The Assistant's Secret

Locke Industries

by Emerald O'Brien

Josephine Oliver has a secret.
As an assistant at security titan, Locke Industries, she’s presented with an opportunity to advance her career in the form of a test. Josephine jumps at the chance to dig herself out of debt and earn the company’s respect on her way up the corporate ladder.
But a visit with a potential client leaves her shocked, forcing her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about the company, those she works with, and herself.
When the client takes a particular interest in her, and his demands grow increasingly dangerous, Josephine must continue to fight for the life she’s always wanted or find a way to escape their clutches after learning the darkest secret of all.
In this installment of the standalone LOCKE INDUSTRIES SERIES, The Assistant’s Secret may be the one to destroy everything…

Genres: Thriller, Thriller Suspense, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2020

About the author

Emerald O’Brien is a Canadian writer who grew up just east of Toronto, Ontario. She studied Television Broadcasting and Communications Media, and graduated from the program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

When Emerald is not reading or writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense, she loves baking, bonfires, binging Netflix shows, and spending time with family.

A horror movie enthusiast, Emerald can be found watching them at the movie theatre with her best friend or while cuddled up on the couch with her favourite snacks.

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Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced suspense novel which has mystery, intrigue, and a little romance. It is a real page turner which kept me reading well into the night. It contains Ms. O'Brien's classic twists and turns, unpredictable plot, and well developed and interesting characters, which keep her readers engaged from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading the other novels in the Locke Industries series, which can all be read as stand-alone novels.
I received an ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite. The main character was so annoying. She was whiny, indecisive, and worst of all she tailored her thoughts and actions around a hot dude she just met. This book wasn't super thrilling or twisty. It's not the worst I've read but it's one I would've been fine with skipping.

[Shelly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He's a wolf in wolves' clothing, and I've been looking for a sheep like an idiot."

Oh. My. GOD!! This was so amazing!! I loved every word and was on the edge of my seat through it all!!

So, we have Josephine, who finally gets a chance at the big promotion she's been wanting for so long. A promotion would mean more money, which would solve a ton of her problems, right? Well, her first client isn't what you'd call totally legit so that tips her off that maybe the company she works for isn't totally on the up and up. Now she's caught between doing what she needs to do and what she thinks is right. When she sticks her nose where it doesn't belong, and unexpected hero just might save her. Maybe.

Then, we have Cathrine Locke, Josie's boss. I knew something was up with her from the beginning. She's ruthless, and threatening, and angry, and every bit the b**ch! The Locke family sure puts the "fun" in dysfunctional, that's for sure. Don't worry, she gets what's coming to her but it will cost her.

Then we have Raymond Tackman, Josie's first client. Boy, if you can figure out if he's a good guy or a bad guy, more power to ya! I went back and forth so many times with this guy!

Like I said, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was so scared for Josie at times, then I was routing for her to find her backbone, then I was scared again. I really wasn't sure how she was going to get out of this mess alive. I love a thriller with lots of twists and this one had those in spades!! Definitely grab it!!

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative and interesting plot with people who have very realistic combinations of good and evil values. Drugs, addiction, greed and lust combine to create a suspenseful story. The writing is crisp and creates good mental images without becoming overpowering. The end was great because it wasn't all sweetness and light. I definitely want to read more about Locke Industries. In this story we meet the nanny who will also have a secret on display in the next book.

[Carin Lozano · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 ⭐️ not realistic, too much going on in a short time frame. I didn't care for the story. The Nanny is so much better.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Nicki Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my second book to read by O’Brien but I definitely enjoy her writing style. It’s fast paced and not a lot of fluff which I love. The plot of this mystery was unlike any I’ve ever read. I loved the good vs evil and seeing which choices would be made. It was fast paced and not predictable and I enjoyed it!

[Bethany C Hoffman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty bad

The one star was actually for me, for finishing the book. The book itself doesn't get any stars from me, it was pretty awful.

The main character was kind of a moron. Her super-moral bootstrap schtick was annoying, especially as she banged on and on about it. She was always clutching her (mother's) pearls about some banal misdeed. The fact that it never occurred to her that bad guys would want high tech security is hysterical.

So yeah, super repetitive, wildly ridiculous story, can't recommend.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine is