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Katie Porter Mysteries #1
The Secret at Sunset Hill
Twenty-one-year-old Katie Porter is beginning a career as a newspaper reporter for her local paper. Her first assignment is to cover the debutante party of a close friend but soon finds herself investigating a complicated mystery from her past that could affect her future. Will she be ready for intrigue, spies, codes, and even possible romance?
Only time will tell in this very first Katie Porter Mystery!
Only time will tell in this very first Katie Porter Mystery!
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2019
56 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
K.T. McGivens
27 books18 followersK.T. McGivens is best known as a poet and her poems have been published in newspapers, community publications, and anthologies. She has written six books of poetry and is the recipient of two First Place awards.
An anthology of her best poems, titled "Dimming the House Lights" is available on Amazon.
With much trepidation, Ms. McGivens has now ventured into the world of mystery novels. She has begun writing a series of short mystery books featuring her character Katie Porter. Her stories are geared toward young adults but all ages will enjoy reading them! The Katie Porter Mystery stories focus on strong female characters, problem solving skills, trusted friendships, and tenacity, a formula she learned from growing up reading the Nancy Drew Mysteries.
All of the novels in the mystery series are available on Amazon in paperback and eBook versions and include:
1. The Secret at Sunset Hill
2. The Mystery at the Mystic Museum
3. The Plot at the Pearson Playhouse
4. The Ghost of Golden Joe
5. The Murder of Major Pennington
6. The Disappearance of Devlin Douglas
7. The Passing of Preston Peabody
8. The Case of the Casual Killer
9. The Mystery at Maplewood Hall
10. The Incident on Ivory Island
11. The Odd Appearance of Anneliese Abbott
12. The Crime at Covington Corner
13. The Body in Bounty Bay
The author continues to add to the series often.
K.T. McGivens has a Bachelor Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. She lives in Florida.
An anthology of her best poems, titled "Dimming the House Lights" is available on Amazon.
With much trepidation, Ms. McGivens has now ventured into the world of mystery novels. She has begun writing a series of short mystery books featuring her character Katie Porter. Her stories are geared toward young adults but all ages will enjoy reading them! The Katie Porter Mystery stories focus on strong female characters, problem solving skills, trusted friendships, and tenacity, a formula she learned from growing up reading the Nancy Drew Mysteries.
All of the novels in the mystery series are available on Amazon in paperback and eBook versions and include:
1. The Secret at Sunset Hill
2. The Mystery at the Mystic Museum
3. The Plot at the Pearson Playhouse
4. The Ghost of Golden Joe
5. The Murder of Major Pennington
6. The Disappearance of Devlin Douglas
7. The Passing of Preston Peabody
8. The Case of the Casual Killer
9. The Mystery at Maplewood Hall
10. The Incident on Ivory Island
11. The Odd Appearance of Anneliese Abbott
12. The Crime at Covington Corner
13. The Body in Bounty Bay
The author continues to add to the series often.
K.T. McGivens has a Bachelor Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. She lives in Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 30, 2021
The Secret at Sunset Hill is truly an auspicious beginning to a mystery series. Being an old journalist, I was hooked from the beginning by the spunky, sweet and tenacious Katie Porter, who won't take no for an answer when seeking a job at the local newspaper. Although very young, she has already seen tragedy and grief, which in part drives her to solve a complex mystery involving a secret from the Second World War. Because the novel is so very located in time, tone, social interaction and appropriate language are crucial to setting the scene and KT McGivens does a brilliant job of it. Well-written, almost error-free, tautly plotted and charming.
April 17, 2021
I grew up reading The Happy Hollisters, Trixie Belden, and, of course, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Though the time period is earlier, Katie Porter is the next step.
The world-building is so seamless that you feel as if you're there in the 1940s right after the war. The characters are wonderful. The MC is spunky and a go-getter who won't take no for an answer. We're gently given not only her history but that of several other characters, which only adds to our becoming invested in their lives.
I'm looking forward to the other books in the series.
The world-building is so seamless that you feel as if you're there in the 1940s right after the war. The characters are wonderful. The MC is spunky and a go-getter who won't take no for an answer. We're gently given not only her history but that of several other characters, which only adds to our becoming invested in their lives.
I'm looking forward to the other books in the series.
March 4, 2021
I LOVED this book!
The Secret at Sunset Hill is post-WWII that takes off immediately engaging your full attention. The heroine is a wealthy young making her way into a man's world as she attempts to break in a journalist with a local newspaper. Turns out she and her friends find themselves in the middle of the life or death struggle of international espionage. There are plot twists and tragedies and cast of characters and suspects that will keep you guessing. A wonderful book from beginning to end.
The Secret at Sunset Hill is post-WWII that takes off immediately engaging your full attention. The heroine is a wealthy young making her way into a man's world as she attempts to break in a journalist with a local newspaper. Turns out she and her friends find themselves in the middle of the life or death struggle of international espionage. There are plot twists and tragedies and cast of characters and suspects that will keep you guessing. A wonderful book from beginning to end.
April 10, 2022
One of the first things I noticed when I opened this book was the dedication which read:
“To Nancy Drew. Legendary fictional detective who continues to inspire generations of readers.”
To my mind, a writer would dedicate a book to a fictional character only if they had been inspired and affected by that character, in ways so awe-inspiring, and so wondrous, that the “absence” of the conventional qualities that define a real-life relationship, such as, conversation, shared experiences, or even physical contact, would be more than compensated for.
As I read the dedication, I immediately felt a sense of additional appreciation for this author, not to mention my excitement as I considered the fact that this story, inspired as it was by such an icon of mystery storytelling, could very well be captivating, enchanting and delightful.
As is the case with the author of this book, my own Nancy Drew experiences started when I was a child. I’d read and loved every one of the original books in the series and was and absolutely thrilled ten-year-old when I’d learned that a new TV show titled, “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mystery Series” was about to come on the air. As the TV show began, I soon came to adore the version of the famous young sleuth as played by actress Pamela Sue Martin. But as fate would have it, Martin would only portray Nancy Drew for the first season, replaced by Janet Louise Johnson, who to be fair, did an admirable, if ultimately less dazzling job of playing the teenage detective from River Heights.
And while it’s true that Nancy Drew was a key fictional character of my childhood and young teen years, she is perhaps even more appreciated by me in adulthood. Over the last few years, for example, I’ve continued to read her stories, and while they still hold the power to thrill and enchant me, the masterful storytelling “formula” present in these books also informs me as a writer.
Every time I read one of the books in the original series, I find myself lost in a magical fictional world that somehow “bridges” my childhood and adult life. As a matter of fact, in the last few years I’ve read and reviewed no less than 15 Nancy Drew titles, these include:
“The Secret of the Old Clock” #1
“The Bungalow Mystery” #3
“Nancy’s Mysterious Letter” #8
“The Clue of the Broken Locket” #11
“The Whispering Statue” #14
“The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk” #17
“The Secret in the Old Attic” #21
“The Mystery of the Tolling Bell” #23
“The Ghost of Blackwood Hall” #25
“The Clue of the Leaning Chimney” #26
“The Clue of the Black Keys” #28
“The Mystery at the Ski Jump” #29
“The Ringmaster’s Secret” #31
“The Scarlett Slipper Mystery” #32
“The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes” #41
What an amazing reading ride it’s been, better still second time around!”
Which brings me to the mysterious world that K.T. McGivens crafted in the debut of the “Katie Porter” mystery series, titled, “The Secret at Sunset Hill.”
The Fairfield Gazette is a newspaper on the verge of collapse. The publisher is losing confidence in its ability to engage the reading audience, and by extension, attract advertisers. The publisher is continually warning Tom Connor, the editor, that he must turn things around, and in short order. Connor knows that they must break a major story of the future of the newspaper will be uncertain at best.
And its under these ominous conditions that Katie Porter manages to maneuver herself into a part-time reporter position at the troubled paper. Connor reluctantly agrees to hire the young detective, mainly because she is well connected to a high-profile family in the area and is able to secure invitations to very excusive social gatherings.
And even as I read the opening chapter, I had the distinct feeling that I was going to enjoy this story. The opening set-up was very well done, then as I read on, I encountered one intriguing moment after another, including: A jewel theft at a debutante party, a World War 2 tale of captured spies, a collection of coded love letters, a horseback rider rescued, an unforgettable Macaw named “Mad Uncle Henry”, and reminiscing’s of a rooftop romantic rendezvous.
The story evoked in me, similar feelings as the ones I previously experienced with the aforementioned teenage detective from River Heights, but there was a certain originality and a special charm to the Katie Porter version of the tenacious teenage sleuth.
In a way, after reading the first in this series, I feel as though I’m about to embark on a whole new mystery series reading expedition.
What a thrilling thought.
“To Nancy Drew. Legendary fictional detective who continues to inspire generations of readers.”
To my mind, a writer would dedicate a book to a fictional character only if they had been inspired and affected by that character, in ways so awe-inspiring, and so wondrous, that the “absence” of the conventional qualities that define a real-life relationship, such as, conversation, shared experiences, or even physical contact, would be more than compensated for.
As I read the dedication, I immediately felt a sense of additional appreciation for this author, not to mention my excitement as I considered the fact that this story, inspired as it was by such an icon of mystery storytelling, could very well be captivating, enchanting and delightful.
As is the case with the author of this book, my own Nancy Drew experiences started when I was a child. I’d read and loved every one of the original books in the series and was and absolutely thrilled ten-year-old when I’d learned that a new TV show titled, “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mystery Series” was about to come on the air. As the TV show began, I soon came to adore the version of the famous young sleuth as played by actress Pamela Sue Martin. But as fate would have it, Martin would only portray Nancy Drew for the first season, replaced by Janet Louise Johnson, who to be fair, did an admirable, if ultimately less dazzling job of playing the teenage detective from River Heights.
And while it’s true that Nancy Drew was a key fictional character of my childhood and young teen years, she is perhaps even more appreciated by me in adulthood. Over the last few years, for example, I’ve continued to read her stories, and while they still hold the power to thrill and enchant me, the masterful storytelling “formula” present in these books also informs me as a writer.
Every time I read one of the books in the original series, I find myself lost in a magical fictional world that somehow “bridges” my childhood and adult life. As a matter of fact, in the last few years I’ve read and reviewed no less than 15 Nancy Drew titles, these include:
“The Secret of the Old Clock” #1
“The Bungalow Mystery” #3
“Nancy’s Mysterious Letter” #8
“The Clue of the Broken Locket” #11
“The Whispering Statue” #14
“The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk” #17
“The Secret in the Old Attic” #21
“The Mystery of the Tolling Bell” #23
“The Ghost of Blackwood Hall” #25
“The Clue of the Leaning Chimney” #26
“The Clue of the Black Keys” #28
“The Mystery at the Ski Jump” #29
“The Ringmaster’s Secret” #31
“The Scarlett Slipper Mystery” #32
“The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes” #41
What an amazing reading ride it’s been, better still second time around!”
Which brings me to the mysterious world that K.T. McGivens crafted in the debut of the “Katie Porter” mystery series, titled, “The Secret at Sunset Hill.”
The Fairfield Gazette is a newspaper on the verge of collapse. The publisher is losing confidence in its ability to engage the reading audience, and by extension, attract advertisers. The publisher is continually warning Tom Connor, the editor, that he must turn things around, and in short order. Connor knows that they must break a major story of the future of the newspaper will be uncertain at best.
And its under these ominous conditions that Katie Porter manages to maneuver herself into a part-time reporter position at the troubled paper. Connor reluctantly agrees to hire the young detective, mainly because she is well connected to a high-profile family in the area and is able to secure invitations to very excusive social gatherings.
And even as I read the opening chapter, I had the distinct feeling that I was going to enjoy this story. The opening set-up was very well done, then as I read on, I encountered one intriguing moment after another, including: A jewel theft at a debutante party, a World War 2 tale of captured spies, a collection of coded love letters, a horseback rider rescued, an unforgettable Macaw named “Mad Uncle Henry”, and reminiscing’s of a rooftop romantic rendezvous.
The story evoked in me, similar feelings as the ones I previously experienced with the aforementioned teenage detective from River Heights, but there was a certain originality and a special charm to the Katie Porter version of the tenacious teenage sleuth.
In a way, after reading the first in this series, I feel as though I’m about to embark on a whole new mystery series reading expedition.
What a thrilling thought.
February 23, 2022
Katie Porter is hoping to impress the editor of the Fairfield Gazette newspaper and secure a position as a reporter if she can land a buzzworthy story. A society soiree provides just the opportunity for her as she attends a gathering at the estate of her close friends. The celebrations get off to a bumpy start when the guests' jewelry starts to disappear--is there a thief amongst the partygoers?
Katie and her colleagues and friends stumble upon a darker plot at the celebration. When Katie reads correspondence from her deceased fiancé, she's convinced there are nefarious plans in place to retrieve secrets from his last, wartime mission. Will she be able to figure out the clues before the dark forces prevail? Her new acquaintances appear to be honorable men, but can they really be trusted?
Author McGivens writes a clever whodunit, taking us on a spirited, sometimes bittersweet journey as we pour through the clues with Katie. The characters are engaging, and I enjoyed this intriguing tale with a hint of romance very much. I now have an exciting, new series to follow---a great read, highly recommended!
Katie and her colleagues and friends stumble upon a darker plot at the celebration. When Katie reads correspondence from her deceased fiancé, she's convinced there are nefarious plans in place to retrieve secrets from his last, wartime mission. Will she be able to figure out the clues before the dark forces prevail? Her new acquaintances appear to be honorable men, but can they really be trusted?
Author McGivens writes a clever whodunit, taking us on a spirited, sometimes bittersweet journey as we pour through the clues with Katie. The characters are engaging, and I enjoyed this intriguing tale with a hint of romance very much. I now have an exciting, new series to follow---a great read, highly recommended!
June 12, 2022
A great mystery set after World War Two. As Katie starts a new job as a reporter, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery. With the help of old and new friends, she seeks to solve it. I loved the setting and the characters, all of which immediately transported me to Sunset Hill. A fantastic mystery to keep you guessing!
October 19, 2021
What a delightful new murder mystery series I’ve discovered. Wonderful characters and a fun story.
February 25, 2023
The story, set in 1947, begins when Katie Porter receives an early birthday present from her world traveler parents, a new MG convertible. Thus, she rides in style to her job interview at the Fairfield Gazette. Already, we see that Katie, a member of the wealthy set, is no ordinary young lady; most of her generation had no ambitions higher than marrying well.
She, of course, lands the position of reporter and wins over a fellow reporter, E.M. Butler, in the process. Their first assignment is to cover the party given by close friends of Katie, but what the event takes a turn when several items of jewelry go missing.
This story has everything: an interesting lead character, fascinating supporting players, and an intricate plot fitting for its timeframe. I recommend The Secret at Sunset Hill to any and all readers!
She, of course, lands the position of reporter and wins over a fellow reporter, E.M. Butler, in the process. Their first assignment is to cover the party given by close friends of Katie, but what the event takes a turn when several items of jewelry go missing.
This story has everything: an interesting lead character, fascinating supporting players, and an intricate plot fitting for its timeframe. I recommend The Secret at Sunset Hill to any and all readers!
July 30, 2024
The Secret At Sunset Hill by K.T. McGivens was a short enjoyable read that mirrored an Agatha Christie-style mystery and easily read at any age. The characters are engaging, especially Katie Porter, her main protagonist, who is trying to start a new career as a newspaper reporter. The mystery begins when someone at Boots' debutante party steals jewelry from the guests. Katie, being the curious reporter, doesn't wait for the police to come, rather she begins to look into who might do such a wicked thing. During her investigation, she stumbles upon information that leads her in a new direction.
When Katie's fiancé, who died in Normandy, sent letters to Katie and his sister Ruthie from Europe after his training, Katie noticed something strange. While folding one of the letters, she caught sight of a number at the bottom and then discovered more numbers on the other letters.
What was he trying to tell her?
What did the numbers mean?
Was it some kind of a code?
Katie was determined to find out what her fiance was trying to tell her. What secrets had he involved himself in, and who else was involved?
The Secret at Sunset Hill is a quick read. A whodunnit, with a good plot. An adventure with spies and amateur sleuths. If you enjoy adventure and mystery, you'll enjoy K.T. McGivens, Katie Porter Mystery.
When Katie's fiancé, who died in Normandy, sent letters to Katie and his sister Ruthie from Europe after his training, Katie noticed something strange. While folding one of the letters, she caught sight of a number at the bottom and then discovered more numbers on the other letters.
What was he trying to tell her?
What did the numbers mean?
Was it some kind of a code?
Katie was determined to find out what her fiance was trying to tell her. What secrets had he involved himself in, and who else was involved?
The Secret at Sunset Hill is a quick read. A whodunnit, with a good plot. An adventure with spies and amateur sleuths. If you enjoy adventure and mystery, you'll enjoy K.T. McGivens, Katie Porter Mystery.
February 2, 2022
The Secret at Sunset Hill is a fast, fun read that instantly grasps the reader’s attention. I love a strong female lead and Katie Porter embodies all the characteristics that make her appropriate for this role. She is intelligent, confident, fearless, witty, and not easily dissuaded from what she needs to do. She intends to make a name for herself through her own hard work rather than relying on her family name and privileged lifestyle. The setting of 1947 offers an exciting backdrop for her story as well. A small cast of likable characters supports her as she unravels the mystery. My favorite is E.M. Butler, a fellow reporter who befriends Katie and becomes an endearing sidekick.
K.T. McGivens has a deceptively complex writing style, and, initially, I struggled with fully appreciating it. Upon first glance, one might believe the descriptions and dialogue to be too simplistic; however, to write in this particular style, the author must carefully balance the sharp, witty dialogue with sufficient yet not overly descriptive details. It is this combination that moves the book along quickly. The more I read, the more this style grew on me, and I feel it is appropriate for this series.
The Secret at Sunset Hill is a well-written, fast-paced “whodunit” mystery that maintains the reader’s attention throughout the book. There is never a lag, and McGviens is skilled at knowing just where to end a chapter so that the reader wants to continue to the next one. The only reason I didn’t read the book all at once was that I had to go to work the next day. Katie Porter, along with many other characters, is likable, and by the end of the book, I wanted to be in her circle of friends wearing fancy clothing, drinking martinis, and solving crimes! Fortunately for me, there are more books in the series, and I am ready to read them all!
(Full review available at: https://theredheadnotes.com/review/th...)
K.T. McGivens has a deceptively complex writing style, and, initially, I struggled with fully appreciating it. Upon first glance, one might believe the descriptions and dialogue to be too simplistic; however, to write in this particular style, the author must carefully balance the sharp, witty dialogue with sufficient yet not overly descriptive details. It is this combination that moves the book along quickly. The more I read, the more this style grew on me, and I feel it is appropriate for this series.
The Secret at Sunset Hill is a well-written, fast-paced “whodunit” mystery that maintains the reader’s attention throughout the book. There is never a lag, and McGviens is skilled at knowing just where to end a chapter so that the reader wants to continue to the next one. The only reason I didn’t read the book all at once was that I had to go to work the next day. Katie Porter, along with many other characters, is likable, and by the end of the book, I wanted to be in her circle of friends wearing fancy clothing, drinking martinis, and solving crimes! Fortunately for me, there are more books in the series, and I am ready to read them all!
(Full review available at: https://theredheadnotes.com/review/th...)
September 6, 2022
The secret at sunset hill is a fun period piece mystery in the beautiful setting of a post-war affluent town. McGivens does a great job bringing the period back to life, making the reader feel they are right there, while still not letting it detract from the books mystery.
Our heroine, newly appointed reporter Katie Porter, is smart, kind, and so easy to root for. She has a heart of gold and cares deeply for those in her life. As we follow her attempting to solve the period piece mystery, we are introduced to other characters, some a little shady but mostly a great core of characters around Katie. My favorite being Mad Uncle Henry who I confess it took me much longer than it should have to realize it was a bird!
The mystery had enough intrigue and possible suspects that I didn’t know who was the antagonist before revealed to me and I was desperate to find out in those final pages! I’m excited to explore what lies ahead for Katie Porter and the rest of the characters in her life.
Our heroine, newly appointed reporter Katie Porter, is smart, kind, and so easy to root for. She has a heart of gold and cares deeply for those in her life. As we follow her attempting to solve the period piece mystery, we are introduced to other characters, some a little shady but mostly a great core of characters around Katie. My favorite being Mad Uncle Henry who I confess it took me much longer than it should have to realize it was a bird!
The mystery had enough intrigue and possible suspects that I didn’t know who was the antagonist before revealed to me and I was desperate to find out in those final pages! I’m excited to explore what lies ahead for Katie Porter and the rest of the characters in her life.
March 24, 2021
This book was quite a bit out of my normal area of reading. I usually stick to horror/science fiction/fantasy, but the fact is a good book is a good book and a damn good book this is. The characters are very real and thought out, I personally loved Katie porter. Katie has a never quit attitude and it translates nicely in this book with her interactions with others. The writing is solid here, reminds me very much of John bellaires. There’s something about this book that even in its deepest and thoughtful moments there was a sort of light heartedness or playfulness going on. A definite energy to the writing that said to me the author was having so much fun crafting this story. A story I usually wouldn’t have picked up but now I’m looking forward to reading more Katie porter mysteries!
March 25, 2021
This is a very entertaining story set shortly after the end of the Second World War.
Katie Porter is a young woman who knows what she wants and who works hard to get it. Her charm and persistence lands her the much loved job as a reporter. But little did Katie know that her first assignment would lead to a much bigger story that could get her killed. Mysterious letters and hidden codes soon point at dark secret about a German spy called: Der Rabe. (The Raven)
The author does a great job in sending me back in time. I never lived in the 1940s but the books characters spoke and acted very much like I’d have expected from people at that time.
Katie Porter is a young woman who knows what she wants and who works hard to get it. Her charm and persistence lands her the much loved job as a reporter. But little did Katie know that her first assignment would lead to a much bigger story that could get her killed. Mysterious letters and hidden codes soon point at dark secret about a German spy called: Der Rabe. (The Raven)
The author does a great job in sending me back in time. I never lived in the 1940s but the books characters spoke and acted very much like I’d have expected from people at that time.
May 7, 2024
Charming, entertaining tale
Auth K.T. McGivens has given us a delightful character in Katie Porter, a beautiful, determined, and resourceful young woman just beginning her career as a newspaper reporter. The time is 1947 and she has known tragedy in the loss of her beloved fiancé on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Still mourning, she is moving on and finds herself in the middle of a mystery connected to the war so recently won.
McGivens does a wonderful job of not only establishing her main protagonist but her background, her world, along with a complement of engaging characters. This debut novel in the series gives promise for further mysteries and adventures to come.
Auth K.T. McGivens has given us a delightful character in Katie Porter, a beautiful, determined, and resourceful young woman just beginning her career as a newspaper reporter. The time is 1947 and she has known tragedy in the loss of her beloved fiancé on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Still mourning, she is moving on and finds herself in the middle of a mystery connected to the war so recently won.
McGivens does a wonderful job of not only establishing her main protagonist but her background, her world, along with a complement of engaging characters. This debut novel in the series gives promise for further mysteries and adventures to come.
December 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading the rest of the books in K.T. McGivens’ series. Set just after WWII, this charming story has an old-fashioned style that reflects the era perfectly. Extremely well written, with believable characters and an engaging plot that keeps you guessing to the end, this mystery has all the right ingredients. The protagonist, Katie Porter - newbie newspaper reporter turned amateur sleuth - is a star!
November 18, 2021
Anyone who grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries is bound to love this book (and probably all the others in the series). Suitable for both adult and teen readers, it introduces a 21-year-old heroine who finds herself confronted to a mystery much bigger than it seems at first. I greatly enjoyed it and will definitely buy and read the next book soon.
January 27, 2021
You have to read this
The Secret at Sunset Hill is an engaging tale with a feisty heroine set in the aftermath of WWII. It begins with Katie, a wealthy young woman struggling to make her own way as a journalist, but soon becomes a thrilling spy caper. Plot twists and high society balls entertain yet the tragedies of the war add depth to the story. An entertaining group of secondary characters/potential suspects keeps the reader struggling to determine the identity of the villain to the end. A very promising beginning to a series you will enjoy.
The Secret at Sunset Hill is an engaging tale with a feisty heroine set in the aftermath of WWII. It begins with Katie, a wealthy young woman struggling to make her own way as a journalist, but soon becomes a thrilling spy caper. Plot twists and high society balls entertain yet the tragedies of the war add depth to the story. An entertaining group of secondary characters/potential suspects keeps the reader struggling to determine the identity of the villain to the end. A very promising beginning to a series you will enjoy.
August 12, 2021
A must-read mystery which kept me guessing until the end! Likeable characters with great period detail. Highly recommend.
April 25, 2022
What a delightful story! Katie Porter can give Nancy Drew a run for her money!
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
February 3, 2023
Great story
The story is great. I love the characters and it's a really good mystery. I enjoyed Mad Uncle Henry. Everyone should read this book.
The story is great. I love the characters and it's a really good mystery. I enjoyed Mad Uncle Henry. Everyone should read this book.
December 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a great mystery set in a time period where manners were a must and ladies normally didn't venture into the working realm. I have to admit the reader had me stumped on the 'ring' as it was nothing close to what I had in my mind. Ergo, she certainly pulled the wool over my eyes. Excellent writing and character development for the genre and the era. My first book by this author and not my last. I especially liked the back and forth banter with the characters throughout.
March 21, 2021
Purchased this book for myself and my 15-year-old niece and we both really enjoyed it! Suitable for all ages, old and young alike. K T McGivens has an ease of style that is enjoyable and moves the reader through the story quickly. Great for a rainy day or a day at the beach. Really enjoyed the interesting twist towards the end (surprise!). Highly recommend!
June 4, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about Katie Porter. A female reporter who investigates jewellery thefts, and ends up being part of something more. A strong female lead, in a man's world. Especially since this book is set in the 1950's. She wants to prove herself as a reporter, and looks into a series of clues that puts her own life in danger.
December 16, 2019
A breathtaking "who done it"
So many characters that could be the "bad" one. I suspected who it was, but constantly changed my mind. And what an ending!!!
So many characters that could be the "bad" one. I suspected who it was, but constantly changed my mind. And what an ending!!!
August 18, 2025
At a lavish party, pieces of jewellery disappear at an alarming rate. The hosts are appalled. The guests are distraught. What was supposed to be a dignified, old-fashioned reception, where everyone had a role to play and the etiquette formalities to follow, turns into a chase after secrets.
Katie Porter is young and pretty. She comes from a rich and affluent family, which, although having its issues - and what family doesn’t? – still envelops her in the cocoon of love and care. The only thing in life she is expected to focus on is finding a suitable husband, marrying him and starting a family. Yet, it’s not what Katie wants. While she has her privileged upbringing and status oozing out of every pore, she is more than an offspring of an ‘old-money’ family.
First, Katie wants to be a reporter. To get the job, she doesn’t shrink away from using her connections. I appreciated that she did it easily, not getting distracted by unnecessary scruples. Life is versatile, and it doesn’t mean one is noble if one refuses to comply with its rules. Katie completes her first assignment brilliantly and manages to impress her boss so that he gives her a chance to prove herself capable of writing about more serious topics than debutante parties.
And second, Katie has experienced loss and grief. At twenty-one, and despite the luxury surrounding her from birth, she has her rose coloured glasses off. Although unharmed herself, she bears the scars World War II has left on too many people across the continents.
I liked how the story weaved between the mystery of a jewellery thief and the secrets of Katie’s past. The setting was absolutely charming, with sprawling estates, endless fields to ride a horse feeling as if you were out in the wild, and old mansions with a separate room for every inhabitant and every occasion. Also, it would be a crime not to mention that Mad Uncle Henry is a total darling.
“The Secret at Sunset Hill” by K.T. McGivens opens up what I’m sure is a series of exciting and elegant mysteries. After reading the first book, I cannot wait to see what awaits Katie Porter next in her exploits as a reporter and a detective.
Katie Porter is young and pretty. She comes from a rich and affluent family, which, although having its issues - and what family doesn’t? – still envelops her in the cocoon of love and care. The only thing in life she is expected to focus on is finding a suitable husband, marrying him and starting a family. Yet, it’s not what Katie wants. While she has her privileged upbringing and status oozing out of every pore, she is more than an offspring of an ‘old-money’ family.
First, Katie wants to be a reporter. To get the job, she doesn’t shrink away from using her connections. I appreciated that she did it easily, not getting distracted by unnecessary scruples. Life is versatile, and it doesn’t mean one is noble if one refuses to comply with its rules. Katie completes her first assignment brilliantly and manages to impress her boss so that he gives her a chance to prove herself capable of writing about more serious topics than debutante parties.
And second, Katie has experienced loss and grief. At twenty-one, and despite the luxury surrounding her from birth, she has her rose coloured glasses off. Although unharmed herself, she bears the scars World War II has left on too many people across the continents.
I liked how the story weaved between the mystery of a jewellery thief and the secrets of Katie’s past. The setting was absolutely charming, with sprawling estates, endless fields to ride a horse feeling as if you were out in the wild, and old mansions with a separate room for every inhabitant and every occasion. Also, it would be a crime not to mention that Mad Uncle Henry is a total darling.
“The Secret at Sunset Hill” by K.T. McGivens opens up what I’m sure is a series of exciting and elegant mysteries. After reading the first book, I cannot wait to see what awaits Katie Porter next in her exploits as a reporter and a detective.
July 15, 2024
This is my very first Katie Porter Mystery and I'm glad I started at the beginning of the series. Author K T McGivens has me hooked. I loved Katie Porter for her insight, her plucky and intrepid persona, her gumption and astuteness and also for her ability to blush at the drop of a hat.
The mystery plot is well laid out and author K T McGivens drops all the right clues to keep the readers guessing along. The characters are both charming and some appear to have a veil of secrets which makes the book all the more engaging and absorbing.
The setting is post the Second World War and the mystery is to do with an explosive war time secret, the dedication and clarity with which the author has set the plot moving along had me captivated and immersed such that I couldn't wait to return to my kindle. I finished this book is almost 2 sittings and it has got me wanting more.
I will definitely be meeting Katie Porter and her friends again.
The mystery plot is well laid out and author K T McGivens drops all the right clues to keep the readers guessing along. The characters are both charming and some appear to have a veil of secrets which makes the book all the more engaging and absorbing.
The setting is post the Second World War and the mystery is to do with an explosive war time secret, the dedication and clarity with which the author has set the plot moving along had me captivated and immersed such that I couldn't wait to return to my kindle. I finished this book is almost 2 sittings and it has got me wanting more.
I will definitely be meeting Katie Porter and her friends again.
April 13, 2023
I haven't read many mysteries, but after reading The Secret at Sunset Hill I will definitely be checking out more in the future. This was an exciting ride and I really enjoyed tagging along with Katie as she worked to uncover clues about her deceased fiancé's involvement in something big during his time in the war. That's pretty much all I can say without spoilers.
I admit, I didn't see any of the twists coming and was always surprised when something new was revealed. I think the setting for this (a few years after the end of WWII) was extremely well done and I applaud the author's attention to detail and historical accuracy.
I will for sure be reading more in this series!
I admit, I didn't see any of the twists coming and was always surprised when something new was revealed. I think the setting for this (a few years after the end of WWII) was extremely well done and I applaud the author's attention to detail and historical accuracy.
I will for sure be reading more in this series!
February 14, 2024
I really enjoyed THE SECRET AT SUNSET HILL, a cozy mystery set in the 1940’s just after WW2 featuring Katie Porter, a plucky journalist trying to land a job at a local newspaper that’s reluctant to give her a shot. She gets her way in by having social connections and when she and a veteran reporter turn up at a huge social event, a party of one of her friends, it turns out there is a lot more going on there than just drinking and dancing. I loved how the author worked in a great mix of mystery, historical fiction, WW2, secret codes and spies. The pacing was great and this had a fun mystery to figure out. Highly recommended for mystery lovers! 5/5 stars.
July 29, 2023
thrilling mystery
McGivens weaves a tale of spies and heroes that spirals into more and more thrilling adventure. Yes I was not surprised at the ending, but read it thru th verify and get the details. Overall enjoyable and a good alternative to Sherlock Holmes tale.
McGivens weaves a tale of spies and heroes that spirals into more and more thrilling adventure. Yes I was not surprised at the ending, but read it thru th verify and get the details. Overall enjoyable and a good alternative to Sherlock Holmes tale.
August 21, 2023
1947 Katie Porter's first assignment for the Fairfield Gazette is the debutante party of friend Boots White's. There she investigate the theft of jewellery which soon leads to a mystery from the war.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
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