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Secrets: A Lesbian Thriller
There is nowhere to run. Disillusioned with the direction her life is going, Marsha Taylor wants to get away, to find out what's left of her dreams. Picking up a hitchhiker along the way wasn't her intention, but Jessie, a woman with troubles of her own, is hard to resist. A mishap on the road forces them to make a stop in a small town called Diamond Lake. Residents are on edge since a brutal murder happened in the area not long ago.Everyone has their secrets...some of them are deadly.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
54 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Winkes
99 books212 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 8, 2018
3.5 Stars. Really exciting towards the end. I think I forgot to breathe there for a while. This is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
June 24, 2020
An interesting thriller mystery. Lots of suspects to keep you guessing. But not a lot of depth of character or connection between them.
Just an ok kindle unlimited read.
Just an ok kindle unlimited read.
July 6, 2018
The plot was interesting and the beginning was OK + there’s a good list of bad guy candidates for the role of killer BUT I’m sad to confess that I’m disappointed. Seriously, I had to force myself to finish the book’cause the writing was quite awkward and pretty confusing.
I wonder why writting only a short story when a novel well thought could have make a good thriller .. ??? A complete novel would have allowed a better development about each characters and avoided to see too many new characters coming out of the blue and huge twists coming too close one from the other.
I’m not against a lil bit of diversity so even if the straight romance between Sophie and Allen is surprising (because it happens in a lesfic novel) it could have been great. But it’s disturbing => it appears some times that the flirtation between those two secondary characters is more developed that the one between the main characters.
Jessie flees and Marsha is a total wreck … Not having the background properly developed doesn’t help the reader to understand why Marsha and Jessie are this way (and keep so many « secrets ») so, we (readers) just suffer their state of mind (which not glorious at all for Marsha as a former cop become PI) and it’s annoying . All this doesn’t allow any kind of empathy either (I wanted to slap them to make them react … and I’m a pacifist !!!) . Oh sorry, I was about to forget to mention that their « romance » is too quick for my own taste.
I wonder why writting only a short story when a novel well thought could have make a good thriller .. ??? A complete novel would have allowed a better development about each characters and avoided to see too many new characters coming out of the blue and huge twists coming too close one from the other.
I’m not against a lil bit of diversity so even if the straight romance between Sophie and Allen is surprising (because it happens in a lesfic novel) it could have been great. But it’s disturbing => it appears some times that the flirtation between those two secondary characters is more developed that the one between the main characters.
Jessie flees and Marsha is a total wreck … Not having the background properly developed doesn’t help the reader to understand why Marsha and Jessie are this way (and keep so many « secrets ») so, we (readers) just suffer their state of mind (which not glorious at all for Marsha as a former cop become PI) and it’s annoying . All this doesn’t allow any kind of empathy either (I wanted to slap them to make them react … and I’m a pacifist !!!) . Oh sorry, I was about to forget to mention that their « romance » is too quick for my own taste.
June 9, 2019
representation: lesbian mc's
This was... so dull and boring for something only 100 pages long. Everything was underdeveloped and the murderer had no relation to the story whatsoever.
July 5, 2018
Really slow.
June 24, 2018
Winkes is very adept at suspense. Just when you think you know the who…she introduces another twist in the story.
Her characters are complex, flawed individuals—some evil. Marsha and Jessie could not appear to be more different, but the one thing they have in common is keeping secrets from each other.
What does it take for any one of us to be able to trust another enough to let go of the secrets we hide? When Marsha realizes she is more invested in a future with Jessie, she makes the decision to fight her past fears. Winkes draws me into a story, then has me hiding from page to page, wondering what will happen next. She ties up all the ends, yet still leaves you with something in the back of your mid wondering, what if…
Secrets is not so much a romance as it is a discovery of self, that includes a road to love.
It is suspenseful, gripping, and wring your hands good.
Her characters are complex, flawed individuals—some evil. Marsha and Jessie could not appear to be more different, but the one thing they have in common is keeping secrets from each other.
