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A Cooper & Quinn Mystery #3
Dark Secrets
Jackie Rose is a mother on a mission. Determined to prove her eldest son did not commit suicide, she enlists the help of her best friend’s husband, Homicide Detective Charlie Cooper.
Reluctant to reopen another team’s closed case, but even more reluctant to upset his wife, Cooper and his partner Joey Quinn investigate. They soon discover Jackie Rose is right – someone’s killing kids.
As Jackie struggles to cope with the circumstances surrounding her eldest son’s death, a new threat emerges. Her ex-husband, unhappy with the effect of the case on the family and concerned Jackie’s becoming increasingly unreliable, wants to take their remaining children to the other side of the country. Will Jackie’s fight to clear her son’s name cost her the two children she has left?
Part police procedural, part domestic thriller, Dark Secrets is a fast-paced page-turner involving the difficult themes of teenage suicide and bullying. The deeper Cooper and Quinn dig, the more they realise everyone has a secret to hide. Can they find the killer before more young lives are lost?
Reluctant to reopen another team’s closed case, but even more reluctant to upset his wife, Cooper and his partner Joey Quinn investigate. They soon discover Jackie Rose is right – someone’s killing kids.
As Jackie struggles to cope with the circumstances surrounding her eldest son’s death, a new threat emerges. Her ex-husband, unhappy with the effect of the case on the family and concerned Jackie’s becoming increasingly unreliable, wants to take their remaining children to the other side of the country. Will Jackie’s fight to clear her son’s name cost her the two children she has left?
Part police procedural, part domestic thriller, Dark Secrets is a fast-paced page-turner involving the difficult themes of teenage suicide and bullying. The deeper Cooper and Quinn dig, the more they realise everyone has a secret to hide. Can they find the killer before more young lives are lost?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
470 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Lee
26 books91 followersAustralian author of fast-paced, mostly clean, crime fiction.
The Detective Charlie Cooper Mysteries tackle some topical issues with crimes at their heart, set in Sydney, Australia.
The Getaway Bay Cozy Mysteries feature a charming collection of eccentric locals and visitors working their way through the alphabet of cozy crimes.
Missing, featuring Detective Bonnie Hunter, picks up where Charlie Cooper left off.
The Detective Charlie Cooper Mysteries tackle some topical issues with crimes at their heart, set in Sydney, Australia.
The Getaway Bay Cozy Mysteries feature a charming collection of eccentric locals and visitors working their way through the alphabet of cozy crimes.
Missing, featuring Detective Bonnie Hunter, picks up where Charlie Cooper left off.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 7, 2019
When Charlie Cooper was asked by Jackie, a grieving mother if he could have a second look at her teenage son Lachlan's death, ruled as suicide by the coroner, Cooper didn't expect to find anything, let alone a cluster of similar deaths in the same area of Sydney.
This is the third episode in this engaging series featuring Detectives Cooper and Quinn. A rapid read, the plot deals with the difficult issues of teenage suicide and bullying as well as their effects on the remaining families who feel a mixture of guilt and sadness. Well paced, with a degree of tension as the police try to find clues to the identity of the killer before he can kill again.
This is the third episode in this engaging series featuring Detectives Cooper and Quinn. A rapid read, the plot deals with the difficult issues of teenage suicide and bullying as well as their effects on the remaining families who feel a mixture of guilt and sadness. Well paced, with a degree of tension as the police try to find clues to the identity of the killer before he can kill again.
July 4, 2017
The third in what is proving to be a very readable series. I like the main characters especially Cooper although if he does not start paying some attention to his wife and family soon there will be a disaster!
This story deals with bullying and teenage suicide and has some sad moments. As usual the police work is portrayed well and the characters are realistic. The book is fairly short and well paced. I enjoyed it and I am glad there is already one more to read.
This story deals with bullying and teenage suicide and has some sad moments. As usual the police work is portrayed well and the characters are realistic. The book is fairly short and well paced. I enjoyed it and I am glad there is already one more to read.
August 10, 2017
4.5★s
ER nurse Jackie Rose wasn’t coping with her grief – her son Lachlan had committed suicide two months previously and Jackie was convinced he would never do that. But no one would listen to her, especially her ex-husband Marcus and their fifteen-year-old son Ethan, who had found his brother’s body. Jackie’s best friend Liz, whom she worked with, was married to Homicide Detective Charlie Cooper and she begged Liz to ask Charlie to look into Lachlan’s case…
When Cooper and his partner Joey Quinn reluctantly began the investigation, their scepticism turned to horror when they discovered two more suicides that were very much the same. And Coop didn’t believe in coincidences. As they dug deeply into the deaths of the three teenagers they realised they had a serial killer on their hands – someone was killing teenagers and making it look like suicide.
Jackie, Ethan and her daughter Emma who was six, had more than the trauma of Lachlan’s death to worry them though. What would happen to the family? And what would Cooper and Quinn discover? Would they be too late?
Dark Secrets is the 3rd in the Cooper & Quinn series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in the suburbs of Sydney, NSW the police procedural is filled with twists and turns, gripping tension and the sadness of teenage suicide. Coop and his partner are great characters – the only person I didn’t have much “love” for was Jackie! I highly recommend Dark Secrets, but recommend the series is read from the beginning.
ER nurse Jackie Rose wasn’t coping with her grief – her son Lachlan had committed suicide two months previously and Jackie was convinced he would never do that. But no one would listen to her, especially her ex-husband Marcus and their fifteen-year-old son Ethan, who had found his brother’s body. Jackie’s best friend Liz, whom she worked with, was married to Homicide Detective Charlie Cooper and she begged Liz to ask Charlie to look into Lachlan’s case…
When Cooper and his partner Joey Quinn reluctantly began the investigation, their scepticism turned to horror when they discovered two more suicides that were very much the same. And Coop didn’t believe in coincidences. As they dug deeply into the deaths of the three teenagers they realised they had a serial killer on their hands – someone was killing teenagers and making it look like suicide.
Jackie, Ethan and her daughter Emma who was six, had more than the trauma of Lachlan’s death to worry them though. What would happen to the family? And what would Cooper and Quinn discover? Would they be too late?
Dark Secrets is the 3rd in the Cooper & Quinn series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in the suburbs of Sydney, NSW the police procedural is filled with twists and turns, gripping tension and the sadness of teenage suicide. Coop and his partner are great characters – the only person I didn’t have much “love” for was Jackie! I highly recommend Dark Secrets, but recommend the series is read from the beginning.
December 6, 2016
One of the worse things for parents is when their child commits suicide, and they were not there to help them. In Dark Secrets mother of a boy called Lachlan committed suicide however his mother Jackie does not believe it even after the coroner officially ruled it as a suicide. Lachlan mother Jackie is a friend of Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper wife, Liz. Liz is worried about her friend Jackie and asks Charlie to investigate the suicide of Lachlan and another boy. What Charlie found out during his investigation and how it affected everyone involved would shock and keep readers glued to their chair until they finish the book. I recommend this book.
January 30, 2026
Unbelievably brilliant!
What a set of circumstances and themes, but Lee does an outstanding job with some of the most difficult concepts an author could choose to tackle.
Copper and Quinn are truly brilliant, authentic, believable characters. This is not just a whirlpool, but an entire vortex I was sucked into and (successfully) ejected on the other side!
I am truly astounded this author’s name is not being blazed across everyone’s screens. A chance read of Book 1 in this series has seen me power through three in three weeks and I’ll be straight onto four.
What a set of circumstances and themes, but Lee does an outstanding job with some of the most difficult concepts an author could choose to tackle.
Copper and Quinn are truly brilliant, authentic, believable characters. This is not just a whirlpool, but an entire vortex I was sucked into and (successfully) ejected on the other side!
I am truly astounded this author’s name is not being blazed across everyone’s screens. A chance read of Book 1 in this series has seen me power through three in three weeks and I’ll be straight onto four.
October 27, 2019
I stumbled upon this book in a bookbub email or something. It was free and I was looking for a mystery sort of book to read.
This book was really readable, which is certainly a good thing. It was a bit predictable, but there was some good suspense and what not as well. Some of the dialogue was a little bit awkward, especially for cops and teens, but maybe it’s an Australian thing, as that’s where this story takes place.
I enjoyed the read, overall, and will totally check out another book in this Catherine Lee series.
3.5/5
This book was really readable, which is certainly a good thing. It was a bit predictable, but there was some good suspense and what not as well. Some of the dialogue was a little bit awkward, especially for cops and teens, but maybe it’s an Australian thing, as that’s where this story takes place.
I enjoyed the read, overall, and will totally check out another book in this Catherine Lee series.
3.5/5
September 2, 2017
Catherine Lee never ceases to amaze me with the Dark series. Dark Secrets is another wonderfully written and executed book featuring Cooper and Quinn a set of detectives striving to find answers to cases with twists I was honestly shocked by.
Dark Secrets bring to light the unfortunate series of supposed teen suicides happening in a small suburb but thanks to one determined mom they realize they have a killer on their hands.
It is another must read for mystery fans!
Dark Secrets bring to light the unfortunate series of supposed teen suicides happening in a small suburb but thanks to one determined mom they realize they have a killer on their hands.
It is another must read for mystery fans!
December 4, 2019
When the coroner gives his verdict that Jackie Rose's eldest son committed suicide by hanging, Jackie knows that it is wrong. She asks for the help of her best friend's husband Detective Cooper. Cooper and Quinn start their investigation and soon realise that she is right.
An interesting and well-written crime story
An interesting and well-written crime story
January 30, 2018
An amazing read even though I have children it was hard to read about it as its a touchy subject, but I did read it and I loved it!!!! My only complaint is, there needs to be more books in this series. I just love the characters and this series!!! please write more books!!
October 30, 2019
While I was quickly turning pages and enjoying every aspect of this story I unfortunately was able to quickly figure out how it would end.
Otherwise this was a well developed and well written book.
I highly recommend it.
Otherwise this was a well developed and well written book.
I highly recommend it.
September 30, 2021
Really good
The characters are really great and the storyline was good. Liked the way the one boy, who was upset because of his proclivity for younger children, was handled by the author.
The characters are really great and the storyline was good. Liked the way the one boy, who was upset because of his proclivity for younger children, was handled by the author.
October 22, 2019
Secrets
It does not take long to realize there are no secrets that this author has a liking for bad language. Not for my tastes.
It does not take long to realize there are no secrets that this author has a liking for bad language. Not for my tastes.
November 15, 2019
A bit predictable but a good story nevertheless.
December 30, 2019
great mystery -couldn't put it down - will be reading more of her books in the future
(but will wait until they go on sale)
(but will wait until they go on sale)
February 22, 2021
One of the best books I have read in a long time. Kept me guessing throughout and I found the characters extremely likeable. Will definitely be reading more of this series
May 30, 2023
Great!
A great story and told with great empathy. Coop is top bloke and I love reading about him! Such a good series.
A great story and told with great empathy. Coop is top bloke and I love reading about him! Such a good series.
December 16, 2023
I don’t know how she does it
Every book in this series I’m on book four and I’m hooked I can’t put them down and they always have a twist
Every book in this series I’m on book four and I’m hooked I can’t put them down and they always have a twist
February 28, 2024
Dark Secrets
So many secrets,another great story, what a nightmare for Jackie,couldn’t guess who was the murderer,Awesome characters and a good end to their woes!
So many secrets,another great story, what a nightmare for Jackie,couldn’t guess who was the murderer,Awesome characters and a good end to their woes!
February 11, 2025
Dark Secrets
Really enjoyed reading this book just as much as the previous two and highly recommend that you read them as well. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Really enjoyed reading this book just as much as the previous two and highly recommend that you read them as well. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
February 9, 2026
Really enjoyed this one - and good narration too. Lots of twists that I didn't see coming too early. Now i just have to wait to borrow the next one.
March 12, 2017
Once again, a great read. Love Coop and starting to love Joey too as he grows into the partnership. This was a bit of a tough one to read as a mother of a 16 year old, overall well written without being overly gloomy despite the tough themes in there - teen suicide, divorce, custody, losing a child, bullying. Will definitely be reading the next one, which I'm guessing is going to address vigilante justice, but I could be wrong. I think I've read all of this author's offerings for now so will look forward to the next release.
November 14, 2016
‘What do you say when someone asks how many children you’ve got?’
Jackie Rose is convinced that her eldest son Lachlan did not commit suicide. Lachlan was only seventeen. But when the police investigating the case advise Jackie that Lachlan’s death has been officially ruled a suicide, Jackie is reluctant to accept it. Jackie enlists the help of her best friend Liz’s husband: Detective Charlie Cooper. While Cooper is reluctant to investigate another team’s closed case at first, he doesn’t want to upset his wife. So Cooper and his partner Joey Quinn start looking at the case and soon form the view that someone is killing kids and making it look like suicide. Who? And why?
In the meantime, Jackie’s preoccupation with Lachlan’s death is causing her ex-husband Marcus concern. He’s worried about the impact on their other two children, Ethan and Emma. Especially after Jackie forgets to pick Emma up from school and she goes missing. Will Jackie’s increasing unreliability cause her to lose her two remaining children?
The action shifts between Cooper and Quinn’s investigation into a number of teenage deaths that have been ruled suicide. The deeper Cooper and Quinn dig, the more secrets they uncover. Cyber-bullying is a factor, but will Cooper and Quinn be able to put all the pieces together before another teenager dies?
I couldn’t put this novel down. Ms Lee has written a fast-paced novel involving the sad and tragic issues of teen bullying and suicide, and on some of the consequences for family members where relationships breakdown. How do families cope with the death of a child? How do children address and survive bullying? Ms Cooper maintains tension throughout novel as the story moves between Jackie’s personal issues and the police investigations. At the same time, the characters of Charlie Cooper and Joey Quinn are further developed, and Charlie Cooper has his own family responsibilities to consider.
This is the third novel in Ms Lee’s ‘Dark Series’. I will now wait as patiently as I can for the fourth novel: ‘Dark Chemistry’ (which is, according to Ms Lee’s website, due in July 2017).
