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Wicks Hollow #2
Sinister Secrets
A sexy blacksmith.
A CEO turned innkeeper.
A haunted speakeasy.
And a desperate killer...
Welcome to Wicks Hollow: a cozy town near Lake Michigan filled with quaint houses, eccentric residents, and more than its share of ghosts, murders, and sexy romance.
Leslie Nakano needs to make a major life change—getting away from the dog-eat-dog corporate world, as well as getting past a personal loss—so she buys a large turn-of-the-century mansion in Wicks Hollow, with plans to renovate it and turn it into an inn.
She doesn’t care about the rumors that it’s haunted—she just wants a new life.
But she sure wouldn’t mind finding the missing gems that belonged to Red Eye Sal, a bootlegger who lived in the house during Prohibition.
Blacksmith Declan Zyler, who has more work than he can handle working on historical restorations, has suddenly acquired a fifteen-year-old daughter he never knew he had. This turns his life upside-down when he decides to take on the role of single father.
When Leslie hires Declan to restore the iron staircase at her inn, neither of them realize they are disturbing a spirit from days gone by…a ghost who is determined to see justice served. Until they determine how to put that ghost to rest, neither Leslie nor Declan will be able to move on with their lives.
**This book was previously published under the title The Gems of Vice and Greed.**
Each book in the Wicks Hollow series is a romantic suspense novel with all the quirks of a small town setting—the perfect blend of humorous contemporary romance with cozy mystery and supernatural suspense.
A CEO turned innkeeper.
A haunted speakeasy.
And a desperate killer...
Welcome to Wicks Hollow: a cozy town near Lake Michigan filled with quaint houses, eccentric residents, and more than its share of ghosts, murders, and sexy romance.
Leslie Nakano needs to make a major life change—getting away from the dog-eat-dog corporate world, as well as getting past a personal loss—so she buys a large turn-of-the-century mansion in Wicks Hollow, with plans to renovate it and turn it into an inn.
She doesn’t care about the rumors that it’s haunted—she just wants a new life.
But she sure wouldn’t mind finding the missing gems that belonged to Red Eye Sal, a bootlegger who lived in the house during Prohibition.
Blacksmith Declan Zyler, who has more work than he can handle working on historical restorations, has suddenly acquired a fifteen-year-old daughter he never knew he had. This turns his life upside-down when he decides to take on the role of single father.
When Leslie hires Declan to restore the iron staircase at her inn, neither of them realize they are disturbing a spirit from days gone by…a ghost who is determined to see justice served. Until they determine how to put that ghost to rest, neither Leslie nor Declan will be able to move on with their lives.
**This book was previously published under the title The Gems of Vice and Greed.**
Each book in the Wicks Hollow series is a romantic suspense novel with all the quirks of a small town setting—the perfect blend of humorous contemporary romance with cozy mystery and supernatural suspense.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2016
723 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,679 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Blurb:
A sexy blacksmith.
A CEO turned innkeeper.
A haunted speakeasy.
And a desperate killer...
Welcome to Wicks Hollow: a cozy town near Lake Michigan filled with quaint houses, eccentric residents, and more than its share of ghosts, murders, and sexy romance.
Leslie Nakano needs to make a major life change—getting away from the dog-eat-dog corporate world, as well as getting past a personal loss—so she buys a large turn-of-the-century mansion in Wicks Hollow, with plans to renovate it and turn it into an inn.
She doesn’t care about the rumors that it’s haunted—she just wants a new life.
But she sure wouldn’t mind finding the missing gems that belonged to Red Eye Sal, a bootlegger who lived in the house during Prohibition.
Blacksmith Declan Zyler, who has more work than he can handle working on historical restorations, has suddenly acquired a fifteen-year-old daughter he never knew he had. This turns his life upside-down when he decides to take on the role of single father.
When Leslie hires Declan to restore the iron staircase at her inn, neither of them realize they are disturbing a spirit from days gone by…a ghost who is determined to see justice served. Until they determine how to put that ghost to rest, neither Leslie nor Declan will be able to move on with their lives.
Blurb:
A sexy blacksmith.
A CEO turned innkeeper.
A haunted speakeasy.
And a desperate killer...
Welcome to Wicks Hollow: a cozy town near Lake Michigan filled with quaint houses, eccentric residents, and more than its share of ghosts, murders, and sexy romance.
Leslie Nakano needs to make a major life change—getting away from the dog-eat-dog corporate world, as well as getting past a personal loss—so she buys a large turn-of-the-century mansion in Wicks Hollow, with plans to renovate it and turn it into an inn.
She doesn’t care about the rumors that it’s haunted—she just wants a new life.
But she sure wouldn’t mind finding the missing gems that belonged to Red Eye Sal, a bootlegger who lived in the house during Prohibition.
Blacksmith Declan Zyler, who has more work than he can handle working on historical restorations, has suddenly acquired a fifteen-year-old daughter he never knew he had. This turns his life upside-down when he decides to take on the role of single father.
When Leslie hires Declan to restore the iron staircase at her inn, neither of them realize they are disturbing a spirit from days gone by…a ghost who is determined to see justice served. Until they determine how to put that ghost to rest, neither Leslie nor Declan will be able to move on with their lives.
February 18, 2018
Better than the first of the series!
A great interesting couple! A lot of love moments and funny moments. The whole plot and characters were supreme!
More details to come!
A great interesting couple! A lot of love moments and funny moments. The whole plot and characters were supreme!
More details to come!
May 16, 2016
I had no idea what this engaging, sexy story was about when I downloaded it. But I’m a fan of Gleason’s two vampire series and thought this also looked intriguing, and I’m so glad I gave it a try!
The Gems of Vice and Greed is a delightful read — a light and entertaining blend of sweet, scary, and sizzling. In some ways, it reminded me of the Nancy Drew books I devoured in my youth. But with sexy times! And a hunky blacksmith who makes housecalls and likes to work shirtless. And a celebrated CEO who leaves the corporate grind to renovate a historic fixer-upper in a small rural town. And an elusive hidden treasure. And a decades-old murder mystery. And a ghost!
There are some memorable folks I’d love to meet in person, including the blacksmith, who is a totally gorgeous, kind-hearted, earnest, down-home hottie. The story was a bit predictable at times, yet it still surprised me in places and detoured me down a couple of dead ends — and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. So when you’re in the mood for a fun story that keeps you in a bit of suspense but doesn’t jerk your heart completely around, I highly recommend this book! Gleason’s writing has an easy, comfortable flow, and you’ll enjoy spending time with her characters.
Link to longer review: http://thesaucywenchesbookclub.blogsp...
The Gems of Vice and Greed is a delightful read — a light and entertaining blend of sweet, scary, and sizzling. In some ways, it reminded me of the Nancy Drew books I devoured in my youth. But with sexy times! And a hunky blacksmith who makes housecalls and likes to work shirtless. And a celebrated CEO who leaves the corporate grind to renovate a historic fixer-upper in a small rural town. And an elusive hidden treasure. And a decades-old murder mystery. And a ghost!
There are some memorable folks I’d love to meet in person, including the blacksmith, who is a totally gorgeous, kind-hearted, earnest, down-home hottie. The story was a bit predictable at times, yet it still surprised me in places and detoured me down a couple of dead ends — and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. So when you’re in the mood for a fun story that keeps you in a bit of suspense but doesn’t jerk your heart completely around, I highly recommend this book! Gleason’s writing has an easy, comfortable flow, and you’ll enjoy spending time with her characters.
Link to longer review: http://thesaucywenchesbookclub.blogsp...
April 5, 2024
Loved returning to Wick’s Hollow. This has lighter spice but lots of bedroom action. The characters are all heart. And a murder to be solved too!! Such a good read.
March 19, 2021
Enjoyable again, but not as good as the first in my opinion. In the beginning (and sprinkled throughout) there was too much focus on the Tuesday Ladies (I believe is what they're called). I wanted to move along in the story and we got stuck with too much chatter with them. Good mystery, though! I had an inkling who was involved halfway through, and I was excited to see I was right. I'm looking forward to book 3 because it's Ethan's sister's book, and I liked the small glimpse we got from her in book 1.
July 22, 2020
4.25/5 Stars
Sinister Secrets was a fun read! I really enjoyed it. This book is a part of a series, and I have not read any of the other books in the series at this time, so I couldn't say if this book is best read in order, but it does read well as a standalone. Gleason did a wonderful job with her setting, characters and her plot. This book was well balanced with the mystery, the paranormal elements (the ghost), and the romance.
I loved the descriptive prose that Gleason used to draw you into the story, the setting and the characters. Her comparisons using Pop Culture were also amusing (Phryne Fisher and Big Bang Theory anyone?). I do wish there was a little more intensity in the beginning with the Ghost aspect, but I did enjoy the way it played out. The mystery was well executed, I admit there were some twists I did not see coming, and something I thought was an inconsistency wasn't. But a very enjoyable mystery involving bootleggers, hidden jewels, a mystery in the mystery, love gone wrong and a red herring.
I adored Leslie and Declan. Even if they sometimes made me want to smack them (Declan). I feel like it was a nice role reversal of what we tend to see in romance. In this, Leslie Nakano, our Japanese American heroine was the wealthy, ex-CEO of a multi-million dollar company. She is the one who tends to be cool and collected and logical. Declan on the other hand, our hunky blacksmith was the more insecure of the two, jumping to conclusions, having doubts about what could be between them (he does have reason though). All of which could have been solved with communication. But misunderstandings make stories happen sometimes. And they were resolved once these two started opening the lines of communication.
The side characters were wonderful and colorful. And there were quite a few of them to keep track of. But I enjoyed getting to know them. Especially Aunt Cherry and Orbra. I do wish we had a bit more time to see Stephanie's interactions with her Dad and Leslie. But then she's not a young child so it wasn't as important I suppose.
I do wish there was a little more romance, and we got to see as the relationship progressed. But for what it was (I'm going to call it the "beginning" of a long-term romantic relationship) I enjoyed it. I do wish we had gotten an epilogue that let us see how they were doing further down the road.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
Trigger Warning:
POV:
HEA:
Sexual themes:
Cliffhanger:
Sinister Secrets was a fun read! I really enjoyed it. This book is a part of a series, and I have not read any of the other books in the series at this time, so I couldn't say if this book is best read in order, but it does read well as a standalone. Gleason did a wonderful job with her setting, characters and her plot. This book was well balanced with the mystery, the paranormal elements (the ghost), and the romance.
I loved the descriptive prose that Gleason used to draw you into the story, the setting and the characters. Her comparisons using Pop Culture were also amusing (Phryne Fisher and Big Bang Theory anyone?). I do wish there was a little more intensity in the beginning with the Ghost aspect, but I did enjoy the way it played out. The mystery was well executed, I admit there were some twists I did not see coming, and something I thought was an inconsistency wasn't. But a very enjoyable mystery involving bootleggers, hidden jewels, a mystery in the mystery, love gone wrong and a red herring.
I adored Leslie and Declan. Even if they sometimes made me want to smack them (Declan). I feel like it was a nice role reversal of what we tend to see in romance. In this, Leslie Nakano, our Japanese American heroine was the wealthy, ex-CEO of a multi-million dollar company. She is the one who tends to be cool and collected and logical. Declan on the other hand, our hunky blacksmith was the more insecure of the two, jumping to conclusions, having doubts about what could be between them (he does have reason though). All of which could have been solved with communication. But misunderstandings make stories happen sometimes. And they were resolved once these two started opening the lines of communication.
The side characters were wonderful and colorful. And there were quite a few of them to keep track of. But I enjoyed getting to know them. Especially Aunt Cherry and Orbra. I do wish we had a bit more time to see Stephanie's interactions with her Dad and Leslie. But then she's not a young child so it wasn't as important I suppose.
