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Nan Vining Mysteries #5
Killing Secrets
For fans of Patricia Cornwell, Tana French, and Lisa Gardner comes a razor-sharp novel of suspense featuring Detective Nan Vining—a single mother whose worlds collide when her teenage daughter stumbles upon a grisly double homicide.
When she gets the call, Nan Vining responds as a mother first and a detective second. Her daughter, Emily, has made a gruesome discovery in a secluded section of a Pasadena a pretty, popular young teacher from Emily’s high school and a bright yet troubled transfer student—both dead and bloody in a copse of trees. But the crime scene isn’t the only thing that seems off to Detective Vining. There’s also the cocky classmate who was with Emily in the park—the boyfriend she never knew about. What else doesn’t she know about her daughter?
As she attempts to channel both her maternal and investigative instincts into one single point of focus, Vining’s superiors at the Pasadena Police Department are moving at lightning speed. Before the evidence has even been processed, the case is closed as a clear-cut murder/ a disturbed teenager murders his teacher, then takes his own life. Vining doesn’t buy it. Now she’s chasing dangerous, powerful people with secrets they would kill for—and taking them down means risking her own flesh and blood.
Advance praise for Killing Secrets
“Killing Secrets is diabolically good, a top-notch murder mystery. Nan Vining is a heroine you’ll love.”—Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Compulsion
Praise for the novels of Dianne Emley
“The Night Visitor grabbed my attention on page one and never let up. It’s a creepy, crafty thrill ride, and I enjoyed every word. I’ll be looking for more of Dianne Emley’s books.”—Karen Robards
“Emley masterfully twists, turns, and shocks.”—Tess Gerritsen, on Love Kills
When she gets the call, Nan Vining responds as a mother first and a detective second. Her daughter, Emily, has made a gruesome discovery in a secluded section of a Pasadena a pretty, popular young teacher from Emily’s high school and a bright yet troubled transfer student—both dead and bloody in a copse of trees. But the crime scene isn’t the only thing that seems off to Detective Vining. There’s also the cocky classmate who was with Emily in the park—the boyfriend she never knew about. What else doesn’t she know about her daughter?
As she attempts to channel both her maternal and investigative instincts into one single point of focus, Vining’s superiors at the Pasadena Police Department are moving at lightning speed. Before the evidence has even been processed, the case is closed as a clear-cut murder/ a disturbed teenager murders his teacher, then takes his own life. Vining doesn’t buy it. Now she’s chasing dangerous, powerful people with secrets they would kill for—and taking them down means risking her own flesh and blood.
Advance praise for Killing Secrets
“Killing Secrets is diabolically good, a top-notch murder mystery. Nan Vining is a heroine you’ll love.”—Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Compulsion
Praise for the novels of Dianne Emley
“The Night Visitor grabbed my attention on page one and never let up. It’s a creepy, crafty thrill ride, and I enjoyed every word. I’ll be looking for more of Dianne Emley’s books.”—Karen Robards
“Emley masterfully twists, turns, and shocks.”—Tess Gerritsen, on Love Kills
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
34 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Emley
22 books82 followersLos Angeles Times bestselling author Dianne Emley is a Los Angeles native, growing up in the multicultural Northeast side. She earned a B.A. and an MBA, both from UCLA and soldiered through a variety of day jobs, landing in business middle management. Early morning before she headed to the office, she wrote fiction. Her first book, Cold Call, a mystery about Iris Thorne, a sexy, single L.A. investment counselor in the "greed is good" late 1980s, was sold at auction to Pocket Books/Simon and Schuster and published in 1993. It was followed by four more in that series.
Dianne then took her writing in a new direction and began her series about Nan Vining—a haunted and driven homicide detective and single mom. The first in the series, The First Cut (2006), was a Los Angeles Times bestseller and hit #1 on Amazon. Currently, there are six books in the Nan Vining series.
The Night Visitor, a standalone paranormal mystery, was published in 2014.
Critics around the world have praised Dianne's books, which have been published in 20 countries and translated into six languages: "A gripping page-turner..." (Library Journal); "Expertly plotted... redolent with suspense and action..." (Florida Sun-Sentinel); "A superior piece of storytelling..." (Los Angeles Times); "Relentless suspense..." (Booklist).
Dianne lives in California where she writes full time and is a pretty good cook and a terrible golfer.
Dianne then took her writing in a new direction and began her series about Nan Vining—a haunted and driven homicide detective and single mom. The first in the series, The First Cut (2006), was a Los Angeles Times bestseller and hit #1 on Amazon. Currently, there are six books in the Nan Vining series.
The Night Visitor, a standalone paranormal mystery, was published in 2014.
Critics around the world have praised Dianne's books, which have been published in 20 countries and translated into six languages: "A gripping page-turner..." (Library Journal); "Expertly plotted... redolent with suspense and action..." (Florida Sun-Sentinel); "A superior piece of storytelling..." (Los Angeles Times); "Relentless suspense..." (Booklist).
Dianne lives in California where she writes full time and is a pretty good cook and a terrible golfer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 13, 2015
Being a huge fan of Dianne Emley, I've waited so patiently for this book ... 5 years after the last Nan Vining book. I was so excited when I got my hands on this book and immediately wondered if it was going to be as good as what I was expecting. You know ... people change over time. I am delighted to say that I loved the book!
Nan's daughter is now 16 and, along with a boyfriend of sorts, stumbles across the bodies of one of her teachers and another student. When Nan reaches the crime scene, she is told that it is a murder-suicide and she needn't bother her pretty little head about investigating. The case is closed almost immediately which raises those little hairs on the back of her neck.
Is it really a murder-suicide? The teacher had taken out a restraining order on her husband ...who happens to be a police officer. The student's father was murdered several years earlier and his mother believes her son was doing well after a previous attempted suicide attempt. Letters are found from the student to the teacher, leaving people to wonder if there was an inappropriate relationship.
This is classic Dianne Emley. The book is very well written, the plot is tight. Lots of possibilities with a huge explosive ending that I didn't see coming. It's an easy 5 stars for me.
A big Thank You to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Alibi for supplying a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nan's daughter is now 16 and, along with a boyfriend of sorts, stumbles across the bodies of one of her teachers and another student. When Nan reaches the crime scene, she is told that it is a murder-suicide and she needn't bother her pretty little head about investigating. The case is closed almost immediately which raises those little hairs on the back of her neck.
Is it really a murder-suicide? The teacher had taken out a restraining order on her husband ...who happens to be a police officer. The student's father was murdered several years earlier and his mother believes her son was doing well after a previous attempted suicide attempt. Letters are found from the student to the teacher, leaving people to wonder if there was an inappropriate relationship.
This is classic Dianne Emley. The book is very well written, the plot is tight. Lots of possibilities with a huge explosive ending that I didn't see coming. It's an easy 5 stars for me.
A big Thank You to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Alibi for supplying a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2015
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Alibi via NetGalley for an opportunity to read and review this book!
Unlike a lot of thrillers, Killing Secrets had a very personal aspect to it, and although this may not be some people's cup of tea, I really liked it. It made the protagonist, Nan, seem much more human and vulnerable, than books where there is very little personal detail included.
I enjoyed reading this book very much; it was a very active book, in that something was always happening and there was very little time spent reading dialogue. Yes, there were some sections that were heavy on dialogue, but in my opinion, those were necessary. (For example, the second to last chapter was fairly heavy on dialogue but that was because the loose ends were being tied up.)
I do wish that I had read some of the previous Nan Vining mysteries, since there were a few slight references to other cases that she solved (or helped solve). However, there was not reliance on the reader having read all (or any) of the previous novels in the series; Killing Secrets stood on its own fairly well.
Definitely would recommend to anyone who is interested in mysteries/thrillers with personal twists. The only problem with it was that -- for me, at least -- it was difficult keeping all of the names straight, since there were a lot of different last names used when discussing the Pasadena PD as well as victims -- but sometimes the first names would be used. I'd be scrambling, trying to remember who "Jack" was, and would end up having to flip back a few pages to remind myself. But aside from that, it was a very enjoyable read!
Will most likely check out other books in this series. Yay for a new thriller author to keep my eye on!
Unlike a lot of thrillers, Killing Secrets had a very personal aspect to it, and although this may not be some people's cup of tea, I really liked it. It made the protagonist, Nan, seem much more human and vulnerable, than books where there is very little personal detail included.
I enjoyed reading this book very much; it was a very active book, in that something was always happening and there was very little time spent reading dialogue. Yes, there were some sections that were heavy on dialogue, but in my opinion, those were necessary. (For example, the second to last chapter was fairly heavy on dialogue but that was because the loose ends were being tied up.)
I do wish that I had read some of the previous Nan Vining mysteries, since there were a few slight references to other cases that she solved (or helped solve). However, there was not reliance on the reader having read all (or any) of the previous novels in the series; Killing Secrets stood on its own fairly well.
Definitely would recommend to anyone who is interested in mysteries/thrillers with personal twists. The only problem with it was that -- for me, at least -- it was difficult keeping all of the names straight, since there were a lot of different last names used when discussing the Pasadena PD as well as victims -- but sometimes the first names would be used. I'd be scrambling, trying to remember who "Jack" was, and would end up having to flip back a few pages to remind myself. But aside from that, it was a very enjoyable read!
Will most likely check out other books in this series. Yay for a new thriller author to keep my eye on!
June 1, 2015
Nan Vining is supposed to be on vacation but when her daughter finds two dead bodies at a local park, she's back on the job. It turns out to be one of Emily's teachers and a fellow classmate. The woman was helping him with his writing but it appears there might have been more to their relationship than what met the eye. She's been stabbed repeatedly and his wrists have been cut. Murder/suicide, right? Nan isn't so sure. From the time she arrives on the scene things are mishandled. A prime suspect, the victim's husband gives his statement in the back of an SUV rather than down at the station. The autopsy is rushed, performed by a doctor with a questionable background. Two inexperienced people are assigned to the investigation rather than Nan herself and the case is quickly closed, the teacher's body cremated immediately. Nan isn't sure what is going on but knows something isn't right. When she talks to the student's mother, she learns the boy's father also committed suicide. A strange coincidence? The mother believes both her husband and son were murdered, leading Nan to begin her own investigation. A top-notch thriller with plenty of danger and suspense. Couldn't put it down once I started.
June 14, 2015
When I first found this little gem on Netgalley, I didn't realize that it was part of an already established series. It is in fact, book #5 of the series. Thankfully, this novel is a stand alone - meaning even though there are references to prior cases, you did not have to be familiar with them in order to understand and enjoy this one. In fact, if anything it made me want to go back and read the others in this series.
I didn't feel like there was an overabundance of unnecessary details (which I have found in some of the other crime novels I've read as of late) which made it easy to lose yourself in the story while the action kept you glued from the first pages to the last in an effort to find out what happened next.
Extremely well written with an ending that I don't think anyone thought possible, this was a thrill a minute story with engaging characters and plot twists galore, I do believe this novel will appeal to a wide range of people who enjoy a good crime, mystery or thriller novel!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I didn't feel like there was an overabundance of unnecessary details (which I have found in some of the other crime novels I've read as of late) which made it easy to lose yourself in the story while the action kept you glued from the first pages to the last in an effort to find out what happened next.
Extremely well written with an ending that I don't think anyone thought possible, this was a thrill a minute story with engaging characters and plot twists galore, I do believe this novel will appeal to a wide range of people who enjoy a good crime, mystery or thriller novel!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 22, 2015
This was my second by this author and I'm hooked! She puts the "Oh no, look out" into suspense. I just knew who the murderer was, I know I knew. Wrong. The author put so much emphasis and just kept returning back to this character. I should have known better. Ha!! It's always the least one you suspect.
I found this book very riveting. I just could not put it down. There were so many things going on and I was like how the heck do all these pieces fit? Well, they fit and they fit very well. Kudos to Dianne Emley, you now have a favorite #1 fan.
Thanks Random House/ Alibi and Net Galley for allowing me the free entertainment in exchange for an honest review. I definitely recommend this one!
I found this book very riveting. I just could not put it down. There were so many things going on and I was like how the heck do all these pieces fit? Well, they fit and they fit very well. Kudos to Dianne Emley, you now have a favorite #1 fan.
Thanks Random House/ Alibi and Net Galley for allowing me the free entertainment in exchange for an honest review. I definitely recommend this one!
July 4, 2015
It was only recently that I had read the fourth book in the Nan Vining series, and I thought it was first-rate, the best one yet. Now I have to say that Nan Vining #5 is truly amazing, even better than the previous book. It's beautifully, tightly plotted with plenty of twists, packed with well-drawn, engaging characters, and so fast-paced and filled with action that I could hardly put it down! Nan is an intelligent, likable, determined heroine, and it was great to see her teenage daughter Emily in the spotlight. Of course, I also loved that the story was set in my hometown area of Pasadena, CA. This is an excellent read for fans of well-written, riveting mysteries and thrillers.
Many thanks to Net Galley, which generously sent me a free copy of this delightful, entertaining mystery.
Many thanks to Net Galley, which generously sent me a free copy of this delightful, entertaining mystery.
June 7, 2015
Again I grabbed a book from NetGalley that wasn't the first book in the series. Not having read the previous books didn't cause any problems. This could definitely be read as a standalone. I love a tough female lead and Nan Vining certainly fit that. A single mother trying to raise her daughter while working as a detective with the Pasadena Police Department. And when that job could threaten her daughter, she'll do what she needs to keep her safe. Diane Emely has created a great character and world that I want to read more about. This was a great mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Now it's time to start the series from the beginning!
June 8, 2015
Nan is back and better then ever. I received an advance copy and read it in less then 24 hours, ( didn't get anything else done but what hey)I just didn't want to put it down. I got mad and wanted to kick a few butts. Wondered how Nan didn't tell a few people to kiss off but she is a wise woman and knows how to win her battles.
Fans of Dianne Emley Nan Vining will not be disappointed and first time readers will become fans
Fans of Dianne Emley Nan Vining will not be disappointed and first time readers will become fans
June 23, 2015
Although few admit it, most parents of teenagers think of murder frequently. For Detective Nan Vining and her teenage daughter, the urge to kill isn’t about the rolled eyes or the contemptuous tone of voice. Someone tangled up in the double murder of a pretty, popular high school teacher and the shy student she took under her wing wants to get Vining off the case in Dianne Emley’s KILLING SECRETS. That’s because Vining rejects the tidy murder-suicide explanation that the Pasadena PD seems to have accepted. With her own slightly rebellious spirit, Vining sets out to solve the case, angering her superiors and—to her horror—placing her daughter in harm's way. Emley has written another deft and absorbing mystery. Her Nan Vining is smart, fierce, and understands when she needs to be afraid. And you have to love a woman who knows how to take a man down with a shower curtain. Once again, as has been true of all the Emley mysteries I’ve read, I was sure I had figured out who had committed the gruesome crime. And once again, Emley’s serves up a startling and entirely satisfying ending.
July 15, 2015
*I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I originally requested Dianne Emley's " Killing Secrets" from the NetGalley selections because it was recommended for fans of Tana French and Lisa Gardner. Since I really enjoy the work of both these authors, I decided to give it a try. Before I began reading "Killing Secrets", I realized it was the fifth book in the Nan Vining series and was afraid that I would be lost, having never read the other four stories, but decided to give it a try anyway. I am so glad that I did!
Dianne Emley took me on a non-stop ride through murder, corruption, etc. and never left me up for air. Her storyline is as well developed as her characters and there was enough background information given that I could follow this book without having read the other four.
If you love police thrillers with lots of twists and turns, and have never read any if Dianne Emley's works, I suggest that you change that now by reading "Killing Secrets". Moving forward, I definitely will be reading all of her books!
I originally requested Dianne Emley's " Killing Secrets" from the NetGalley selections because it was recommended for fans of Tana French and Lisa Gardner. Since I really enjoy the work of both these authors, I decided to give it a try. Before I began reading "Killing Secrets", I realized it was the fifth book in the Nan Vining series and was afraid that I would be lost, having never read the other four stories, but decided to give it a try anyway. I am so glad that I did!
Dianne Emley took me on a non-stop ride through murder, corruption, etc. and never left me up for air. Her storyline is as well developed as her characters and there was enough background information given that I could follow this book without having read the other four.
If you love police thrillers with lots of twists and turns, and have never read any if Dianne Emley's works, I suggest that you change that now by reading "Killing Secrets". Moving forward, I definitely will be reading all of her books!
July 14, 2015
Ms Emley can write good thrillers/mystery books. I don't think I've ever read another book from her and it was a discovery. I was a bit surprised that her heroine, Nan, is only a corporal, though she must have been at least ten years on the force.
Anyway, Nan's daughter finds a couple dead somewhere in the suburbs of Pasadena, where she went with her boyfriend. Of course, the police is called and Nan knows of the case. The dead bodies were Erika Keller, a teacher at thee local high school and a student of hers, who seemed infatuated with her. According o the evidence, it looks like a murder-suicide, the boy would have killed the woman, and then slash his wrists to bleed to death. The investigation is closed very fast, too fast...
In the following days, Emily, Nan's daughter, is distraught by what she saw, and her boyfriend behaves weirdly. Enough for Nan to look for answers.
I liked the characters, the quirky side of Nan, the mystery which was intriguing. I did have the feeling though that a lot of coincidences were needed o find the solution.
Anyway, Nan's daughter finds a couple dead somewhere in the suburbs of Pasadena, where she went with her boyfriend. Of course, the police is called and Nan knows of the case. The dead bodies were Erika Keller, a teacher at thee local high school and a student of hers, who seemed infatuated with her. According o the evidence, it looks like a murder-suicide, the boy would have killed the woman, and then slash his wrists to bleed to death. The investigation is closed very fast, too fast...
In the following days, Emily, Nan's daughter, is distraught by what she saw, and her boyfriend behaves weirdly. Enough for Nan to look for answers.
I liked the characters, the quirky side of Nan, the mystery which was intriguing. I did have the feeling though that a lot of coincidences were needed o find the solution.
June 13, 2015
Nan Vining is smart and determined, and I like that in a main character. Her relationship with her daughter, Emily, feels pretty realistic--at times heartwarming, at times makes-me-want-to-scream frustrating. The murder scene is riveting, as are the questions it raises about this teacher's involvement with her student. So...I wanted this to be a 5-star book.
But for me, it wasn't quite there. Nan's various colleagues on the force blended together for me. Maybe because this is the first Nan Vining book I've read? Anyway, at times it felt like there was a revolving door of other police involved, and it was hard for me to keep them all straight. And the pacing felt a little off in places. It wasn't a can't-put-it-down book for me, but it was a good, suspenseful read. I don't think I'm mesmerized enough to go back and read the previous ones, but I will definitely give book #6 a read when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
But for me, it wasn't quite there. Nan's various colleagues on the force blended together for me. Maybe because this is the first Nan Vining book I've read? Anyway, at times it felt like there was a revolving door of other police involved, and it was hard for me to keep them all straight. And the pacing felt a little off in places. It wasn't a can't-put-it-down book for me, but it was a good, suspenseful read. I don't think I'm mesmerized enough to go back and read the previous ones, but I will definitely give book #6 a read when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
June 15, 2015
When Detective Nan Vining's daughter and her until now unknown boyfriend discover the body of one of their teachers and one of their classmates it appears to be a murder-suicide. But as details come to light Detective Vining thinks there is something not right about the way this crime has been handled. After talking to the mother of the student who appears to have committed suicide she begins to doubt that it is as simple as the department would like the public to think. Is there a coverup? Has this been swept under the rug because higher ups are involved in a crime and the Department does not want the embarrassment. As she dig deeper and deeper into the details she and her daughter become targets as is evident when her daughter's boyfriend has been murdered with her stolen back up weapon. Now she is on the run to try and solve the case before she is arrested.
July 21, 2015
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review...
Well let me just say, if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It's been forever since we have heard from Nan Vining and hot diggity....the author outdid herself.
I could not put this book down, I was sucked in from the first page. I read it in a matter of hours AND now I'm pissed because I have to wait for more. I so hope there is more.
I love Nan's character and her relationship with her daughter. I also love her off the rails approach to protecting what she believes in.
Dianne Emley knocked this book out of the park. If you like strong female characters that stand for justice and are kick ass. You MUST read this series!!!! Boom!!!
Well let me just say, if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It's been forever since we have heard from Nan Vining and hot diggity....the author outdid herself.
I could not put this book down, I was sucked in from the first page. I read it in a matter of hours AND now I'm pissed because I have to wait for more. I so hope there is more.
I love Nan's character and her relationship with her daughter. I also love her off the rails approach to protecting what she believes in.
Dianne Emley knocked this book out of the park. If you like strong female characters that stand for justice and are kick ass. You MUST read this series!!!! Boom!!!
July 19, 2015
Received free from Netgalley.
Killing Secrets is the 5th in the series but the first I have read and I really enjoyed it. It is one you won't want to put down. Well developed, easy to relate to characters (female cop with a teenage daughter, trying her best to do it all) with a plot that just keeps going page after page. I plan to add the rest of the series to my reading list. A good one to have on your summer reading list.
Killing Secrets is the 5th in the series but the first I have read and I really enjoyed it. It is one you won't want to put down. Well developed, easy to relate to characters (female cop with a teenage daughter, trying her best to do it all) with a plot that just keeps going page after page. I plan to add the rest of the series to my reading list. A good one to have on your summer reading list.
June 14, 2015
Nan Vining is a mother to teenage daughter first, and a detective second. Then her worlds collide as her daughter along with new boyfriend Mom didn't know about discover bodies in a park. Go along for a ride as Nan follows the clues to find the murderer and protects her daughter along the way. Very good mystery suspense read!
July 13, 2015
I've always enjoyed the Nan Vining series, and this book was well worth the wait. Nan's daughter is now a teenager and Emley does a great job of showing both the conflict and the love between them. And the plot is just terrific. Riveting from page one, complex and very much character driven. A great read.
July 6, 2015
I'm now a fan of Dianne's. (So much so, I went back and purchased the first four books of this series for the Library's collection.) I can't wait to read about Nan from the very beginning.
Melissa B.
Librarian
Mahon Branch
Melissa B.
Librarian
Mahon Branch
August 1, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ki...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jerjen
Nan Vining is a detective for the Pasadena Police Department, who is supposed to be taking some time off from work. She gets a phone call informing her that her daughter, Emily, and her boyfriend, Ashton, have found two dead bodies at a secluded teen hangout, called Stoner Glen. Nan is not sure what to be most concerned about: the fact that her daughter found the bodies, that her daughter was at Stoner Glen or that her daughter has a boyfriend that she knew nothing about. She knows that all those issues will have to be dealt with eventually.
When Nan arrives at the scene, she discovers what appears to be a murder/suicide. One of Emily’s teachers and a male classmate are both dead. Nan knows that things are not always as they seem and that these deaths need to be further investigated before the case can be closed. But her superiors do not share the same views and the case is quickly closed. After talking to the mother of the dead student and doing some of her own investigating, Nan is not convinced that it was ruled correctly. She will continue to work the case on her own until she is satisfied that it was closed correctly. While doing this, she also has to deal with her teenager daughter, who at times becomes defiant, her daughter’s boyfriend, who appears to be a manipulative and spoiled and her superiors who insist the case is solved. When more dead bodies are found and her daughter’s life is threatened, Nan realizes that this investigation has just turned more deadly.
Killing Secrets is a well crafted mystery suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night. The mystery is introduced in the very beginning of the book and pulled me along throughout the entire book. With so many twists and turns and clues dropped along the way, like a breadcrumb trail, I could not read this book fast enough. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in using the written word to create suspense and apprehension and I love that.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I think the relationship between Nan and her daughter is very realistic and takes place in many households on a daily basis. Emily seems very real to me, and the fact that one minute she tries to be rebellious and the next she is giving her mom a hug, made me think “yes, that’s how teenagers are”. I feel like this is very good character development and I appreciate that in books that I read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted mystery suspense read. Although this is the fifth book in the series, I did not feel like I needed to read the others to know what was happening in this book. I have read other books by Diane Emly and have enjoyed them all. I plan to read all of her books because I think she is a very talented author.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jerjen
Nan Vining is a detective for the Pasadena Police Department, who is supposed to be taking some time off from work. She gets a phone call informing her that her daughter, Emily, and her boyfriend, Ashton, have found two dead bodies at a secluded teen hangout, called Stoner Glen. Nan is not sure what to be most concerned about: the fact that her daughter found the bodies, that her daughter was at Stoner Glen or that her daughter has a boyfriend that she knew nothing about. She knows that all those issues will have to be dealt with eventually.
When Nan arrives at the scene, she discovers what appears to be a murder/suicide. One of Emily’s teachers and a male classmate are both dead. Nan knows that things are not always as they seem and that these deaths need to be further investigated before the case can be closed. But her superiors do not share the same views and the case is quickly closed. After talking to the mother of the dead student and doing some of her own investigating, Nan is not convinced that it was ruled correctly. She will continue to work the case on her own until she is satisfied that it was closed correctly. While doing this, she also has to deal with her teenager daughter, who at times becomes defiant, her daughter’s boyfriend, who appears to be a manipulative and spoiled and her superiors who insist the case is solved. When more dead bodies are found and her daughter’s life is threatened, Nan realizes that this investigation has just turned more deadly.
Killing Secrets is a well crafted mystery suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night. The mystery is introduced in the very beginning of the book and pulled me along throughout the entire book. With so many twists and turns and clues dropped along the way, like a breadcrumb trail, I could not read this book fast enough. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in using the written word to create suspense and apprehension and I love that.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. I think the relationship between Nan and her daughter is very realistic and takes place in many households on a daily basis. Emily seems very real to me, and the fact that one minute she tries to be rebellious and the next she is giving her mom a hug, made me think “yes, that’s how teenagers are”. I feel like this is very good character development and I appreciate that in books that I read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted mystery suspense read. Although this is the fifth book in the series, I did not feel like I needed to read the others to know what was happening in this book. I have read other books by Diane Emly and have enjoyed them all. I plan to read all of her books because I think she is a very talented author.
July 23, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I read the first 3 books in this series ages ago and enjoyed them immensely. I was surprised to find Killing Secrets on NetGalley. When you've not read a book by a particular author in a while but remember their name and most of the characters, you know you've found a good author to read.
What I liked: First, let me say that I somehow missed book 4, Love Kills but I didn't feel I missed anything by reading Killing Secrets first. (I will go back and read it though).
I like the main character, Nan Vining. She's a cop but not the top of the chain and she has no mysterious crime fighting ability. She's a single Mom, with a somewhat rebellious teenage daughter, Emily, and she's in a good stable relationship. You know, like an everyday person.
This is listed as a mystery and the plot follows the murder/suicide of a teacher and student. To me, personally, the blurb sound more exciting than the book. I don't mean that in a bad way but to me, the relationships between the characters was more meaningful and important; most especially the relationship between Nan and her daughter.
Ms Emley, didn't leave you a trail of bread crumbs either. I didn't figure out the bad guy until right before the end. It was not obvious and there were several red herrings with a lot of misdirection.
What I didn't like: I felt the first third of Killing Secrets moved somewhat slowly. The author was setting up multiple plot lines and characters. Once I was past the first third, the book moved much more quickly and held my attention until I lost track of time.
If you like a good mystery/thriller, this series is for you. It has strong, independent characters with interesting back stories. I hope the next in the series isn't 5 years down the road!!
Here is a complete listing of the Nan Vining Mystery Series.
Recommended!!!!
I read the first 3 books in this series ages ago and enjoyed them immensely. I was surprised to find Killing Secrets on NetGalley. When you've not read a book by a particular author in a while but remember their name and most of the characters, you know you've found a good author to read.
What I liked: First, let me say that I somehow missed book 4, Love Kills but I didn't feel I missed anything by reading Killing Secrets first. (I will go back and read it though).
I like the main character, Nan Vining. She's a cop but not the top of the chain and she has no mysterious crime fighting ability. She's a single Mom, with a somewhat rebellious teenage daughter, Emily, and she's in a good stable relationship. You know, like an everyday person.
This is listed as a mystery and the plot follows the murder/suicide of a teacher and student. To me, personally, the blurb sound more exciting than the book. I don't mean that in a bad way but to me, the relationships between the characters was more meaningful and important; most especially the relationship between Nan and her daughter.
Ms Emley, didn't leave you a trail of bread crumbs either. I didn't figure out the bad guy until right before the end. It was not obvious and there were several red herrings with a lot of misdirection.
What I didn't like: I felt the first third of Killing Secrets moved somewhat slowly. The author was setting up multiple plot lines and characters. Once I was past the first third, the book moved much more quickly and held my attention until I lost track of time.
If you like a good mystery/thriller, this series is for you. It has strong, independent characters with interesting back stories. I hope the next in the series isn't 5 years down the road!!
Here is a complete listing of the Nan Vining Mystery Series.
Recommended!!!!
July 29, 2015
Emily Vining and her boyfriend, Ashton McCarthy, are working on a school project at a Pasadena park — taking pictures of ‘moody shadows’. The last thing they expect to find is two bodies. One is Emily’s beloved teacher, Mrs. Keller. The other is Jared Hayword, considered a dork by many of the students. It seemed apparent that Jared had killed Erica Keller and then slit his own wrists. So, who needs an investigation since it seems so apparent? Someone wants to close the investigation fast. Never mind that Erica and her husband, Ryan Keller, were having issues. Never mind that she took out a restraining order on Ryan who had been threatening her. Never mind that Ryan also works for the Pasadena Police Department.
Nan Vining is involved because she is in the Pasadena Police force. But, she is connected in a more personal way in that Emily is her daughter. Nan is surprised at how quickly they just want to close this case. She joins forces with a rather unlikely consort in Luther Prevett with the news blog, Pasadena Per Se. Both Nan and Luther believe in Jared’s innocence. Eventually, Commander Andrew Tovar begins to have his own suspicions. He told Nan to continue to follow the evidence, but “keep it on the QT.”
This was a great story to get lost in. The characters felt real, having flaws we can relate with. It’s a book you won’t want to put down. I did, however, have an issue with Jared’s mother reaction to his death. She seemed too distant; her reaction too cold. This is the 5th Detective Nan Vining Mystery novel. It is the first I’ve read, though, and was easily read as a stand-alone. The plot was enjoyable. The writing was tight and didn’t stray into a lot of unnecessary details. Rating: 4 out of 5.
Nan Vining is involved because she is in the Pasadena Police force. But, she is connected in a more personal way in that Emily is her daughter. Nan is surprised at how quickly they just want to close this case. She joins forces with a rather unlikely consort in Luther Prevett with the news blog, Pasadena Per Se. Both Nan and Luther believe in Jared’s innocence. Eventually, Commander Andrew Tovar begins to have his own suspicions. He told Nan to continue to follow the evidence, but “keep it on the QT.”
This was a great story to get lost in. The characters felt real, having flaws we can relate with. It’s a book you won’t want to put down. I did, however, have an issue with Jared’s mother reaction to his death. She seemed too distant; her reaction too cold. This is the 5th Detective Nan Vining Mystery novel. It is the first I’ve read, though, and was easily read as a stand-alone. The plot was enjoyable. The writing was tight and didn’t stray into a lot of unnecessary details. Rating: 4 out of 5.
July 23, 2015
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I received this book to give an honest review.
WOW!! I truly enjoyed this detective book. The main character juggling not only being a mom but a detective as well she made it work and fit in her life. Nan seems to be a very strong character who has had a lot thrown at her, now I have never read the other books in this series but I really want to. I want to see the person that Nan has developed to be. This book can be read as a stand alone I feel even through through out the book there are references to her previous case.
Nan's daughter Emily and her boyfriend stumble across two bodies that they know. When Nan comes on the scene she starts noticing things are not going along like they should, something just seems a bit funny. From this point on Nan starts trying investigating the two victims which uncovers even more trouble, while doing her job she also is trying to understand what her daughter is doing as she has changed a lot. Nan doesn't like Emily's new boyfriend and we see them two get into a verbal assault a few times. When Nan's gun shows up on a crime scene she knows she needs to solve this case fast no matter what happens. Because she believes the killer will go either after her or her daughter, and if the case isn't solved she could lose her badge. The story is full of mystery and makes a great thriller. This is an author I plan on reading more of her work as she has a great writing style and a way of having you connect with the character on many levels. The story flows really well, there is no over use of details and what not it all blended in perfectly.
I received this book to give an honest review.
WOW!! I truly enjoyed this detective book. The main character juggling not only being a mom but a detective as well she made it work and fit in her life. Nan seems to be a very strong character who has had a lot thrown at her, now I have never read the other books in this series but I really want to. I want to see the person that Nan has developed to be. This book can be read as a stand alone I feel even through through out the book there are references to her previous case.
Nan's daughter Emily and her boyfriend stumble across two bodies that they know. When Nan comes on the scene she starts noticing things are not going along like they should, something just seems a bit funny. From this point on Nan starts trying investigating the two victims which uncovers even more trouble, while doing her job she also is trying to understand what her daughter is doing as she has changed a lot. Nan doesn't like Emily's new boyfriend and we see them two get into a verbal assault a few times. When Nan's gun shows up on a crime scene she knows she needs to solve this case fast no matter what happens. Because she believes the killer will go either after her or her daughter, and if the case isn't solved she could lose her badge. The story is full of mystery and makes a great thriller. This is an author I plan on reading more of her work as she has a great writing style and a way of having you connect with the character on many levels. The story flows really well, there is no over use of details and what not it all blended in perfectly.
February 4, 2016
The action rarely stops or even slows down to take a breath in Dianne Emley's Killing Secrets. When Detective Nan Vining's daughter and a friend discover two bodies, Nan's protective instincts kick in but also her sense of knowing when something is not quite right. She's not satisfied when there's a quick rush to judgment that a lovesick teen killed his teacher and then himself and her hackles rise, bringing to the fore the questioning mentality that has made her such a good detective in the past. Emily's involvement just makes everything more intense.
Ms. Emley is one of those authors who are good at both plot and character development and I found myself really engaged with all the players, no matter how small or large their roles, because they're so vividly drawn and each one has characteristics that make them memorable. As for the storyline, it would be easy to jump to conclusions about what happened in that park but, because criminals tend to do stupid things, it soon becomes apparent that Emily and Nan herself have plucked a few nerves.
Towards the resolution, the tension rises to a level that kept me reading much longer than I anticipated and, although I had my suspicions, I still had not figured it all out. To me, that's a really good piece of crime fiction and I'm interested now in reading about Nan's earlier cases so I'll be picking up the first book in the series, The First Cut as soon as possible. Killing Secrets is my idea of a hard-edged police drama, the kind I love best, and I want more.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, July 2015.
Ms. Emley is one of those authors who are good at both plot and character development and I found myself really engaged with all the players, no matter how small or large their roles, because they're so vividly drawn and each one has characteristics that make them memorable. As for the storyline, it would be easy to jump to conclusions about what happened in that park but, because criminals tend to do stupid things, it soon becomes apparent that Emily and Nan herself have plucked a few nerves.
Towards the resolution, the tension rises to a level that kept me reading much longer than I anticipated and, although I had my suspicions, I still had not figured it all out. To me, that's a really good piece of crime fiction and I'm interested now in reading about Nan's earlier cases so I'll be picking up the first book in the series, The First Cut as soon as possible. Killing Secrets is my idea of a hard-edged police drama, the kind I love best, and I want more.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, July 2015.
May 22, 2015
2.0 out of 5 stars -- Although the 5th in the Nan Vining series, this is the first -- and last -- one that I will read. I like my suspense thrillers believable with realistic scenarios and characters with depth. The plot was thin and the mystery was weak.
Nan Vining, Pasadena PD, is one of those cops who likes to work alone -- there's no trusty sidekick with witty repartee -- and she takes a lot of chances and gets into a lot of perilous situations. I didn't care for her character and even less her relationship with her teenaged daughter, Emily. When Emily and her loser boyfriend find the bloody bodies of their teacher and a fellow student in the arroyo, even though Nan is supposed to be having time off, Nan throws herself into the investigation. Is it homicide or suicide? What a complicated but predictable tale with multiple suspects and an unsurprising conclusion. I never really felt any suspense or that Nan or Emily were in any true danger and it seems to me that Nan makes some poor decisions as cop.
So, I'd not really recommend this although I would guess that others who have followed this series might find it more appealing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Alibi for the e-book ARC to review.
Nan Vining, Pasadena PD, is one of those cops who likes to work alone -- there's no trusty sidekick with witty repartee -- and she takes a lot of chances and gets into a lot of perilous situations. I didn't care for her character and even less her relationship with her teenaged daughter, Emily. When Emily and her loser boyfriend find the bloody bodies of their teacher and a fellow student in the arroyo, even though Nan is supposed to be having time off, Nan throws herself into the investigation. Is it homicide or suicide? What a complicated but predictable tale with multiple suspects and an unsurprising conclusion. I never really felt any suspense or that Nan or Emily were in any true danger and it seems to me that Nan makes some poor decisions as cop.
So, I'd not really recommend this although I would guess that others who have followed this series might find it more appealing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Alibi for the e-book ARC to review.
August 10, 2015
Killing Secrets is the 5th book in the Nan Vining series. It's the first one that I have read and I thought it did a pretty good job of standing on its own. After reading this one, I do want to go back and check out the early books to read about Nan's earlier adventures. In this one, Nan is called to the scene of a crime that her daughter was unfortunate enough to stumble upon. When the case is quickly closed with little investigation, Nan knows something is not right.
I enjoyed this one. I was intrigued and wanted to find out what really happened to Erica and Jared. There were a few twists and I was totally surprised in the end at what really happened. I also liked that it made sense and wasn't pulled out of thin air. Nan's characters was a fun one to read. She is raising her daughter on her own. Trying to be a homicide detective and raise a 16 YO daughter has to be tough. She was a strong and interesting character. As I said, she was interesting enough that I want to go back and read her earlier adventures.
I enjoyed this one. I was intrigued and wanted to find out what really happened to Erica and Jared. There were a few twists and I was totally surprised in the end at what really happened. I also liked that it made sense and wasn't pulled out of thin air. Nan's characters was a fun one to read. She is raising her daughter on her own. Trying to be a homicide detective and raise a 16 YO daughter has to be tough. She was a strong and interesting character. As I said, she was interesting enough that I want to go back and read her earlier adventures.
August 11, 2015
I loved it. Killing Secrets opens with a compelling mystery and unfolds as a convincing police procedural, but what sets it apart from similar titles in the genre is the way Emley masterfully interweaves the paranoia of a corrupt police investigation with the terrors of being a parent (particularly a teen parent). The action and suspense build in a steady crescendo as Nan Vining struggles to solve the case while trying to maintain her bond with her daughter and protect her, both physically and emotionally.
This was the first book I've read in the Nan Vining series, but I didn't feel disoriented or that I was missing back story from previous installments. A bonus for me, personally, was the familiar setting of Pasadena and nearby environs. The book takes us to places like La Crescenta, Altadena, and even Hahamonga Watershed Park, next door to where I work. Pasadena noir at its finest.
This was the first book I've read in the Nan Vining series, but I didn't feel disoriented or that I was missing back story from previous installments. A bonus for me, personally, was the familiar setting of Pasadena and nearby environs. The book takes us to places like La Crescenta, Altadena, and even Hahamonga Watershed Park, next door to where I work. Pasadena noir at its finest.
August 24, 2015
Killing Secrets was the first book I’ve read by Dianne Emley. It is #5 in the Nan Vining series, and although I didn’t feel lost reading it, I did feel like I was missing part of Nan’s life. (Since I really enjoyed this book, I will be going back to read more in this series.) In Killing Secrets, Nan is a detective with the Pasadena Police Department and a single mom to her daughter, Emily. When Emily and her boyfriend, Ashton, discover the murdered bodies of their teacher and classmate, the mystery unfolds. The PPD close the case almost immediately as a murder-suicide, but Nan isn’t so sure, so she begins to investigate on her own (with her boss’s approval of course).
This book has numerous twists, with a lot of drama, suspense, and action. I got hooked into the lives of Nan and her daughter, but unfortunately didn’t have the entire back story on their relationship and Nan’s romantic relationship. It was a fast-paced read that kept me captivated.
This book has numerous twists, with a lot of drama, suspense, and action. I got hooked into the lives of Nan and her daughter, but unfortunately didn’t have the entire back story on their relationship and Nan’s romantic relationship. It was a fast-paced read that kept me captivated.
August 31, 2015
Emily Vining was traipsing through the park at night with her boyfriend Ashton when they discover some grisly remains. Her mother, Detective Nan Vining, is called to the scene, but she discovers that her objectivity is called into question because her daughter is a witness. As the investigation intensifies, Nan is struck with the feeling that the case is more complicated that it originally appeared.
I was given the opportunity to read this book via Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley. At the time, I did not realize that Killing Secrets is part of a series. Although I am now curious to read the books that have come before, due to the backstories given in the pages of this book, the author has done an excellent job of conveying enough of the main character that I did not feel lost. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy police procedural mystery/thrillers and I look forward to reading more about Detective Nan Vining.
I was given the opportunity to read this book via Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley. At the time, I did not realize that Killing Secrets is part of a series. Although I am now curious to read the books that have come before, due to the backstories given in the pages of this book, the author has done an excellent job of conveying enough of the main character that I did not feel lost. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy police procedural mystery/thrillers and I look forward to reading more about Detective Nan Vining.
September 24, 2015
I received this booked from Netgalley to review.
Nan Vining is a homicide detective and a good one. She is a single mom with a teenage daughter and a great boyfriend. But sometimes her life is just too dangerous. Now she is investigating the murder of her daughter's teacher and a fellow student. But the teacher is also the wife of a cop and things are not what they seem. Now Nan must go under the radar and investigate this case without becoming a victim herself.
Great book. Now I want to read from the beginning of this series. Nan Vining is a great character. Dianne Emly does a great job writing.
Nan Vining is a homicide detective and a good one. She is a single mom with a teenage daughter and a great boyfriend. But sometimes her life is just too dangerous. Now she is investigating the murder of her daughter's teacher and a fellow student. But the teacher is also the wife of a cop and things are not what they seem. Now Nan must go under the radar and investigate this case without becoming a victim herself.
Great book. Now I want to read from the beginning of this series. Nan Vining is a great character. Dianne Emly does a great job writing.
August 11, 2015
Wow!If you like a fast paced mystery, Diane Emley is the author for you. Mother: Detective Nan Vining, who's daughter, Emily finds two bodies, a teacher from her school and a boy who has a crush on the teacher. Emily is also with a boy Mom has never met before. Good story with interactions between mother and daughter just add to the suspense. Everything looks like a murder - suicide, case closed before the evidence is even processed and Nan Vining knows something is very wrong. She goes off the grid to find the answers and protect her daughter. Looking forward to the next book by Ms Emley.
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