What does it take for any one of us to be able to trust another enough to let go of the secrets we hide? When Marsha realizes she is more invested in a future with Jessie, she makes the decision to fight her past fears. Winkes draws me into a story, then has me hiding from page to page, wondering what will happen next. She ties up all the ends, yet still leaves you with something in the back of your mid wondering, what if…
Secrets is not so much a romance as it is a discovery of self, that includes a road to love.
It is suspenseful, gripping, and wring your hands good.
August 25, 2018
A great short read to keep you busy for a weekend or a day! The suspense and thrilling plot was in Barbara’s wonderful style to keep you as the reader guessing and intrigued. For the length of the book, a relationship is formed quickly between main characters Marsha and Jessie, but this is done well and relevant to the plot.
I really enjoyed the guessing contained in this story, as I tried to figure out who ‘he’ was. Has all the classic makings of a mystery and intricate interweaving of characters’ personal lives as would typically be expected. Looking forward to reading this again at some point and seeing if I can work out any hints and clues I missed first time while I was engrossed in the complexities of the mystery!
I really enjoyed the guessing contained in this story, as I tried to figure out who ‘he’ was. Has all the classic makings of a mystery and intricate interweaving of characters’ personal lives as would typically be expected. Looking forward to reading this again at some point and seeing if I can work out any hints and clues I missed first time while I was engrossed in the complexities of the mystery!
February 21, 2018
What an adventure!
Marsha was just looking for some peace & quiet. Running into a woman in a diner wasn't what she had in mind. Jessie was running from something. They couldn't know what that encounter would lead to!
The mystery & the characters in this story are written very well! So many choices in the bad guy category, you will be scratching your head trying to find the killer! Another good who dun it by Barbara!
Marsha was just looking for some peace & quiet. Running into a woman in a diner wasn't what she had in mind. Jessie was running from something. They couldn't know what that encounter would lead to!
The mystery & the characters in this story are written very well! So many choices in the bad guy category, you will be scratching your head trying to find the killer! Another good who dun it by Barbara!
June 10, 2024
I wasn’t really sure if I’d enjoy this one to be honest, but I was pleasantly surprised! The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, I think I was even holding my breath for some parts! So many suspects, so much to piece together on how everyone was connected, but it all definitely came together quite shockingly! I definitely enjoyed this authors writing style! I’m glad I added this to my TBR for the month of June, Happy Pride! I’ll definitely be reading more by this author in the future!
June 28, 2018
Riveting thriller that had me captivated from the start to the finish. I loved it.
Marsha Taylor ex-cop now PI goes on a holiday to forget her ex Sandy.
She picks up Jessie a hitchhiker on the way. What follows is a pulsating page turner that had me completely gripped. Barbara Winkes has written a cracking story that I highly recommend.
Marsha Taylor ex-cop now PI goes on a holiday to forget her ex Sandy.
She picks up Jessie a hitchhiker on the way. What follows is a pulsating page turner that had me completely gripped. Barbara Winkes has written a cracking story that I highly recommend.
April 28, 2019
I got halfway through this book and had to stop. The writing was confusing and clunky, and the character development was non-existent. The main characters were barely likeable, and their rapid romance felt a little weird to me. I’m bummed because this was an author I was excited to try out. Oh well...
May 8, 2018
Another great novel!!!
The suspense was killing me and didn’t stop until the last pages. The plot is intriguing with surprises that make your heart beat faster. There is also a nice dose of romance with delicious characters. Highly recommended.
The suspense was killing me and didn’t stop until the last pages. The plot is intriguing with surprises that make your heart beat faster. There is also a nice dose of romance with delicious characters. Highly recommended.
June 1, 2018
Loved it
I have enjoyed all her books. I love reading sappy love stories but it's nice to have that action and mystery thrown in. Thank you for writing stories that I can read the whole thing (I still read some hetero stories, but skip over all the sex scenes).
I have enjoyed all her books. I love reading sappy love stories but it's nice to have that action and mystery thrown in. Thank you for writing stories that I can read the whole thing (I still read some hetero stories, but skip over all the sex scenes).
July 4, 2018
This book kept me hooked to the very last page. the twists and turns, had me guessing who the killer was and what was going to happen next. recieved a ARC for a honest review, would buy. a must to read.
March 18, 2020
When Marsha goes to take a vacation she never anticipated picking up a hitchhiker. Then it gets a bit complicated as Jessie's world is revealed. Can these two women help each other or will they become the victims of a ruthless killer?
December 8, 2021
Nicely paced thriller
Well plotted and just at a level of excitement I desire. I’m too old for edge-of-the-seat thrillers that run at breakneck speed. I’m enjoying this author’s work as she hits several sweet places in life.
Well plotted and just at a level of excitement I desire. I’m too old for edge-of-the-seat thrillers that run at breakneck speed. I’m enjoying this author’s work as she hits several sweet places in life.
June 21, 2018
Great read
Great suspenseful murder mystery. Jessie and Marsha’s story kept me guessing as to who the killer was and how he had targeted them. I enjoyed reading the story.
Great suspenseful murder mystery. Jessie and Marsha’s story kept me guessing as to who the killer was and how he had targeted them. I enjoyed reading the story.
June 30, 2018
This was a very riveting thriller that kept me captivating till the end and the end was thilling in its own - it kept me on my toes!!
July 15, 2018
Interesting story, great plot and honestly almost to the end you aren't sure who the bad guy is....
June 20, 2019
Great
I loved reading this book.
Very hard to put down.
Read it if you like crimes in your book. Love it
I loved reading this book.
Very hard to put down.
Read it if you like crimes in your book. Love it
July 31, 2019
Good
I gave it five stars because it was a really good I read all her books this one was very good I recommend all her books
I gave it five stars because it was a really good I read all her books this one was very good I recommend all her books
December 14, 2021
3.5 stars. Though a little disjointed and sometimes difficult to follow the initial backline story, this book certainly had enough red herrings and plot twists to keep me guessing until the very end.
January 18, 2015
This book is an interesting tale of a cop turned private investigator who really just wants a vacation and can’t seem to get one. I have to admit, I started reading this at night and learned very quickly I couldn’t. There are point of view sections from the mind of the serial killer, and that’s what did me in. I think I was up half the night because I’d psyched myself out.
After finishing this book during the day, I can definitely recommend it as a good thriller. There’s two or three plot lines going at once. You have the relationship that’s budding between Marsha and Jessie, their pasts coming to haunt them, and then the serial killer who is out to get them.
The plot is what interested me the most and what kept me reading. However, the relationship between Marsha and Jessie wasn’t as believable as I wanted it to be. I wanted them to find comfort in each other, but the constant back and forth of Marsha about being attracted to Jessie annoyed me after a few chapters. It almost would have been better for the relationship to start with sex and move into comfort from that point.
Secondly, the constant berating of woman got really heavy handed. I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest, and trust me, it’s a lot more advanced in equal rights than this book makes it out to be. I currently live in the back flatlands of the country and they are not so advanced. Had this book taken place where I currently live, it would have been far more convincing to see the snarky comments about women in “male” roles. Particularly for a lesbian book, this came off as trying to pivot one group against another.
The last issue I had with this book, and why I am rating it 3.5 stars instead of 4, is because of transitioning. There were countless points where I got lost with what was happening because of lack of transitions and setting up the scene. For example, there’s a part where Marsha and Jessie go to get breakfast after talking with the police about Jessie’s crazy stalker who’s come back for a second round. They get to the diner, and then suddenly they’re having lunch and waiting for Jake and the stalker comes charging in. There wasn’t enough scene set up for it to work smoothly enough. I had to read the paragraphs multiple times just to make sense of what was happening. This is just one example. The first time Jessie and Marsha get together is also another prime example. There is absolutely no transition from shower to couch to Jessie suddenly being there on top of her.
This is really a good book. It succeeded in creeping me out, which is very hard to do, and it kept me interested throughout. Revealing the secrets of the two main characters throughout was a very good way to keep interest in a story that could have otherwise gone too quickly or too slowly.
3.5 Stars
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~AJ
After finishing this book during the day, I can definitely recommend it as a good thriller. There’s two or three plot lines going at once. You have the relationship that’s budding between Marsha and Jessie, their pasts coming to haunt them, and then the serial killer who is out to get them.
The plot is what interested me the most and what kept me reading. However, the relationship between Marsha and Jessie wasn’t as believable as I wanted it to be. I wanted them to find comfort in each other, but the constant back and forth of Marsha about being attracted to Jessie annoyed me after a few chapters. It almost would have been better for the relationship to start with sex and move into comfort from that point.
Secondly, the constant berating of woman got really heavy handed. I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest, and trust me, it’s a lot more advanced in equal rights than this book makes it out to be. I currently live in the back flatlands of the country and they are not so advanced. Had this book taken place where I currently live, it would have been far more convincing to see the snarky comments about women in “male” roles. Particularly for a lesbian book, this came off as trying to pivot one group against another.
The last issue I had with this book, and why I am rating it 3.5 stars instead of 4, is because of transitioning. There were countless points where I got lost with what was happening because of lack of transitions and setting up the scene. For example, there’s a part where Marsha and Jessie go to get breakfast after talking with the police about Jessie’s crazy stalker who’s come back for a second round. They get to the diner, and then suddenly they’re having lunch and waiting for Jake and the stalker comes charging in. There wasn’t enough scene set up for it to work smoothly enough. I had to read the paragraphs multiple times just to make sense of what was happening. This is just one example. The first time Jessie and Marsha get together is also another prime example. There is absolutely no transition from shower to couch to Jessie suddenly being there on top of her.
This is really a good book. It succeeded in creeping me out, which is very hard to do, and it kept me interested throughout. Revealing the secrets of the two main characters throughout was a very good way to keep interest in a story that could have otherwise gone too quickly or too slowly.
3.5 Stars
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~AJ
February 24, 2017
A thrilling read!
A killer who preys on women, a lot of twists, shocking turns and a touch of romance. Enough for a thrilling read. It kept me turning the pages, eager to learn more about the who, how and why. The structure of the story was excellent and it kept my attention from the beginning. This was a well written gripping story.
A killer who preys on women, a lot of twists, shocking turns and a touch of romance. Enough for a thrilling read. It kept me turning the pages, eager to learn more about the who, how and why. The structure of the story was excellent and it kept my attention from the beginning. This was a well written gripping story.
December 10, 2019
A relaxing road trip turns to terror as a serial killer decides to make her next.
Marsha Taylor hits the road with no real destination in mind other than away from her life as it is imploding on her. Almost immediately she meets a fellow traveler, Jessie, who needs a lift as she has been hitchhiking and is running into pervert trouble. Jessie is a breath of fresh air with her youth and laughter minus the bursts of fear and lies she spouts almost every time you ask her a personal question. Taylor is letting it go though, because she is not a cop anymore and Jessie is not a PI case. It is not until a series of incidents happen which strand the ladies with no car, no assistance, and no idea what is going on that Taylor starts to demand the truth. In the meantime the local cops are chasing a serial killer who may or may not be working within their department. Just who is tracking the ladies? Someone from Jessie’s past? Someone from Marsha’s cases? Or the serial killer? Or something worse?
Barbara Winkes makes Secrets a gripping suspense book that you do not want to put down until you know who the killer is and whether everyone is going to live. Winkles keeps us guessing throughout the book even though she shares the thoughts of the killer, we have no clue as to the identity until the cops do which is great. The relationship between Marsha and Jessie is not rushed and it could be as both characters are going through a vulnerable time in their own lives, but Winkles gives these characters a chance and it is nice. There are some surprises from the past and one that is really surprising and it adds depth to Marsha’s character where she has self-doubt. There is action, terror, and a build-up as to whether anybody is going to save the day. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read and I recommend it for your beach read list.
#Bookstagram #FridayReads #BookReview #BarbaraWinkes #Secrets #LesbianBookReview #Thriller #LesbianThriller #Suspense #LesbianSuspense #Lesbian #LesbianRomance #LesFic #LesbianLove #BooksOfInstagram #PhoebesRainbowWorld #BookReviewer #FlippingRainbows #3Stars #PG13Sex #LesbianBooks
Marsha Taylor hits the road with no real destination in mind other than away from her life as it is imploding on her. Almost immediately she meets a fellow traveler, Jessie, who needs a lift as she has been hitchhiking and is running into pervert trouble. Jessie is a breath of fresh air with her youth and laughter minus the bursts of fear and lies she spouts almost every time you ask her a personal question. Taylor is letting it go though, because she is not a cop anymore and Jessie is not a PI case. It is not until a series of incidents happen which strand the ladies with no car, no assistance, and no idea what is going on that Taylor starts to demand the truth. In the meantime the local cops are chasing a serial killer who may or may not be working within their department. Just who is tracking the ladies? Someone from Jessie’s past? Someone from Marsha’s cases? Or the serial killer? Or something worse?
Barbara Winkes makes Secrets a gripping suspense book that you do not want to put down until you know who the killer is and whether everyone is going to live. Winkles keeps us guessing throughout the book even though she shares the thoughts of the killer, we have no clue as to the identity until the cops do which is great. The relationship between Marsha and Jessie is not rushed and it could be as both characters are going through a vulnerable time in their own lives, but Winkles gives these characters a chance and it is nice. There are some surprises from the past and one that is really surprising and it adds depth to Marsha’s character where she has self-doubt. There is action, terror, and a build-up as to whether anybody is going to save the day. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read and I recommend it for your beach read list.
#Bookstagram #FridayReads #BookReview #BarbaraWinkes #Secrets #LesbianBookReview #Thriller #LesbianThriller #Suspense #LesbianSuspense #Lesbian #LesbianRomance #LesFic #LesbianLove #BooksOfInstagram #PhoebesRainbowWorld #BookReviewer #FlippingRainbows #3Stars #PG13Sex #LesbianBooks
February 18, 2014
I have to admit that "Secrets" doesn't fall into my usual reading genre, however, Barb Winkes had donated a copy as a prize in a competition I had entered and was lucky enough to win.
I don't feel that I appreciate or have enough experience with this type of book to do it any real justice, but I'll rate this story for the story itself, not the genre.
I wasn't enthralled with the story like I get with the Paranormal Romance (I'm sorry, I just love Vampires etc) but I did get absorbed enough to read the book in two sittings.
What I liked: It was an uncomplicated, easy to follow story. It had twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and it had a romance flowing alongside the mystery. The main characters were easy to keep track of and the background characters filled the story out nicely.
What I didn't like: that I didn't appreciate this story as much as I feel I could have, and that's nothing against Barb Winkes' book - that's because of my own personal reading tastes.
Who would I recommend this book to? Anyone that likes mystery & suspense.
All in all, I'm glad I read "Secrets". It gave me a taste of something outside my reading comfort zone and brightened up a dull dreary day.
Gonna rate this 4 stars for being an enjoyable read overall.
I don't feel that I appreciate or have enough experience with this type of book to do it any real justice, but I'll rate this story for the story itself, not the genre.
I wasn't enthralled with the story like I get with the Paranormal Romance (I'm sorry, I just love Vampires etc) but I did get absorbed enough to read the book in two sittings.
What I liked: It was an uncomplicated, easy to follow story. It had twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and it had a romance flowing alongside the mystery. The main characters were easy to keep track of and the background characters filled the story out nicely.
What I didn't like: that I didn't appreciate this story as much as I feel I could have, and that's nothing against Barb Winkes' book - that's because of my own personal reading tastes.
Who would I recommend this book to? Anyone that likes mystery & suspense.
All in all, I'm glad I read "Secrets". It gave me a taste of something outside my reading comfort zone and brightened up a dull dreary day.
Gonna rate this 4 stars for being an enjoyable read overall.
November 21, 2013
No secret this is a great read. I like the way the book slowly built up to the end especially the way it switched from character to character at the conclusion. Mystery, suspense, romance and just an enjoyable read.
August 27, 2016
Another wonderfully write book by Barbara. I couldn't put this book down. I recommend this book. Kudos Barbara.
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February 14, 2014Nice read!
July 14, 2014
Secrets kept me reading until the very last page. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews