A Splash of Secrets: A Cozy Prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries

by Evaine Wells

Codes, Conspiracies, and Cold War Secrets – where the real mysteries hide between the lines.

When ambitious New York Herald journalist Mildred Lancaster is relegated to covering society events instead of hard-hitting news, she never expects an overheard conversation between two librarians to lead her into a web of international espionage. After discovering strange markings and damaged pages in rare art books at the New York Public Library, Mildred's reporter instincts tell her there's more to the story than simple vandalism.

Her investigation leads her to Silas Kendrick, a suspiciously inept "librarian" whose true motives remain unclear. Despite his attempts to block her at every turn, circumstances force them into an uneasy alliance. With her career at stake and danger mounting, Mildred reluctantly teams up with the enigmatic Silas, never quite sure if she can trust him. When her colleague Mason Rigby threatens to steal her story and a blackmailed librarian makes a desperate move, Mildred finds herself in a race against time where trusting the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

Set in 1950s New York against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, Secrets is the thrilling prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries series, revealing how Mildred Lancaster's final big-city case ultimately led her back to her small Florida hometown. Filled with period details, coded messages, and unexpected twists, this historical mystery captures the perfect blend of noir suspense and cozy charm.

Before Mermaid Springs, there was one final case in the city that changed everything. Don’t miss the prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Historical Fiction

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mildred Lancaster is a young reporter for the New York Herald in the 1950’s. Though she longs to be an investigative reporter, her editor assigns her society fluff pieces. One day, she overhears a conversation at the local diner about some damaged rare art books and strange markings, she begins to investigate. She reluctantly agrees to work with one of the “librarians”, Silas Kendrick to find the answer to the mysterious vandalism.

This novella is a prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries series. It explains how young Mildred ends up back in her hometown of Mermaid Springs to take over her father’s newspaper while he is recovering from a car accident. The character of Mildred is feisty and does not easily back down. It’s a very quick and light read. I’m excited to see what happens next in the series.

*I received a free ARC from the author and BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Stephanie (Bookfever) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Splash of Secrets by Evaine Wells is the prequel to the Mermaid Springs Mysteries where readers are introduced to journalist Mildred Lancaster. Set in 1950's New York City, it isn't easy for Mildred as a female journalist for her superior and colleagues to take her seriously. All she gets to do is covering society events and other fluff pieces. Until she overhears a conversation between librarians about books being damaged by strange markings and ripped out pages. Mildred has a feeling it goes deeper than just that and it leads her to uncovering an intricate web of international intelligence gathering and spies.

I loved reading about Mildred! She was feisty, passionate about her work as a journalist and determined to figure out the mystery surrounding the defaced library books. I loved her courage and tenacity.The book's setting during Cold War tensions and hostilities also really drew me in because I love all things historical and the 1950s are very fascinating to read about in general. I also really liked Silas Kendrick, the new librarian who seems weirdly incompetent at his job but that Mildred has to work together with, reluctantly to solve the mystery. I'm curious to see if he'll show up in the following books of the series. But I have a feeling he will.

If you like period pieces, cozy mysteries, encrypted secret messages and a heroine with perseverance and drive then you will definitely enjoy this prequel. A Splash of Secrets, at 75 pages, is a very quick read that will entertain, charm and delight its reader. I can't wait to see where Mildred's story is going next.

[Caroline Reichardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of suspense about Mildred Lancaster a reporter for a New York newspaper. She is forced to cover social affairs instead of the investigative reporting that she wants to do. Her story is taken from her twice by her editor and given to someone with connections to the board. She was involved in the investigation of one of them herself and still her editor gave it to this other reporter. She is invited to coffee by the man that led the investigation and complimented on her abilities. When she has to return home to be the editor of her father’s newspaper she will get her chance. I loved this story and could relate to it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Splash of Secrets by Evaine Wells is a quick read that will give you a glimpse of how life was back in the 1950s. I felt that it captured the 50's feeling about women and I enjoyed the reference to Horn & Hardard's automats! I could almost see and smell the restaurant. This is a cozy mystery without a dead body! There is still mystery and "whodunit" so it was a good book with a well developed plot and characters. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mildred is working for a newspaper in the city but is only being assigned fluff pieces even when she does the investigation work it is given to a relative of the editor. She works on a case in the library and makes some good moves but it still goes to the man. Her father is in a wreck and she goes home to work her father's paper. We will see how she manages from here!
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Sue Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Splash of Secrets is a fun and quick read that will give you a glimpse of how life was back in the 1950s. I felt that it captured the 50's feeling about women in the workplace and the barriers they had to over come. Mildred is a cleaver journalist who aspires to be an investigative reporter. She unravels a mystery but is not supported by the powers that be at her paper.

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

an exciting introduction...

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found A SPLASH OF SECRETS to be very entertaining. Mildred Lancaster and the mysterious Silas are interesting characters and the mystery was well plotted.
I bought the next book in the series.

[Anne Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I love Lila’s pluck. I can’t wait to read more of this new series.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know. It just didn't grab me.

It's a prequel and so maybe the rest of the series works better.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Splash of Secrets' is a highly entertaining introduction to the Mermaid Springs series. We're starting off with Mildred in New York, working at The Herald and getting none of the credit due to her. She stumbled upon a juicy scoop about the local library and followed it up, stumbling upon quite the conspiracy! Mildred is an intelligent, tenacious character who chases every lead and has an innate sense of justice. I'm highly looking forward to reading about her continued adventures in 'A Splash of Murder!"