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Killer Thriller #0.5
A Secondhand Lie
Sometimes you know things you’re not supposed to know. Things that you can never un-know. Things that will change the course of your life…and the fate of the ones you love.
I found her in our living room, bleeding and close to death, but alive. Barely. Until morning stole her last breath. The media called her killer the “Triangle Terror” … and then forgot about her. But I never forgot—my murdered sister, and an investigation that led to my own resurrection from the dead.
Twenty-two years ago, on a cold February night, Landon Worthington lost his father for the last time. After an armed robbery gone wrong, evidence and witness testimony pointed a shaky finger at Dan Worthington—deadbeat dad and alcoholic husband. But before the dust could settle over the conviction, Landon’s preteen sister, Alexis, is murdered in their home, plunging Landon’s life into further despair.
Two decades and a cold case later, Landon is dogged by guilt over their estranged relationship and decides to confront his incarcerated father-of-the-year about what really happened the night of the robbery. But the years of lies are hard to unravel. And the biggest question of all haunts him: How does everything tie into his sister’s murder?
And so begins Landon’s journey to piece together the puzzle of secrets, lies, and truths that can free his father, avenge his sister, and perhaps save himself.
A short mystery perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni's Third Watch and Dean Koontz's The Neighbor.
Read as a standalone or as the companion book to A Secondhand Life.
I found her in our living room, bleeding and close to death, but alive. Barely. Until morning stole her last breath. The media called her killer the “Triangle Terror” … and then forgot about her. But I never forgot—my murdered sister, and an investigation that led to my own resurrection from the dead.
Twenty-two years ago, on a cold February night, Landon Worthington lost his father for the last time. After an armed robbery gone wrong, evidence and witness testimony pointed a shaky finger at Dan Worthington—deadbeat dad and alcoholic husband. But before the dust could settle over the conviction, Landon’s preteen sister, Alexis, is murdered in their home, plunging Landon’s life into further despair.
Two decades and a cold case later, Landon is dogged by guilt over their estranged relationship and decides to confront his incarcerated father-of-the-year about what really happened the night of the robbery. But the years of lies are hard to unravel. And the biggest question of all haunts him: How does everything tie into his sister’s murder?
And so begins Landon’s journey to piece together the puzzle of secrets, lies, and truths that can free his father, avenge his sister, and perhaps save himself.
A short mystery perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni's Third Watch and Dean Koontz's The Neighbor.
Read as a standalone or as the companion book to A Secondhand Life.
95 pages, Paperback
Published January 12, 2017
258 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Crane
25 books793 followersTo know PAMELA CRANE, you first need to know her husband. He sleeps with one eye open. He checks the knife block to make sure none are missing. Why? It could be because they have four kids and a farm full of mischievous animals. Or it could be because she writes murder mysteries, and about the occasional woman who has lost her marbles (not based on her real-life psyche, she swears!) Don't worry—her husband is safe...for now. Her books range from witty whodunnits to psychological suspense and even humorous women’s fiction thrown in for good measure. She’s a USA TODAY bestselling author of over a dozen novels (who’s counting?), but her biggest accomplishment is keeping her zoo of animals alive…and her husband in check. Grab a free book at www.pamelacrane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 23, 2016
My understanding is that this short story, “A SECONDHAND LIE” was written in order to give greater depth to some of the secondary characters, and give more background information to prepare the reader for her full novel, “A Secondhand Life”.
This is the story of loss and redemption by the victim, Landon Worthington. Landon had survived without love his entire childhood, until Mia Germaine stepped into his life and saved him. As early as age three, Landon was the victim of child abuse by his drunken father, Dan. His father was convicted for robbery and attempted homicide of Ruby Parker, a lonely rich widow. Landon’s younger sister, Alexis, was murdered in their home…the killer still at loose.
“Twenty-two years ago, on a cold February night, Landon Worthington lost his father for the last time. After an armed robbery gone wrong, evidence and witness testimony pointed a shaky finger at Dan Worthington—deadbeat dad and alcoholic husband. But before the dust could settle over the conviction, Landon’s preteen sister, Alexis, is murdered in their home, plunging Landon’s life into further despair.”
Years later Landon found himself questioning if his father was really innocent, as he claimed.
