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Springtime in the village means colored eggs, hot crossed buns, and a corpse.

As the vernal equinox brings welcome warmth and the promise of the coming tourist season to Wisconsin's Northwoods, it also brings an invading Wiccan coven. Sheriff Jayne O’Shea isn’t worried about the witches. It’s the fact that her mother is coming for her first visit in nearly twenty years that has her on edge. Their reunion goes well, better than expected, and then a coven member disappears.

The other members don't seem concerned. In fact, they're so indifferent to the disappearance, Jayne is sure she's searching for a body, not a missing person. The possibility of another death in the village is bad enough, but this one could mean the end for Whispering Pines. If Jayne can't get her mom to see the lakeside community's charming appeal, it will go up for sale.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2020

555 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Shawn McGuire

79 books819 followers
Mystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
1,383 reviews19 followers
May 11, 2020
This mystery book and series is so satisfying and keeps getting better. The characters feel real,the relationships are varied and complex and the mystery is interesting.
It is Ostara, the Wiccan celebration of Spring. Jayne’s mother comes to visit as the village of Whispering Pines fills up with witches. The festivities of this celebration are both interesting and fun. Jayne’s Mom has decades of secrets and unspoken regrets to resolve as Jayne tries to fix their relationship. An excellent murder mystery splits Jayne’s attention from her relationships, running her B&B and her job as Sheriff. Edgy situations, drama, humour, and character growth keep me coming back to this series.
Profile Image for Steph Warren.
1,759 reviews39 followers
May 27, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Protected Secrets is book 10 in the Whispering Pines series, and while the mystery plot stands alone, you would miss out on a whole lot of character development and backstory by not reading books 1-9 first, so I recommend you do that!

As winter turns to spring in the cosy Wiccan community of Whispering Pines, Jayne – sheriff and joint B&B owner – has to face one of the most daunting items on her fix-it list. Her mother is coming to town. Regular readers have heard a lot about Jayne’s mum and her resistance to the appeal of Whispering Pines, and Jayne has to try to sell the community and lifestyle to her, or risk losing everything she has built up so far and come to hold so dear.

Luckily she has her newfound amity with her sister, Rosalyn; her solid relationship with partner, Trip; and her village friends to support her in her endeavours. Unluckily, the large visiting coven is stirring up tensions between the old and the new, and deputy sheriff Martin is struggling to handle the responsibility while Jayne tries to juggle her family commitments.

And then there’s the little matter of yet another dead body.

Jayne’s struggle to balance her duties to her two very different jobs, whilst simultaneously attempting to impress her mother causes her to doubt herself and her goals. And all the time, hanging over her head is the knowledge that something is wrong in Whispering Pines – something big – and it has been wrong for a long time now. Naturally, with everything she already has on her plate, it’s going to be Jayne’s job to try to fix that too!

In the course of reading this series I have become very fond of Whispering Pines and its community of people who found they didn’t belong elsewhere. Everything from the coffee shop to the inn is so enchanting that you just desperately want to move there, despite the horrific body count. Shawn McGuire also strikes the perfect blend between the paranormal and spiritual aspects of the community and Jayne’s pragmatic police-procedural approach, allowing the reader to maintain their own beliefs about events.

If you enjoy cosy mysteries with a magical flavour then I recommend the Whispering Pines series. I can’t wait for the next one, to find out what secrets Jayne will uncover next!



I was about to ask what the plan was when a noise, like someone playing an electronic synthesizer, came from… the lake?
“What the hell is that?” I whispered.
It did it again, and this time I thought of laser guns being fired in a space battle.
“What is that?” I demanded, and the locals laughed at me.
“Wouldn’t have believed me if I told you,” Reed said, “would you?”
“That’s the sound of ice thawing?”

– Shawn McGuire, Protected Secrets


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
660 reviews17 followers
May 14, 2020
I really enjoy this series of books! It's time for the vernal equnox in Whispering Pines and there is a disapearance in town. This is well-written with great characters. You will feel like you are part of the town.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,900 reviews33 followers
September 13, 2021
I am done with this series.

The
Characters are continually doing the same thing and it’s gotten tedious.
236 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2020
Suppressing the truth results in more loss and damage.

Shawn McGuire being one of my favourite authors, I’ve grown quite familiar with the community of Whispering Pines having read each book of the series from the start. Each can be read as a stand-alone, however, when read in order you gain an expanded knowledge of character persona and their personal relationships. Still, the author does adequately fill in what is needed to know so as to continue the flow of the story…
Here we find a charismatic world where atypical celebrations of nature take place which annually attract unique groups and individuals. After Shawn McGuire more gradually sets the stage for what’s to come, activity picks up rather quickly. There is always more than one event needing attention and stirring the p[l]ot - an unexpected surprise, a missing person, a troubled soul[s], a murder? Regardless, solving mysteries seem, to me, to be intriguing side dishes while meaningful relationships are at the core of these stories. No matter what takes place, I like a book that has heart.
In Protected Secrets Sheriff Jayne needs to work through her own feelings of guilt and her connection with her mother as well as her personal goals and purpose in Whispering Pines – all while multi-tasking. I believe that there is more that will unfold for her and I look forward to more books to come. They are well-written, easy and entertaining reads.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,905 reviews26 followers
November 14, 2022
Love the way the subplots interweave

I really enjoy this series and the way the author works all the facets of the story together into one interesting whole. Her talent with gradually building a story and then revealing the interconnections is masterful. This story in particular gave me a “wow, that’s so cool and so well done” moment.

Jayne’s mother is coming to visit and Jayne is really nervous as a negative reaction from her mother could spell doom for the B&B and the whole village. Plus, fixing her relationship with her mother is on Jayne’s to-do list from her ceremony with Morgan. Additionally there is an influx of witches from a visiting coven and they bring disharmony with them.

There are some great sub plots in this book and they way the author ends up weaving them together is very interesting. The crime element seems to take a bit of a back seat until the end when we see how it fits in with other elements of the story. Different types of love and relationships are the themes here and they are so well done.

The ending gives us a big uh-oh to look forward to in upcoming books. This series is really a treasure I am so glad that I found.
Profile Image for Bernice.
72 reviews
May 10, 2020
Jayne O’Shea is the Sheriff of Whispering Pines in northern Wisconsin, as well as the co-proprietor of a local Bed and Breakfast that she runs with her personal and professional partner, Tripp.
This book was very enjoyable and filled with twists and turns throughout. The B&B is filled with members of a Wiccan coven and it is a lot of fun getting to know each personality. There is also a family member the reader gets to know better, as well as unexpected guests. Of course, it wouldn’t be Whispering Pines without a tragedy and seeing how Jayne, her deputy, and her K-9 go about solving more than one mystery.
I very much enjoy the author’s style of writing and, as always, I am eager for the next book in the series. I have read and enjoyed every book Ms. McGuire has written about Whispering Pines. Even though the stories are a series, each book can be a stand-alone because the author does a wonderful job explaining who the people of Whispering Pines are. I received an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Mary Cokenour.
476 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2020
Ostara, and visitors have come to celebrate with the townsfolk of Whispering Pine. Among the visitors is a rather large coven, with a new member that stirs up more trouble, than potions. Jayne's mom and sister have also come for a visit; and reconciling with her mom is the last item on Jayne's to-do list. Georgia, though, seems to be intent on holding everyone at arm's length, especially Briar and Morgan. Did something go on between Dillon and Briar; could Morgan be another child he didn't tell Georgia about?

Another great novel, and I so enjoy when a Pagan holiday is focused on. It is explained, in depth, from the Wiccan perspective; traditions, foods, crafts, and most important, meaning and intent. What also is shown is that, even in Wicca, there can be individuals who have their own ideas on how things should be done; and also fanatics exist as well. It's not just the Christian sects that have the, "All other religions are wrong, only mine is correct, and only my version of it is correct."
Profile Image for Angela.
8,256 reviews121 followers
November 5, 2025
4 Stars

Protected Secrets is the tenth book in the Whispering Pines Mystery Series by Shawn McGuire. This is a perfect blend of cozy mystery, small-town charm, and just the right sprinkle of supernatural elements.
following Jane O’Shea who has a knack for solving mysteries that seem to find her no matter how much she tries to avoid them. The town itself is a character in its own right – a little quirky, idyllic, and full of secrets. The locals are a fun mix of personalities, from the nosy neighbours to more endearing eccentrics - and their interactions gives the series an extra element of interest along with some ‘warm-fuzzies’.
Ms. McGuire manages to balance lighthearted coziness with genuinely intriguing mysteries. Each book has its own unique twist, and while the stakes aren’t overly high/intense, they’re enough to keep you flipping pages late into the night. Plus, the touch of the paranormal adds an extra layer of fun without overwhelming the story.
Recommend for a binge-worthy read.
Happy Reading…
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2020
I received an ARC from the author. Here are my thoughts:
How fitting that this book actually released on Mother’s Day! During the annual Ostara (Spring Equinox) celebration, Jayne and Tripp are taking in the overflow of guests from The Inn. A large group of a witches’ coven are coming to town to celebrate. Along with that, Jayne’s Mom and sister are coming. No stress there! Sheriff Jayne and B&B owner Jayne and daughter Jayne is stretched pretty thin. But not enough, as usual. Add in a missing girl, a random extra guest who is about to give birth… well, it makes for a very interesting few days in Whispering Pines! I loved the next to the last chapter that has Jayne and her mom up in Jayne’s personal space above the garage. We moms need all the healing we can get! What I learned: Don’t dwell on the past; revel in the good of the outcome and future. Personal best quote: “I was born without a tidying gene.” I live in Whispering Pines a couple of days every few months…
Profile Image for Rebecca.
499 reviews27 followers
May 12, 2020
Protected Secrets is the 10th book in the Whispering Pines Mystery series by Shawn McGuire. This series is one of my absolute favorites, I always enjoy my time in Whispering Pines with Jane and Tripp and the the rest of the towns inhabitants and this book was no exception. The book can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, but I recommend reading it as a series, it's so good !!
In Protected Secrets we find the villagers getting ready for the spring equinox, and a large coven has come in to town for the season , but poor Jayne has other things on her mind.. her mother.. she is coming for a visit, and Jayne needs to show her that Whispering Pines has changed, or risk loosing it forever.
If you are looking for a wonderful series with charming and a wiccan flair you have to check out Whispering Pines, you wont be disappointed!

I was given an e-ARC that I voluntarily reviewed, all thoughts are my own.
1,630 reviews
Read
July 15, 2021
Protected Secrets
(Whispering Pines Mystery #10)
by Shawn McGuire (Goodreads Author)
4.59 · Rating details · 447 ratings · 59 reviews
Springtime in the village means colored eggs, hot crossed buns, and a corpse.

As the vernal equinox brings welcome warmth and the promise of the coming tourist season to Wisconsin's Northwoods, it also brings an invading Wiccan coven. Sheriff Jayne O’Shea isn’t worried about the witches. It’s the fact that her mother is coming for her first visit in nearly twenty years that has her on edge. Their reunion goes well, better than expected, and then a coven member disappears.

The other members don't seem concerned. In fact, they're so indifferent to the disappearance, Jayne is sure she's searching for a body, not a missing person. The possibility of another death in the village is bad enough, but this one could mean the end for Whispering Pines. If Jayne can't get her mom to see the lakeside community's charming appeal, it will go up for sale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Annemarie .
948 reviews22 followers
May 11, 2020
Another great episode in the lives of the Whispering Pines community.
Spring Equinox is here and Whispering Pines is playing host to a few covens who have come to join in the festivities. Jayne's mother and sister have also arrived and Jayne hopes to spend time with them so hands the reins to her trusted deputy.
Unfortunately, there is discord amongst members of a coven and Jayne has no option but to take the reins again to find a murderer.
On the up side, Jayne is finally able to cross off the last thing on the list of 'unresolved' items that Morgan had her make all those months ago.
If you haven't read any of the Whispering Pines series, do yourself a favour and do so. You won't regret it. Happy reading. Annemarie

I received an A.R.C. copy of Protected Secrets from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
10 reviews
May 11, 2020
This is yet another masterpiece from Shawn McGuire. She always writes in a way to keep you wanting to turn the pages and turn them I did. I read the book in one day because I had to figure it out. Many things happening in the village and keeping you wondering what is going to happen next? I am wishing for a book 11 some day in the near future and know it will be as great as Protected Secrets was and all 9.5 books before this one. If you love mystery, intrigue and genuine clean writing this book is for you. Till the next book! Blessed Be! No spoilers from me.... get your copy, settle in and prepare for an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Heather Cleaver.
47 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2020
Another good installment in this series. In book 10 we find the villagers preparing for Ostara (the spring equinox). A visiting coven is also celebrating and staying at the B&B. Jayne and Tripp welcome her mother and sister to the B&B, the first time for her mother. Once again we find Jayne working on her list of things to resolve that she created during Samhain. One of those things to work on was her relationship with her mother. As spring approaches, the magic that flows through the village helps repair relationships, solve mysteries and helps Jayne come to understand her purpose for being in Whispering Pines.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
May 15, 2020
This one I jumped right in and it felt like I never left but this time mom is coming with the sister. Nerves are tight feeling like everything has to be right. Anyways spring means it is a bit slow but celebration is coming with a coven that has some of them staying in Jane's place. Of course then it starts someone disappears, a baby comes and other things happen. Mom gets to see after 20 years the charm in a different light I would say. Having a mystery to solve that turns gets some twists. This one just kept me intertwined from start to finish. I see mom in a different light also. I can try and wait for the next one but it will be hard.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,915 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2020
Another great addition to this stellar series. With a bit of witchery, romance, and a murder mystery this book is full of page turning moments.

Jayne is excited but nervous knowing her mother, who she hasn’t seen for a while, is coming for a visit to Pine Time her B&B. At the same time a Coven is visiting Whispering Pines to celebrate Ostara and one of their members is murdered. Jayne has to solve the murder and convince her mom that the Village is not what she thinks.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
73 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2020
Well, here we are at book # 10 and like all the ones before it, it's FANTASTIC! Jayne & Tripp have their hands full with the witches, then add her rule loving mother to the mix and things get INTERESTING! Jayne handles the turbulence with supreme caution and professionalism. The twists and turns it takes will keep you turning the pages of this excellent book.
As always, I completely and honestly love this new addition to the series and MUST recommend you read it.
*I received an advance review copy of the book.
712 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2020
Enjoy this mystery!!

Shawn McGuire is very good at setting a scene. It is not hard to imagine Whispering Pines and its inhabitants. This entry in the series is outstanding. McGuire's books never fail to satisfy and yet she takes you out of your comfort zone into areas that you known little or nothing about. After 10 books you would think that it would be easy to guess the ending. Not this book. I would never have reach the conclusion that Jayne did, but then I am not Shawn McGuire!!
Profile Image for Lynn.
691 reviews13 followers
June 19, 2020
When I started reading this book, it made me think of something- that I went back and re-read book 9 real quick. Enjoyed that book as much the second time as the first time. Then went back to book ten. There were things mentioned that go back to other books that now made me go oh wow!! So many good things happen among the bad. Surprises too. A few things I definitely did not expect! There are things that have been making me go hmmm.. And got answered. Then there are things that are still making me go hmm.. And am hoping that they get answered in the next book. I can't wait!!!!
Profile Image for Karen.
32 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
I got Shawn McGuire’s first Whispering Pines book because I love mysteries. I was a little concerned about the Wiccan aspect of it because, you know, witches. But this first story charmed me so I gave it 4 stars. I got the second book and enjoyed it. 4 stars again. I have now finished the ninth book in the series and am giving 5 stars to the last few books. The characters have grown, the relationships are solidifying, the mysteries are as good as ever. I hope more in the series will keep coming!! Thank you, Shawn, for taking me away to Whispering Pines!
1 review
August 13, 2021
I love these books!

The mysteries are well-planned and (despite the Perry Mason-like confession that seems to end every novel) remain for the most part difficult to predict until the end. I also enjoy the resolutions which take place on a personal level with Jayne at the end. I find the characters believable and consistent and enjoy the humor interspersed in the stories. I recommend this to anyone who’s willing to entertain the mysticism in the books and who’s looking for a readable novel as a pastime.
Profile Image for Carol Edholm.
145 reviews
Read
May 10, 2020
Riveting, full of Mystery and Suspense!

Oh oh...Momma's coming to the village -- and it is the Spring Eqiunox. Sheriff Jayne's mother hates Whispering Pines, and blames Gran for the breakdown of her marriage years ago. Is the Bed & Breakfast self-sufficient or will Jayne's mother put Gran's house and the entire village property up for sale? Added to all that, what's a Shawn McGuire Whispering Pines story without a murder?
10 reviews
May 10, 2020
I love learning about Jayne and the people of Whispering Pines. The mysteries are always good and suspenseful, but the thing that keeps me coming back the moment I get the newest book is the lives of the characters and the way the story provides opportunities to reveal themselves to the readers. There are always surprises along the way and this one doesn't let us down. Each new one is the best yet.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
20 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2020
I really love the character development. The author has not rushed to the end to provide you with the perfect main character and relationship; she allows the main character to make mistakes and the reader is along for the ride as she heads towards the life she wants. All this and you get a fun mystery to solve too. If you are looking for a cozy mystery with a touch of witchcraft this a book for you.
850 reviews
May 18, 2020
Nerve racking

Jaynes Mother and sister come to the inn a long with 8 Wiccan women and a Women giving birth and her two daughters. So 4 women staying in the boat house. One murder of a Wiccan women from the Coven in town for holiday. In which they celebrate the Planting of New Seeds, having Hot Crossed Buns and Deviled Eggs. This was an emotional and unexpected time for all staying at the Bed and Breakfast Pine Times.
Profile Image for Tonya Peterson.
1,596 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2021
Having too much to do?

Jayne us about to do the hardest thing on her list and that is make mends with her mom. Ever since her sister was kidnapped and things with her grandmother things have been rocky. But of course during the visit there was a death and even though she tried to hand it off to her deputy he just wasnt there yet to take over. In the end things were discovered and things jayne was able to help with was successful with.
Profile Image for Andrea Holley.
721 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m telling you, this is one of my very favorite series. They are just so good!
These books are a whodunit in the village of Whispering Pines owned now by Jayne’s parents since her Grandma died. Jayne is the sheriff in the village full of witches. Ever since her Grandma died and Jayne returned murders just keep happening in the tiny town but she’s just the one to solve the crimes and bring peace back to the village.
Have you read this series yet? What did you think?
3 reviews
December 12, 2021
Whispering Pines is a place to go to escape!

I absolutely love this story! Please, Shawn continue this series forever!! The characters are so well written I can't help but slide right into any of them and go right into my fantasy! What a great series of books! A wonderful well written story! Lots of weird murders, and a Wicca village I want to live in. Don't ever stop loving Whispering Pines!!❤ I won't.
1,567 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2020
This story is a wonderful mix of romance, family intrigues, murder and friendships, including a cute little dog that is so smart. With the same beloved characters from the series and a rather unusual lot of new characters, this book delighted me, make me laugh and sigh(romance), and wonder. An exceptional mix in a well crafted story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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