't skip this book.
Beware of some trigger warnings: Rape, grief, abandonment.
I thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for ARC copy in exchange of my honest review.
January 31, 2023
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for providing an earc in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is a thrilling ride from the start. McCalisters had taken generations to build a reputation. It always seemed too complicated to explain how dysfunctional the family was.
Meredith and Elizabeth and their cousin, Fred had been the last of the leaves on the family tree. Meredith and Liz's father disappeared in a boating accident when they were small. His sailboat was found capsized but his body was never recovered. A year after that, their stepmother, Ruth remarried.
However, Liz starts feeling distanced, and after one unanswered call from Meredith then she's gone. She was shot in her house at close range. The autopsy clearly showed that she'd given birth at some time. Liz realize that she had to know what had happened and a secret that Meredith kept.
I love how half of the book creates a trivial yet somehow intriguing scene. But, it did not last. The tensions between the secrets Meredith left and the people Liz is trying to reach while chasing a goose are not really hooked but at the same time, it deals with the serious topic such as child abuse and mental health.
The novel is a thrilling ride from the start. McCalisters had taken generations to build a reputation. It always seemed too complicated to explain how dysfunctional the family was.
Meredith and Elizabeth and their cousin, Fred had been the last of the leaves on the family tree. Meredith and Liz's father disappeared in a boating accident when they were small. His sailboat was found capsized but his body was never recovered. A year after that, their stepmother, Ruth remarried.
However, Liz starts feeling distanced, and after one unanswered call from Meredith then she's gone. She was shot in her house at close range. The autopsy clearly showed that she'd given birth at some time. Liz realize that she had to know what had happened and a secret that Meredith kept.
I love how half of the book creates a trivial yet somehow intriguing scene. But, it did not last. The tensions between the secrets Meredith left and the people Liz is trying to reach while chasing a goose are not really hooked but at the same time, it deals with the serious topic such as child abuse and mental health.
February 5, 2022
I was given a copy of this book to read from NetGalley!
I really loved this book. I’m super into thrillers/murders/mysteries and this book hit all three for me. I do want to put in a trigger warning for SA though.
This book was a super quick read and the plots twist, oh my lord. I had my suspicions but the ending, I did not expect. I was definitely kept on my toes. There is a lot of information to keep up with but I actually enjoyed it because sometimes I feel like authors don’t give us enough to go on and I’m left wanting more. All in all I’m glad the book ended the way it did, mostly because the main character deserved the happish ending that she got and I’m even happier that she gave it to herself. I loved the characters, well most of them…. and how it all played out.
I definitely recommend this book to anymore who loves murder mystery type books and good plot twists.
I really loved this book. I’m super into thrillers/murders/mysteries and this book hit all three for me. I do want to put in a trigger warning for SA though.
This book was a super quick read and the plots twist, oh my lord. I had my suspicions but the ending, I did not expect. I was definitely kept on my toes. There is a lot of information to keep up with but I actually enjoyed it because sometimes I feel like authors don’t give us enough to go on and I’m left wanting more. All in all I’m glad the book ended the way it did, mostly because the main character deserved the happish ending that she got and I’m even happier that she gave it to herself. I loved the characters, well most of them…. and how it all played out.
I definitely recommend this book to anymore who loves murder mystery type books and good plot twists.
August 24, 2022
I received a digital ARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
This story has been called a mystery and thriller, but it is so much more than that. Liz’s sister Meredith is found murdered after leaving cryptic voicemails for her sister and cousin. While law enforcement is concerned with WHO committed the murder, Liz’s main concern is WHY. As she does her own search, she discovers family secrets that change everything. The story is not so much about the murder itself, but about the secrets and their lasting impact.
Readers should be aware that there are sensitive subjects in this book. Sexual assault and rape do play a role in the story, but have already happened in the past, and are not graphically detailed. Also, physical violence and shootings occur, but again, are not described in overly graphic detail.
This story has been called a mystery and thriller, but it is so much more than that. Liz’s sister Meredith is found murdered after leaving cryptic voicemails for her sister and cousin. While law enforcement is concerned with WHO committed the murder, Liz’s main concern is WHY. As she does her own search, she discovers family secrets that change everything. The story is not so much about the murder itself, but about the secrets and their lasting impact.
Readers should be aware that there are sensitive subjects in this book. Sexual assault and rape do play a role in the story, but have already happened in the past, and are not graphically detailed. Also, physical violence and shootings occur, but again, are not described in overly graphic detail.
August 9, 2022
This book is the perfect combination of thriller, crime, family drama, and the twisted people that become intertwined in our lives. I easily flew through every page just to find out what happened next. When Liz discovered the truth, there were no words and I let out a gasp! I was hooked right from the beginning. Such a well written book with plot twists, suspense, relationships, and just how far we will go to uncover the truth for the ones that we love...
January 30, 2022
i was really indecisive in rating this it was inbetween a 2 and a 3; think it’s a 2.5 stars from me. It was good with twists and really well written characters but some of the plot felt super forced and the writing style wasn’t entirely my cup of tea. just an average thriller - nothing i would read again but enjoyable whilst reading.
March 12, 2022
The Mc Callister family have so many secrets! They come from old money so life is all about appearances and how far you will go to keep it. Thank you Net Galley for this arc.
July 24, 2022
I was craving a good murder-mystery book, and this was it: I couldn’t put it down. This is an intense and fast-paced book, which is exactly what I needed. The storyline constantly kept me guessing and waiting for what would come next, so for me that’s an easy 4 stars.
April 21, 2022
This was a solid, well-paced thriller with a believable premise and a nice range of suspects for the murder. I enjoyed the story but had some issues with it too.
I know a good thriller is enhanced by main characters that make poor decisions. I just felt like there were sooooo many of them in this book. Liz attempting to solve her sister's murder while also building a relationship with the cop assigned to the same murder (who is also the murdered sister's ex!) was a bit much for me to swallow, personally.
It seemed implausible that a) the cop, Tom was assigned the case of his old girlfriend's murder in the first place, and b) he immediately confessed to having feelings for the living sister Liz a hot minute after her sister's death and c) Liz was continually ignoring T0m's (very reasonable) requests to stop putting herself in mortal danger by playing amateur detective. All of this seemed bonkers to me.
Also I found it super creepy (and not at ALL romantic) that Tom had such poor boundaries and kept just walking into Liz's house all the time, as well as telling her stuff about the case (the ending notwithstanding, this guy seemed to SUCK at his job) saying things like, "And I shouldn't be telling you this, but I'm too tired to care right now. We don't have any real leads" and then revealing case details. WHAT?
Basically this main relationship really bugged me and that affected my enjoyment of the book overall. Thankfully there were some other interesting characters (LOVED the private investigator!) that helped to balance out things out. Overall, there was a lot to enjoy here. Just not a slam dunk for me personally.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I know a good thriller is enhanced by main characters that make poor decisions. I just felt like there were sooooo many of them in this book. Liz attempting to solve her sister's murder while also building a relationship with the cop assigned to the same murder (who is also the murdered sister's ex!) was a bit much for me to swallow, personally.
It seemed implausible that a) the cop, Tom was assigned the case of his old girlfriend's murder in the first place, and b) he immediately confessed to having feelings for the living sister Liz a hot minute after her sister's death and c) Liz was continually ignoring T0m's (very reasonable) requests to stop putting herself in mortal danger by playing amateur detective. All of this seemed bonkers to me.
Also I found it super creepy (and not at ALL romantic) that Tom had such poor boundaries and kept just walking into Liz's house all the time, as well as telling her stuff about the case (the ending notwithstanding, this guy seemed to SUCK at his job) saying things like, "And I shouldn't be telling you this, but I'm too tired to care right now. We don't have any real leads" and then revealing case details. WHAT?
Basically this main relationship really bugged me and that affected my enjoyment of the book overall. Thankfully there were some other interesting characters (LOVED the private investigator!) that helped to balance out things out. Overall, there was a lot to enjoy here. Just not a slam dunk for me personally.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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