And so begins Landon’s journey to piece together the puzzle of secrets, lies, and truths… and perhaps save himself. He decides to confront his incarcerated father and find out what really happened the night of the robbery. But so many lies to unravel. And how does everything tie into his sister’s murder? Langdon’s sister’s murder was not revealed in this short story, but I expect it will be addressed in the next novel, A SECONDHAND LIFE. Eager to start the next book, and find out who killed Alexis.
“This is the story of friendship. It’s a story of recovering from loss, finding yourself amid tragedy, and clinging to that lifesaver when it’s tossed to you in the storm.”
A son must know the truth!
This is the story of loss and redemption by the victim, Landon Worthington. Landon had survived without love his entire childhood, until Mia Germaine stepped into his life and saved him. As early as age three, Landon was the victim of child abuse by his drunken father, Dan. His father was convicted for robbery and attempted homicide of Ruby Parker, a lonely rich widow. Landon’s younger sister, Alexis, was murdered in their home…the killer still at loose.
“Twenty-two years ago, on a cold February night, Landon Worthington lost his father for the last time. After an armed robbery gone wrong, evidence and witness testimony pointed a shaky finger at Dan Worthington—deadbeat dad and alcoholic husband. But before the dust could settle over the conviction, Landon’s preteen sister, Alexis, is murdered in their home, plunging Landon’s life into further despair.”
Years later Landon found himself questioning if his father was really innocent, as he claimed.
And so begins Landon’s journey to piece together the puzzle of secrets, lies, and truths… and perhaps save himself. He decides to confront his incarcerated father and find out what really happened the night of the robbery. But so many lies to unravel. And how does everything tie into his sister’s murder? Langdon’s sister’s murder was not revealed in this short story, but I expect it will be addressed in the next novel, A SECONDHAND LIFE. Eager to start the next book, and find out who killed Alexis.
“This is the story of friendship. It’s a story of recovering from loss, finding yourself amid tragedy, and clinging to that lifesaver when it’s tossed to you in the storm.”
A son must know the truth!
Want to read
August 19, 2020FREE on Amazon today (9/12/2017)!
July 24, 2016
**"A Secondhand Lie" is the companion novella featuring characters also found in the full-length standalone thriller, "A Secondhand Life."**
Meet Langdon Worthington. His life has been cursed. An alcoholic father who was emotionally absent. Sent to prison for a robbery and attempted murder. His younger sister, Alexis, murdered, possibly by a serial killer.
In this introductory story, Landon is having guilt feelings over his father. He has spent 22 years behind bars for a crime he may not have committed. Langdon has only seen him once or twice during this time, and he decides to confront his father about what really happened that night.
There have been so many lies told over so many years, will he finally get the answers he’s seeking?
Langdon is a singularly distinctive character. He has many issues and flaws, and at age 38 decides his life has gone nowhere. The reader gets to follow his thought processes as he confronts his father and then has to determine what’s true, what isn’t. And how does all this tie in with the unsolved murder of his sister?
Less than 100 pages, this book packs a wallop. There is no wasted space, no fluff. There are a few surprises. This is more of a mystery than suspense.
The ending is not a cliff-hanger, but Langdon’s sister’s murder will not be followed until A SECONDHAND LIFE. I’m just intrigued enough to want to know …. Why? How? Who?
Meet Langdon Worthington. His life has been cursed. An alcoholic father who was emotionally absent. Sent to prison for a robbery and attempted murder. His younger sister, Alexis, murdered, possibly by a serial killer.
In this introductory story, Landon is having guilt feelings over his father. He has spent 22 years behind bars for a crime he may not have committed. Langdon has only seen him once or twice during this time, and he decides to confront his father about what really happened that night.
There have been so many lies told over so many years, will he finally get the answers he’s seeking?
Langdon is a singularly distinctive character. He has many issues and flaws, and at age 38 decides his life has gone nowhere. The reader gets to follow his thought processes as he confronts his father and then has to determine what’s true, what isn’t. And how does all this tie in with the unsolved murder of his sister?
Less than 100 pages, this book packs a wallop. There is no wasted space, no fluff. There are a few surprises. This is more of a mystery than suspense.
The ending is not a cliff-hanger, but Langdon’s sister’s murder will not be followed until A SECONDHAND LIFE. I’m just intrigued enough to want to know …. Why? How? Who?
July 5, 2024
Many books contain secondary characters that readers often wonder about. After writing my thriller "A Secondhand Life," I knew there were some relationships that needed to be resolved and questions that needed answered about some of the background characters. Hence, I decided to write this short story that fills in the gaps that I simply couldn't weave into my longer novel, lest they detract from the larger story line. That's when this companion book, "A Secondhand Lie," was born.
Following one of my favorite themes of how villains aren't always what they seem, I empathize with a man accused of being a predator, and a drunkard father with a criminal record who may be responsible for his daughter's murder. Are they as evil as we judge them while standing proudly on our pedestals? Or are the worst among us really no better than us?
"A Secondhand Lie" uncovers the lies buried under more lies, and the devastation that results. But more than that, it's a story of reconciliation and sacrifice as a son surrenders everything in order to discover the truth about his convicted father.
Following one of my favorite themes of how villains aren't always what they seem, I empathize with a man accused of being a predator, and a drunkard father with a criminal record who may be responsible for his daughter's murder. Are they as evil as we judge them while standing proudly on our pedestals? Or are the worst among us really no better than us?
"A Secondhand Lie" uncovers the lies buried under more lies, and the devastation that results. But more than that, it's a story of reconciliation and sacrifice as a son surrenders everything in order to discover the truth about his convicted father.
June 17, 2017
This is a novella which features characters that appear in a full length novel in the Killer Thriller series. Having not read the full length novel it did take me a little while to get used to the characters.
I did get kind of confused as the story flicks from present to past and there is quite a few mentions to do with Landon's sister who was murdered so was expecting there to be a bit more to do with that but it actually focuses on Landon doing his own investigating into a different injustice.
I actually quite enjoyed the story to do with Landon and his father and it felt more like a mystery suspense novel than an actual thriller. It has left me wanting to find out more about Landon and his sisters murder which i'm assuming goes into more detail in the longer length novel.
I did get kind of confused as the story flicks from present to past and there is quite a few mentions to do with Landon's sister who was murdered so was expecting there to be a bit more to do with that but it actually focuses on Landon doing his own investigating into a different injustice.
I actually quite enjoyed the story to do with Landon and his father and it felt more like a mystery suspense novel than an actual thriller. It has left me wanting to find out more about Landon and his sisters murder which i'm assuming goes into more detail in the longer length novel.
July 5, 2019
Rating: 3.0/5.0
A good start for a series. The book is short, story is good but I think the characters need to be more toned and given more personality.
A good start for a series. The book is short, story is good but I think the characters need to be more toned and given more personality.
January 12, 2016
This was a very well-written thriller about a son's search for the truth in his father's incarceration and the death of his sister. What he finds along his path are lies, deception and is forced to confront his father in his continued search for the truth. But what he finds, is not what he expects and the story takes a dramatic twist.
April 20, 2018
Finished reading: April 18th 2018
“In the pregnant pause between my birth and death, life had become little more than a series of cruel jokes, and I was always the punch line.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
March 3, 2017
2/5/1992, Durham, NC. Fivehead (thug) told Derek Worthington (Brother/Uncle) he had 1 week to get $10 thousand for his boss or else!
2/12/1992, Daniel “Dan” Landon Worthington (father, alcoholic) was convicted for robbery & attempted homicide of Ruby Parker (wealthy widow). His time will be spent in the Durham County Detention Facility.
Mia Germaine & Landon Worthington (son, narrator) had become quite good friends.
3/1992, Alexis Worthington (niece) was murdered.
Fast forward. 5/8/2014, Landon went to visit Dan.
5/9/2014, Landon (Derek’s nephew) was looking into his dad’s crime & went to see Detective Evan Williams (aka Dickhead, Durham PD).
Next on his list is Gene “Grizzle” Sanders (Derek’s BMF).
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very powerful well written thriller (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Tabella House; instafreebie Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
2/12/1992, Daniel “Dan” Landon Worthington (father, alcoholic) was convicted for robbery & attempted homicide of Ruby Parker (wealthy widow). His time will be spent in the Durham County Detention Facility.
Mia Germaine & Landon Worthington (son, narrator) had become quite good friends.
3/1992, Alexis Worthington (niece) was murdered.
Fast forward. 5/8/2014, Landon went to visit Dan.
5/9/2014, Landon (Derek’s nephew) was looking into his dad’s crime & went to see Detective Evan Williams (aka Dickhead, Durham PD).
Next on his list is Gene “Grizzle” Sanders (Derek’s BMF).
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very powerful well written thriller (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Tabella House; instafreebie Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 1, 2022
Mother Smucker Jam! 😳😯😳🤯
So I've recently become more enamoured with Pamela & her books and I'm about to start a binge kick in May of them. She graciously sent me this short story / novella type novel for free and I absolutely adored it! This is a lead up or "prequel" to the novel, "The Secondhand Life", and although I haven't read that one yet, this one set me up to be perfectly ready for it! There's just something about Crane & her writing, her stories, her twists, the ideas and plot that just suck me in and never fail me when I read her book. I gobbled this up so quickly I couldn't believe it was over! Absolutely superbly done for a novella! Can't wait to read the novel that goes after this. Ahh! So excited! PS - she's on Kindle Unlimited so go look! She's fab!
You can never un-know something. Landon's dad, just over twenty years ago, was convicted to an armed robbery that went awry. However, Landon's sister Alexis was found murdered in their home just after. Landon has been struggling with this all ever since and finally decides to see his dad while still in jail. But is he ready for the answers he can't imagine? Could there be any tie in to what happened to Alexis? They say the truth can set you free... but to what kind of freedom?
Absolutely delish, crazy, lies and secrets unveiled and things you just can't see coming! One of my faves for a novella!
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
So I've recently become more enamoured with Pamela & her books and I'm about to start a binge kick in May of them. She graciously sent me this short story / novella type novel for free and I absolutely adored it! This is a lead up or "prequel" to the novel, "The Secondhand Life", and although I haven't read that one yet, this one set me up to be perfectly ready for it! There's just something about Crane & her writing, her stories, her twists, the ideas and plot that just suck me in and never fail me when I read her book. I gobbled this up so quickly I couldn't believe it was over! Absolutely superbly done for a novella! Can't wait to read the novel that goes after this. Ahh! So excited! PS - she's on Kindle Unlimited so go look! She's fab!
You can never un-know something. Landon's dad, just over twenty years ago, was convicted to an armed robbery that went awry. However, Landon's sister Alexis was found murdered in their home just after. Landon has been struggling with this all ever since and finally decides to see his dad while still in jail. But is he ready for the answers he can't imagine? Could there be any tie in to what happened to Alexis? They say the truth can set you free... but to what kind of freedom?
Absolutely delish, crazy, lies and secrets unveiled and things you just can't see coming! One of my faves for a novella!
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
April 4, 2017
I'm reading this in the box set with A Secondhand Life to follow. Which is a good thing because if you don't have book two, you'll be left needing to know the rest of the story. I really enjoyed this fast little story of family troubles and forgiveness. Great Job, now onto the rest of the story.
February 23, 2020
This is the first book by Pamela Crane that I read. This is a great story about a son's belief in getting justice for a crime that his father did not commit. I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
March 4, 2018
A Good Read
This book is definitely a worthwhile read. There is much to love about Pamela Crane and her imaginative works. I think anyone who enjoys a good thriller will be pleased.
This book is definitely a worthwhile read. There is much to love about Pamela Crane and her imaginative works. I think anyone who enjoys a good thriller will be pleased.
February 24, 2017
This book gave further insight into the broken, troubled mind of Landon which was great.
Further giving the details of why the robbery happened, where was his Dad...really and if his Dad IS innocent who is the actual robber/shooter? This short story answers all your questions left behind from Second Hand Life! As with the first book this was very well written and is a twisty conclusion!
Further giving the details of why the robbery happened, where was his Dad...really and if his Dad IS innocent who is the actual robber/shooter? This short story answers all your questions left behind from Second Hand Life! As with the first book this was very well written and is a twisty conclusion!
January 27, 2016
The book “A Secondhand Lie” is the first book in Pamela Crane’s Killer Thriller Series. The story is a murder mystery mixed with family secrets. Twenty-two years ago Landon Worthington finds his little sister’s body in their home. During that same time his loser of a father is sent to prison for a robbery. It is not until now that Landon tries to revive his relationship with his father. He soon learns that nothing is as it seems.
From the beginning “A Secondhand Lie” is very intriguing. Landon definitely has a lot of secrets that he needs to discover answers to. This is the first book I have read by Pamela Crane. At times I did feel as if I was missing something that I should have known about the characters. Such as who exactly Mia Germaine is and how Landon knows her. However the story itself was hard to put down. I did figure out who committed the armed robbery that sent Landon’s father to prison rather quickly. I was a little surprised that everything came together so smoothly for Landon. I was expecting a little bit more drama or denial on certain character’s parts. I was rather disappointed that Landon’s sister’s killer was not revealed in this book. I think I have it figured out but there is no way to know until the next book in the series comes out. Overall I loved all the secrets that were in the story and I cannot wait to read the next book.
*I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite
December 29, 2015
Loved every thing about it.
This was a very riveting story, I almost felt it was a true story because it seemed more real than fiction. The heartfelt feelings expressed by the main character was so deep from the very beginning you were drawn into the story immediately. Can't wait to get started on the next book in this series. Have become a fan of Pamela Crane. Highly recommend this book.
This was a very riveting story, I almost felt it was a true story because it seemed more real than fiction. The heartfelt feelings expressed by the main character was so deep from the very beginning you were drawn into the story immediately. Can't wait to get started on the next book in this series. Have become a fan of Pamela Crane. Highly recommend this book.
January 18, 2016
I am usually not big on short stories but this one held me interest and I went straight to buy the next in the series once I was finished. It's amazing what new information can do for your outlook, especially when it's about someone you love. I thought this was a great story about reconnecting and a very good introduction to the characters. It provided enough information to make me want to continue reading about them.
December 13, 2016
I definitely will be finishing off the series to the entry of this thriller mystery in the near future. I really thought Landon's character was going to be killed the way you kept hinting about his last this and that, the end of etc etc. I'm really interested in who killed Alexis and the other victims. And how does Jeremy Mason play a part in the mystery in the past and future. Wow so much to find out!
March 19, 2017
I found this story hard to engage in. I didn't connect with the characters, or the story line.
As far as thrillers are concerned, I'm not sure this novella fits. While it is a companion to A Secondhand Life (which I have not read), there seems to be information missing that could have taken this story to another level. Conversely, there is information that could have been left out entirely to do the same.
I don't recommend this book.
As far as thrillers are concerned, I'm not sure this novella fits. While it is a companion to A Secondhand Life (which I have not read), there seems to be information missing that could have taken this story to another level. Conversely, there is information that could have been left out entirely to do the same.
I don't recommend this book.
September 2, 2017
A very well written story that kept me on the edge of my seat and anxious for more (I can't wait till I read the 2nd book). This new writer (to me, this is the first of her books I have read) creates a strong, well thought out story. The characters are well developed seemingly real that have you caring for them and their outcomes. I highly recommend this book it is short and won't take long, but it is enjoyable as far as thrillers go and really has you chomping at the bit for more.
July 12, 2016
A great short thrilling story about a boys search for the truth about his dad's crimes. Nicely written and I enjoy the fact that the characters link to more books. Read this book in an hour, nice leading on to others with great story included. Can't wait to read more stories and see what Landon does next!
March 17, 2017
An overwritten tease
I actually like gothic thrillers, but this one goes overboard. Then it peters out, limping to the end like a rabid dog. You might have loved him once, but now all you want is to get away.
I actually like gothic thrillers, but this one goes overboard. Then it peters out, limping to the end like a rabid dog. You might have loved him once, but now all you want is to get away.
September 25, 2019
A good short story of a guy whose dad was In prison and he was getting older now so decided to go see his father to see if he could get him to tell him the truth about what really happened and why he was sent away for so many years. He went thru a lot to find out the real truth.
December 29, 2015
Good book.
Very entertaining. Keeps you on your toes, waiting for what's going to happen next. It's one of those books you just have to read.
Very entertaining. Keeps you on your toes, waiting for what's going to happen next. It's one of those books you just have to read.
April 21, 2016
This was an interesting short story about Landon searching for the truth about what happened to his dad and sister. This was a fast paced book and very intriguing.
May 19, 2016
Interesting read
I really want to know the rest of the story, looks like I am going to have to buy the next book!
I really want to know the rest of the story, looks like I am going to have to buy the next book!
May 16, 2016
Secondhand lie
Believable characters, and took us into the mind of a young man plagued with a traumatic childhood. A good read
Believable characters, and took us into the mind of a young man plagued with a traumatic childhood. A good read
May 25, 2017
What an amazing book, that even though it's short, you race through it to find out the details . Too bad it's not longer, as I definitely didn't want it to end.
November 1, 2017
Great fast paced short story.
October 26, 2018
Kind of boring and I did not like the narrative voice. Did not make we want to read the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews