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CXVI Trilogy #2
CXVI: Secrets Broken
Book II in the CXVI trilogy is not intended as a stand-alone read and should follow Book I, CXVI - The Beginning of the End. The frantic search for Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes is on. She's linked to the murder of the former Home Secretary and is desperate to prove her innocence, but she's trapped. Her captor, Freddy Williams, a ruthless serial killer, holds all the cards; including the one she cannot allow him to reveal. Barnes is forced to adopt a dangerous bluff and double-bluff strategy, which ultimately involves the Secret Intelligence Service and her former boss, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods, combining forces. But who will survive? And who can you believe? And just what is the relationship between Barnes and Woods? Perhaps her nemesis Faulkner-Brown holds the answer, but will he be the one who brings this reluctant heroine crashing down? Hold tight for a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. Captivating, unpredictable and shocking.
238 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2015
12 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Angie Smith
6 books58 followersAngie Smith was born in Doncaster and educated at Huddersfield University where she graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Education and Training. After a long career in adult education, training and performance management she retired early to pursue other ventures.
She travels extensively, and was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and, following a year of extensive and gruelling treatment, her desire to write was rekindled. Her highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy and The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup inspired the creation of her fifth novel The Foundling – Sex lies and Swimming Naked.
She currently lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, youngest son, two dogs and horse.
She travels extensively, and was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and, following a year of extensive and gruelling treatment, her desire to write was rekindled. Her highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy and The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup inspired the creation of her fifth novel The Foundling – Sex lies and Swimming Naked.
She currently lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, youngest son, two dogs and horse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 22, 2015
I read the first book in this gripping trilogy several months ago, and was so eager to read the second that the author sent me a review copy prior to publication. I’m happy to report that it lived up to the anticipated promise – although of course now I’ll have to wait to find out what happens next in the third book! Once again, the unstoppable Maria Barnes gives an outstanding performance, and her complex character has been further developed in ‘Secrets Broken’. We learn the painful truth about her personal secrets from the past as well as discovering ugly government secrets that continue to cost lives in order to remain hidden. In this book she has been forced to go on the run as a suspected murderer, and is no longer able to work alongside her previous sidekick in the Yorkshire Police, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods. He is torn between believing her innocent and wanting to help find ways to prove that, and suspecting that perhaps she is playing a dangerous double-agent game. Behind the scenes and by devious means they manage to stay in touch, and right to the end he – and we – are never entirely sure where her loyalties truly lie. His definitely seem to lie with her, and their relationship is a close emotional bond with trust on both sides. The same can’t be said to be true for any of the other characters, whose loyalties and motives are questionable throughout, so-called ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ alike. Who is telling the truth? Which of them are villains and which on the side of honour and integrity? Author Angie Smith teases us with her expertly crafted narrative and certainly researches her subject well (or is perhaps an MI6 agent herself and gets her information from the inside track? After reading this book I’m prepared to believe anything is possible!) The plot kept me on my toes, and the pace was breathless. Although I still struggle to get my head round the complicated machinations of espionage, I am a convert to this genre now, thanks to Angie Smith, and highly recommend this superbly written novel.
February 1, 2016
After reading the first book in the series I couldn't wait to get my hands on this second book and it really didn't disappoint. A fast-paced, edge of your seat thriller. Not your run of the mill thriller that's for sure. If you love your mysteries complex and involving great twists then this is the book for you.
My only gripe is that this cannot be deemed as a standalone read, if you haven't read the first book you need to grab that book first and begin the journey from there.
Getting involved with DS Barnes again is a no-brainer once you've enjoyed the first book. I love Angie's characterisation, she brings the characters to life without much effort, something most writers failed to do.
I really don't want to give too much away about this complex read, you'll just have to read it yourself, once you start you won't be able to put it down.
Great job, can't wait to read the next installment.
My only gripe is that this cannot be deemed as a standalone read, if you haven't read the first book you need to grab that book first and begin the journey from there.
Getting involved with DS Barnes again is a no-brainer once you've enjoyed the first book. I love Angie's characterisation, she brings the characters to life without much effort, something most writers failed to do.
I really don't want to give too much away about this complex read, you'll just have to read it yourself, once you start you won't be able to put it down.
Great job, can't wait to read the next installment.
September 18, 2015
After the nail-biter ending of Book 1 we pick up exactly where we left off – which I won’t elaborate on for fear of spoiling Book 1 for anyone yet to read it. Barnes and Woods end up on two opposing sides but still working together. They have a method of leaving coded messages – which Woods needs help to decode. My opinion of various of the characters shifted as I read and because Angie Smith can juggle so many threads and can breathe life into such a lot of characters, I was sucked into it as into quicksand. I couldn’t have got out until the end!
As the title implies, we discover secrets about some of our characters, including Maria Barnes. She must be one of my favourite characters in modern literature. She and Woods go deeper into the secrets of the Intelligence Service and turn up some nasty things crawling under there. There’s such a lot happening in this book that to pick on one aspect is to ignore others. It becomes very exciting towards the end. I can’t describe it – you need to read it!
I received an advance review copy from the author.
As the title implies, we discover secrets about some of our characters, including Maria Barnes. She must be one of my favourite characters in modern literature. She and Woods go deeper into the secrets of the Intelligence Service and turn up some nasty things crawling under there. There’s such a lot happening in this book that to pick on one aspect is to ignore others. It becomes very exciting towards the end. I can’t describe it – you need to read it!
I received an advance review copy from the author.
January 17, 2018
This is a great read and compels the reader to go onto the final episode to discover what happens to Maria Barnes. What is going on with the secret services. Who is running whom and what is the role of Kosolov and the Russians? Is Detective Superintendent Woods running out of ideas? Very good. 4 stars.
I'll not say more or I may give the game away.
I'll not say more or I may give the game away.
September 12, 2015
I found this book to be a great second book. generally a second book I find doesn't live up to thr first. this breaks those rules.
Maria is one of the best characters she could write. strong and capable who seems to be the epic spook.
woods is a great father figure who seems to always be a bit behind and loves Maria for what and who she is. he is a surrogate in a lot of ways and tries to protect her while she is working her way through the issues.
the story was amazing and had a lot of great parts that really had me hooked.
can't wait to see what is next.
Maria is one of the best characters she could write. strong and capable who seems to be the epic spook.
woods is a great father figure who seems to always be a bit behind and loves Maria for what and who she is. he is a surrogate in a lot of ways and tries to protect her while she is working her way through the issues.
the story was amazing and had a lot of great parts that really had me hooked.
can't wait to see what is next.
September 16, 2015
CXVI Secrets Broken by Angie Smith
Oh WOW!!! I was itching to get my hands on this book, which is the second in the CXVI trilogy series by Angie Smith. I hoped it would live up to the first book which totally blew me away. Well, this is better, much better. I was gripped by the throat from page 1. It's incredible, complex, intelligent, grown up reading. Despite the plot being full of information, twists, turns and surprises, the writing is brilliant and keeps the reader engaged in the exciting story. The main characters Maria Barnes and Greg Woods are incredible, likeable and despite the action taking place across Europe as well as at high levels in British and Russian intelligence services (something I have no experience of) the story feels believable and real. Maybe that's because of known scandals involving politicians, celebrities, intelligence services and the police, that we hear about in the media today. Anyway, I'm not going to spoil the story for you. As with book 1 I highly recommend you get this and read it for yourself, you won't be disappointed. The story has something for everyone, without any unnecessary gore or salacious sexual content. Every word is needed, every word used embellishes and enriches the descriptions and action. My review can be shortened to four words " I love this trilogy", oh and "how long until the next one?"
10/5 stars from me. Keep them coming Angie.
I received an ARC unproof read copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have also pre-ordered this on Amazon and will review on publication date
Oh WOW!!! I was itching to get my hands on this book, which is the second in the CXVI trilogy series by Angie Smith. I hoped it would live up to the first book which totally blew me away. Well, this is better, much better. I was gripped by the throat from page 1. It's incredible, complex, intelligent, grown up reading. Despite the plot being full of information, twists, turns and surprises, the writing is brilliant and keeps the reader engaged in the exciting story. The main characters Maria Barnes and Greg Woods are incredible, likeable and despite the action taking place across Europe as well as at high levels in British and Russian intelligence services (something I have no experience of) the story feels believable and real. Maybe that's because of known scandals involving politicians, celebrities, intelligence services and the police, that we hear about in the media today. Anyway, I'm not going to spoil the story for you. As with book 1 I highly recommend you get this and read it for yourself, you won't be disappointed. The story has something for everyone, without any unnecessary gore or salacious sexual content. Every word is needed, every word used embellishes and enriches the descriptions and action. My review can be shortened to four words " I love this trilogy", oh and "how long until the next one?"
10/5 stars from me. Keep them coming Angie.
I received an ARC unproof read copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have also pre-ordered this on Amazon and will review on publication date
September 12, 2015
How I am growing to love Angie Smith books. The first was brilliant and I love this one even more. The story has settled down to key players in this book. Angie had already laid down their characters in the first book and develops them further in this one.
Flowing seamlessly from the last book the journey continues. After the shooting of former M.P. Guilford-Johnston, Barnes is forcibly abducted by Williams leaving behind a dead body, two injured men and a lot of confusion. Detective Superintendent Greg Woods had totally trusted Detective Sargent Maria Barnes but after what he has witnessed he has trouble believing in her. All the evidence points to Barnes and Williams working together from the very beginning. Woods simply can't believe Barnes could do this though and starts to delve into her past. The more he finds out and the more he is convinced that Williams has a hold on her somehow. A secret in her past.
This story is riveting switching between Barnes and Woods. There are alliances made, double crosses and double double crosses. There are shocks and mighty people fall and Barnes shocking past is revealed which will have life changing consequences for her. Not everyone will survive in this book but who will be left to carry on in the final book? I will be there right to the end. This is an ARC review from Tracy Fenton's book club.
Flowing seamlessly from the last book the journey continues. After the shooting of former M.P. Guilford-Johnston, Barnes is forcibly abducted by Williams leaving behind a dead body, two injured men and a lot of confusion. Detective Superintendent Greg Woods had totally trusted Detective Sargent Maria Barnes but after what he has witnessed he has trouble believing in her. All the evidence points to Barnes and Williams working together from the very beginning. Woods simply can't believe Barnes could do this though and starts to delve into her past. The more he finds out and the more he is convinced that Williams has a hold on her somehow. A secret in her past.
This story is riveting switching between Barnes and Woods. There are alliances made, double crosses and double double crosses. There are shocks and mighty people fall and Barnes shocking past is revealed which will have life changing consequences for her. Not everyone will survive in this book but who will be left to carry on in the final book? I will be there right to the end. This is an ARC review from Tracy Fenton's book club.
September 28, 2015
This is a great follow-up to the first book. It still has plenty of twists, but I would probably put in a category of a spy thriller rather than a crime novel. I enjoyed discovering more about Maria's past and finding out how her relationship with Woods has developed. Now waiting with anticipation for the last book in the trilogy.
I would like to thank The Book Club and the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank The Book Club and the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
Belter of a book that you can't put down
September 6, 2015
CXVI: Secrets Broken picks up where its predecessor leaves off with Barnes being kidnapped by Williams, leaving Woods with a gunshot wound and a dead body. But the story that follows is full of espionage and international secrets!
Barnes is whisked into a dark underworld and she doesn't know who to trust and who is telling the truth. Woods is trying to keep up and is drawn into a world of cryptography and secret liaisons! I loved the introduction of Pendleton the Aardvark.
Where CXVI: The Beginning of the End felt like a crime novel, Secrets Broken is more of an international thriller. Personally I enjoyed Secrets Broken more than its predecessor. I did enjoy The Beginning of the End but I felt Secrets Broken had a faster pace to it.
One thing I will say, if like me, you've read The Beginning of the End a little while ago, it's worth refreshing your memory as Secrets Broken picks up right where its predecessor leaves off. I can't wait to read the conclusion Desperate Measures!
A big thank you to Angie Smith for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
Barnes is whisked into a dark underworld and she doesn't know who to trust and who is telling the truth. Woods is trying to keep up and is drawn into a world of cryptography and secret liaisons! I loved the introduction of Pendleton the Aardvark.
Where CXVI: The Beginning of the End felt like a crime novel, Secrets Broken is more of an international thriller. Personally I enjoyed Secrets Broken more than its predecessor. I did enjoy The Beginning of the End but I felt Secrets Broken had a faster pace to it.
One thing I will say, if like me, you've read The Beginning of the End a little while ago, it's worth refreshing your memory as Secrets Broken picks up right where its predecessor leaves off. I can't wait to read the conclusion Desperate Measures!
A big thank you to Angie Smith for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
October 9, 2015
WOW!! Murder, mystery, suspense and nice twists. I was fortunate to being able to review this second book in the trilogy right after book one, and have loved it as much, if not more than the first book.
CXVI: Secrets Broken picks up where book one ended after a cliff-hanging ending, and is as clever and intelligent as the previous book.
Maria Barnes is back with all the excitement and danger and what I really enjoyed is finding out more about her past and what makes her tick. The dynamics and chemistry is still there between Maria Barnes and Greg Woods, even though they do not have much contact with one another.
Once again we find the intelligence services full of corruption and worse crimes involving children.
This gripping and fast paced thriller totally blew me away and I can highly recommend it. My only gripe is that I now have to wait for the third and final book.
Thanks to Angie Smith and THE Book Club (TBC) for this ARC.
CXVI: Secrets Broken picks up where book one ended after a cliff-hanging ending, and is as clever and intelligent as the previous book.
Maria Barnes is back with all the excitement and danger and what I really enjoyed is finding out more about her past and what makes her tick. The dynamics and chemistry is still there between Maria Barnes and Greg Woods, even though they do not have much contact with one another.
Once again we find the intelligence services full of corruption and worse crimes involving children.
This gripping and fast paced thriller totally blew me away and I can highly recommend it. My only gripe is that I now have to wait for the third and final book.
Thanks to Angie Smith and THE Book Club (TBC) for this ARC.
September 22, 2015
This is the continuing story of CXVI and what a read it is!! From page 1 to the very end non stop action and intrigue! You really should read this series in order although I think you might be able to read as a stand alone.
There are so many secrets that I was hard pressed to keep up with them all or who were the good guys and who the bad--they kept switching. Maria Barnes is smack dab in the middle of all of it and Woods is trying to protect her from afar. Who can Maria trust? Who can Woods trust? Not going to give anymore away--this is definitely a read anyone who likes espionage, thrillers and twists and turns will thoroughly enjoy!!!!
Now I have to wait for the third and final book in this trilogy-----------------and I want it NOW!!!!
CXVI: Secrets Broken
There are so many secrets that I was hard pressed to keep up with them all or who were the good guys and who the bad--they kept switching. Maria Barnes is smack dab in the middle of all of it and Woods is trying to protect her from afar. Who can Maria trust? Who can Woods trust? Not going to give anymore away--this is definitely a read anyone who likes espionage, thrillers and twists and turns will thoroughly enjoy!!!!
Now I have to wait for the third and final book in this trilogy-----------------and I want it NOW!!!!
CXVI: Secrets Broken
October 2, 2015
CXVI Secrets Broken
Wowsers!
After reading the first book and being left teetering on the edge of a very high cliff, I would like to thank TBC and Angie Smith for supplying me with this sequel so that I could read it straight away to find out what happens next, oh and give an honest review!
Secrets Broken does not disappoint one little bit, in my honest opinion. It seamlessly flows from one book to the next. We find out more about the formidable Maria, and learn more about her past, which explains a lot of her motivations.
I love the main characters in this series, the twists and turns have you changing allegiance more times that you might change your socks!! The pace is so fast, it will have you completely gripped. Be prepared to do nothing else while reading this book, you won't be able to put it down!!!!
Please Angie, hurry up with the next book, I can't wait!!!!
Wowsers!
After reading the first book and being left teetering on the edge of a very high cliff, I would like to thank TBC and Angie Smith for supplying me with this sequel so that I could read it straight away to find out what happens next, oh and give an honest review!
Secrets Broken does not disappoint one little bit, in my honest opinion. It seamlessly flows from one book to the next. We find out more about the formidable Maria, and learn more about her past, which explains a lot of her motivations.
I love the main characters in this series, the twists and turns have you changing allegiance more times that you might change your socks!! The pace is so fast, it will have you completely gripped. Be prepared to do nothing else while reading this book, you won't be able to put it down!!!!
Please Angie, hurry up with the next book, I can't wait!!!!
October 4, 2015
This is a continuation of the story in Book 1 You need to have read this to be able to follow the events or the opening chapters of this book will be confusing. Barnes is on the run accused of murder and a lot of intrigue and plotting goes on. Neither Barnes or Woods know who to trust and at one point they seem to be working with and against one another.This is a pacy and intricate plot with a revelation part way through that nods to the title and explains why Barnes is such a tough cookie. I for one can't wait to see what she gets up I the next instalment. My thanks to the Author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2015
Secrets Broken does not disappoint and is such a cleverly written book. Angie Smith is a talented writer - it is full of characters, secrets, lies and clever communication.
I really enjoy Maria's character, and I love that Secrets Broken delves more into her relationships, her family and of course her secrets.
Be warned however, as it begins right where CXVI The Beginning of the End finished, so definitely worth refreshing your memory if you read it some time ago - lots of characters names and information to remember!
Recommend reading this book. I'm intrigued to read the finale in this very clever trilogy.
I really enjoy Maria's character, and I love that Secrets Broken delves more into her relationships, her family and of course her secrets.
Be warned however, as it begins right where CXVI The Beginning of the End finished, so definitely worth refreshing your memory if you read it some time ago - lots of characters names and information to remember!
Recommend reading this book. I'm intrigued to read the finale in this very clever trilogy.
October 4, 2015
I received this as an arc from the book club (tbc) in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 11 in the cxvi trilogy. It is not intended as a stand alone read and, should follow book 1 cxvi the beginning of the end.
The frantic search for detective sergent Maria Barnes is on. She's linked to the murder of the former home secretary and is desperate to prove her innocence.
Wow. Absolutely fantastic read. I loved it.
Loved Maria. Such a strong character for what she went through. And woods and foster. The plot was great. Had me guessing what would happen. Such a great read. I cannot wait for book 3. I would highly recommend this trilogy. Fantastic.
This is book 11 in the cxvi trilogy. It is not intended as a stand alone read and, should follow book 1 cxvi the beginning of the end.
The frantic search for detective sergent Maria Barnes is on. She's linked to the murder of the former home secretary and is desperate to prove her innocence.
Wow. Absolutely fantastic read. I loved it.
Loved Maria. Such a strong character for what she went through. And woods and foster. The plot was great. Had me guessing what would happen. Such a great read. I cannot wait for book 3. I would highly recommend this trilogy. Fantastic.
September 6, 2015
I have just finished the ARC of this book. WOW what a brilliant read full of murder, mystery spooks and much more. On one hand I would love to see a love interest between Barnes and Wood but on the other I don't want him to be a rat and cheat on his long suffering wife who is always there when he needs her. I can live this book as I come from one of the areas that the book is based on. Angie has certainly done her research as everything is spot on. Thank You For the ARC and get busy writing number 3.
November 1, 2015
As others have said, this is another excellent book. The lead character is fit for the 'long run' and should certainly feature in other books beyond this trilogy. The story is gripping and exciting however, I didn't read this sequel immediately after the first book and for me, that was a mistake.
Having read XX books in between (8 - 10 I think) I found it hard to pick up the story and remember peripheral but relevant characters. My 'senior' brain cells let me down miserably. I will buy the last book in the trilogy but will start over and read all three consecutively.
Having read XX books in between (8 - 10 I think) I found it hard to pick up the story and remember peripheral but relevant characters. My 'senior' brain cells let me down miserably. I will buy the last book in the trilogy but will start over and read all three consecutively.
September 8, 2015
This picked up from where part 1 left off and continued at the same break neck speed, across this country and beyond. Barnes is on the run, trying to clear her name, Woods is left behind not knowing quite what to believe but quickly begins to think the best of Barnes and tries to help clear her but it is difficult for both to know who can be trusted and who can't.
September 17, 2015
Definitely a great read and a fantastic second book. So now I find myself once again wondering what's next? Can't wait for the third! I am fast becoming a huge fan of your work Angie :)
September 21, 2015
Great second book. It took me a while to get into it, but then it grabbed me. Can't wait for the next installment.
October 16, 2019
Not a bad read but found it confusing with the size of the cast, maybe it is just that my old brain cannot keep up as well as it used to. :) Just could not immerse myself totally in it.
February 19, 2016
Absolutely brilliant. Arghh can't wait for book 3 now. Full review to follow soon.
CXVI: Secrets Broken is book two in this fabulous trilogy and as soon I picked it up I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it down. It had me in its clutches and I wasn't getting away.
Having just finished CXVI: The Beginning of the End I was desperate to get stuck straight into book two which now makes me very glad I didn't read the first book when it was published and had both beauties sitting on my kindle.
Secrets Broken starts where The beginning of the End finished on the massive cliff-hanger. Maria Barnes and Greg woods are on different sides this time but still working together.
Maria is a fabulous character , she's strong, determined and very capable but in this book we find out more about her past and her character really comes alive.
Greg Woods is like a father figure to Maria and through the story you can really tell he cares for her. The partnership between the two is remarkable and really has you routing for them both.
I really don't want to give to much of the story away but Angie Smith has wrote an incredible, riveting and shocking story that has twists and turns galore. This is a book you will want to sit down with and have plenty of time to read as you wont want to put it down.
Angie Smith is now one of my new favourite authors and I'll definitely be buying all three books in paperback so they can sit on my bookshelf. These are books I could go back to and read again and I'll be recommending them to all my friends.
I've been lucky enough to get an advanced copy of book three, CXVI: Desperate Measures courtesy of Angie and TBConFB which I can't wait to get into and will have a review up for that soon I'm sure. This will be released on 31st of March and is available for pre-order now.
CXVI: Secrets Broken is book two in this fabulous trilogy and as soon I picked it up I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it down. It had me in its clutches and I wasn't getting away.
Having just finished CXVI: The Beginning of the End I was desperate to get stuck straight into book two which now makes me very glad I didn't read the first book when it was published and had both beauties sitting on my kindle.
Secrets Broken starts where The beginning of the End finished on the massive cliff-hanger. Maria Barnes and Greg woods are on different sides this time but still working together.
Maria is a fabulous character , she's strong, determined and very capable but in this book we find out more about her past and her character really comes alive.
Greg Woods is like a father figure to Maria and through the story you can really tell he cares for her. The partnership between the two is remarkable and really has you routing for them both.
I really don't want to give to much of the story away but Angie Smith has wrote an incredible, riveting and shocking story that has twists and turns galore. This is a book you will want to sit down with and have plenty of time to read as you wont want to put it down.
Angie Smith is now one of my new favourite authors and I'll definitely be buying all three books in paperback so they can sit on my bookshelf. These are books I could go back to and read again and I'll be recommending them to all my friends.
I've been lucky enough to get an advanced copy of book three, CXVI: Desperate Measures courtesy of Angie and TBConFB which I can't wait to get into and will have a review up for that soon I'm sure. This will be released on 31st of March and is available for pre-order now.
January 23, 2016
I read the 1st book a while ago & I loved it & couldn't wait for book 2 & i wasn't disappointed. It was a great second book. it has everything you want in a book murder, mystery, suspense and some great twists. It is a gripping read from start to finish go grab yourself a copy you won't be disappointed
Book II in the CXVI trilogy is not intended as a stand-alone read and should follow Book I, CXVI - The Beginning of the End.
The frantic search for Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes is on. She’s linked to the murder of the former Home Secretary and is desperate to prove her innocence, but she’s trapped. Her captor, Freddy Williams, a ruthless serial killer, holds all the cards; including the one she cannot allow him to reveal.
Barnes is forced to adopt a dangerous bluff and double-bluff strategy, which ultimately involves the Secret Intelligence Service and her former boss, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods, combining forces. But who will survive? And who can you believe?
And just what is the relationship between Barnes and Woods? Perhaps her nemesis Faulkner-Brown holds the answer, but will he be the one who brings this reluctant heroine crashing down?
Hold tight for a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. Captivating, unpredictable and shocking.
Book II in the CXVI trilogy is not intended as a stand-alone read and should follow Book I, CXVI - The Beginning of the End.
The frantic search for Detective Sergeant Maria Barnes is on. She’s linked to the murder of the former Home Secretary and is desperate to prove her innocence, but she’s trapped. Her captor, Freddy Williams, a ruthless serial killer, holds all the cards; including the one she cannot allow him to reveal.
Barnes is forced to adopt a dangerous bluff and double-bluff strategy, which ultimately involves the Secret Intelligence Service and her former boss, Detective Superintendent Greg Woods, combining forces. But who will survive? And who can you believe?
And just what is the relationship between Barnes and Woods? Perhaps her nemesis Faulkner-Brown holds the answer, but will he be the one who brings this reluctant heroine crashing down?
Hold tight for a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. Captivating, unpredictable and shocking.
September 21, 2015
I received an ARC of this book through The Book Club in return for an honest review.
This is the second book of a trilogy and carried on immediately where the story finishes in book 1.
Barnes and Woods are now on opposing sides of the fence, or are they?
Again Barnes appears to be ahead of the game with Woods following her lead. In this book we get to learn even more about Barnes and why she chose to go into the Police. A secret from Maria's post is uncovered.
Barnes and Woods pit their wits against the intelligence service. A lot happens, energy levels need to be high to keep up with all the twists, turns, double crosses and action. This book grips you from page 1 and doesn't let you go until the end but leaves you lusting after book 3.
I would like to applaud Angie Smith's imagination and beg her to please hurry up with book 3.
This is the second book of a trilogy and carried on immediately where the story finishes in book 1.
Barnes and Woods are now on opposing sides of the fence, or are they?
Again Barnes appears to be ahead of the game with Woods following her lead. In this book we get to learn even more about Barnes and why she chose to go into the Police. A secret from Maria's post is uncovered.
Barnes and Woods pit their wits against the intelligence service. A lot happens, energy levels need to be high to keep up with all the twists, turns, double crosses and action. This book grips you from page 1 and doesn't let you go until the end but leaves you lusting after book 3.
I would like to applaud Angie Smith's imagination and beg her to please hurry up with book 3.
January 7, 2016
I had read the first book some time ago and this one picked up right where the first ended. I am pleased to say that the pace is so quick you cannot help yourself rushing through to see what happens next. Maria Barnes was reported to being a criminal even though she had been working in the police force with DS Woods who had been hurt in the confusion. The plot followed on with Woods trying to work out what happened and finding himself looking into Maria's background whilst fending off the 'help' of the secret services which if the past is anything to go by is not to help just to interfere for their own purpose. Who will be the winner at the end and how many of them will survive? Angie Smith has written a really fast paced novel that leaves you hoping there will be more, I for one hope there is.
December 10, 2015
Once again another great read by Angie Smith. Secrets Broken is the second instalment of the CVXI series and I shall tell you this is just as good as the first, if not better. Fast paced, exciting plot, many twists and turns, intrigue as well as great characters are all entwined together as the story of Maria Barnes and Greg Woods continues.
However exciting as it is, the reader should be warned to enjoy this book to the full Angie Smith's novel, The Beginning of the End, should be read first. Hopefully, if you are like me you will be gripped from the start. Then you will want to download this one as soon as possible. If you do you will be rewarded with a very well written book that will keep you guessing right up to the very end.
"Bring on book number three," that's all I'm saying.
However exciting as it is, the reader should be warned to enjoy this book to the full Angie Smith's novel, The Beginning of the End, should be read first. Hopefully, if you are like me you will be gripped from the start. Then you will want to download this one as soon as possible. If you do you will be rewarded with a very well written book that will keep you guessing right up to the very end.
"Bring on book number three," that's all I'm saying.
February 10, 2016
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first, but it definitely wasn't a 3* book.
I enjoyed the further development of the characters and was pleased to find out was Barnes' secret was - it had been annoying me! Like the first one I found parts of it a little confusing, but also like the first one I found I read it very quickly and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what was happening next!
Really looking forward to book 3.
I enjoyed the further development of the characters and was pleased to find out was Barnes' secret was - it had been annoying me! Like the first one I found parts of it a little confusing, but also like the first one I found I read it very quickly and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what was happening next!
Really looking forward to book 3.
December 13, 2016
Another winner!
Another fascinating read! Barnes is my hero, and I can't get enough of her. She's smarter than the opposition, and I believe that she is going to have the same problems with being underestimated by her enemies and friends in the next book. Excellent story and cliff hanger.
Another fascinating read! Barnes is my hero, and I can't get enough of her. She's smarter than the opposition, and I believe that she is going to have the same problems with being underestimated by her enemies and friends in the next book. Excellent story and cliff hanger.
February 25, 2016
Don't think of this as a second book, it is just the second instalment and it is just as good as the first at keeping the reader up all hours. Fast paced, well written, great characters. The only thing missing is book 3!
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