I do wish there was a little more romance, and we got to see as the relationship progressed. But for what it was (I'm going to call it the "beginning" of a long-term romantic relationship) I enjoyed it. I do wish we had gotten an epilogue that let us see how they were doing further down the road.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
Trigger Warning:
POV:
HEA:
Sexual themes:
Cliffhanger:
March 1, 2016
This book was definitely a fun read. I was engaged from the beginning with the eccentric cast of characters, especially Aunt Cherry and her gaggle of nosy friends. They provided some really great, sassy lines, and if this book wasn’t set in small town Michigan, these ladies would fit right in with the Steel Magnolias of my hometown! I thought the book was well balanced between cozy mystery, paranormal, and romance. This can be greatly enjoyed as a stand-alone book, but it is considered the third book in this series. The other to books are just as good, and to get the background on this book's heroine, Leslie, you should definitely read book one, The Shop of Shades and Secrets.
I loved the lush descriptions of the house shuddering and sighing. I love the imagery of the gale inside the foyer. It was eerie and creepy, and I honestly wish there was more with the spirit! This is a story that won’t scare the pants off you, but one that will send a chill to your neck and have you questioning the shadows outside your windows. Leslie was so cool and collected I would have liked to have really seen her shaken to the core.
Oh, sigh! I love a good romance, and these two were so sweet. I want a blacksmith of my own. Declan. Strong, loyal, sexy Declan! I absolutely love that he was a father; this showed another side of the alpha hero that I really haven’t read in too many books. Leslie was a sympathetic character, and I really liked that she didn’t gloss over that what she did to Gideon (in the first book of this series, The Shop of Shades and Secrets) was wrong. She could have come across as brassy, cold, and unlikable, but putting her in this small town setting, reevaluating her life and aspirations, she was really relatable (except her being so accepting of ghosts in her house, lol). The sexy-time scenes were hot and really funny! Oh, the mortification of
It’s the type of book to cozy up on the couch with and just be transported to another place with characters you wouldn’t mind having as friends in real life (well, except Regina and Gilda! And even John!) I hope there are other books in the future in this series, maybe one with Teddie Mack and Oscar? (Readers can read a real short story about these two characters in Hot Springs Magic.)
I loved the lush descriptions of the house shuddering and sighing. I love the imagery of the gale inside the foyer. It was eerie and creepy, and I honestly wish there was more with the spirit! This is a story that won’t scare the pants off you, but one that will send a chill to your neck and have you questioning the shadows outside your windows. Leslie was so cool and collected I would have liked to have really seen her shaken to the core.
Oh, sigh! I love a good romance, and these two were so sweet. I want a blacksmith of my own. Declan. Strong, loyal, sexy Declan! I absolutely love that he was a father; this showed another side of the alpha hero that I really haven’t read in too many books. Leslie was a sympathetic character, and I really liked that she didn’t gloss over that what she did to Gideon (in the first book of this series, The Shop of Shades and Secrets) was wrong. She could have come across as brassy, cold, and unlikable, but putting her in this small town setting, reevaluating her life and aspirations, she was really relatable (except her being so accepting of ghosts in her house, lol). The sexy-time scenes were hot and really funny! Oh, the mortification of
It’s the type of book to cozy up on the couch with and just be transported to another place with characters you wouldn’t mind having as friends in real life (well, except Regina and Gilda! And even John!) I hope there are other books in the future in this series, maybe one with Teddie Mack and Oscar? (Readers can read a real short story about these two characters in Hot Springs Magic.)
Read
February 29, 2016The Gems of Vice and Greed is the third book in Colleen Gleason's Contemporary Gothic series. Although it's part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone novel.
It's the story of Leslie Van Dorn. She used to be a high flying CEO but feeling jaded with that life, she quits her job and buys an old turn of the century house that she is going to turn into a Bed and Breakfast. Rumour is that it is haunted, but she doesn't care, she loves the house and can't wait to get the renovations done so that she can become it's landlady.
Declan Zyler is a Blacksmith, Leslie hires him to lovingly restore the wrought iron staircase rails from the grand staircase in the house. He's only recently moved back to the town, and although he has plenty to keep him busy, not only does he jump at the chance to work on such a stunning staircase, but he feels an immediate attraction to Leslie.
During the restoration work on the staircase Declan and Leslie end up finding some long buried items of clothing, a beautiful wrap, and one glove. Finding these items disturbs a spirit in the house, an angry spirit. To start with, only Leslie sees the ghost, but it's not long before Declan experiences the sounds and chills in the house.
What follows is an amazing story filled with suspense and mystery. We find out whose spirit is in the house, and why it hasn't been able to move on. Can Declan and Leslie solve a crime from long ago, will all the time they spend together see them falling for each other, will either of them end up hurt during the investigations into what's stopping the spirit from moving on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and had to read it in one sitting. I just had to know how it ended. I was totally surprised when the mystery was solved, I had no idea, no inkling about who had done the terrible things to the spirit prior to it's death. The romance between the main couple was a bonus to the mystery side of the story, the passion between them was hot! I love a book where a good romance can be enjoyed alongside an amazing suspense filled drama. This book perfectly did that!
It's the story of Leslie Van Dorn. She used to be a high flying CEO but feeling jaded with that life, she quits her job and buys an old turn of the century house that she is going to turn into a Bed and Breakfast. Rumour is that it is haunted, but she doesn't care, she loves the house and can't wait to get the renovations done so that she can become it's landlady.
Declan Zyler is a Blacksmith, Leslie hires him to lovingly restore the wrought iron staircase rails from the grand staircase in the house. He's only recently moved back to the town, and although he has plenty to keep him busy, not only does he jump at the chance to work on such a stunning staircase, but he feels an immediate attraction to Leslie.
During the restoration work on the staircase Declan and Leslie end up finding some long buried items of clothing, a beautiful wrap, and one glove. Finding these items disturbs a spirit in the house, an angry spirit. To start with, only Leslie sees the ghost, but it's not long before Declan experiences the sounds and chills in the house.
What follows is an amazing story filled with suspense and mystery. We find out whose spirit is in the house, and why it hasn't been able to move on. Can Declan and Leslie solve a crime from long ago, will all the time they spend together see them falling for each other, will either of them end up hurt during the investigations into what's stopping the spirit from moving on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and had to read it in one sitting. I just had to know how it ended. I was totally surprised when the mystery was solved, I had no idea, no inkling about who had done the terrible things to the spirit prior to it's death. The romance between the main couple was a bonus to the mystery side of the story, the passion between them was hot! I love a book where a good romance can be enjoyed alongside an amazing suspense filled drama. This book perfectly did that!
February 22, 2016
This is a fun, romantic, mystery with a little spooky paranormal activity going on. Leslie has left her high-pressure corporate life to open a bed and breakfast in a quirky little Michigan town. The peace and quiet is just what she needs to get over a breakup, deal with her miscarriage, and find out who she really wants to be. I thought the author did a good job of portraying Leslie's feeling about the miscarriage.
Since her historic mansion needs some repairs, she's hired Declan, local blacksmith, to fix the wrought iron stair railing. But when they start removing pieces of the railing, more than dust and mouse droppings are revealed. This house was the hangout of a Prohibition-era gangster, and there has always been a rumor of missing jewels. Could there really be a treasure buried somewhere in the house? Was a murder committed in the house? And is there really a ghost trying to help Leslie solve the mystery?
Leslie and Declan are a great couple, and Declan's teenaged daughter adds a neat twist to the story. The quirky characters, including Leslie's aunt, Declan's classmates, and other business owners add to the fun. Hunky blacksmith, hidden jewels, mystery, and a few chills...what's not to like.
Since her historic mansion needs some repairs, she's hired Declan, local blacksmith, to fix the wrought iron stair railing. But when they start removing pieces of the railing, more than dust and mouse droppings are revealed. This house was the hangout of a Prohibition-era gangster, and there has always been a rumor of missing jewels. Could there really be a treasure buried somewhere in the house? Was a murder committed in the house? And is there really a ghost trying to help Leslie solve the mystery?
Leslie and Declan are a great couple, and Declan's teenaged daughter adds a neat twist to the story. The quirky characters, including Leslie's aunt, Declan's classmates, and other business owners add to the fun. Hunky blacksmith, hidden jewels, mystery, and a few chills...what's not to like.
March 1, 2016
First, a few things of note - yes, I received this as an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review, but I also purchased a copy to give away, so. is about, after all...
On to the review...
I feel like I should preface this review today with - I do not like most contemporary romances. I like contemporary chick lit, but not much current romance. It's all the Billionaire's this or the Millionaire's that... So, when I tell you to read this book, I suggest you listen.
First of all, The Gems of Vice and Greed is book three in the Contemporary Gothic Romance series by Colleen Gleason. I have not read the first two, but you absolutely do not need to. That's a major factor in a series for me - can it stand alone?
So, Vice and Greed tells the story of Leslie and Declan. Leslie, having removed herself from the corporate rat race, has settled down in Michigan to restore a historic mansion so that she can open an inn. Declan, the local blacksmith (drooling already, aren't you?) has moved to the same small town to raise the daughter he never knew he had.
Throw in a ghost and rumors of long lost jewels, and you've a sexy, intriguing story full of charming characters, simmering sexual tension, and mystery.
This is a must read!
On to the review...
I feel like I should preface this review today with - I do not like most contemporary romances. I like contemporary chick lit, but not much current romance. It's all the Billionaire's this or the Millionaire's that... So, when I tell you to read this book, I suggest you listen.
First of all, The Gems of Vice and Greed is book three in the Contemporary Gothic Romance series by Colleen Gleason. I have not read the first two, but you absolutely do not need to. That's a major factor in a series for me - can it stand alone?
So, Vice and Greed tells the story of Leslie and Declan. Leslie, having removed herself from the corporate rat race, has settled down in Michigan to restore a historic mansion so that she can open an inn. Declan, the local blacksmith (drooling already, aren't you?) has moved to the same small town to raise the daughter he never knew he had.
Throw in a ghost and rumors of long lost jewels, and you've a sexy, intriguing story full of charming characters, simmering sexual tension, and mystery.
This is a must read!
March 1, 2016
I received the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A ghost story and a love that unveils the secrets of the past. This is a standalone book 3.
Leslie van Dorn looking to escape the rush and stress of the boardroom leaves the big city for the small town and Shenstone House. Shenstone House has a history behind it that includes a ghost.
Declan Zyler life was thrown through a loop when he was informed he was a father. When his daughter pleaded with him to move to her so she can live with him he immediately complies.
The secrets and mysteries grow as Leslie renovates the staircase that she has hired Declan to fix. The between Leslie and Declan ignites.
The truth is soon revealed allowing a ghost to extract revenge.
After Leslie and Declan's growing feelings for each other reaches a road block they work to clear the air.
A ghost story and a love that unveils the secrets of the past. This is a standalone book 3.
Leslie van Dorn looking to escape the rush and stress of the boardroom leaves the big city for the small town and Shenstone House. Shenstone House has a history behind it that includes a ghost.
Declan Zyler life was thrown through a loop when he was informed he was a father. When his daughter pleaded with him to move to her so she can live with him he immediately complies.
The secrets and mysteries grow as Leslie renovates the staircase that she has hired Declan to fix. The between Leslie and Declan ignites.
The truth is soon revealed allowing a ghost to extract revenge.
After Leslie and Declan's growing feelings for each other reaches a road block they work to clear the air.
February 29, 2016
I adore a lot of Colleen Gleason's work although I will confess this is the first of her contemporary gothic romance series that I have read. Although technically book 3 this totally works as a stand alone (although I will now be going back to get the other 2 because I enjoyed this).
As with her other work, Colleen paints such a picture that you get swept up in the story and just don't want to put the book down until you have answers. The romance winding through was great and even though it is more contemporary than her other works that I love I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
A great mystery, a little paranormal, and a lot of romance! A winning combination for me! V""V
As with her other work, Colleen paints such a picture that you get swept up in the story and just don't want to put the book down until you have answers. The romance winding through was great and even though it is more contemporary than her other works that I love I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
A great mystery, a little paranormal, and a lot of romance! A winning combination for me! V""V
March 1, 2016
I loved this book. Colleen so good. At writing mysteries that leave you guessing the whole time. I loved bot Leslie and Declan. They were both relatable and believable characters. They both deal with their problems and work through them instead of hiding from them. My favorite part was when they were telling the story about prom night. I saw it as compelling and creepy and gave myself chills I was that into reading the scene. I can't wait for other people to read it and enjoy it as much as I did.6
March 18, 2018
A modern day blacksmith is just unnnnnf, if you know what I mean. Especially one who's trying to figure out the ins and outs of being a single dad for a teenager he wasn't aware he had until recently. I have to say Declan certainly hit all my hot buttons as a character. Plus, he helped Leslie face off against a ghost. Not literally face off, but, you know, he believed her when she said that's what she saw and I like that in a man.
Leslie, meanwhile, is neither a blacksmith nor a single dad. She's a woman who's ditched her high profile career to start a new life as an innkeeper. That her newly acquired house has a few mysterious things happening in it intrigues her more than anything.
Ghosts! Missing gems! Hidden rooms! Mysterious goings on!
Anywho. Leslie and Declan are pretty freaking hot together. Much like Leslie, I do enjoy a good blacksmith. Especially one who's equal parts protective and smoldering with the sexy.
The ghosts of Wicks Hollow find a way to make themselves heard and I, for one, am enjoying hearing them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Leslie, meanwhile, is neither a blacksmith nor a single dad. She's a woman who's ditched her high profile career to start a new life as an innkeeper. That her newly acquired house has a few mysterious things happening in it intrigues her more than anything.
Ghosts! Missing gems! Hidden rooms! Mysterious goings on!
Anywho. Leslie and Declan are pretty freaking hot together. Much like Leslie, I do enjoy a good blacksmith. Especially one who's equal parts protective and smoldering with the sexy.
The ghosts of Wicks Hollow find a way to make themselves heard and I, for one, am enjoying hearing them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 16, 2024
Nice blend
I enjoyed the characters, setting & the plot. Wasn't too much given away, so the mystery was suspenseful. The description of the setting/scenery could be a
little shorter, but that is a me thing. I get a little impatient when there is a lot of descriptive setting information. Like excessive details to how a hallway looks BUT that is also a sign to me that I am impatient to get to the meat of the story & that I like it. I initially thought the book would be kinda boring & typical but it was a nice blend of good pacing, good characters & suspense with a little twist in there as well. Good job! I am going back for more!
I enjoyed the characters, setting & the plot. Wasn't too much given away, so the mystery was suspenseful. The description of the setting/scenery could be a
little shorter, but that is a me thing. I get a little impatient when there is a lot of descriptive setting information. Like excessive details to how a hallway looks BUT that is also a sign to me that I am impatient to get to the meat of the story & that I like it. I initially thought the book would be kinda boring & typical but it was a nice blend of good pacing, good characters & suspense with a little twist in there as well. Good job! I am going back for more!
September 21, 2025
“You always dream about finding hidden stairways and tunnels…and when it actually happens…”
⭐️ 3/5
This is a cute, cozy paranormal mystery with a strong romance thread. Set in an old house full of hidden stairways, tunnels, and secret rooms. The small-town setting adds charm, and the combination of romance, mystery, and ghostly intrigue makes it a light and enjoyable read.
It’s definitely more romance-forward than suspenseful, but the story’s whimsical haunted-house energy kept me engaged. If Hallmark made a haunted house movie, this would be the result—fun, charming, and easy to read, with a gentle touch of paranormal mystery.
⭐️ 3/5
This is a cute, cozy paranormal mystery with a strong romance thread. Set in an old house full of hidden stairways, tunnels, and secret rooms. The small-town setting adds charm, and the combination of romance, mystery, and ghostly intrigue makes it a light and enjoyable read.
It’s definitely more romance-forward than suspenseful, but the story’s whimsical haunted-house energy kept me engaged. If Hallmark made a haunted house movie, this would be the result—fun, charming, and easy to read, with a gentle touch of paranormal mystery.
April 20, 2021
Sinister Secrets was a warm, melty, romance with plenty of witty characters along with twists and turns to keep you gripped and reading! Colleen delivered a toe-curling romance that hands down had lovely relationships in a quaint beautiful little town. Hands down I’m excited for the continuation of the series, and can’t wait to sink my teeth into the remainder of the books!
If you’re on the fence when it comes to ghost mysteries, I highly recommend Colleen Gleason’s Wicks Hollow series. A beautiful blend of wit, laughter, love, and friendship.
If you’re on the fence when it comes to ghost mysteries, I highly recommend Colleen Gleason’s Wicks Hollow series. A beautiful blend of wit, laughter, love, and friendship.
February 20, 2018
Ghosts, Mystery, and Secrets
Be prepared to stay up too late to finish this story and to experience a few goosebumps when the mysterious ghost manifests and takes her vengeance!
Leslie Nakano has bought the vacant and supposedly haunted Shenstone House in Wicks Hollow and mysterious events begin once Declan Zyler, blacksmith, tear out the wrought iron railings for repairs.
I'm looking forward to the next story!
Be prepared to stay up too late to finish this story and to experience a few goosebumps when the mysterious ghost manifests and takes her vengeance!
Leslie Nakano has bought the vacant and supposedly haunted Shenstone House in Wicks Hollow and mysterious events begin once Declan Zyler, blacksmith, tear out the wrought iron railings for repairs.
I'm looking forward to the next story!
March 12, 2018
Excellent mystery!!!
This book was really good! I'm fact, I didn't figure out who did it until Leslie did. I had it all wrong! LOL! Leslie and Declan are perfect together and there is a little steam involved. The ghost is pretty intense too!
This book was really good! I'm fact, I didn't figure out who did it until Leslie did. I had it all wrong! LOL! Leslie and Declan are perfect together and there is a little steam involved. The ghost is pretty intense too!
November 25, 2019
Another mystery well written by Gleason. Keeps you guessing until the end. Nice character development as well. The love story was a little tedious as you knew they would get together sooner or later.
June 2, 2020
This was a fun romp with just enough spooky to make it interesting. I enjoyed the feisty main character. I also enjoy all of the Michigan references. It is a lovely comfort read to be swept away to a vacation Lake Michigan town like so many that I have visited and loved.
May 24, 2024
Too Much Sex
I like to read good Christian novels where the story revolves around several storylines. I don't need to read graphic details of sex. I do like the way this author writes.
I like to read good Christian novels where the story revolves around several storylines. I don't need to read graphic details of sex. I do like the way this author writes.
August 26, 2024
Sinister Secrets by Colleen Gleason
A great mystery combined with a great romance. I almost didn't finish reading it because I thought I had it all figured out. Boy, was I wrong! Definitely recommend this for mystery lovers.
A great mystery combined with a great romance. I almost didn't finish reading it because I thought I had it all figured out. Boy, was I wrong! Definitely recommend this for mystery lovers.
February 19, 2018
Even better than the first in this new series. A wonderfully surprising ending.
March 15, 2018
Awesome read
Colleen Gleason is my new favorite author. This book kept me up past my bedtime I couldn’t put it down.
Colleen Gleason is my new favorite author. This book kept me up past my bedtime I couldn’t put it down.
May 10, 2018
Great read
A home renovation, jewels, murder and a blacksmith, what more could you want. Had me guessing til the end. I thought someone else did it! Can't wait for the next one!
A home renovation, jewels, murder and a blacksmith, what more could you want. Had me guessing til the end. I thought someone else did it! Can't wait for the next one!
May 19, 2020
Fun
Colleen’s books are always a fun wild ride, you never know what direction she’ll take you in. This didn’t disappoint!
Colleen’s books are always a fun wild ride, you never know what direction she’ll take you in. This didn’t disappoint!
March 6, 2024
Fun series!
May 17, 2024
Keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Excellent job. Good story line. Very engaging. Makes you want to continue when u finish a chapter.so good. Totally worth reading.
Excellent job. Good story line. Very engaging. Makes you want to continue when u finish a chapter.so good. Totally worth reading.
June 13, 2024
Another great story!
Really enjoyed this story. The characters were so well developed that I felt I knew this. And when she talked about Ella I cried, I could feel her pain.
Really enjoyed this story. The characters were so well developed that I felt I knew this. And when she talked about Ella I cried, I could feel her pain.
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