Drowned Secrets

by Declan James

When a fisherman hauls a water-logged backpack from the river, it holds secrets someone killed to protect. And the name written inside of it hits Detective Cashen like a punch to the gut.

One woman is missing. Another is on the run. For Jake Cashen, it’s not just another case…it’s a reckoning.

Drowned Secrets is the next gripping novel in the Jake Cashen Crime Thriller Series. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and C.J. Box who love small-town mysteries, deeply layered investigations, and detectives who never quit—no matter how personal the case becomes.

Genres: Mystery

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2026

About the author

Before putting pen to paper, Declan James’s career in law enforcement spanned twenty-six years. Declan’s work as a digital forensics detective has earned him the highest honors from the U.S. Secret Service and F.B.I. For the last sixteen years of his career, Declan served on a nationally recognized task force aimed at protecting children from online predators.  Prior to that, Declan spent six years undercover working Vice-Narcotics. 

An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Declan enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, smoking meats, and his quest for the perfect bottle of bourbon. He lives on a lake in Southern Michigan along with his wife and kids.

For more information visit https://declanjamesbooks.com

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new murder case has Jake wrestling the personal and professional. Bethany, the persistent reporter off and on in this series, is murdered. She purposely duped Jake to get the scoop on a current case under investigation several books back. Jake wasn't overly fond of her after that, but they eventually developed a decent working relationship.

Her death and the evidence she leaves behind leads Jake to investigate a posh country club.

Good twist at the end, plus DJ leaves us with an easter egg as well as a brief peek at book 13.

There were a few things that bothered me here. The author has Jake struggling with his feelings for Bethany throughout the story. After 12 books I didnt get that. They had a cordial relationship, but he didn't have romantic feelings for her. Was this just survivors guilt?!? Especially now that Jake's in a new relationship with a woman/Jo he's seems to care about. As for Jo, maybe its just me, but their connection feels awkward at this point. Anxious for book 13 to see what happens next.

[Suzanne Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

So… not as thrilling as I’d hoped

I have always enjoyed the shock of “the whodunnit” in Declan James’ books. This was not so. AND, I am continually disappointed in Jake’s and Birdie’s love interests.

Bethany’s letter was a good insert and sad. Thanks for that.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pretty much binged the first 10 books, so it was interesting having to wait to read this one.

I thought the opening was fun, Jake relaxed, enjoying his new relationship with Judge Jo. Funny how turning on his phone smashed all of that relaxed atmosphere. The case Jake was pulled into hit a bit too close to home, yet Jake was professional enough to do what he needed to to keep things clear and find the killer. Along the way things took quite the turn and the bad guy wasn't anyone I suspected at all. So much betrayal by this one person, it will be hard for those close to them to wrap their heads around things.

While the case was resolved in a good way, things on the personal front were rocky for Jake and the family that still denies him and his sister. I think Jake made the right call with the Grandfather, even if the uncle thinks it petty. Doesn't matter what Jake or Gemma do, they will always think wrong of them both, for no reason that really matters.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too contrived

The resolution was very unsatisfying, and it took way too long to get there. Motivations unclear and unconvincing. Character of suspects kept shifting, so by the end, none of them seemed real.

[Debbie Feyerabend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping installment in the Jake Cashen series.

Jake is in a good place in his life. He loves his job as a police detective in his hometown in Ohio’s Blackhand Hills, and he’s in his first serious relationship with Jo, a circuit court judge. He and Jo took their first trip together and everything went well for them. Jake’s new to relationships and is trying his best to not mess things up.

Jake is called into a new case as soon as he arrives home from their trip together and it’s one very personal to him. The local TV reporter who Jake had a one-night stand with was murdered. She left town and is now working in Cincinnati but had been coming back to Blackhand Hills for work. As Jake and his partner, Birdie, delve into this highly personal case, they find more questions than answers. As one clue leads to another, they now have a very sensitive case of widespread voyeurism to deal with in addition to solving a murder!

This is a riveting page turner that you just can’t put down.

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite to date. Jo is featuring more prominently, Rex made a cameo, and Ryan proved not to be as perfect as he seems. The Ardens can always be counted on to add drama. Everyone is growing in complexity and realism, which I love.

Would have enjoyed more of Gemma, Max, and the Wise Men, but there’s always next time.

This case was personal to Jake, which added to the stakes. The mystery unfolded at a comfortable pace, and I followed the wrong trail for a bit, though I solved it before Jake. (Props to the author for tricking me for a while. That’s always satisfying.)

Don’t skip the chance to read the letter. It promises other clues to follow and some different threads to pull. I hope we get to explore those further in a future installment.

Really looking forward to the next one!

Highly recommended for fans of the genre. Can be read as a standalone but far better to start at the beginning of the series.

[Linda Demaree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I dearly love this series! I won't miss one and as soon as I finish the latest one, I am already anticipating the next installment. Poor Declan James just can't write them fast enough for me. This is another good one in the Jake Cashen series, although it wasn't as fast-paced as some prior installments. And I must say, I missed the interaction with the mountain folks. And it is taking some time for me to get adjusted to the idea that Jake has a love interest now, but at east she is likeable. All I can say is if you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend it. Start with the first one and work your way through them all. You won't be disappointed.

[Denise M. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Totally a page turner, once you start you won't put TBE book down until finished. Once again you're immediately transported to the scene of the crime watching everything unfold as a fly on the wall. As always the storey, the charcters pull you into the book and unfolds reading each page like a movie playing in your mind. Fantastic reading as always, thank you for the hours of enjoyment I get every time I read Declan James Jake Fashion series, p!ease never stop writing the series.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical who-done-it with Jake and Birdie on the case of a murdered reporter that Jake once slept with. Right away, Birdie is on Jake's case about not being objective even though he hadn't seen or heard from the victim in over a year.

Investigations lead to a nearby posh resort frequented by upper crust stars/politicans. It's focus, workers that live/work at the resort. Refreshingly, the owner cooperates with Jake's investigation and although all signs point to a maintenance worker, the actual perp is supposed to be a surprise (not to me).

Just middle of the road for me.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowned Secrets😳

Wow, another fantastic story that kept me glued to the pages👀 Jake is once again investigating a murder, but this one is personal. Lots of edge of your seat moments, family drama and twists🙌

Loved it and I can’t wait for the next Jake Cashen book! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a pleasure

This is a great series. Truly great. My only issue is the glacial place the author produces them.

That's not a problem if you binge read them because you can follow the thread. If you're like me, and have been reading them since the outset, it can be a tad irksome.

[Kelly Rosario · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is one of my favorite series, this was my least favorite entry. I just didn't find the story as intriguing as the previous books, and it seemed to leave some open questions. However, the writing was good as always, and I like the character development. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Jim E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Jake Cashen books and this was another good one. His romance with Jo adds another dimension to his personality and helps Jake to stay grounded. The other characters of Meg, Gemma, Birdie, and Ryan are well developed with strong interaction. I started off by reading Robin James novels and picked up her husband’s later. I now enjoy his books very much.

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bang up mob!

Oh Wow, that was one of the best. It had heart, it had feelings, it had hate, it had love. But wow it was a shame that people would do such a thing. Reality. Thank you foe a great story can't wait for the next. Bring it on soon.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one!

Someone from Jake’s past is brutally murdered and the path leading to the killer isn’t easy. Every clue only leads to more questions until all the puzzle pieces fit together.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Kindle book. I have enjoyed the entire series. It's very hard to put the book down, it really keeps my interest. I'm very eager to read the next book in the series and I certainly hope that they just keep coming. I really enjoy this author.

[Nancy A. Borkiewicz]

I liked this next book in the series. I read all the books previous to Drowned Secrets. I would recommend this series.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy the Jake Cashen books. A guaranteed good read.

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Loved Jake, always do! Had me guessing the whole time. So enjoyable, I just read it too fast!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

Someone Jake knew killed
Can't figure out the reason
Then find evidence

Hard when it's a friend
And someone who cared for you
Enjoying series

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I like the interactions of the characters. But for the love of all things holy, please don't name the murder victim and one of the other main characters with names beginning with the same letter!!!

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

another twisty !!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t Wait for the Next Book!

This series is one of my favorite ones. The characters are so real and the storyline is amazing! I love the these books!

[Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water Everywhere.

Another outstanding Jake Cashen mystery thriller.
Declan James does not disappoint, alway a great story to enjoy. Looking forward to the next installment.