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Killer Secrets
Small towns can have big secrets; this one’s a killer.
Ten years after Elyse Benson’s father and younger sister are brutally murdered and her mother institutionalized for the crime, a disturbing phone call compels Elyse to return home. She expects closure. Instead, she becomes a target.
Ten years ago, Sheriff James Warrick’s father made a deadly mistake during a murder investigation, the truth of which James has vowed to bury. However, when Elyse comes crashing into James’ life in need of protection, in order to help, he might be forced to confront the ghosts he’s been trying so hard to put to rest.
As they work to unravel Elyse’s past, together they discover that they have much more in common than either could have imagined—and that the secret they share could be a killer.
Ten years after Elyse Benson’s father and younger sister are brutally murdered and her mother institutionalized for the crime, a disturbing phone call compels Elyse to return home. She expects closure. Instead, she becomes a target.
Ten years ago, Sheriff James Warrick’s father made a deadly mistake during a murder investigation, the truth of which James has vowed to bury. However, when Elyse comes crashing into James’ life in need of protection, in order to help, he might be forced to confront the ghosts he’s been trying so hard to put to rest.
As they work to unravel Elyse’s past, together they discover that they have much more in common than either could have imagined—and that the secret they share could be a killer.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2019
23 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Sherrie Orvik
1 book79 followersSherrie was born in 1969 in Spokane, WA. She loves reading and writing short stories. She’s also curious by nature, and loves studying and learning about subjects that interest her. In junior high, that love of reading and learning helped earn her a place in Honors English courses. She remained in honors classes through high school.
She has two now-adult children she loves spending time with. During their childhood, she worked part-time in order to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschool. One of her part time jobs was managing a ballet school, and that’s where her life took a turn she never would’ve imagined!
It was at the ballet school where she met one of the parents who just happened to be an author. Sherrie told the author about her love of writing, and how she’d love to write a book someday. The author chuckled, and very kindly said, “I hear that all the time.” The author encouraged Sherrie to write, and asked almost daily if she’d written anything yet. Sherrie finally bought a laptop, and the rest is history!
Sherrie lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, surrounded by beauty that inspires and nurtures creativity. She’s as at home with ballet and wine as she is with football and beer. She loves walking her grand-dog by the lake, being with her friends, traveling, and driving her Mustang. She’s a firm believer in practicing awe and gratitude every day. Life is too short to waste a single, precious, moment of it in pursuit of anything that doesn’t make you feel alive.
She has two now-adult children she loves spending time with. During their childhood, she worked part-time in order to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschool. One of her part time jobs was managing a ballet school, and that’s where her life took a turn she never would’ve imagined!
It was at the ballet school where she met one of the parents who just happened to be an author. Sherrie told the author about her love of writing, and how she’d love to write a book someday. The author chuckled, and very kindly said, “I hear that all the time.” The author encouraged Sherrie to write, and asked almost daily if she’d written anything yet. Sherrie finally bought a laptop, and the rest is history!
Sherrie lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, surrounded by beauty that inspires and nurtures creativity. She’s as at home with ballet and wine as she is with football and beer. She loves walking her grand-dog by the lake, being with her friends, traveling, and driving her Mustang. She’s a firm believer in practicing awe and gratitude every day. Life is too short to waste a single, precious, moment of it in pursuit of anything that doesn’t make you feel alive.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 29, 2019
Excelent book. Mystery, drama and love. Not mushy like some stories cn be. Excellent charecter developement and plot. I was sorry i had to go to work because i could not put this book down.
April 6, 2019
Mystery-crime fiction stories are like puzzles. You have to drop hints and evidence at strategic places, to keep the interest of the reader. I think that the author, Sherrie Orvik, did this very well. New developments and information kept coming, sparking new twists and directions, and, as a reader, I tried to second guess who might, or might not be guilty at various turns in the plot. The fact that I had these questions, I believe spoke well for the writing of this crime novel.
Additionally, the story included the added dimension of a strong romantic love interest with built-in conflicts. James, a cop struggled with the balance of job duty vs. personal happiness. Elyse's character battled severe trauma, as well as vulnerability with trust issues. The romantic scenes were intense, but not graphic -- just enough hint of passion to pull the reader in. The romantic attraction within the crime setting provided a great change of dynamics in the midst of danger.
There were other great characters as well. James's father, Pops, was a likeable one with his warm, grandfatherly personality. Other people within the story possessed good personality traits that helped them also function believably in their roles, such as police officer co-workers, Terry, and Helen, a nurse, not to mention a great, lovable guard dog!
Pacing - most of the time ran pretty quickly. One scene I thought ran slightly long, but overall there was a good sense of urgency evident throughout, giving the reader a good suspenseful ride.
The writing was very descriptive. I could envision the story as a movie, as the feeling of place and time was always evident. I really enjoyed the story, and especially liked the italicized inner thoughts of the protagonist throughout. The story was original. Many times, there is romance between a cop and a female character; however, this story had unusual and clever plotting. A strong bond was that the crime touched both Elyse's and James's lives, upping the stakes. It kept me turning pages with complications that bound both protagonists as they headed deeper into the story, and danger.
Crime fiction is not something that I read often, but this story made me reconsider the genre. The story was well-written, with forensic details, investigative procedures, false leads, and tension that built and ran throughout the novel. I truly enjoyed reading this story.
============================================================================
*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a review. I have given my honest assessment.
Additionally, the story included the added dimension of a strong romantic love interest with built-in conflicts. James, a cop struggled with the balance of job duty vs. personal happiness. Elyse's character battled severe trauma, as well as vulnerability with trust issues. The romantic scenes were intense, but not graphic -- just enough hint of passion to pull the reader in. The romantic attraction within the crime setting provided a great change of dynamics in the midst of danger.
There were other great characters as well. James's father, Pops, was a likeable one with his warm, grandfatherly personality. Other people within the story possessed good personality traits that helped them also function believably in their roles, such as police officer co-workers, Terry, and Helen, a nurse, not to mention a great, lovable guard dog!
Pacing - most of the time ran pretty quickly. One scene I thought ran slightly long, but overall there was a good sense of urgency evident throughout, giving the reader a good suspenseful ride.
The writing was very descriptive. I could envision the story as a movie, as the feeling of place and time was always evident. I really enjoyed the story, and especially liked the italicized inner thoughts of the protagonist throughout. The story was original. Many times, there is romance between a cop and a female character; however, this story had unusual and clever plotting. A strong bond was that the crime touched both Elyse's and James's lives, upping the stakes. It kept me turning pages with complications that bound both protagonists as they headed deeper into the story, and danger.
Crime fiction is not something that I read often, but this story made me reconsider the genre. The story was well-written, with forensic details, investigative procedures, false leads, and tension that built and ran throughout the novel. I truly enjoyed reading this story.
============================================================================
*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a review. I have given my honest assessment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2019
Killer Secrets
By Sherrie Orvik
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small towns can have big secrets; this one’s a killer. Ten years after Elyse Benson’s father and younger sister are brutally murdered and her mother institutionalized for the crime, a disturbing phone call compels Elyse to return home. She expects closure. Instead, she becomes a target.
I enjoyed reading Eylse 's and Jame' s adventure as they dug into the discovery of those responsible for kidnapping and putting Eylse's life and that of those she loves in danger. Their discovery of their feelings for one another was also a joy reading about as it unfolded.The plot is good, the characters well developed and the story flows well. ! There is plenty of action and tense-filled moments for the reader who likes suspense. There is also a mystery for the mystery lover, as well as a romance for the romantic.And a twist at the end that I did not see coming. .The whole story was described with such detail that it made me feel like I was actually there. If you're looking for a page-turning, exciting, and entertaining read....look no further!
Ever heard the saying don't judge a book by the cover ? Well that's the case here. By looking at the cover I thought it was a thriller. So it was quite a suprise. And it left me wanting more. I can't wait to read book 2. For thoes of you that have kindle unlimited you can find it on there. Not sure how long it will be on there so you better get it while you can.
By Sherrie Orvik
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Small towns can have big secrets; this one’s a killer. Ten years after Elyse Benson’s father and younger sister are brutally murdered and her mother institutionalized for the crime, a disturbing phone call compels Elyse to return home. She expects closure. Instead, she becomes a target.
I enjoyed reading Eylse 's and Jame' s adventure as they dug into the discovery of those responsible for kidnapping and putting Eylse's life and that of those she loves in danger. Their discovery of their feelings for one another was also a joy reading about as it unfolded.The plot is good, the characters well developed and the story flows well. ! There is plenty of action and tense-filled moments for the reader who likes suspense. There is also a mystery for the mystery lover, as well as a romance for the romantic.And a twist at the end that I did not see coming. .The whole story was described with such detail that it made me feel like I was actually there. If you're looking for a page-turning, exciting, and entertaining read....look no further!
Ever heard the saying don't judge a book by the cover ? Well that's the case here. By looking at the cover I thought it was a thriller. So it was quite a suprise. And it left me wanting more. I can't wait to read book 2. For thoes of you that have kindle unlimited you can find it on there. Not sure how long it will be on there so you better get it while you can.
April 17, 2019
First, I want to thank Sherri Orvik and PandaMoon Publishing for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!!! What an incredibly intense and gripping beginning to Sherri Orvik’s new book Killer Secrets. She does an incredible job making you feel like you literally right there as she tries to escape a mad man. The detail in the scene and the raw emotions were outstanding. I was seriously on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened.
Sherri has an outstanding gift for this genre of writing. Even though this was a short read it was fast paced that hooked your attention and grabbed you hard from the start. It was full of thrill, suspense, action, a killer, investigation, and an intense storyline. Stories like this I love.
However, this book may trigger some that have been drugged, abused, assaulted, attacked. Please read at your own risk.
Sherri wants to thank Zara Kramer and everyone at PandaMoon Publishing for seeing potential in Killer Secrets but as her as an author as well.
I am cracking up laughing Sherri Is the first author ever in my career of reviewing books to give a shout out to coffee. Sherri says she couldn’t have written this book without it. Plus, she hopes they stay friends for a very long time. This made me smile!!
I would definitely review for Sherri again.
WOW!!! What an incredibly intense and gripping beginning to Sherri Orvik’s new book Killer Secrets. She does an incredible job making you feel like you literally right there as she tries to escape a mad man. The detail in the scene and the raw emotions were outstanding. I was seriously on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened.
Sherri has an outstanding gift for this genre of writing. Even though this was a short read it was fast paced that hooked your attention and grabbed you hard from the start. It was full of thrill, suspense, action, a killer, investigation, and an intense storyline. Stories like this I love.
However, this book may trigger some that have been drugged, abused, assaulted, attacked. Please read at your own risk.
Sherri wants to thank Zara Kramer and everyone at PandaMoon Publishing for seeing potential in Killer Secrets but as her as an author as well.
I am cracking up laughing Sherri Is the first author ever in my career of reviewing books to give a shout out to coffee. Sherri says she couldn’t have written this book without it. Plus, she hopes they stay friends for a very long time. This made me smile!!
I would definitely review for Sherri again.
April 10, 2019
Sherrie Orvik captivated and held my attention from the first pages right through the last chapter. She really developed her characters as the story unfolded. The way that each individual, though they were strangers, had some common thread with another was skillfully done. As each new clue to the killer unfolded, I thought that I had pieced together his identity, only to be fooled repeatedly. The author kept up the suspense right to the end before revealing the murderer. I will recommend "Killer Secrets" to my friends and my local library.
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May 10, 2019I was hooked just by reading the first line. I thoroughly enjoyed how each chapter lead you to the next. Page after page of suspense. Great writing. I'm looking forward to the next book written by this amazing author.
May 14, 2019
What a great read! Well thought out plot...great twists...great characters. All brought to the reader through easy flowing dialogue! A page turner for SURE! I really enjoyed the author’s free-flowing style. This book would easily translate into a series. I’m hoping for more from this author!
April 20, 2019
Loved this book! Such an exciting & easy read. Loved the twists & how all the characters life’s entertwined
December 23, 2020
Good read!
More romance than suspense but a captivating read from beginning to end! I would definitely read another from this author. 👍👍
More romance than suspense but a captivating read from beginning to end! I would definitely read another from this author. 👍👍
June 2, 2019
This was a fantastically engaging read.
The story wastes no time and holds nothing back. The vivid imagery keeps the reader in the moment with the protagonists and the dark plot keeps them on their toes the entire book. It's tense, it's thrilling, and there's a little something in there for just about every kind of reader.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the romance arc sometimes seemed to get more attention than the main, mystery arc. The chemistry between the characters is good enough that even a cynic like me could overlook something like that though, even if you're just reading for the thriller side of the story.
I was honored to receive an ARC copy of the book, and I couldn't put it down once I got into it. I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a thriller, romance, or just a good page-turner in general.
The story wastes no time and holds nothing back. The vivid imagery keeps the reader in the moment with the protagonists and the dark plot keeps them on their toes the entire book. It's tense, it's thrilling, and there's a little something in there for just about every kind of reader.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the romance arc sometimes seemed to get more attention than the main, mystery arc. The chemistry between the characters is good enough that even a cynic like me could overlook something like that though, even if you're just reading for the thriller side of the story.
I was honored to receive an ARC copy of the book, and I couldn't put it down once I got into it. I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a thriller, romance, or just a good page-turner in general.
May 31, 2019
Very good book, while reading I can actually see this book turn into a movie. It has everything you want in a good book, suspense, excitement, drama and of course love. A few twists that were unexpected and exciting.
December 4, 2019
From the moment this story began, my heart started racing. Sherrie Orvik gave us a total visceral experience from beginning to end in “Killer Secrets”.
Elyse and James entered my life like no other characters in a very long time. There was a sense of urgency that was so palpable it was literally jumping off the pages, almost needing me to stand up as I read the first chapter!
This book does need to come with a warning for those that have suffered any serious trauma, because Sherrie Orvik writes every ounce so very well. I have complex-PTSD and have suffered serious personal trauma, and came out the other end of this book feeling wonderfully vindicated, because an author finally got our voice exactly right!! That is a beautiful thing, my friends!!
I was in love with Elyse and more in love with James.
I found myself both scared and comforted often at the same time...
This is is must read for any suspense or thriller readers out there. With a twist of romance.
It would be a shame if you missed it!
Elyse and James entered my life like no other characters in a very long time. There was a sense of urgency that was so palpable it was literally jumping off the pages, almost needing me to stand up as I read the first chapter!
This book does need to come with a warning for those that have suffered any serious trauma, because Sherrie Orvik writes every ounce so very well. I have complex-PTSD and have suffered serious personal trauma, and came out the other end of this book feeling wonderfully vindicated, because an author finally got our voice exactly right!! That is a beautiful thing, my friends!!
I was in love with Elyse and more in love with James.
I found myself both scared and comforted often at the same time...
This is is must read for any suspense or thriller readers out there. With a twist of romance.
It would be a shame if you missed it!
September 29, 2020
My review of KILLER SECRETS by Sherrie Orvik
This book by Sherrie Irvin not only thrilled me, but forced me to stay up later than I should have to finish in just two nights! That rarely happens with a 3 year old granddaughter here for us to raise.
Killer Secrets had all of the elements to make it an overwhelming success. The plot was intriguing right from the first page! The characters were wonderfully depicted, and the secrets were kept under wraps until the perfect moment! I truly enjoyed every part of this book, and would highly recommend it to all of my thriller loving friends! It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. I noticed a few places where words were omitted, but that didn't detract from the storyline! Great job, Sherrie Orvik! I would be more than happy to read any of your future books! Keep doing what you have done so well! I believe you have a God given talent, and we're all blessed to read what you write!
This book by Sherrie Irvin not only thrilled me, but forced me to stay up later than I should have to finish in just two nights! That rarely happens with a 3 year old granddaughter here for us to raise.
Killer Secrets had all of the elements to make it an overwhelming success. The plot was intriguing right from the first page! The characters were wonderfully depicted, and the secrets were kept under wraps until the perfect moment! I truly enjoyed every part of this book, and would highly recommend it to all of my thriller loving friends! It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. I noticed a few places where words were omitted, but that didn't detract from the storyline! Great job, Sherrie Orvik! I would be more than happy to read any of your future books! Keep doing what you have done so well! I believe you have a God given talent, and we're all blessed to read what you write!
April 9, 2021
Killer Secrets: Sherrie Orvik
Wow!!! This was such an amazing read! Sherrie starts the story with a deeply intense moment with Elyse our main character running for her life. She is a strong, independent woman, who has been relying on herself for a while now. She is literally saved when she meets Sheriff James Warrick, under unfortunate circumstances, who becomes invested in helping Elyse. This story is filled with compassion, rage, fear, and love. Sherrie has woven all of these elements seamlessly within her characters making the trajectory of the story leave you wanting more. This is a story that is incredibly difficult to put down. `I would definitely read more of Sherrie Orvik's books!
Wow!!! This was such an amazing read! Sherrie starts the story with a deeply intense moment with Elyse our main character running for her life. She is a strong, independent woman, who has been relying on herself for a while now. She is literally saved when she meets Sheriff James Warrick, under unfortunate circumstances, who becomes invested in helping Elyse. This story is filled with compassion, rage, fear, and love. Sherrie has woven all of these elements seamlessly within her characters making the trajectory of the story leave you wanting more. This is a story that is incredibly difficult to put down. `I would definitely read more of Sherrie Orvik's books!
July 18, 2019
From the first page the book pulled me into the story. Why was she running and would she get away? The main character is running away from her kidnapper. The trauma leaves her with no memory of who she is. James is the cop that helps solve the crime. The story is full of layers that keeps surprising you. Up until they very end the Author has you guessing who is after her. I could easily see as a movie on the Hallmark Movies & Mystery channel
August 11, 2019
Running from a killer then you get hit by a car. when things go from worse to bad before it all comes to an end. Will you find out who the Killer is.... will this ever end will the nightmares go away.. will you be able to prove who done it love to all the twist this story had.. definitely didn't see it coming in the end this was the first book for me by this author and I felt like she did a really good job with the story I truly enjoyed it and I read it in two days.. I would recommend it to others for sure...
October 29, 2023
I’m still blown away by the twists and turns in the plot! There is not only the mystery/thriller but (as someone else pointed out) a not so mushy romance. It combines with the story to move it along and develop the characters- not just a romance that overwhelms the story. This is incredibly well written and I can’t wait to read this author’s next book.
July 16, 2019
What would you do?
The story grips you in the first sentence making you want to read more. The characters are described in a way that you can relate to them. The mystery strings you along making you want to keep reading until the end. LOVED it!
The story grips you in the first sentence making you want to read more. The characters are described in a way that you can relate to them. The mystery strings you along making you want to keep reading until the end. LOVED it!
October 18, 2019
A real thriller
This is a fast paced story with twists and turns a plenty!! It will keep you guessing right up to the end, then throw you another curve right when you think you’ve have things figured out. Killer Secrets is a killer!!
This is a fast paced story with twists and turns a plenty!! It will keep you guessing right up to the end, then throw you another curve right when you think you’ve have things figured out. Killer Secrets is a killer!!
November 6, 2019
This isn't a genre I generally prefer, but just wow! This book kept me up all night long, because I didn't want to set it down. The plot moves quickly, and the characters are well written.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
March 15, 2020
Killer Secrets, is a page turner, that grips the readers attention right away. Your curiosity of what happens next keeps you glued to the pages and you won’t want to put this book down. I highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2019
Awesome
I really liked this book. It was intense at points and even though I figured out the whodunit I had to finish reading the book.
I really liked this book. It was intense at points and even though I figured out the whodunit I had to finish reading the book.
December 14, 2019
Fantastic! Kept me on the edge of my seat. Love these kind of books!
March 9, 2020
High Action and Suspense
The story hooks you quickly and keeps building throughout. Just when you think you have it all figured out , the twist comes in and blows you away.
The story hooks you quickly and keeps building throughout. Just when you think you have it all figured out , the twist comes in and blows you away.
August 6, 2020
Great book! Real page turner
I totally didn’t see the ending being what it was! I recommend this book to anyone that loves a mystery with a little romance thrown in!
I totally didn’t see the ending being what it was! I recommend this book to anyone that loves a mystery with a little romance thrown in!
January 18, 2024
Very good book.
July 25, 2019
This was my first book by Sherrie Orvik and I really enjoyed it.
It was a quick, page-turning, easy read with good characters, murder, and twists and turns.
I thought I had it figured out, but NO...that ending was great!!
#SherrieOrvik #killersecrets #greatending
It was a quick, page-turning, easy read with good characters, murder, and twists and turns.
I thought I had it figured out, but NO...that ending was great!!
#SherrieOrvik #killersecrets #greatending
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews