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Element Mysteries #1
Element of Secrecy
Jenny only has a few days to uncover decades’ worth of dark family secrets!Eerie, blurred memories have tormented Jenny O’Rourke for two decades. Now thirty-three and struggling for stability and sanity, she’s hellbent on answers. Why was she torn from her home and family in the middle of the night? And why was her brother’s murder simply brushed under the rug? What little she remembers makes very little sense, and no one is talking—especially those hired to protect her. To understand the truth, she has to elude two powerful forces standing in her way ... an estranged but lurking father and the watchful eyes of the Witness Protection Program. She’s about to break the only rule they have in Never go home.Jenny finds an opportunity, giving her access to everything she ever thought she wanted to know. The question is, now that she’s stepped back in time, will it be possible to ever come back?BONUS! Includes the first three chapters of the award-winning second book in the series, Element of Danger.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2020
791 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Heather Slawecki
14 books10 followersHeather launched her debut trilogy, The Element Mysteries Series, in March of 2020. Since then, she has received numerous accolades and was featured in Kirkus Magazine for Element of Secrecy. She’s received five-star editorial reviews from Readers' Favorite and Indies Today. She also won the "2020 Best Suspense Award" for Element of Danger by Indies Today.
Heather released a fast-paced romance thriller, Gone Astray, on May 15, 2025, and was featured by Indies Today for her five-star review.
She loves creating beyond-ordinary circumstances where her main characters have to rely on their own strengths to survive. She'll take you through their wild journeys in first person as they face each obstacle, leaving you feeling part of the story. And, just as in real life, a little humor goes a long way when moments get really intense.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Widener University. She began her writing career as a feature writer for the Bucks County Courier Times and has spent the last thirty years as an award-winning senior copywriter in the Philadelphia area.
Heather released a fast-paced romance thriller, Gone Astray, on May 15, 2025, and was featured by Indies Today for her five-star review.
She loves creating beyond-ordinary circumstances where her main characters have to rely on their own strengths to survive. She'll take you through their wild journeys in first person as they face each obstacle, leaving you feeling part of the story. And, just as in real life, a little humor goes a long way when moments get really intense.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Widener University. She began her writing career as a feature writer for the Bucks County Courier Times and has spent the last thirty years as an award-winning senior copywriter in the Philadelphia area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 8, 2021
Unlike author Heather Slawecki who’s since moved to Delaware, I still live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the location of her 2020 debut novel, Element of Secrecy, the first of a trilogy. Because the author began her career writing for the Courier Times, a local newspaper, that experience was certainly enough in my mind to establish her connection to Bucks County, my home since 1979. I’m always happy to support a neighbor in his or her literary endeavors whenever possible — even a former neighbor like Heather Slawecki.
In this case, though, it’s just not possible.
According to a blurb appearing on her website, her book is a mixture of “crime, conspiracy and the occult.” The author herself in the Acknowledgments at the beginning of her book promises her readers a “wild ride,” but her opening chapters slow to a crawl as the author presents her readers with a Bucks County travelogue instead of the wild ride we were expecting. Even the book’s narrator, when she was forced to listen to Bucks County history lessons, noted how her “eyes would glaze over with boredom.”
She got that glaze part right. Mine did too.
Her goal should also have been to give her readers their wild ride without making silly mistakes. According to the author, her plucky female protagonist (“PFP”) earned “dual law degrees in criminal and civil.” As any law school graduate knows, myself included, you graduate with one degree, after spending three years studying elements of both the civil and criminal law. I have no idea where this author got the notion that law schools give their graduates dual law degrees, one for civil and one for criminal.
It was also an easy mistake to correct. Bucks County is full of lawyers. She could have simply asked any one of us.
Her PFP with the dual law degrees is now a pharma rep complete with bodyguards complicatedly connected to her mysterious past. One of her bodyguards she fantasizes about has sandy blonde hair “and olive skin that tans easily.” Are you feeling the wild ride yet? If no, then wait until Chapter 14, when she plants her pelvis “strategically close” to his so she can feel him aroused. This must be what the author meant by “wild ride” because nothing else in the book coherently satisfied that description.
The remaining parts of the story about her mysterious past are a muddled combination of convoluted and preposterous events, a secret society, savage rituals, religious and pagan symbolism, Italian mobsters, the son of a serial killer, and a confusing cast of supporting characters; the most sympathetic among them were farm animals and a pair of dogs.
In her Preface Heather Slawecki says, “If you find yourself with questions after reading the first book, all I can tell you is that each and every one will be answered.” I won’t be reading books two and three, but I’d like to know her answer to the question how it’s possible to write a book so full of crapola?
In this case, though, it’s just not possible.
According to a blurb appearing on her website, her book is a mixture of “crime, conspiracy and the occult.” The author herself in the Acknowledgments at the beginning of her book promises her readers a “wild ride,” but her opening chapters slow to a crawl as the author presents her readers with a Bucks County travelogue instead of the wild ride we were expecting. Even the book’s narrator, when she was forced to listen to Bucks County history lessons, noted how her “eyes would glaze over with boredom.”
She got that glaze part right. Mine did too.
Her goal should also have been to give her readers their wild ride without making silly mistakes. According to the author, her plucky female protagonist (“PFP”) earned “dual law degrees in criminal and civil.” As any law school graduate knows, myself included, you graduate with one degree, after spending three years studying elements of both the civil and criminal law. I have no idea where this author got the notion that law schools give their graduates dual law degrees, one for civil and one for criminal.
It was also an easy mistake to correct. Bucks County is full of lawyers. She could have simply asked any one of us.
Her PFP with the dual law degrees is now a pharma rep complete with bodyguards complicatedly connected to her mysterious past. One of her bodyguards she fantasizes about has sandy blonde hair “and olive skin that tans easily.” Are you feeling the wild ride yet? If no, then wait until Chapter 14, when she plants her pelvis “strategically close” to his so she can feel him aroused. This must be what the author meant by “wild ride” because nothing else in the book coherently satisfied that description.
The remaining parts of the story about her mysterious past are a muddled combination of convoluted and preposterous events, a secret society, savage rituals, religious and pagan symbolism, Italian mobsters, the son of a serial killer, and a confusing cast of supporting characters; the most sympathetic among them were farm animals and a pair of dogs.
In her Preface Heather Slawecki says, “If you find yourself with questions after reading the first book, all I can tell you is that each and every one will be answered.” I won’t be reading books two and three, but I’d like to know her answer to the question how it’s possible to write a book so full of crapola?
November 9, 2020
Suspenseful Series Debut!
This series debut thriller is absolutely fantastic. I couldn't stop turning the pages.
If you like your mysteries full of suspense and adventure, this is for you.
Jenny O'Rourke lives in Baltimore where she works as a pharmaceutical rep. She also under watch from a protective detail because of something that happened to her family years before.
She never knew what became of her brother, Danny. She was told he was dead.
She never believed this and now she wants to know what occurred.
When she arrives at the old family farm, she discovers mystery on top of mystery.
And worst of all...evil.
I will say no more. Get this book. Read it and enjoy.
I did!
This series debut thriller is absolutely fantastic. I couldn't stop turning the pages.
If you like your mysteries full of suspense and adventure, this is for you.
Jenny O'Rourke lives in Baltimore where she works as a pharmaceutical rep. She also under watch from a protective detail because of something that happened to her family years before.
She never knew what became of her brother, Danny. She was told he was dead.
She never believed this and now she wants to know what occurred.
When she arrives at the old family farm, she discovers mystery on top of mystery.
And worst of all...evil.
I will say no more. Get this book. Read it and enjoy.
I did!
July 7, 2020
What a fun series! I've been an avid reader for years but with a large family and work it's always tough to get the time to sit down with a good book. This was the perfect TV replacement. Awesome ride! Bite size chapters to sneak in when you dont have a good hour or two. Great pacing that leaves you wanting more and satisfied as you get answers that lead to more questions. Cant wait for the next round. Big kudos!
March 25, 2020
Five Stars! Highly recommend this book and can't wait to read book 2 of this fantastic suspense trilogy by Heather Slawecki. I was quickly captivated by Jenny, the intelligent and brave main character and easily visualized her thrilling adventures on her journey to find out the truth about her past, her family and especially, her father's secret life!
November 3, 2020
Excellently done.
If your father was in a religious cult, would you know? His children didn't until much too late. They are separated and sent each to a different boarding school, being led to believe the other is dead. Comes a time when they are reunited and it's crazy to get all the answers. A great fast-paced read.
If your father was in a religious cult, would you know? His children didn't until much too late. They are separated and sent each to a different boarding school, being led to believe the other is dead. Comes a time when they are reunited and it's crazy to get all the answers. A great fast-paced read.
October 29, 2020
Secret
If you like crude language, then jump in to this book. There are better ways to write than "f" this and "f" that. The only secret of this book is it's feeble attempt at imitating literature.
If you like crude language, then jump in to this book. There are better ways to write than "f" this and "f" that. The only secret of this book is it's feeble attempt at imitating literature.
November 3, 2020
Compelling
This story of gut-wrenching treachery compelled me to keep ploughing through one sickening situation to the next ten, as she escapes witness protection, discovering her much-loved brother, Danny, is actually still alive despite years mourning him.
Her keeper, Ryan, is desperate to locate her whereabouts, while her barely realised love for him is severely tested.
Their father, who is the son of a serial killer, has become a twisted integral part of a cult, quoting scriptures but willing to torture his own two children for the cause.
Their farm is one point of a pentagram, with wolves kept starved in a central part, ready to kill anyone who betrays the cult leaders, of which her father is possibly the most deluded,, most dangerous one.
Something compelled me to read the entire sickening tale, and it heeld my attention, but its not my favourite type of book. I think others might appreciate the action, the murder, the gory details and intrigue far more than I did.
This story of gut-wrenching treachery compelled me to keep ploughing through one sickening situation to the next ten, as she escapes witness protection, discovering her much-loved brother, Danny, is actually still alive despite years mourning him.
Her keeper, Ryan, is desperate to locate her whereabouts, while her barely realised love for him is severely tested.
Their father, who is the son of a serial killer, has become a twisted integral part of a cult, quoting scriptures but willing to torture his own two children for the cause.
Their farm is one point of a pentagram, with wolves kept starved in a central part, ready to kill anyone who betrays the cult leaders, of which her father is possibly the most deluded,, most dangerous one.
Something compelled me to read the entire sickening tale, and it heeld my attention, but its not my favourite type of book. I think others might appreciate the action, the murder, the gory details and intrigue far more than I did.
November 29, 2020
A Real page turner
My first experience with this author. I once read that “a good writer writes what they know”. It is obvious that her familiarity with the areas involved add such an air of credibility to her books, in the same way that Dean Koontz’s stories of Southern California are so true and realistic. Add in excellent writing skills, character development that holds true even when the character has been living a lie and you have a great read. Her goal was to encourage someone to take a break from TV, The interweb, and life in general to give the reader a vacation from day to day reality(needed more than ever due to COVID-19 & 2020). She admirably accomplishes this goal with ease-although normally a very fast reader, this book offered enough complexity and subtle subplots to keep me turning pages for two full days(note to author: this is meant as high praise)! I have already got book two and am not taking a break, except long enough for leftovers Thanksgiving turkey.....
My first experience with this author. I once read that “a good writer writes what they know”. It is obvious that her familiarity with the areas involved add such an air of credibility to her books, in the same way that Dean Koontz’s stories of Southern California are so true and realistic. Add in excellent writing skills, character development that holds true even when the character has been living a lie and you have a great read. Her goal was to encourage someone to take a break from TV, The interweb, and life in general to give the reader a vacation from day to day reality(needed more than ever due to COVID-19 & 2020). She admirably accomplishes this goal with ease-although normally a very fast reader, this book offered enough complexity and subtle subplots to keep me turning pages for two full days(note to author: this is meant as high praise)! I have already got book two and am not taking a break, except long enough for leftovers Thanksgiving turkey.....
November 12, 2020
I quit reading this hot mess of a book at about the 80% point... I usually persevere to the end, even if I'm not enjoying it, but this book really made me mad! The plot is very confusing, probably intentionally, and it starts in the middle of the story. The heroine is trying to make sense of her complicated life story, only to find that she can't really trust anyone. As she investigates the unknown, she encounters religious cults, the mob, the Witness Protection Agency, child abuse, animal cruelty, gunfights, car chases, hidden identities, and much more! As the plot got more and more complicated, it became more and more of a mess, enough that I just quit in frustration. A couple of other complaints; first, the protagonist is brilliant, accomplished, and drop-dead gorgeous, which I found ridiculous in the extreme. Secondly, there were enough typos, misspellings, and cases where the wrong word was used to make a better editor worthwhile. I will definitely avoid this author in future.
June 15, 2022
This book reminds me of those horror movies where a character is heading into the basement and you KNOW, and THEY know, that something bad is in there. Why do they do it. Jenny is like that character, going against "orders" and warnings from others, believing she's the only one who can do whatever it is that needs to be done or discover whatever it is that needs to be discovered. Another issue is that I felt like I was starting in the middle of the trilogy, rather than at book #1. At one point I actually double-checked to make sure I was actually reading the first book in the series. I'll continue on to #2, hoping there's some improvement and because I don't like to quit!
January 17, 2021
By all accounts, I should have loved this book. Suspense, thrillers, crime dramas are my genres. I don't read books because they are believable. However, the events and the behavior of the characters are so improbable in this book that I found myself laughing in disbelief instead of being immersed in the suspense. I would give examples, but don't want to include any spoilers. I thought the storyline was very interesting, but I just could not past the unrealistic behavior of the characters. I had to force myself to finish this book.
December 4, 2020
Confusing timeline, bad editing, unlikeable heroine
So they move to the farm in 1984, when Jenny is 7, and are there three years. But she’s somehow 33 in, what, 2019? She’s watching shows on Netflix that came out pretty recently. But then it says a character died in 1993, just before events that took place when Jenny was 10. On top of that, Jenny is obnoxious, a liar, an adulteress, and selfish. Plus the whole premise of this is ridiculously over the top and unbelievable.
So they move to the farm in 1984, when Jenny is 7, and are there three years. But she’s somehow 33 in, what, 2019? She’s watching shows on Netflix that came out pretty recently. But then it says a character died in 1993, just before events that took place when Jenny was 10. On top of that, Jenny is obnoxious, a liar, an adulteress, and selfish. Plus the whole premise of this is ridiculously over the top and unbelievable.
December 11, 2020
The main character is in witness protection and is admonished never to try and return home. Of course, she does. Thus starts the path to all sorts of secrets. Oh, yes, this is definitely twisty. Hardly anyone in this book is who they appear to be. Even right at the end the reader is still discovering hidden backgrounds and alliances. Don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone. Just be aware that it is a thriller, so there is some murder happening.
December 14, 2020
Fast paced twisted mystery
Truly one of the best, action packed books I have read in a long time. I spent far too many night giving up my sleep because I couldn’t put it down. There are surprises around every turn but with a few shocking moments of defiance the main character survives. You really care about the good characters and the author has a way of taking you along on her quest. Excellent, excellent read
Truly one of the best, action packed books I have read in a long time. I spent far too many night giving up my sleep because I couldn’t put it down. There are surprises around every turn but with a few shocking moments of defiance the main character survives. You really care about the good characters and the author has a way of taking you along on her quest. Excellent, excellent read
March 17, 2020
I am a huge Hitchcock fan. I love not knowing what turn the story will take next. Element of Secrecy had me hooked after the first chapter. When something as simple as a thunder storm has you on edge, you know the writing is getting the job done! I am left with so many unanswered questions. Can’t wait to read the next two books. Amazing!!
December 19, 2020
Engaging
This book has a slow start, but I couldn’t stop reading, and about half way through stuff finally starts happening. It’s a very engaging read! Original premise, at least to me. I’m glad I stuck with it, it was very interesting, and seems like the beginning to more. So on to book two! Thank you for a great read!
This book has a slow start, but I couldn’t stop reading, and about half way through stuff finally starts happening. It’s a very engaging read! Original premise, at least to me. I’m glad I stuck with it, it was very interesting, and seems like the beginning to more. So on to book two! Thank you for a great read!
May 6, 2021
Held my attention, but not favorite.
This book took me a bit to get into, but then I couldn’t put it down. There were too many characters at times to keep track of and I’m not sure I really want to read the next book. I really liked the idea of the main character but then it got confusing and kind of lame.
This book took me a bit to get into, but then I couldn’t put it down. There were too many characters at times to keep track of and I’m not sure I really want to read the next book. I really liked the idea of the main character but then it got confusing and kind of lame.
June 22, 2021
How original!
The first half of the book is exceptional as the first person narrative slowly reveals the numerous secrets of the storyteller, building a compelling mystery. However, the rest moves much too quickly, as Jenny recounts horrific events in such rapid fire succession they do not seem plausible. Still, the story is so original it earns all five stars!
The first half of the book is exceptional as the first person narrative slowly reveals the numerous secrets of the storyteller, building a compelling mystery. However, the rest moves much too quickly, as Jenny recounts horrific events in such rapid fire succession they do not seem plausible. Still, the story is so original it earns all five stars!
July 8, 2021
How to rate this book? I was glad to finish it. It was twisted and not enjoyable. I thought at first it was an easy read and then it got deeper into sick behavior. I would not recommend this to anyone. I will admit not too far into the book, I thought, if Harlan Coben was writing a book using this premise - where it would go?
October 30, 2020
Slow but Entertaining
Her plot is good, even entertaining but slow to get moving while keeping readers in the dark. Half way through, I have up, tired of the same thing stretched with no hint of different direction.
Her plot is good, even entertaining but slow to get moving while keeping readers in the dark. Half way through, I have up, tired of the same thing stretched with no hint of different direction.
November 3, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
Jenny has been in witness protection since she was 12. Now as an adult she wants answers. What happened to her brother? Why is she still in witness protection? This is one roller coaster ride as she seeks the truth.
Jenny has been in witness protection since she was 12. Now as an adult she wants answers. What happened to her brother? Why is she still in witness protection? This is one roller coaster ride as she seeks the truth.
November 17, 2020
Piece of garbage
Too many characters, too many plots, ridiculous to think anyone could relate to this totally unbelievable tale. Sorry I wish I could give a better review, but I'm only one person.
Too many characters, too many plots, ridiculous to think anyone could relate to this totally unbelievable tale. Sorry I wish I could give a better review, but I'm only one person.
November 30, 2020
Surprise !
Heather,totally did not expect THAT ending !! I groaned and then chuckled...what an awesome story ! Fast paced,BOOMING with excitement and wondering who is going to do what next ...LOVE this series ! EVERYONE is involved in it - just awesome!
Heather,totally did not expect THAT ending !! I groaned and then chuckled...what an awesome story ! Fast paced,BOOMING with excitement and wondering who is going to do what next ...LOVE this series ! EVERYONE is involved in it - just awesome!
March 19, 2021
Ok read, but confusing in places
This book is interesting in certain parts, but also confusing in places. Cannot understand some of the details in the book. Could not really figure out what the purpose of the plot was.
This book is interesting in certain parts, but also confusing in places. Cannot understand some of the details in the book. Could not really figure out what the purpose of the plot was.
May 27, 2021
Good Book! Fast paced, a little confusing in parts but that's probably because I don't get to read everyday and I forget who is who. I thought it had a good storyline, and I could always get back into it easily enough.
October 8, 2022
Great thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. So much drama and suspense. What a disfunctional family. Scary to think there might be such cults out there.Can't wait to read the next book!
This story kept you on your toes until the end. So much drama and suspense. What a disfunctional family. Scary to think there might be such cults out there.Can't wait to read the next book!
March 11, 2020
Great suspense series by a new author! Starting on second book now and am hooked! No cliffhangers - can read as a stand alone but you will want to continue. Best to read in order.
March 17, 2020
Kept me on the edge of my seat - couldn’t put it down! So happy it’s a series of three- on to the next one! A must read!!
March 25, 2020
Wow! Great plot, great writing! Started reading the second book and it’s just as good. I have a new favorite writer.
June 30, 2020
Could not put it down! Loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews