What do you think?
Rate this book
The Carter Legacy #1
Tangled Web
Cassandra Grayson leads a quiet life managing a library in Queens, NY. There’s only one thing missing… her sister.
Cassandra hasn’t seen her sister since the night their wealthy, prominent father died from a massive heart attack. She had only been five years old at the time and can barely recall the events of that night. All she can remember was that men came to the house and that it was the last time she saw her sister. Her alcoholic, emotionally unstable mother refuses to discuss her and will only say that she had been sent away to an exclusive boarding school in Europe. But, as the years pass by with no word from her, Cassandra begins to suspect there is more to her father’s death and her sister’s disappearance than she first thought.
Desperate to find answers she hires a private investigator, but when he turns up dead it becomes clear someone doesn’t want her looking into her family’s past. When wealthy businessman Jackson Evans stumbles into her life, with problems of his own, they realize his family and hers are inexplicably entwined in a web of deceit and murder, which spans two decades.
One by one, everyone who was in her home the night of her Father’s death, begin to die under suspicious circumstances and it becomes a race against time to uncover the truth, before she becomes the next victim.
If you like reading Melinda Leigh or Kendra Elliott, you’re going to love this series – full of suspicion, murder and intrigue.
The Carter
Book 1: Tangled Web
Book 2: Twisted Lies
Book 3: Blood Ties
Cassandra hasn’t seen her sister since the night their wealthy, prominent father died from a massive heart attack. She had only been five years old at the time and can barely recall the events of that night. All she can remember was that men came to the house and that it was the last time she saw her sister. Her alcoholic, emotionally unstable mother refuses to discuss her and will only say that she had been sent away to an exclusive boarding school in Europe. But, as the years pass by with no word from her, Cassandra begins to suspect there is more to her father’s death and her sister’s disappearance than she first thought.
Desperate to find answers she hires a private investigator, but when he turns up dead it becomes clear someone doesn’t want her looking into her family’s past. When wealthy businessman Jackson Evans stumbles into her life, with problems of his own, they realize his family and hers are inexplicably entwined in a web of deceit and murder, which spans two decades.
One by one, everyone who was in her home the night of her Father’s death, begin to die under suspicious circumstances and it becomes a race against time to uncover the truth, before she becomes the next victim.
If you like reading Melinda Leigh or Kendra Elliott, you’re going to love this series – full of suspicion, murder and intrigue.
The Carter
Book 1: Tangled Web
Book 2: Twisted Lies
Book 3: Blood Ties
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2017
503 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Saunders
30 books183 followersWendy Saunders is a supernatural/contemporary fantasy & Romantic Suspense author.
She is best known for her phenomenal world building skills, rich multi-layered storytelling and love of magic & mythology.
But be warned once you step into her world you'll find yourself checking reality at the door and entering a universe where magic is real.
Wendy Saunders also writes dark romance/romantic suspense as W.J. Saunders and she writes LGBTQ+/MM Romance as Vawn Cassidy
COMING Oct 2023 New Covers for The Carter Trilogyt!
Tangled Web, Twisted Lies & Blood Ties are being taken wide across all platforms!
Boxsets
The Guardians Series 1,
The Complete Series 1 Box Set
The Carter Trilogy
She is best known for her phenomenal world building skills, rich multi-layered storytelling and love of magic & mythology.
But be warned once you step into her world you'll find yourself checking reality at the door and entering a universe where magic is real.
Wendy Saunders also writes dark romance/romantic suspense as W.J. Saunders and she writes LGBTQ+/MM Romance as Vawn Cassidy
COMING Oct 2023 New Covers for The Carter Trilogyt!
Tangled Web, Twisted Lies & Blood Ties are being taken wide across all platforms!
Boxsets
The Guardians Series 1,
The Complete Series 1 Box Set
The Carter Trilogy
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 24, 2018
This book was filled with tension and many twists and turns. I could have done with fewer sex scenes which I felt took away from the movement of the plot. There were many twists with family secrets and long lost sisters, etc. I liked the mystery and suspense part but not the overdone family tension and sex.
March 17, 2018
This Is a Steamy Romance Novel
The backbone of this novel is a lusty romance with nausea-inducing family dramas including adultery, blackmail, mentally unbalanced characters, unveiling of half-siblings, and unscrupulous business deals. Front & center: a sexy, gorgeous woman + a sexy, handsome man = the romance genre’s de rigueur instant-love—which is followed by almost-instant office sex. The last leads to semi-explicit sex at frequent intervals.
The “cover blurb” is about the mystery, which the author tied in with the romance storyline. The mystery starts at approximately the 40% mark with a murder that finally draws police scrutiny. By that time I guessed the storylines and side stories of the romance/family drama(s) and the probable mystery. I prefer suspense/thrillers, police procedurals, and hardcore mysteries unadulterated by maudlin family drama.
NOTE: This author is in desperate need of a good editor.
The backbone of this novel is a lusty romance with nausea-inducing family dramas including adultery, blackmail, mentally unbalanced characters, unveiling of half-siblings, and unscrupulous business deals. Front & center: a sexy, gorgeous woman + a sexy, handsome man = the romance genre’s de rigueur instant-love—which is followed by almost-instant office sex. The last leads to semi-explicit sex at frequent intervals.
The “cover blurb” is about the mystery, which the author tied in with the romance storyline. The mystery starts at approximately the 40% mark with a murder that finally draws police scrutiny. By that time I guessed the storylines and side stories of the romance/family drama(s) and the probable mystery. I prefer suspense/thrillers, police procedurals, and hardcore mysteries unadulterated by maudlin family drama.
NOTE: This author is in desperate need of a good editor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2018
Cassandra Grayson is looking for her sister, someone she hasn't seen since she was five years old...the night their father died of a heart attack. Their mother, is an unstable alcoholic refuses to talk about that night. The night they took her sister away. They kept telling Cassandra that her sister went to boarding school in Europe. But when Cassandra hires a private investigator to look into finding her sister, she uncovers more that she bargained for, especially when the investigator is found dead! Was her father murdered? Why? By who? Why did her mother lie all these years about her sister? What really did happen that night and why? You will have to read this story and unravel the tangled web to find out. I would like to thank Cyanide Publishing for a copy of this book. I voluntarily left a review.
June 14, 2017
Completely absorbing
I have loved all of Wendy's books so far, I'm obsessed with her first series. This new series is so different from the last but the writing is equally brilliant. With the rich, in depth descriptions and brilliant believable characters it really draws you in. Can't wait for the next one.
I have loved all of Wendy's books so far, I'm obsessed with her first series. This new series is so different from the last but the writing is equally brilliant. With the rich, in depth descriptions and brilliant believable characters it really draws you in. Can't wait for the next one.
December 17, 2017
So Good
Good book. Looking forward to book 2. This book kept you on your toes and guessing right up until the end.
Good book. Looking forward to book 2. This book kept you on your toes and guessing right up until the end.
December 22, 2017
A great, suspenseful read that will keep you guessing through multiple twists and turns.
With interesting characters and a really good plotline, this is a book you won't regret reading.
With interesting characters and a really good plotline, this is a book you won't regret reading.
December 30, 2017
I got so engrossed in this book it kept adding new twists. I recommend this book to add to your library. Looking forward to the next book..
October 12, 2018
This is a pretty predictable mystery. It's not too difficult to guess the twists, but there's enough suspense that I wanted to keep reading to see if my guesses were correct. Some of the dialog is a little hokey and the romance is blatantly contrived.
Lucinda Gainey's performance was satisfactory. She attempted to give characters distinctive voices, although I would have appreciated a bit more distinction in some cases. Also, her accents seemed a bit forced and inconsistent and I heard at least one mispronunciation.
Despite these distractions, I hope to have the opportunity to review the next book in this series.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Lucinda Gainey's performance was satisfactory. She attempted to give characters distinctive voices, although I would have appreciated a bit more distinction in some cases. Also, her accents seemed a bit forced and inconsistent and I heard at least one mispronunciation.
Despite these distractions, I hope to have the opportunity to review the next book in this series.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 21, 2022
Outstanding
Sometimes you come across a book that is so good you just can't put it down and if you are not reading it you are thinking about it. This is one of those books. From cover to cover this book keeps you enthralled. So many plot twists make it a great read as you want to see where the latest clue leads and if you have got it right , because you won't read this book without turning detective yourself. Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyable , worth every one of the five stars I awarded it.
Sometimes you come across a book that is so good you just can't put it down and if you are not reading it you are thinking about it. This is one of those books. From cover to cover this book keeps you enthralled. So many plot twists make it a great read as you want to see where the latest clue leads and if you have got it right , because you won't read this book without turning detective yourself. Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyable , worth every one of the five stars I awarded it.
June 12, 2021
Excited For Second Book
This book captivated me from the beginning! I could hardly put it down. The characters are so real and interesting. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the editing was off. For instance:
Prized should have been pried ( at least two instances).
Desert should have been dessert.
Storey should have been story (also at least two instances.
Off to start the second one book.
This book captivated me from the beginning! I could hardly put it down. The characters are so real and interesting. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the editing was off. For instance:
Prized should have been pried ( at least two instances).
Desert should have been dessert.
Storey should have been story (also at least two instances.
Off to start the second one book.
October 3, 2025
These books are amazing. Wendy has such a compelling way of writing. I was unable to put them down and when finished I needed to read the next book! These book have secrets, love, found family, intriges, have spice as part of the story (not added for the sake of spice) and talk about heavy topics and childhood trauma. Please check TW your mental health matters
Please also check out books written under her other name Vawn cassidy which are also amazing.
Please also check out books written under her other name Vawn cassidy which are also amazing.
July 12, 2018
WOW!! Tangled Web, was an AWESOME READ!!
Tangled Web, was a can't put down read!! A multitude of characters, you almost need a pack of Character cards, to remember, who is who, who they are related to. Why they did things to others, too! A MUST READ!! I'm off to read the next book!!
Tangled Web, was a can't put down read!! A multitude of characters, you almost need a pack of Character cards, to remember, who is who, who they are related to. Why they did things to others, too! A MUST READ!! I'm off to read the next book!!
January 16, 2019
Only read 21/2 chapters....story seemed very interesting but with an explicit sex scene this early in story, I decided to end it...too bad but not really my preferred reading genre...
with so many good books to read I hate to push through something I dont really care for and I have a feeling there would be a lot of similar scenes to get through.
with so many good books to read I hate to push through something I dont really care for and I have a feeling there would be a lot of similar scenes to get through.
February 16, 2019
Old family secrets provide foundation for years of pain
Well-written and tightly-plotted, this is a tale of dirty secrets that haunt good people for years. Add in unethical business shenanigans and an extremely cold and unfeeling character you will detest and end up being engrossed in a world that is so unbelievable it eventually makes a sick sort of sense. Recommended
Well-written and tightly-plotted, this is a tale of dirty secrets that haunt good people for years. Add in unethical business shenanigans and an extremely cold and unfeeling character you will detest and end up being engrossed in a world that is so unbelievable it eventually makes a sick sort of sense. Recommended
February 26, 2019
Great read, loved it!
Absolutely loved this book, the story unfolds at just the right pace, the characters are well rounded and endearing, I am so pleased that there is a second book, a continuation of the story with the main characters, I had no hesitation getting it the moment I finished the first one which is a recommendation in itself, really hope it's as good as the first ☺
Absolutely loved this book, the story unfolds at just the right pace, the characters are well rounded and endearing, I am so pleased that there is a second book, a continuation of the story with the main characters, I had no hesitation getting it the moment I finished the first one which is a recommendation in itself, really hope it's as good as the first ☺
Read
November 23, 2020I was hooked from page one of this story!
There were so many twists in this story that I read non-stop until the end of the book. Sexy men and strong women, secrets and lies, and even some humor consistently kept the pages turning. Loved it! Ready to jump into the next book immediately.
There were so many twists in this story that I read non-stop until the end of the book. Sexy men and strong women, secrets and lies, and even some humor consistently kept the pages turning. Loved it! Ready to jump into the next book immediately.
July 17, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Two people, Cass & Jackson, meet and discover there is a definite connection between them. As it turns out there many connections. She is trying to find her sister who disappeared 20 yrs. ago and Jackson is recovering from finding out his father is not really his father. The twists and turns of this book and are phenomenal!
June 23, 2024
Really good story.
This book had so many plots going on at once. The rich creep, whose wife had two sons. Only one was the rich creeps.
Then rich son meets a special lady . She stayed by his side when no one else did.
Then, someone trying to kill the special lady.
Add a missing sister and business embezzlement, plus several murders and you have a great read.
This book had so many plots going on at once. The rich creep, whose wife had two sons. Only one was the rich creeps.
Then rich son meets a special lady . She stayed by his side when no one else did.
Then, someone trying to kill the special lady.
Add a missing sister and business embezzlement, plus several murders and you have a great read.
July 16, 2018
Very well written
Great story and very realistic characters; kept me on my toes and wondering through the whole story (I had solved the case 3 or more times and was wrong every time)
Great story and very realistic characters; kept me on my toes and wondering through the whole story (I had solved the case 3 or more times and was wrong every time)
December 4, 2018
More!
More is a theme here- so many characters want more, more, more of everything. As a reader, I wanted more book! It's fast-paced. There is drama, romance, mystery and enough bad guys for multiple crimes. I'm ready for book 2.
More is a theme here- so many characters want more, more, more of everything. As a reader, I wanted more book! It's fast-paced. There is drama, romance, mystery and enough bad guys for multiple crimes. I'm ready for book 2.
January 4, 2019
Another hit series!
Absolutely love this author's writing! Read the Guardian series first, and have now started the Carter Legacy series, and it is just as engaging the previous series I read. Excellent writing, highly recommend theses books!!👍👍
Absolutely love this author's writing! Read the Guardian series first, and have now started the Carter Legacy series, and it is just as engaging the previous series I read. Excellent writing, highly recommend theses books!!👍👍
June 8, 2019
Fantastic, Fantastic!!!
What can I say except Fantastic! Gripping, full of suspense, passion, never saw that coming. Expertly woven story of intrigue, murder & romance. Stands with the great authors of suspense novels. I just bought Book 2 & can't wait to read it
What can I say except Fantastic! Gripping, full of suspense, passion, never saw that coming. Expertly woven story of intrigue, murder & romance. Stands with the great authors of suspense novels. I just bought Book 2 & can't wait to read it
November 7, 2020
A phenomenal read
I just couldn’t put this book down. A combination of thriller and romance, never sloppy but totally thrilling. There are so many deaths it becomes almost too scary to turn to the next chapter never knowing whether one of the good guys is next on the hit list.
I just couldn’t put this book down. A combination of thriller and romance, never sloppy but totally thrilling. There are so many deaths it becomes almost too scary to turn to the next chapter never knowing whether one of the good guys is next on the hit list.
November 27, 2020
Extremely Layered Murder Mystery
Amazing characters. Shocking series of crimes spanning decades. A horribly evil first generation of greedy, self serving rich criminals. A second generation striving to become better than their wicked forbears. Very intense reading.
Amazing characters. Shocking series of crimes spanning decades. A horribly evil first generation of greedy, self serving rich criminals. A second generation striving to become better than their wicked forbears. Very intense reading.
January 10, 2021
Wow
It’s a “ Tangled Web “ all right! Every time I thought I might have it figured out,nope ....I DID think Chloe was still alive, just not a clue as to where she was! What an awesome start to a series !
It’s a “ Tangled Web “ all right! Every time I thought I might have it figured out,nope ....I DID think Chloe was still alive, just not a clue as to where she was! What an awesome start to a series !
April 28, 2021
Awesome reading
Held my interest to the last page. Couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading because I was going through guesses about who and what was going to happen next. New author for me and I can’t wait for the next read.
Held my interest to the last page. Couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading because I was going through guesses about who and what was going to happen next. New author for me and I can’t wait for the next read.
July 1, 2022
Superb storyline.
From beginning to end...plenty of romance,suspense and intrigue.
Extremely well written and the story had my interest piqued as the plot unravelled.
Highly recommend this book.
From beginning to end...plenty of romance,suspense and intrigue.
Extremely well written and the story had my interest piqued as the plot unravelled.
Highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2018
Great book
July 14, 2018
A great read
From the beginning to the end this is a great read. I thought I had it all figured out, I was so wrong. Read the book, it will keep you guessing.
From the beginning to the end this is a great read. I thought I had it all figured out, I was so wrong. Read the book, it will keep you guessing.
July 15, 2018
we need more stars for this series. keeps you guessing through the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews