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Returning Secrets
Deputy Jayne O’Shea has long believed the village of Whispering Pines to be the perfect, peaceful Northwoods retreat. This season, however, serenity is in short supply. With unruly tourists disrespecting the villagers’ Wiccan ways, and a flock of crows wreaking havoc by tearing up gardens and dropping pinecones on people’s heads, the sheriff’s department is stretched to its limits.
Fortunately, there is a bright spot in the midst of the chaos. Jayne’s sister, Rosalyn, is about to host her first big event at Pine Time Bed-and-Breakfast – a cozy lakeside wedding. The setting is magical, the details flawless. Then the families arrive.
With their constant squabbles and endless complaints, it’s obvious this celebration will be anything but joyous. And when a body is found floating in the lake, Jayne must dig in to unravel the truth behind what really happened.
As she does, something becomes clear: there is still darkness hiding beneath Whispering Pines’ idyllic surface.
Fortunately, there is a bright spot in the midst of the chaos. Jayne’s sister, Rosalyn, is about to host her first big event at Pine Time Bed-and-Breakfast – a cozy lakeside wedding. The setting is magical, the details flawless. Then the families arrive.
With their constant squabbles and endless complaints, it’s obvious this celebration will be anything but joyous. And when a body is found floating in the lake, Jayne must dig in to unravel the truth behind what really happened.
As she does, something becomes clear: there is still darkness hiding beneath Whispering Pines’ idyllic surface.
- GenresMurder Mystery
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2025
19 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Shawn McGuire
77 books819 followersMystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 24, 2025
Returning Secrets
By: Shawn McQuire
I received the ARC of Returning Secrets, I was so thrilled to receive it, I have missed Whispering Pines and now it is back.
The characters are the same as a couple of new ones; we still have Martin, Jayne, Tripp, and Meeka the Terrier. Plus, Roselyn, River, Morgan and the twins, Briar Barlow and Reeva and more. It is so good to catch up with what is going on.
There is a group coming to Pine time B&B, and Roselyn is setting it up with her new business. The family doesn’t get along so there are a lot of arguments between them. Plus, the family doesn’t know why they are in Whispering pines. It looks like there will be a wedding and no one is especially happy to be here.
On top of all these Whispering Pines seem to be off center, cows have shown up, and they are harassing the town and the tourists and all who have come for the Litha celebrations. The Maidens are out too, and that is never good; they like to cause trouble.
Let's top this off with an accident, maybe murder, Jayne and everyone are trying to figure out what happened. There is a lot going on, and the story line is a good one. You will have to read the story to see how it all turns out and if there are any other surprises to come.
By: Shawn McQuire
I received the ARC of Returning Secrets, I was so thrilled to receive it, I have missed Whispering Pines and now it is back.
The characters are the same as a couple of new ones; we still have Martin, Jayne, Tripp, and Meeka the Terrier. Plus, Roselyn, River, Morgan and the twins, Briar Barlow and Reeva and more. It is so good to catch up with what is going on.
There is a group coming to Pine time B&B, and Roselyn is setting it up with her new business. The family doesn’t get along so there are a lot of arguments between them. Plus, the family doesn’t know why they are in Whispering pines. It looks like there will be a wedding and no one is especially happy to be here.
On top of all these Whispering Pines seem to be off center, cows have shown up, and they are harassing the town and the tourists and all who have come for the Litha celebrations. The Maidens are out too, and that is never good; they like to cause trouble.
Let's top this off with an accident, maybe murder, Jayne and everyone are trying to figure out what happened. There is a lot going on, and the story line is a good one. You will have to read the story to see how it all turns out and if there are any other surprises to come.
October 31, 2025
Shawn McGuire takes us back to Whispering Pines for the eighteenth book in the series, and we are back with Deputy Jayne O’Shea as our main investigating character (although Reeva does contribute to the story too).
New readers will find a unique small community of outcasts, Wiccans, circus folk and fortune tellers, with Jayne providing an incomer’s, police-procedural view of the unsettling events that occur. And Whispering Pines does have more than its fair share of those!
Those who, like me, are regular Whispering Pines tourists will recognise the familiar village characters and find that there are plenty more secrets yet to uncover, as Rosalyn starts her new business with a surprisingly uncelebratory wedding celebration, Tripp and River become suddenly secretive, and a flock of mischievous crows cause chaos throughout the village. With all of these undercurrents swirling around her, Jayne begins to doubt herself and the decisions she has made for her community, all with the best of intentions.
In this series, the author has created a living community that readers can feel part of, with residents you feel like you know and locations you could swear you can visit. The mystery is cosy and intriguing, with some long-running secrets to uncover across the books as well as those contained within each separate plot.
You don’t have to read books 1-17 to enjoy this one, but I would recommend it anyway if you enjoy your cosy mysteries with a touch of Wiccan magic and a lot of village spirit!
New readers will find a unique small community of outcasts, Wiccans, circus folk and fortune tellers, with Jayne providing an incomer’s, police-procedural view of the unsettling events that occur. And Whispering Pines does have more than its fair share of those!
Those who, like me, are regular Whispering Pines tourists will recognise the familiar village characters and find that there are plenty more secrets yet to uncover, as Rosalyn starts her new business with a surprisingly uncelebratory wedding celebration, Tripp and River become suddenly secretive, and a flock of mischievous crows cause chaos throughout the village. With all of these undercurrents swirling around her, Jayne begins to doubt herself and the decisions she has made for her community, all with the best of intentions.
In this series, the author has created a living community that readers can feel part of, with residents you feel like you know and locations you could swear you can visit. The mystery is cosy and intriguing, with some long-running secrets to uncover across the books as well as those contained within each separate plot.
You don’t have to read books 1-17 to enjoy this one, but I would recommend it anyway if you enjoy your cosy mysteries with a touch of Wiccan magic and a lot of village spirit!
October 27, 2025
Returning Secrets, another mystery in Whispering Pines! I was so excited when Shawn announced that she was writing another Whispering Pines book. To read about Jayne, Tripp, and Rosalyn at Pine Time and the other villagers was exciting. I love how Shawn brings the characters alive for me, making me feel like I could go to Whispering Pines and be friends with the villagers. To be a sounding board for Jayne. To visit Briar, Morgan, River, and the twins. Go check out all the businesses and talk to those who work and run them. It would just be so fun to see how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. I often wish that this place were real.
Shawn's attention to detail, without drawing it out too much, makes it easy to read and easy to relate to the situations and people. This newest book definitely kept me intrigued and curious about all the unknowns happening at Pine Time and in the village. The village has a shroud of mystery, while Pine Time has its own drama going on. And the end! I really can't wait to see what happens next with our villagers. Until I can, I'll keep revisiting by reading the other books in the series, including the Hearth and Cauldron series. I highly recommend that you read this book (and all the previous books in this series).
Shawn's attention to detail, without drawing it out too much, makes it easy to read and easy to relate to the situations and people. This newest book definitely kept me intrigued and curious about all the unknowns happening at Pine Time and in the village. The village has a shroud of mystery, while Pine Time has its own drama going on. And the end! I really can't wait to see what happens next with our villagers. Until I can, I'll keep revisiting by reading the other books in the series, including the Hearth and Cauldron series. I highly recommend that you read this book (and all the previous books in this series).
November 4, 2025
A murder (not) of crows
All should be good now, Jayne O`Shea thinks. She’s devoted to her boyfriend Tripp, the Pine Time Bed & Breakfast is well booked, and the enemy who has been overshadowing the lovely Wicca village literally for decades is finally gone. But still…
...where are the countless crows coming from that suddenly terrorize the citizens and tourists? How to get rid of them? Why is the atmosphere in Whisperung Pines still gloomy? And will the first event Jayne’s sister Rosalyn is about to host really be the success she’s hoping for? Then the guests arrive, carrying some explosive conflicts in their luggage, and what should have been a joyful celebration ends with a lifeless man in the lake...
I admit I was more than happy to return to Shawn McGuire’s lovely village amd even lovelier world, I love diving headfirst into Jayne’s mysteries, and watching her grow into the role she’s destined for: a keeper and guardian of the people she loves. But Shawn would not be Shawn if she hadn’t some big surprise in store: first a solved murder, then a very satisfying Happy End… and then a bombshell that will leave you gasping for air, your head spinning.
Wow. Well done. And now I can’t wait for the next book!
All should be good now, Jayne O`Shea thinks. She’s devoted to her boyfriend Tripp, the Pine Time Bed & Breakfast is well booked, and the enemy who has been overshadowing the lovely Wicca village literally for decades is finally gone. But still…
...where are the countless crows coming from that suddenly terrorize the citizens and tourists? How to get rid of them? Why is the atmosphere in Whisperung Pines still gloomy? And will the first event Jayne’s sister Rosalyn is about to host really be the success she’s hoping for? Then the guests arrive, carrying some explosive conflicts in their luggage, and what should have been a joyful celebration ends with a lifeless man in the lake...
I admit I was more than happy to return to Shawn McGuire’s lovely village amd even lovelier world, I love diving headfirst into Jayne’s mysteries, and watching her grow into the role she’s destined for: a keeper and guardian of the people she loves. But Shawn would not be Shawn if she hadn’t some big surprise in store: first a solved murder, then a very satisfying Happy End… and then a bombshell that will leave you gasping for air, your head spinning.
Wow. Well done. And now I can’t wait for the next book!
November 3, 2025
Such a wonderful read. So much going on in the return to the Village of Whispering Pines with Roslyn's new event planning and very first set up where of course the adventure begins again. Anticipation of her first event with a disgruntled family or two families that do not get along.
The crows showing up is yet another sign of something amiss in the Village that wreaks a bit of a trouble for the villagers. As an ARC reader with no obligation to review, I feel that I have to give this book a five star rating. This book is so full of adventure, love, misunderstanding, the unknown which will appear where it should, at the end!!! The mystery shall go on. This mystery has been waiting for readers for some time and can surely understand why it took so long for creation. It is packed with excitement, surprises you'd never expect. I am not ever one to add spoilers but if readers have been begging for this book to come out for months it is a definite keeper. Shawn McGuire has a great knack for writing without letting you get too far ahead of yourselves. Excellent read ! A must read! More than a 5 star book.
The crows showing up is yet another sign of something amiss in the Village that wreaks a bit of a trouble for the villagers. As an ARC reader with no obligation to review, I feel that I have to give this book a five star rating. This book is so full of adventure, love, misunderstanding, the unknown which will appear where it should, at the end!!! The mystery shall go on. This mystery has been waiting for readers for some time and can surely understand why it took so long for creation. It is packed with excitement, surprises you'd never expect. I am not ever one to add spoilers but if readers have been begging for this book to come out for months it is a definite keeper. Shawn McGuire has a great knack for writing without letting you get too far ahead of yourselves. Excellent read ! A must read! More than a 5 star book.
October 31, 2025
I received an advance copy from the author. These are my thoughts:
I’m SO happy to be back in Whispering Pines! The whole gang is here. The town is preparing for the October Samhain celebration; the usual crowd has arrived… However, they seem to be quite a bit rowdier than usual. And something else has arrived – a huge flock of crows (a murder of crows, if you will). They are also extra rowdy, diving at people, dropping many pinecones. What’s up with that? Jayne, Martin and Meeka are tasked to deal with them. Pine Time B&B is also busy, with Rosalyn’s first big event scheduled by several families, complete with secrets, including a spoiled Bridzilla! Other strange things – a couple of characters that just don’t seem to belong around the B&B and the town. And why does River Carr and Tripp need ‘man time’? Loved that Lily Grace came for a visit. While hugging Jayne, she “froze, and then gave her an extra tight hug” (and we all know what that means)! You’ll love/hate the ending surprises. Best quote: “Going for a walk isn’t shutting down. It’s processing,” Enjoy!
I’m SO happy to be back in Whispering Pines! The whole gang is here. The town is preparing for the October Samhain celebration; the usual crowd has arrived… However, they seem to be quite a bit rowdier than usual. And something else has arrived – a huge flock of crows (a murder of crows, if you will). They are also extra rowdy, diving at people, dropping many pinecones. What’s up with that? Jayne, Martin and Meeka are tasked to deal with them. Pine Time B&B is also busy, with Rosalyn’s first big event scheduled by several families, complete with secrets, including a spoiled Bridzilla! Other strange things – a couple of characters that just don’t seem to belong around the B&B and the town. And why does River Carr and Tripp need ‘man time’? Loved that Lily Grace came for a visit. While hugging Jayne, she “froze, and then gave her an extra tight hug” (and we all know what that means)! You’ll love/hate the ending surprises. Best quote: “Going for a walk isn’t shutting down. It’s processing,” Enjoy!
November 3, 2025
Note: I had the pleasure of ARC reading this book before its release date.
Reading Returning Secrets felt like returning to a favourite place. Slipping back into Shawn’s beautiful writing style—her prose, her characters, and the unfolding events—made this story a wonderfully engaging mystery that ends with a major cliffhanger. Dealing with the complicated nature of relationships, secrets, and past events, Returning Secrets follows Rosalyn’s new venture as an event planner, Jayne’s dual role as both law enforcement officer and business owner, and Tripp’s love of cooking amid the arrival of people from his past at Pine Time. Shawn skillfully constructs a story that builds anticipation and leaves breadcrumbs hinting at events still to come.
Fans of the series will love catching up with familiar characters and immersing themselves once again in Whispering Pines.
New readers: Do not start here! This is not a stand-alone book and will be difficult to follow without the backstories and context from the earlier books in the series.
Reading Returning Secrets felt like returning to a favourite place. Slipping back into Shawn’s beautiful writing style—her prose, her characters, and the unfolding events—made this story a wonderfully engaging mystery that ends with a major cliffhanger. Dealing with the complicated nature of relationships, secrets, and past events, Returning Secrets follows Rosalyn’s new venture as an event planner, Jayne’s dual role as both law enforcement officer and business owner, and Tripp’s love of cooking amid the arrival of people from his past at Pine Time. Shawn skillfully constructs a story that builds anticipation and leaves breadcrumbs hinting at events still to come.
Fans of the series will love catching up with familiar characters and immersing themselves once again in Whispering Pines.
New readers: Do not start here! This is not a stand-alone book and will be difficult to follow without the backstories and context from the earlier books in the series.
October 29, 2025
This is an honest review of an ARC copy
I was so excited to return to Whispering Pines with Jayne, Meeka and Tripp. Although she’s popped up in the Hearth and Cauldron series, it wasn’t the same, so I was happy to see her back in her own book.
And it was worth the wait. Honestly, I think this is my favourite in the whole series. It has all the elements of a Whispering Pines mystery - there are the crows gathering everywhere, a family coming to Pine Times for a wedding organised by Rosalyn that are somehow tied up with Tripp, and just who is the mysterious woman in black that Jayne keeps seeing around the village?
The plot was well paced, the tension neatly done throughout. The ending was just perfect in that it wrapped up one mystery, with the best happy ending, but still with a cliffhanger that points to another book in the series (yay!).
I’m going to have to go back and read it again immediately!
I was so excited to return to Whispering Pines with Jayne, Meeka and Tripp. Although she’s popped up in the Hearth and Cauldron series, it wasn’t the same, so I was happy to see her back in her own book.
And it was worth the wait. Honestly, I think this is my favourite in the whole series. It has all the elements of a Whispering Pines mystery - there are the crows gathering everywhere, a family coming to Pine Times for a wedding organised by Rosalyn that are somehow tied up with Tripp, and just who is the mysterious woman in black that Jayne keeps seeing around the village?
The plot was well paced, the tension neatly done throughout. The ending was just perfect in that it wrapped up one mystery, with the best happy ending, but still with a cliffhanger that points to another book in the series (yay!).
I’m going to have to go back and read it again immediately!
October 24, 2025
So happy to visit the Village once more! Not a whole lot has changed with the Village , a few updates and new shops Some residents have returned and matured and River is there being a Father to his toddlers, but still is as mysterious as usual. Jayne and Tripp have made Pine Time a very popular Inn, while putting their relationship and Pine Time in the forefront. Jayne still has her duties at the Village and Sherriff's office. As it usually does there is an accident to get to the bottom of and bothersome wild life to deal with. But the residents in Whispering Pines really come together in unity when there's a problem to solve. I was really surprised with the differing issues in this book, I can't wait for my next visit to the Village!
November 2, 2025
I didn't realise how much I missed the dynamic of Jayne and Tripp until I started reading Returning Secrets. It was like meeting up with friends you haven't seen in a while.
I laughed.
I cried - tears of sadness and of joy.
I wanted to put some people in their place and others I just wanted to hug.
Sometimes the past needs to be revisited for closure or to tidy up loose ends. At other times it comes back and slaps us in the face.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys all things Wiccan; puzzling who-dunnits; village life, and a circus thrown in for good measure.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through BookFunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
I laughed.
I cried - tears of sadness and of joy.
I wanted to put some people in their place and others I just wanted to hug.
Sometimes the past needs to be revisited for closure or to tidy up loose ends. At other times it comes back and slaps us in the face.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys all things Wiccan; puzzling who-dunnits; village life, and a circus thrown in for good measure.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through BookFunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
October 31, 2025
Your books keep me up at night because I absolutely MUST keep reading! I've read nearly all of Ms. Shawn’s books and this is definitely one of the best. As usual, a very cleverly done, well-written, engaging, easy read, with twists that make you wonder what happens after the book is over. Loved every moment of the story, and the smooth writing style makes the plot flow easily, which makes this a super pleasurable read. Best savored after the other books in this series, but nevertheless, a super enjoyable standalone on its own.
November 3, 2025
It’s good to be home
If you’ve read any of the Whispering Pines books then you know they feel like home. The characters become friends and you find yourself thinking about them even when you’re not reading. Finishing a book is both satisfying and depressing because now you must wait for another. Shawn did not disappoint us with this new story. Mystery and friendship and some twists. It was good to go home again and now I can’t wait for the next one! Once you visit Whispering Pines you’ll never want to leave!
If you’ve read any of the Whispering Pines books then you know they feel like home. The characters become friends and you find yourself thinking about them even when you’re not reading. Finishing a book is both satisfying and depressing because now you must wait for another. Shawn did not disappoint us with this new story. Mystery and friendship and some twists. It was good to go home again and now I can’t wait for the next one! Once you visit Whispering Pines you’ll never want to leave!
October 23, 2025
So very good to be back with Jayne and Tripp and the villagers.
Roz first catering job, a vow renewal, goes away.
Deputy Jayne has problems in the village with crows during Lith.
Pine Tree Jayne deals with a dysfunctional guests from Roz's event and Tripp's former relationships with the guests.
Tripp refuses to discuss his past with the guests.
So many twists and turns kept me reading it straight through.
Roz first catering job, a vow renewal, goes away.
Deputy Jayne has problems in the village with crows during Lith.
Pine Tree Jayne deals with a dysfunctional guests from Roz's event and Tripp's former relationships with the guests.
Tripp refuses to discuss his past with the guests.
So many twists and turns kept me reading it straight through.
November 10, 2025
It was so good to be back in the Village with Jayne and Tripp! I really missed spending time at Pine Time. As always, the story telling draws you in. I really don’t want to give anything away. Let me just say that there’s a whole lot going on in this Village. The last few chapters are really going to take you by surprise. Good and bad. I’m ready for Book 19! You will be too.
October 23, 2025
Well worth the wait for the next install of Jayne & Tripp! As Jayne works to resolve the village's issues, Tripp has his own problems to work through. I'm sure you will love how this book ends! Can't wait for the next one.
November 1, 2025
The wait to return to Whispering Pines is over....and it was well worth the wait!! We catch up with old friends, meet new friends and find out where our favourite villagers are heading!!!! It is truly like meeting up with old friends for a cozy evening of getting reacquainted.
November 10, 2025
Whispering Pines Series
I absolutely love this series! Even though I’m a devout Christian, I feel like I know these characters personally and would truly enjoy a stay in Whispering Pines.
I absolutely love this series! Even though I’m a devout Christian, I feel like I know these characters personally and would truly enjoy a stay in Whispering Pines.
November 29, 2025
Another good one
Shawn has done it again, a great continuation of the Whispering Pines series. It's great to have Jane and Tripp back in focus. As well as the rest of the villagers. Great read. Keep it coming.
Shawn has done it again, a great continuation of the Whispering Pines series. It's great to have Jane and Tripp back in focus. As well as the rest of the villagers. Great read. Keep it coming.
December 1, 2025
When you are so invested in a series that you tear up during the two characters wedding says so much about the author’s ability to write.
I have never been so invested in a series in my whole life. I love everything about these books.
I have never been so invested in a series in my whole life. I love everything about these books.
November 7, 2025
Excellent read. So many twists and turns that keep the reader wanting more. Cant wait for the next one!!!
November 22, 2025
whispering pines 18
Another magical, wonderful novel!! Shawn McGuire continues to weave live and drama into yet another book! Kudos, and keep writing!
Another magical, wonderful novel!! Shawn McGuire continues to weave live and drama into yet another book! Kudos, and keep writing!
November 2, 2025
In this latest book of the series, we return to Jayne and Tripp at the b & b.
Jayne's sister has her first official event since she decided to become an events organiser. Things don't go exactly to plan, and with the problems caused by an influx of visitors and crows, Jayne has her work cut out to solve all the problems.
It was great that the story centred around Jayne and Tripp this time. The other villagers do pop up as well. Towards the end, there is a big surprise concerning River.
I found this was a little slow to start, but once things started to happen, it moved along nicely.
A nice cozy mystery to curl up by the fire and enjoy.
As previous incidents are mentioned in this book, you may want to read the previous books in the series, although it is not necessary, they are a good read, so why wouldn't you?
Jayne's sister has her first official event since she decided to become an events organiser. Things don't go exactly to plan, and with the problems caused by an influx of visitors and crows, Jayne has her work cut out to solve all the problems.
It was great that the story centred around Jayne and Tripp this time. The other villagers do pop up as well. Towards the end, there is a big surprise concerning River.
I found this was a little slow to start, but once things started to happen, it moved along nicely.
A nice cozy mystery to curl up by the fire and enjoy.
As previous incidents are mentioned in this book, you may want to read the previous books in the series, although it is not necessary, they are a good read, so why wouldn't you?
October 31, 2025
So nice to be back in the village and visiting with the inhabitants the reside there. It’s been awhile but this book was well worth the wait. There is a lot going on in the village this time and most of the story centers around Pine Time and the guests over a long weekend. Certainly other villagers play a part in the mystery but a smaller one this time. There are a few surprises and twists in the story. Looking forward to the next book already!
Received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews