Dying with a Secret

by Tj O'Connor

Dying can bring out the best in people.

It can also bring out the worst of secrets.

If you want to know someone’s dirty secrets, kill them.

It works every time.



Oliver “Tuck” Tucker, the dead detective, is back—not just for another case, but from the dead—or vice versa. It all starts when a Federal Agent is killed by a mysterious force in front of dozens of witnesses—including Angel, his historian wife, and Tuck. Among the many suspects is a dark, clandestine Federal agency responsible for advanced research and weaponry, a university doctoral candidate who won’t stay dead, and the leader of a secret southern society bent on rekindling the Civil War. With the aid of a ten-year-old psychic and the spirit of Tuck’s Civil War grandmother—Sally Elizabeth Mosby—Tuck has to stay one step ahead of the Feds who are hellbent on capturing him—alive? But through all this, what’s a two-hundred-year-old lost fortune in gold got to do with dead agents, secret death rays, and rogue policemen?

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2025

About the author

Tj O’Connor is an award-winning author of mysteries and thrillers. He’s an international security consultant specializing in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis—life experiences that drive his novels. With his former life as a government agent and years as a consultant, he has lived and worked around the world in places like Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Americas—among others. In his spare time, he’s a Harley Davidson pilot, a man-about-dogs (and now cats), and a lover of adventure, cooking, and good spirits (both kinds). He was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley and now lives with his wife, Labs, and Maine Coon companions in Virginia where they raised five children who are supplying a growing tribe of grands.

Tj’s work has been recognized with: The American Legacy Award for Political Thrillers; the American Fiction Awards for Political Thrillers & Mystery/Suspense; Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) for mysteries; Gold Medal Winner—Military Writer’s Society of America; Gold Medal Winner—Readers Favorite Book Awards; Bronze Medal Winner from the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards; and a finalist for The Silver Falchion Award Finalist for Mysteries and Thrillers; Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Mystery Book of the Year; and the Deadly Ink’s David Award Finalist for Best Mystery/Thriller.

Learn about Tj’s world at:
Web Site: www.tjoconnor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tjoconnor.author
Blog: https://tjoconnor.com/theplotthickens/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tjoconnor
Twitter: https://x.com/Tjoconnorauthor
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tjoconnoraut...

Reviews

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying With A Secret by TJ O'Connor is book 4 in the Dead Detective Casefiles series by the author featuring Tuck our MMC who is a deceased dead detective. Tuck investigates murders and paranormal happenings that cause death on his side of 'life'. I have to say I am thrilled that the author brought back Tuck in another new book as I was hoping he would. I love Tuck as a character, yes he is dead but oh so relatable if I was ever a dead detective I know I would want to do something on the other side and not just sit around enjoying the afterlife. I would want to be near my husband like he wants to be near his wife, Angel, whom he still deeply loves even in death. A federal agent shows up to talk to Angel about her research and then something weird happens and he is killed but in a weird way which is not normal. I will not spoil anything here as I want you to read this book. I found this story quite interesting especially what happened with Agent Kerns and how he actually died in this book. And then the bodies start to pile up and things really get interesting! I loved the character of young Kerrie who has a six sense like no other! We also get to find out what happens to Sally in this book and how she died. I can not wait to read more of the adventures of Tuck in the near future and I am so glad that the author returned to the world of the dead detective files!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun but quirky detective series. The plot in this novel is complex and involves a secret from the Civil War as well as a dead person and missing treasure from that era, and a secret invention and men in black from this era. Throw in a young girl with abnormal powers and you have quite an adventure.

Angela and Tuck get into a number of suspenseful situations, such as going deep in underground caves and someone inventing a way to capture Tuck and hold him. Perhaps the scariest part of it all is when it looks like Bear has gone over to the dark side.

This is the most paranormal of the Dead Detective Case Files so far. It was fun to read even if the plot is the most complex I've seen in the series. It borders on science fiction so would appeal to mystery readers who like quirky characters and twists and a sci-fi angle too.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying with a Secret is the fourth book in The Dead Detective Casefiles. I'm so glad to be back in the world of Oliver "Tuck" Tucker, Angela "Angel" Tucker, and and Theodore "Bear" Braddock. It's been a minute since we've gone on an adventure with them, and Dying with a Secret was well-worth the wait.

This story is tangled web of history that dates back to the Civil War-era. Several descendants converge on research currently being catalogued by Angel. When a Federal Agent is murdered in broad daylight in the middle of the library, Tuck and Angel know there's something amiss. What they didn't count on was rogue policemen, terrorization and threats, and history that raises back up and threatens everyone around them. It appears there are secrets that are ready to be revealed.

Dying with a Secret is a great mystery filled with twists, turns, and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. With his abilities to investigate and snoop undetected, he and Angel are able to start getting to the bottom of what is going on, and neither can believe what they discover. The red herrings were well placed diversions and I was not able to suspect early on who was responsible for the chaos. The author disguised the whys and hows of everything, divulging them masterfully at the end.

I love Tuck's character. He is written with humor and wit. Some of the lines that come out of his mouth, or his antics, give the story a less tragic feel. Angel and Bear are fantastic characters and we see sides of these characters and others that will shock you. The characters are written with depth and emotion.

The plot flows along nicely and is very smooth. The events unfold rather quickly and they envelope the reader. I was pulled in from the very beginning of the book. I was entertained throughout and the author's writing kept me engaged, not wanting to put the book down. I hope we get more of The Dead Detective Casefiles.

Very enjoyable read!!

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying With A Secret by Tj O'Connor is an action-packed paranormal adventure unlike any other. This book reminds me so much of my favorite reads and shows as a kid. It reminds me of Treasure Island in some ways and of Indiana Jones meets The History Channel. This tale brings readers back to the Civil War era with unique plot twists that readers will never see coming! I loved the themes of family, history, mystery, and crime all in one magnificent read.

Secrets, mayhem, government top notch experiments and plenty of humor to keep me satisfied until the end. Tuck, the dead detective, is one character that will forever charms readers with his ability to solve crimes, protect the ones he loves, and help other good characters fight the villains. He is almost like a paranormal Hercule Poirot.

Tj O'Connor is one of my all-time favorite writers. His books are addictive and engaging as the previous one. He combined historical moments, crime, humor, and paranormal elements to create a story that I won't be forgetting any time soon. I look forward to more grand adventures featuring Tuck, his wife, and many other characters.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[BookWormBecky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2

Poof, Men in black, melt…

Former homicide cop Detective Oliver Tucker died when he was killed in a home break-in. He is still able to communicate with his partner Bear Braddock and his wife Angel.

This time he helps to solve the case of a federal agent who was killed in a mysterious way.

A death ray?

Add to the mix: A Civil War spirit, hidden treasure, a 10yo psychic, and tech research/experiments.

This is Book 4 of the Dead Detective Casefile series. I have now read Book 3 (Dying to Tell) and Book 4. Again, I will comment that this deserves an A+ for creativity - a mix of humor, cozy mystery, history, the supernatural, and a police/FBI procedural.

I continue to like the characters of Tuck and Bear. IMO:

Angel - caring
Bear- has he gone rogue???
Tuck - witty
Sally- a delight
Kerrie - fun! A hero
Also an assortment of various despicable characters!

A fun, quirky read that is an entertaining experience. I was able to follow the plot without reading the first two books. I can see this appealing to readers who enjoy police procedural, cozy mystery, paranormal, and sci-fi.

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy series has murder and mystery and hauntings and humor.

This book has treasure and treason and terrorism and civil war flashbacks.

This book is a longer cozy mystery, there’s alot going on Winchester, much more than meets the eye. Our lovable gang is together with some new side characters that include a lovely spirited Sally from 1864, a ten year with special paranormal gifts, and some Men In Black types.

There was a tie into the National Treasure movie which was fun!

Tuck has some great dry witty lines. The side supporting regulars had a bigger role, I liked seeing another deeper side to Spence and the fact that Poor Nic is still there for Angela.

Again lots of red herrings that keep you guessing on the who and why all the way to the end!

An enjoyable cozy the has more PI depth than bumbling sleuths!

[Susan Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dying With A Secret, O'Connor continues to add new meaning and depth to the writer's adage "Show, Don't Tell" as the story unfolds. Descriptions of historical events and legends provide an intriguing backdrop for the characters in the series, as well as others who may or may not be on the right side of the law. The cast of characters also includes assorted ghosts who know a lot more than they’re willing or able to reveal. And we can’t forget the loyal and heroic Labrador Retriever Hercule, featured throughout the series.

Expertly plotted and paced, the author creates a multilayered tale of hidden motives and ruthless choices that will have far-reaching consequences for us all. Highly recommend!