Grave Secrets

by Marlene Austin

audio book

Genres: Mystery, Lds Fiction, Lds, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Romance

Audio

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite parts of the book was the discussion of how to do family research of early America - like of the Mayflower era. I really enjoyed it.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The genealogy twist was interesting, and I liked the historical flashbacks and storyline better than the present one. I was also annoyed by her at times and felt her feelings for the dead grandmother was somewhat unbelievable; it felt like more of a plot convention than a real situation. The heroine felt just a little too gullible. I really didn't like either of the early love interests either.

Probably would have done better just expanding the old story and dropping the modern part.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the most exciting book, just fluff. I found it all pretty predictible. Typical 'they just happened to be a Mormon' type book if you know what I mean.

[NaDell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read book #2 in this series, but #2 and #3 are missing from the author's list of books, so I'm reviewing them here.
Book #2 Grave Consequences was very confusing and had so many misspellings and typos that I almost stopped reading it, but I thought that it must make sense in the end. It really didn't. The whole thing was frustrating, ridiculous, unbelievable, and annoying. The main girl goes through an impossible number of challenges and it's not just a few, it's like 100 (if it's an exaggeration, it's not far off!) unbelievable challenges where she's safe and then she does something dumb and has to get out of it.
The only redeeming thing for me reading this book is getting it off of my to-read shelf (I know that sounds harsh, but if you want it to see for yourself how terrible this book is, it's all yours. Don't forget a red pen.)
I was planning on reading book #3 Grave Conspiracies, but I just can't after that book.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the mystery and setting, but I wish I could edit out many things. Especially 90% of the "Why didn't my grandmother love me?!" 😭 I feel for you, girl, I really do, but reading a novel with chapters full of whining is tiresome. And why even bring up that she's LDS and wants to get married in the temple? It seems rather pointless to the rest of the story.

[Mindy Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great 1st book! I look forward to more of her stories. Many intense page turning episodes. As a genealogist I especially appreciated how the main character's interest and results wove through this story to a satisfying conclusion

[DeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story line overall and enough intrigue to keep me going. But the writing was a little over the top in the descriptions. (ie. ". . . his stormy eyes") and I felt like she was trying a bit too hard and made it come across a bit sappy.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance, Family History, and lots of action. Good!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Clive Cussler ish beginning.

[John Balden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the suspence and uncertainty mixed in with the romance.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story deals a lot with forgiveness. Bethany's grandmother, Amelia, raised Bethany after her parents died. But Amelia kept herself emotionally distant. Bethany was looking forward to spending the summer with her grandmother and now that Bethany has finished graduate school, she's sure they can establish a loving relationship. But it is too late, Amelia died before they could get together.

My favorite part of the book is when Dr. Noel is helping Bethany deal with her feelings of anger towards her grandmother and her friends Joseph and Kim.

"Get to know more about her. Think about her complete life, not just your relationship with her. Pray to understand. You're an intelligent person. If you want to do it enough, you'll find a way."

"Why can't I just forget it all and forgive her? I feel so guilty."

"Any type of change takes time and effort. Remember, we weren't put here on earth to live perfectly--we were put here to learn how to live perfectly. None of us are the same people we were ten years ago. In fact, we're not the people we will be ten years from now. We make mistakes, learn from them, and change. Then we get on with life. Don't be too hard on yourself or on Amelia. And remember, you are an intelligent, beautiful woman with your life ahead of you. Pray and follow your instincts. The Spirit will guide you.
"As for your friends--it's easy to care about people who never hurt you. When they've caused some pain--taken a poke at your pride--it can be a real challenge to excuse them."

"How do you get over it?"

"Same as with Amelia. Think about them--their entire personality and your complete relationship, not just the things that have hurt you. Pray. When you really want to, you'll find a way.
"Remember, no matter what the problem is, you can find a solution if you pray and trust your feelings.

[Kimbolimbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes when you browse the stacks at the library and you pick up an unfamiliar book you get lucky. I can't say that was the case on this book. I was browsing the audio books and the selection was dismal. So, I thought I'd give this book a try. Next time I will be sure to check and see who the publisher. Although I am LDS I am not very fond of LDS popular fiction AND that was exactly what I picked up. Since I was stuck in the car for a long commute I decided to persevere as all good mormons are taught to do. In the end I can say the book was entertaining and the reader (once you got past the annoying chipperness of her voice) wasn't too irksome. The story was predictable in many many ways. BUT mostly I found that it was a good research book for the LDS book I want to write...yes, even though I can't stand reading them, I can't keep my mind from thinking up great story lines/plots that need to be penned. One day...

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

An LDS character in a romantic/mystery. Bethany just graduates to find that her grandmother who has raised her has passed away. She has given her a little place on the Maine coast and asks her to stay there a year to give her a chance to write and find herself. She become intrigued by the place and starts writing about one of the first woman who lived in the area in the 1600's. Her grandmother's estate lawyer enters as a potential love interest and a mysterious boyfriend from college but she is never clear on their feelings or intents. Then she starts getting threats on her life. I liked the location, the historical story, and the genealogy plot and the fact that I could let my daughter read it. Disliked the fact that the Bethany was a bit whiny and obsessed with her lack of love childhood. There were some exciting scenes and it was a page turning quick read.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, and though it occasionally kinda bugged me, I could hardly put it down. Started it yesterday, finished today. The plot complications were great, especially the way they were woven together. For the most part, the characters were enjoyable and believable. Although, there were a lot of secondary characters to keep track of, and some with similar names, so it was a challenge around 11 PM to keep them all straight, lol. A fun setting with a geneological twist. The things that "bugged" me were: occasionally the main character got on my nerves, some of the order of events/discoveries in the storyline (I would've changed some of them), and at points it got so complex that I had a hard time remembering what was what. Overall, though, I recommend it.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bethany’s relationship with her grandmother Amelia is cold and distant. Amelia is a wealthy, eccentric woman who raised Bethany after her parent’s death. Bethany receives a mysterious email announcing Amelia’s death just when she was due to attend Bethany’s graduation. Even after her grandmother‘s death Bethany’s life is controlled by Amelia. Bethany inherits an ancient abandoned home she calls a hut in Main and a year free to write her first book. After moving in mysterious accidents begin happening to Bethany and she becomes absorbed with searching out the first owner of her hut. Of course there is plenty of love interest in this LDS mystery novel by Marlenen Austin.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Bethany has ever wanted is the love and approval of her grandmother, the woman who raised her after her parents died. She is distraught when she hears that her grandmother passed away, and confused that her inheritance from the wealthy woman is a run down cottage in a secluded area in Maine.

Bethany finds some joy in fixing up the cottage, and researching the history of the first woman who lived there for a book she wants to write. But, her world turns up-side-down again with increasing "accidents" and threatening messages.

At times the story moved a little slowly for me, but it was a pretty good story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an intriguing story from the beginning. Your heart goes out to Bethany as she struggles for her independence. All she's ever wanted was to be loved. Her parents die. She grows up with her aunt making all of her decisions for her--always sending her away. When the aunt dies, she deals with her aunt's attorney, Joseph, dictating and influencing her. I think joining the Church was the best decision she ever made for herself and finding her ancestry helps her to realize who she really is--a strong and very capable woman.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Too much unnecessary detail (I don't care what a character eats and wears, unless it is relevant to the story). Also, just because I am a Mormon, it doesn't necessarily follow that everything I read has to be Mormon. There was a whole paragraph on should she visit teach or not, and it was never relevant to the plot.

I actually found it a tedious chore to read. The stuff about figuring out family history information was a lot more interesting than the actual plot line (which was formulaic).

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bethany Carlisle has recently lost her grandmother and discovers how little she really knew about her. It seems like clues about her are always popping up. As this is going on, she is trying to research and write a book. But when she receives threatening messages, she really wonders what is going on.

It was an okay book. It is definitely and LDS book, full of references to the church and morals it teaches. I'm not sure it would be the first one I would recommend, but if there is nothing else, it would be acceptable.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably give this book a 3.5 rating. It was a good book and kept me reading. It had everything--romance, mystery, scariness, genealogy. I was kind of disappointed in the weak heroine who let everyone make her decisions for her and who didn't seem to be able to put two and two together. For instance, a guy is trying to kidnap her, holding a gun on her, and she's still wondering if what he says is true.

There were a few parts that didn't make sense and some parts that could have been left out. But for a first novel, I thought the author did very well.

[Andrea L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author has been a family friend for years. Thus, I received a copy of this book for Christmas. The story is a combination of mystery, intrigue, genealogy and romance. The setting is in New England.

The book is fiction and is an enjoyable, light, quick read. It is similar in scope to books by Mary Higgins Clark - but with a touch of religion and genealogy.

Overall I would like to give my kudoos to Marlene for being a published author. Her next work is due out this year.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bethany Carlisle finds out on the day of her Graduation from Graduate School that here Grandmother has passed away. Throughout this book she comes to grips with the strained relationship that they had, and her longing for an eternal family.

Of course, there is a bad guy somewhere in the mix who is trying to get his hands on her inheritance. She needs to decide who to trust and keep her faith in the Lord.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was a good story and I felt I had much in common with the main character, although at times there was just too much information given--too much repetition of details and a little info-dumpy. I listened to it on audio and occasionally the reader's voice made me jump in my seat, it was too loud or annoying in her attempt to add characterization though the dialogue. It would have been better to maintain the soothing reader's voice throughout.

[Courtney Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bok was given o me by a friend in November. I admit that I put off reading it until now, and could not put the book down. Though at times I thought that the religion was forced into the story, it was quite enjoyable. Being LDS myself, it made me want to really delve deep into my genealogy.

Great book, easy read, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

History + Mystery, what could be better?
I love how the author keeps you guessing who Bethany can really trust, the long time family friend, the boyfriend, or the kindly stranger? I liked how we see the character's growth, as she finally learns to trust her own instincts, and grows to understand her family heritage.
Very enjoyable read.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok and I liked it. I upgraded it to three stars but just barely. It was predictable, slow in some spots, not the best book I've read but good enough I kept reading. At times I wanted to smack Bethany and scream you're an idiot, but I did find the tunnel an interesting idea. All in all it was just ok.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I started this book but realized half way through that I was actually enjoying it. Just like the character from the book, Bethany, I had no idea who to trust. There were a few "chase scenes" that I just skimmed over. They were a little too wordy and long for me. By the end of the book I felt resolved and happy with the way the author tied things up.

[Shannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read this book, it was with my cousin. She was playing a game by herself and I was reading the prologue out loud to her. By the time I finished it, we were both shaking because of the intensity and the total awesomeness of it all. I couldn't stop reading this book and I love everything about it! Its a wonderful story and the characters are so real!

[Are · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd actually give this 2 1/2 stars. The story ine was pretty good and it hooked me enough to read it in 2 days. I wanted to smack the main character Bethany though; her dating sense sucked! For someone who just joined the Church and wanted to get married in the temple she sure dated a lot of non members who had NO interest in joining.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out with a gripping story about an Indian invasion and a couple with a small baby who ran to escape. Then the story changed to modern day and I was disappointed.. Kept reading and although it was a story that was hard to belive at times, I finished the book.. Story that inspires an interest in learning where we came from and the history of those in our past..