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Jackie Rose is convinced that her eldest son Lachlan did not commit suicide. Lachlan was only seventeen. But when the police investigating the case advise Jackie that Lachlan’s death has been officially ruled a suicide, Jackie is reluctant to accept it. Jackie enlists the help of her best friend Liz’s husband: Detective Charlie Cooper. While Cooper is reluctant to investigate another team’s closed case at first, he doesn’t want to upset his wife. So Cooper and his partner Joey Quinn start looking at the case and soon form the view that someone is killing kids and making it look like suicide. Who? And why?
In the meantime, Jackie’s preoccupation with Lachlan’s death is causing her ex-husband Marcus concern. He’s worried about the impact on their other two children, Ethan and Emma. Especially after Jackie forgets to pick Emma up from school and she goes missing. Will Jackie’s increasing unreliability cause her to lose her two remaining children?
The action shifts between Cooper and Quinn’s investigation into a number of teenage deaths that have been ruled suicide. The deeper Cooper and Quinn dig, the more secrets they uncover. Cyber-bullying is a factor, but will Cooper and Quinn be able to put all the pieces together before another teenager dies?
I couldn’t put this novel down. Ms Lee has written a fast-paced novel involving the sad and tragic issues of teen bullying and suicide, and on some of the consequences for family members where relationships breakdown. How do families cope with the death of a child? How do children address and survive bullying? Ms Cooper maintains tension throughout novel as the story moves between Jackie’s personal issues and the police investigations. At the same time, the characters of Charlie Cooper and Joey Quinn are further developed, and Charlie Cooper has his own family responsibilities to consider.
This is the third novel in Ms Lee’s ‘Dark Series’. I will now wait as patiently as I can for the fourth novel: ‘Dark Chemistry’ (which is, according to Ms Lee’s website, due in July 2017).
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 26, 2017
The third book in the Cooper and Quinn mystery series is a very intense novel. It deals with a number of issues that are, either totally or to a large extent extent, taboo in our society.
At its core the book deals with teenager suicide (or is it murder?), and more particularly about the effects that has on the remaining family members. Other issues are bullying, teenagers struggling with their sexuality, the after effects of a relationship break-up, exclusion of teenagers that do not conform, parental pressure on kids and the devastating effects that can have, social media use of teenagers, an extreme career focus leading to parental neglect, to name just a few.
All of these issues could easily lead to lecturing, but fortunately the author has avoided that trap and deals with it in a very objective manner.
In spite of all these social problems, the novel is not gloomy at all. There is a positive and caring tone throughout with friends helping each other out, Jackie going out of her way to aid a lonely teenager, loving family dynamics, teenagers prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their loved ones.
A must read for any parent with teenage kids.
At its core the book deals with teenager suicide (or is it murder?), and more particularly about the effects that has on the remaining family members. Other issues are bullying, teenagers struggling with their sexuality, the after effects of a relationship break-up, exclusion of teenagers that do not conform, parental pressure on kids and the devastating effects that can have, social media use of teenagers, an extreme career focus leading to parental neglect, to name just a few.
All of these issues could easily lead to lecturing, but fortunately the author has avoided that trap and deals with it in a very objective manner.
In spite of all these social problems, the novel is not gloomy at all. There is a positive and caring tone throughout with friends helping each other out, Jackie going out of her way to aid a lonely teenager, loving family dynamics, teenagers prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their loved ones.
A must read for any parent with teenage kids.
December 26, 2016
Teenage suicides are a sad reality, often caused by cyber-bullying. But are these suicides always as they seem? Jackie can't believe that her son took his own life and asks Cooper to find out if her son was murdered.
How do families cope with the death of a teenager? How do teenagers cope with bullying? Why would anybody kill an innocent teenager?
During the investigation we're confronted with two very different suspects. Both troubled in their own way. A situation where they are both involved leads to a moment of high tension.
The lifelike relatable characters, the everyday problems and the dealing with very sensitive issues make this novel something special.
This crime mystery is the third book of the Cooper and Quinn Dark Series, but it's no problem if you haven't read the first two. I had read only the prequel Dark City. I want to thank the author for a free copy.
How do families cope with the death of a teenager? How do teenagers cope with bullying? Why would anybody kill an innocent teenager?
During the investigation we're confronted with two very different suspects. Both troubled in their own way. A situation where they are both involved leads to a moment of high tension.
The lifelike relatable characters, the everyday problems and the dealing with very sensitive issues make this novel something special.
This crime mystery is the third book of the Cooper and Quinn Dark Series, but it's no problem if you haven't read the first two. I had read only the prequel Dark City. I want to thank the author for a free copy.
March 29, 2017
I have just finished reading the first 3 in the Dark Series. Catherine definitely knows how to build suspense and to give us characters that are real - I have really enjoyed meeting Coop and his family and Quinn and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews