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Jenessa Jones Mystery #2
The Stone House Secret
Since feisty newspaper reporter Jenessa Jones' return to her hometown of Hidden Valley, California, her budding romance with the handsome Detective Michael Baxter has begun to heat up--but there are certain people in town that are not pleased and will do all they can to keep that from happening. When a scandalous murder is uncovered on the nearby college campus, Jenessa is assigned the front-page story at the local newspaper, the Hidden Valley Herald. Surprisingly, her aunt is named as a prime suspect, compelling Jenessa to find the real killer in order to keep her favorite relative from going to prison. As she doggedly follows the growing trail of clues, Jenessa's investigation takes a dangerous turn and puts her life in peril. With time running out, can Detective Baxter capture the murderer and save the woman he loves?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2014
785 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Debra Burroughs
26 books226 followersDebra Burroughs writes with intensity and power. Her characters are rich and the stories are full of compelling suspense and real romance. She can be found, most days, sitting in front of her computer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, dreaming up and writing about strong women, their relationships with men (good and bad), involved in exciting, mysterious, and romantic situations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 23, 2015
I want to read more.
I read The Lake House Secret and it was so good that I had to read The Stone House Secret. I'm not usually into books with romance, but Debra Burroughs presents the romance so balanced without mushy sex scenes, that I quite enjoy it. The relationships are also quite real for society today.
I really love the characters and grew close to them.
The Stone House Secret is a book that kept me hooked from the beginning. Debra balances the story so well that it keeps you reading until the end, not wanting to put it down with suspense, twists, turns, and surprises.
I think that Jennessa aught to work for the police department.
I love the fact that I can read a good book without cussing, gruesome scenes, and sex. It's a clean yet very good book and very enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes mystery, romance, and suspense.
I read The Lake House Secret and it was so good that I had to read The Stone House Secret. I'm not usually into books with romance, but Debra Burroughs presents the romance so balanced without mushy sex scenes, that I quite enjoy it. The relationships are also quite real for society today.
I really love the characters and grew close to them.
The Stone House Secret is a book that kept me hooked from the beginning. Debra balances the story so well that it keeps you reading until the end, not wanting to put it down with suspense, twists, turns, and surprises.
I think that Jennessa aught to work for the police department.
I love the fact that I can read a good book without cussing, gruesome scenes, and sex. It's a clean yet very good book and very enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes mystery, romance, and suspense.
September 18, 2015
Lots of unexpected outcomes
"The Stone House Secret", like all Burroughs stories, keep you guessing (wrong) and always a step behind Janessa, an investigative reporter and , Michael with partner George, detectives with the local police department. Michael and Janessa are struggling especially since his ex-wife Josie shows up wanting to reconcile and Logan, Janessa's first love, refuses to give up on winning her back. Michael and Janessa are tempted. Should Michael give Josie a second chance when his son Jake delights in having his mom back. The "sleuthing team" is also busily working on the murder of a local university professor. Lots of suspense and misleading clues have the team going hither thither. I was a little disappointed with the flightiness of our H and h...their preoccupations and doubts took up too much of the book and left me wondering if they belonged together...the lack of trust, jealousy and emotions swinging from old love to new and back again was pretty immature for 29 year olds. For this reason, I didn't enjoy this book as much as many of her others. This book was just average...surprising for Burroughs, but I suppose it happens occasionally even for the most consistent of writers. I didn't notice any real issues with language or graphic sex scenes which is also a plus! This is the second in the series and the first was great so I plan to check out number three!
"The Stone House Secret", like all Burroughs stories, keep you guessing (wrong) and always a step behind Janessa, an investigative reporter and , Michael with partner George, detectives with the local police department. Michael and Janessa are struggling especially since his ex-wife Josie shows up wanting to reconcile and Logan, Janessa's first love, refuses to give up on winning her back. Michael and Janessa are tempted. Should Michael give Josie a second chance when his son Jake delights in having his mom back. The "sleuthing team" is also busily working on the murder of a local university professor. Lots of suspense and misleading clues have the team going hither thither. I was a little disappointed with the flightiness of our H and h...their preoccupations and doubts took up too much of the book and left me wondering if they belonged together...the lack of trust, jealousy and emotions swinging from old love to new and back again was pretty immature for 29 year olds. For this reason, I didn't enjoy this book as much as many of her others. This book was just average...surprising for Burroughs, but I suppose it happens occasionally even for the most consistent of writers. I didn't notice any real issues with language or graphic sex scenes which is also a plus! This is the second in the series and the first was great so I plan to check out number three!
February 8, 2016
Great story
The characters were great. I was pulling for everyone to be happy and find what they needed to be sure of each other. So many lives all tangled up. Great interaction.
The mystery was so well detailed I was all over the place with suspects.
A really well written book. I stayed up all night reading it.
The characters were great. I was pulling for everyone to be happy and find what they needed to be sure of each other. So many lives all tangled up. Great interaction.
The mystery was so well detailed I was all over the place with suspects.
A really well written book. I stayed up all night reading it.
January 14, 2015
As simple as I can say it, I love the writing and the story. Jenessa is a handful! I love how she interviews people for the newspaper. When Jenessa stumbles on another suspicious death, everyone, even Aunt Renee is suspect. It was a thrilling ride with three big reveals. I still want more though.
February 14, 2018
This is the 2nd book in the Jenessa Jones series and it's as good as the 1st one.
Jenessa's relationship with Detective Michael Baxter is going well and she's getting on well with his small Son, Jake. Her job at the local newspaper is also going great, all in all she's enjoying being back in Hidden Valley.
One of Aunt Renees friends, Professor Stone is shot at abd Jenessa reports on it for the paper, a week or so later the Professior is found dead at her desk, and the prime suspect appears to be Aunt Renee.
Jenessa is none too pleased to find the police searching her Aunt's house, and things go from bad to worse when she finds that Michael's ex wife has shown up and is living at his house.
Jenessa cannot keep away from a story and she works with the police to get her story and solve the murder, so she can clear her Aunt's name.
The characters are well written and the story flows really well, a good mystery with lots of twists and turns. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Jenessa's relationship with Detective Michael Baxter is going well and she's getting on well with his small Son, Jake. Her job at the local newspaper is also going great, all in all she's enjoying being back in Hidden Valley.
One of Aunt Renees friends, Professor Stone is shot at abd Jenessa reports on it for the paper, a week or so later the Professior is found dead at her desk, and the prime suspect appears to be Aunt Renee.
Jenessa is none too pleased to find the police searching her Aunt's house, and things go from bad to worse when she finds that Michael's ex wife has shown up and is living at his house.
Jenessa cannot keep away from a story and she works with the police to get her story and solve the murder, so she can clear her Aunt's name.
The characters are well written and the story flows really well, a good mystery with lots of twists and turns. I'm looking forward to the next book.
July 12, 2017
Although I read The Boat House Secret first, I didn't feel that this story was ruined for me. So much was explained about the background for Michael and his ex-wife which was referred to a later book. There were twists and turns to the mystery of who killed Dr. Daphne Stone a close friend of Jenessa's Aunt Renee.
The closeness of Jenessa and her family along with her circle of friends is heartwarming as they are always there to help each other out.
This is another great mystery by Debra Burroughs that I highly recommend.
The closeness of Jenessa and her family along with her circle of friends is heartwarming as they are always there to help each other out.
This is another great mystery by Debra Burroughs that I highly recommend.
April 30, 2020
This is a marked improvement over book one in this series.
Things were still a bit of a mess at the end—I’m pretty sure the last chapter was the longest, trying to sort it all out for us.
The protagonist was a bit more likable, the cops less corrupt, the science more plausible, than book one.
But poor Logan. We still don’t know what to do with you.
The writing was engaging, and definitely pulled you along from chapter to chapter. That earned a fourth star; I was thinking three might be enough.
Things were still a bit of a mess at the end—I’m pretty sure the last chapter was the longest, trying to sort it all out for us.
The protagonist was a bit more likable, the cops less corrupt, the science more plausible, than book one.
But poor Logan. We still don’t know what to do with you.
The writing was engaging, and definitely pulled you along from chapter to chapter. That earned a fourth star; I was thinking three might be enough.
May 5, 2018
Ex trouble
Janessa is deep in another mystery. Dr. Stone is shot at one day then found dead the next. Michael's ex wife returns and tried to Get her family back together because she is broke and hasn't had a part in Hollywood for awhile. Vanessa gets kidnapped and plenty of twists and Vanessa and Michael have confusion as to if Michael is getting back with his x even though he loves Janessa. Can't wait to read book 3
Janessa is deep in another mystery. Dr. Stone is shot at one day then found dead the next. Michael's ex wife returns and tried to Get her family back together because she is broke and hasn't had a part in Hollywood for awhile. Vanessa gets kidnapped and plenty of twists and Vanessa and Michael have confusion as to if Michael is getting back with his x even though he loves Janessa. Can't wait to read book 3
May 8, 2019
Suspicious Murder
Jennessee Jones is still writing for the town paper in this second book in the series. There is a murder that the police and her are trying to solve when she is kidnapped. Detective Michael Baxter has a crush on Jennessee but when his ex-wife shows up everything's goes bad for the two in their relationship.
How they solved the murder was something I never would have figured out. Another good whodunit. Ready to start the third book.
Jennessee Jones is still writing for the town paper in this second book in the series. There is a murder that the police and her are trying to solve when she is kidnapped. Detective Michael Baxter has a crush on Jennessee but when his ex-wife shows up everything's goes bad for the two in their relationship.
How they solved the murder was something I never would have figured out. Another good whodunit. Ready to start the third book.
September 17, 2019
Good!
I liked the sequel to, the lake house secret! I'm so happy Michael choose jennessa!!! It was obviously the right choice saying she ran out to Hollywood without even a goodbye to her 6 year old. Really 5 yr old. She is a horrible mother. Jennessa will be a great mother for him! I really want jennessa to find her son she was made to give up!!
I liked the sequel to, the lake house secret! I'm so happy Michael choose jennessa!!! It was obviously the right choice saying she ran out to Hollywood without even a goodbye to her 6 year old. Really 5 yr old. She is a horrible mother. Jennessa will be a great mother for him! I really want jennessa to find her son she was made to give up!!
April 13, 2018
Fun little mystery
I really enjoy Debra Burroughs books, and this one was no exception. I was hooked in the first few pages. Well written, and an interesting twist at the end. I'll be looking for more books by this author.
I really enjoy Debra Burroughs books, and this one was no exception. I was hooked in the first few pages. Well written, and an interesting twist at the end. I'll be looking for more books by this author.
April 13, 2019
Great book!
This book is a very well written book that captivates pretty much as soon as you start reading. The main character is quite likeable with a few quirks thrown in for good measure. Now I am off to find the next in the series...
This book is a very well written book that captivates pretty much as soon as you start reading. The main character is quite likeable with a few quirks thrown in for good measure. Now I am off to find the next in the series...
April 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It has a great plot with lots of surprises. The characters were great and I loved the romance going on in between the murder. It was hard to figure out who the killers were too. I will enjoy this series I am sure. The author will keep you in suspense.
July 27, 2019
Wonderful Read
I just love the characters and plot of this book. The ending definitely took me by surprise. Gonna grab book 3, and dive right in. Can't wait to read what happened if Jen and Michael.
I just love the characters and plot of this book. The ending definitely took me by surprise. Gonna grab book 3, and dive right in. Can't wait to read what happened if Jen and Michael.
February 23, 2020
Mystery and romance
Book two is as exciting as the first book. Love the perseverance of the main character. Enjoyable storyline that continues from the first book and leads into the next.
Book two is as exciting as the first book. Love the perseverance of the main character. Enjoyable storyline that continues from the first book and leads into the next.
June 29, 2020
Love this series
Love this romantic mystery series. Debra Burroughs knows how to bring her characters to life. Another fast paced mystery that keeps you on your feet wondering who did it.
Love this romantic mystery series. Debra Burroughs knows how to bring her characters to life. Another fast paced mystery that keeps you on your feet wondering who did it.
July 29, 2020
The Stone House Secret - Great Read
The Stone House Secret is a great read. Loved the fast pace. I loved the twists and turns in the story. I'm moving on to the next book in the series.
The Stone House Secret is a great read. Loved the fast pace. I loved the twists and turns in the story. I'm moving on to the next book in the series.
September 2, 2020
Great book
Another great book in this wonderful series! The characters and their storyline are amazing. I read this book in one sitting!! I couldn't wait to find out who did what!
Another great book in this wonderful series! The characters and their storyline are amazing. I read this book in one sitting!! I couldn't wait to find out who did what!
September 17, 2020
Fast-paced
An excellent read. Couldn’t put it down so stayed up until 0100 to finish it. The introduction of Jake’s ex-wife’s arrival in town with a murder mixed in grabs your attention and you want to keep reading to a surprising end.
An excellent read. Couldn’t put it down so stayed up until 0100 to finish it. The introduction of Jake’s ex-wife’s arrival in town with a murder mixed in grabs your attention and you want to keep reading to a surprising end.
November 27, 2021
Pass
It's probably a good story line but it is completely overshadowed by the ex-boyfriend and ex-wife and the constant miscommunication and misunderstanding between the two main characters. Too trite, overdone and lacking in imagination.
It's probably a good story line but it is completely overshadowed by the ex-boyfriend and ex-wife and the constant miscommunication and misunderstanding between the two main characters. Too trite, overdone and lacking in imagination.
July 7, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I did think the writing was a little vague in some areas, but the dialogue was real and the characters were well developed. It is part of a series and I did purchase the next book.
November 10, 2024
who knew a small town could be deadly
When a college professor is found dead Michael and George work the case. They won’t let Janessa in so she works her own case. Little did she know reporting in a small town could be so dangerous.
When a college professor is found dead Michael and George work the case. They won’t let Janessa in so she works her own case. Little did she know reporting in a small town could be so dangerous.
June 24, 2017
Fun and entertaining
This was a good book to read. The characters were predictable but not boring and the story was well written. Sometimes you just need a fun book to read.
This was a good book to read. The characters were predictable but not boring and the story was well written. Sometimes you just need a fun book to read.
February 9, 2018
All of Debra's books are really good reads.
April 21, 2018
I enjoyed Book 2 of this series. The story is easy to read and keeps you guessing about the ending with a nice bit of love and all it's pitfalls along the way.
April 28, 2018
Good book. 2nd in a series. This story every bit as good as 1st. Can't wait to start the 3rd.
May 9, 2018
This was an outstanding mystery book that once you start you can't put it down. Once you've read the book your ready for the next one.
August 9, 2018
A good book with really messed up characters. But I like them. The mystery was top notch and the ending was surprising.
August 14, 2018
I've read all and hope there's more
February 5, 2019
Another awesome novel
Really enjoyed this book and ready for the next book in the series. Kept me interested and on the edge of my chair.
Really enjoyed this book and ready for the next book in the series. Kept me interested and on the edge of my chair.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews