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A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series #22
Forgotten Secrets
In Doveport, teenaged girls disappear without a trace.
Bex Lennon has a gift, but using it could mean catastrophe. When her best friend's teenaged daughter disappears, Bex must confront her fears head-on. For the first time in fifteen years, she accesses a hidden part of herself to uncover clues about the girl's disappearance. The risk might be deadly.
Bex Lennon has a gift, but using it could mean catastrophe. When her best friend's teenaged daughter disappears, Bex must confront her fears head-on. For the first time in fifteen years, she accesses a hidden part of herself to uncover clues about the girl's disappearance. The risk might be deadly.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2019
457 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria Clarke
219 books274 followersAlexandria Clarke is a writer, cat lover, and all-around optimist. She loves to immerse her readers in mystery and intrigue, meaningful friendships, and the worlds of characters who learn by doing. When she's not writing, Alex enjoys playing guitar, watching Wynonna Earp, and spending time with her family. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida with her partner and their four pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 14, 2024
Book 22
It was pretty good, but did not keep me intrigued like some of the other books in the kidnapping series.
It was pretty good, but did not keep me intrigued like some of the other books in the kidnapping series.
September 25, 2019
So many things wrong and still it was a good story!
I read a few chapters, then one issue became so irritating I couldn't bring myself to finish the book. I even began writing a 2 star review. But as I began to write, for the sake of honesty and accuracy, I went back to the book to see exactly where "the issue" started and where I'd stopped reading. As I skimmed through, I read past where I'd left off, and read a little more, and a little more until I'd finished the book (my OCD re: finishing a book must have kicked back in). Fortunately, the big "issue" was not quite so prevalent as it was in chapters 3 and 4.
So, what was the big "issue"? One of the major characters, Cade, is a troubled, young teenage girl (13). She first appears in chapter 3, but it isn't until several pages into chapter 4 that you discover she is gay (no problem with that) and also "non-binary" preferring to be referred to in non-gender specific terms, i.e., "They" vs "she" and "their" vs "her/hers". Unfortunately, you have several pages of "they" and "their" before you discover that tidbit. (e.g. "...the kid whipped their arms out of their sleeves and danced out of reach..." ; "The kid rocked back and forth on their feet, nervously kneading their hands." ). So, at first, you think it's just poor editing or really bad grammar. Then it just becomes a distracting, confusing irritant. If the fact that Cade is gay and non-binary played a major factor in the storyline, I could understand it. But, in fact, it doesn't...you could leave it out completely and it would have no effect on the story. Cade is a child with a troubled past and that trouble has nothing to do with her sexual orientation....and she's only 13. If an author wants to address social issues then write a story about it, but don't stick it in story about something else entirely with no rhyme or reason. Fortunately from chapter 5 on Cade only makes occasional appearances so "they" and 'their" are not quite as prevalent as in chapters 3 and 4. Still, every time I read it, it was like nails on a chalkboard.
Other issues I had were with the story/character backgrounds.
First, I don't think the author spent enough time on the background story (what happened in the past), especially where Edison is concerned. It's said that Edison was targeted when she was a young teen, but the author never fully explains why. You get only pieces of info regarding Edison's past and her connection with the leader of her daughter's kidnappers but it's never fully explained leaving you with too many questions to make that storyline plausible. Also, you never get any glimpse into interactions between the head kidnapper and the daughter to fully explain why she wanted to stay when Bex first found her the first time and was forced to leave without her.
Second, once Edison's daughter is found (again) and brought home, the story jumps one year ahead. There's nothing regarding the Mother/daughter relationship resolution...and trust me, it's needed.
Finally, in the one year jump. Taj, Bex's friend, world travel partner and sometimes thief, has suddenly become domesticated, apparently never left Oregon and is in a relationship with Bex's friend, Edison. What? Where did that come from? When Taj makes his appearance in Oregon (looking for Bex because she didn't show up to meet him in Greece) there is no mention or reference to anything between Taj and Edison...no chemistry, no attraction, no tension, not even him comforting her over her daughter's kidnapping.... there's zip, zilch, nada. So their being together is way out in left field. And really, if the author wanted to include a romance or hook-up, it should have been Taj and Bex, not Taj and Edison!
Still, inspite of all the above, I did enjoy the story! Bex's character has depth and you get sufficient background on her past to understand her and her motivations. It's not fed to you all at once though. Rather, the author does an excellent job of spoon feeding you bit's and pieces so it keeps you interested, wanting to know more, and in the end, doesn't leave you hanging/guessing about Bex...you know her and really like her . All in all I'd give it a solid 3 1/2 stars.
I read a few chapters, then one issue became so irritating I couldn't bring myself to finish the book. I even began writing a 2 star review. But as I began to write, for the sake of honesty and accuracy, I went back to the book to see exactly where "the issue" started and where I'd stopped reading. As I skimmed through, I read past where I'd left off, and read a little more, and a little more until I'd finished the book (my OCD re: finishing a book must have kicked back in). Fortunately, the big "issue" was not quite so prevalent as it was in chapters 3 and 4.
So, what was the big "issue"? One of the major characters, Cade, is a troubled, young teenage girl (13). She first appears in chapter 3, but it isn't until several pages into chapter 4 that you discover she is gay (no problem with that) and also "non-binary" preferring to be referred to in non-gender specific terms, i.e., "They" vs "she" and "their" vs "her/hers". Unfortunately, you have several pages of "they" and "their" before you discover that tidbit. (e.g. "...the kid whipped their arms out of their sleeves and danced out of reach..." ; "The kid rocked back and forth on their feet, nervously kneading their hands." ). So, at first, you think it's just poor editing or really bad grammar. Then it just becomes a distracting, confusing irritant. If the fact that Cade is gay and non-binary played a major factor in the storyline, I could understand it. But, in fact, it doesn't...you could leave it out completely and it would have no effect on the story. Cade is a child with a troubled past and that trouble has nothing to do with her sexual orientation....and she's only 13. If an author wants to address social issues then write a story about it, but don't stick it in story about something else entirely with no rhyme or reason. Fortunately from chapter 5 on Cade only makes occasional appearances so "they" and 'their" are not quite as prevalent as in chapters 3 and 4. Still, every time I read it, it was like nails on a chalkboard.
Other issues I had were with the story/character backgrounds.
First, I don't think the author spent enough time on the background story (what happened in the past), especially where Edison is concerned. It's said that Edison was targeted when she was a young teen, but the author never fully explains why. You get only pieces of info regarding Edison's past and her connection with the leader of her daughter's kidnappers but it's never fully explained leaving you with too many questions to make that storyline plausible. Also, you never get any glimpse into interactions between the head kidnapper and the daughter to fully explain why she wanted to stay when Bex first found her the first time and was forced to leave without her.
Second, once Edison's daughter is found (again) and brought home, the story jumps one year ahead. There's nothing regarding the Mother/daughter relationship resolution...and trust me, it's needed.
Finally, in the one year jump. Taj, Bex's friend, world travel partner and sometimes thief, has suddenly become domesticated, apparently never left Oregon and is in a relationship with Bex's friend, Edison. What? Where did that come from? When Taj makes his appearance in Oregon (looking for Bex because she didn't show up to meet him in Greece) there is no mention or reference to anything between Taj and Edison...no chemistry, no attraction, no tension, not even him comforting her over her daughter's kidnapping.... there's zip, zilch, nada. So their being together is way out in left field. And really, if the author wanted to include a romance or hook-up, it should have been Taj and Bex, not Taj and Edison!
Still, inspite of all the above, I did enjoy the story! Bex's character has depth and you get sufficient background on her past to understand her and her motivations. It's not fed to you all at once though. Rather, the author does an excellent job of spoon feeding you bit's and pieces so it keeps you interested, wanting to know more, and in the end, doesn't leave you hanging/guessing about Bex...you know her and really like her . All in all I'd give it a solid 3 1/2 stars.
September 5, 2019
Forgotten Secrets by Alexandria Clarke is an awesome story that I have loved reading very much. I love reading stories about true crimes,mysteries and suspense in them can not wait to read more. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about true crime, mysteries and suspense as much as I do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2019
Not for adults!
What I mean about not for adults is if you’re looking for a realistic mystery thriller...this is not it! It’s for teens and tweens..had to quit half thru as I don’t really get stimulated by silly superpowers...I also don’t relish referring to a person as a ‘they’ or ‘them’ or pushing the LBGT and whatever...too much liberal BS interfering...
What I mean about not for adults is if you’re looking for a realistic mystery thriller...this is not it! It’s for teens and tweens..had to quit half thru as I don’t really get stimulated by silly superpowers...I also don’t relish referring to a person as a ‘they’ or ‘them’ or pushing the LBGT and whatever...too much liberal BS interfering...
September 1, 2019
Sophomoric writing
Could not read, j
read reviews sounded good but 3 chapters in gave up. Totally not up to parr, or mAybe at age 67 I need well written thrillers and horror stories
Could not read, j
read reviews sounded good but 3 chapters in gave up. Totally not up to parr, or mAybe at age 67 I need well written thrillers and horror stories
September 28, 2019
Too many Typo 's Poor editing
A good story but very disconcerting with the wording
More attention to editing
I almost did not continue reading this book because of this. So many good books so little time
A good story but very disconcerting with the wording
More attention to editing
I almost did not continue reading this book because of this. So many good books so little time
September 6, 2019
Good story. Bex is the main character that has hidden talents to find answers to the disappearance of the missing girls.
July 14, 2020
A young woman, who happens to be a social media sensation of sorts, returns home to her hometown to catch up with her best friend and to make sure her Mother is OK. She finds many things too much the same, others changed a lot. And as happened 13 years in the past when 3 young teen girls disappeared (her best friend being one of them) once again 2 young girls are now missing as well.
This was an interesting mystery because it was not only the past coming back to haunt, but a bit of paranormal things happening as well. It made for an interesting combination, and I did enjoy it.
Most of the main characters are very likeable and you really do find yourself rooting for the good guy, or girl as may be. There were some small sections I found a bit slow, but basically it moved well and it did hold my interest. In the end most questions are answered satisfactorily, and the world is basically right again. I would recommend it.
This was an interesting mystery because it was not only the past coming back to haunt, but a bit of paranormal things happening as well. It made for an interesting combination, and I did enjoy it.
Most of the main characters are very likeable and you really do find yourself rooting for the good guy, or girl as may be. There were some small sections I found a bit slow, but basically it moved well and it did hold my interest. In the end most questions are answered satisfactorily, and the world is basically right again. I would recommend it.
January 28, 2024
Terrible author ridiculous story line
I read this book as a part of the Amazon “Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series” and it was ridiculous as well as trying too hard to be politically correct with binary nonsense which just made reading confusing. Plus the paranormal stuff was so ridiculous and there were tons of mistakes which should have been caught during proofreading. How this got published I will never understand. Complete waste of time. I read another book by the same author in this series and it was as bad or worse. After reading for awhile and thinking how awful the book was, I realized it was the same awful author as one of the previous books in this series, which are all written by various authors.
I read this book as a part of the Amazon “Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series” and it was ridiculous as well as trying too hard to be politically correct with binary nonsense which just made reading confusing. Plus the paranormal stuff was so ridiculous and there were tons of mistakes which should have been caught during proofreading. How this got published I will never understand. Complete waste of time. I read another book by the same author in this series and it was as bad or worse. After reading for awhile and thinking how awful the book was, I realized it was the same awful author as one of the previous books in this series, which are all written by various authors.
August 12, 2022
Forgotten Secrets
Initially, I felt confused with the book and the information that I was missing, so I struggled with reading the book. Once I got past this I found that the story enveloped me and I could not put the book down. Bex is amazing with how she was able to help Edison, Avery, and Cade. To Bex, coming home for one reason turned into a horrible nightmare on more than one level. In the end, Bex was amazing with helping those that she loved.
Initially, I felt confused with the book and the information that I was missing, so I struggled with reading the book. Once I got past this I found that the story enveloped me and I could not put the book down. Bex is amazing with how she was able to help Edison, Avery, and Cade. To Bex, coming home for one reason turned into a horrible nightmare on more than one level. In the end, Bex was amazing with helping those that she loved.
June 6, 2020
Forgotten Secrets
Alexandria Clarke
Good story, engaging storyline, believable characters. Read this in one afternoon, and yeah, there were some issues, but this is an ARC which hopefully will get ironed out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexandria Clarke
Good story, engaging storyline, believable characters. Read this in one afternoon, and yeah, there were some issues, but this is an ARC which hopefully will get ironed out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2023
I do like listening to a audible book written by this author and narrated by the narrator, they are my go to when I just want to chill and get absorbed into something. The author takes a plot and just takes it to somewhere else which just makes it fun. The narration just soothes me but also absorbs me. She can make each character individual. This was no different.
December 28, 2020
Bex was the only one of the five that didn’t go missing fifteen years ago, to return and find it happening again. She has unusual. Abilities, will she find the answers. Enjoyed and though narration added to the story
Given audio for my voluntary review
Given audio for my voluntary review
September 14, 2020
Great read
I loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. Yes, I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoyed it
I loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. Yes, I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoyed it
April 29, 2021
Another intriguing book by one of my favorite authors!
July 25, 2021
Very different writing
I did not lIke nor understand the mixture of things that were singular were used as if 2 people where in one body found it annoying.
I did not lIke nor understand the mixture of things that were singular were used as if 2 people where in one body found it annoying.
May 4, 2024
great book
I am an avid reader and enjoyed my first book by Alexandria Clarke. Take a chance and read for yourself.
I am an avid reader and enjoyed my first book by Alexandria Clarke. Take a chance and read for yourself.
February 2, 2022
Enjoying this one so far. I like not really getting the way this story is headed right away, but will be anxious to figure it out and see how the characters get thru it.
August 28, 2019
Bex Lennon is traveling when she received a request to return to her hometown for career day at her old high school. She decides to go home to do that,
to all see family and friends. It has been a long time since she was last there. But it is not easy going home due to the bad memories there.
When Bex Lennon arrives home, nothing has changed in the small town.
When she finally makes to her family home, there are changes with her mother. Noone told her, leaves her with alot of different emotions. She meets up with
her best friend Edison and catch up with everything that has been going on. Bex decides to stay home for awhile for differnt reasons.
Then Bex worst nightmare happens again, there are more disappearance of young girls again, it will hit close to home. Seems like again, noone can catch the person
responsible. FBI seems to be more interested in other things then working the this case. Bex decides to take action on her own, she will fight to find the missing girls. With help from new friends and old, Bex will do what she must to save them
But will Bex be able to or will someone get hurt.
This book is well written, interesting characters, fast paced plot. This book is good book to get lost in for awhile, I recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
to all see family and friends. It has been a long time since she was last there. But it is not easy going home due to the bad memories there.
When Bex Lennon arrives home, nothing has changed in the small town.
When she finally makes to her family home, there are changes with her mother. Noone told her, leaves her with alot of different emotions. She meets up with
her best friend Edison and catch up with everything that has been going on. Bex decides to stay home for awhile for differnt reasons.
Then Bex worst nightmare happens again, there are more disappearance of young girls again, it will hit close to home. Seems like again, noone can catch the person
responsible. FBI seems to be more interested in other things then working the this case. Bex decides to take action on her own, she will fight to find the missing girls. With help from new friends and old, Bex will do what she must to save them
But will Bex be able to or will someone get hurt.
This book is well written, interesting characters, fast paced plot. This book is good book to get lost in for awhile, I recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2019
So far I have loved every thing I have ever read by this author and this one was no exception. For me it was a bit slow in the beginning but once it got into it I was kept enthralled and hurrying to get to the next page. Toward the end I was reading in bed and struggling to stay awake but I so badly wanted to see what happened next that I kept trying. I lost the fight and fell asleep with phone clutched in hand lol My husband came in and found me that way when he got home from work at 5:30 am and took the phone from my hand and urged me to lay down properly. Needless to say as soon as I could when I got up I was right back to reading! For me this was a page turner. I can't wait to see what comes next by this author, I have read a number of styles of mystery books and she does them all well. Everything from haunting edge of your seat to funny and witty.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2019
Very interesting concept
Forgotten Secrets: A Dieting Mystery was a great read. I kept coming back for more, and yet was satisfied when it ended.
Bex Lennon has made a name for herself as a world traveling social influencer. She also has a sinful past and a very interestingly up her sleeve.
On an unplanned trip home, her past creeps up on her. She is drawn into the agony of her best friend's latest tragedy and ends up having to relive some of the most paid full and terrifying moments of her youth.
Ms. Clarke did a good job of developing the primary characters and of bringing the back story in to make the main storyline one you could buy into. I wanted things to turn out well for these people. They were real enough to care about.
I am looking for the next book by Alexandria Clarke.
Forgotten Secrets: A Dieting Mystery was a great read. I kept coming back for more, and yet was satisfied when it ended.
Bex Lennon has made a name for herself as a world traveling social influencer. She also has a sinful past and a very interestingly up her sleeve.
On an unplanned trip home, her past creeps up on her. She is drawn into the agony of her best friend's latest tragedy and ends up having to relive some of the most paid full and terrifying moments of her youth.
Ms. Clarke did a good job of developing the primary characters and of bringing the back story in to make the main storyline one you could buy into. I wanted things to turn out well for these people. They were real enough to care about.
I am looking for the next book by Alexandria Clarke.
August 30, 2019
In Doveport, teenaged girls disappear without a trace.
Bex Lennon has a gift, but using it could mean catastrophe. When her best friend's teenaged daughter disappears, Bex must confront her fears head-on. For the first time in fifteen years, she accesses a hidden part of herself to uncover clues about the girl's disappearance. The risk might be deadly.
This is an excellent supernatural thriller.
I was utterly gripped from the start til the very end.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that was just gripping and suspenseful
Well written characters that were very relatable.
Love this authors work.
Recommend reading.
Bex Lennon has a gift, but using it could mean catastrophe. When her best friend's teenaged daughter disappears, Bex must confront her fears head-on. For the first time in fifteen years, she accesses a hidden part of herself to uncover clues about the girl's disappearance. The risk might be deadly.
This is an excellent supernatural thriller.
I was utterly gripped from the start til the very end.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that was just gripping and suspenseful
Well written characters that were very relatable.
Love this authors work.
Recommend reading.
August 31, 2019
Have you ever read a book that held your attention so much that you couldn't stop reading until the last page? This was that book for me. Although I must admit it started out slow but once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. Loved that it was about a traveler who has a blog, uses technology to make a living and has a special gift. Plus it helped that the story took place in my home state of Oregon. Bex has to use her gift to find out what happened to her best friend's teenage daughters. This author writes the best mysteries with psychological twists and I look forward to reading her next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 28, 2019
I loved this book about Bex and her friends in a small town where everything remains the same through out the years. Bex is traveler with a blog and uses technology to make a living. This story kept me interested in all the character's lives through out the whole book. I really want to give more details but I think it is better if you read it yourself. This writer has a way with word that immerse you in the plot. I recommend that you read this book, you will love it too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2019
Alexandria Clarke is a fantastic author who does a great job grabbing the reader's attention and keeping it. Forgotten Secrets is no exception! Warning, once you start reading you won't be able to put the book down until you finish. A captivating story to say the least.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2019
This was great. On the edge of your seat through the whole book. Bex was a great character trying to deal with her past. When she goes home things get dicey again for her with new kidnappings including her best friends daughter. What they all went through to get to the bottom of it all was amazing. You will not want to put it down!
September 13, 2019
I usually enjoy this author's books but I become annoyed at storylines that seem a bit forced. I like the story but so much in the book could use a rewrite. I do love most of this author's books. Just not this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2019
New author for me.
This was my first time reading a book from this author. It kept me on the edge of my seat with so many twist and turns. Very exciting. Will read more books for sure.
This was my first time reading a book from this author. It kept me on the edge of my seat with so many twist and turns. Very exciting. Will read more books for sure.
September 7, 2019
This was an ok book. Took me a bit to finish. Some parts a little confusing at first. Alexandria Clarke is an author I enjoy, just this book not as much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2019
Bex has to use her gift to find out what happened to her best friend Edison's teenage daughter who was kidnapped.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews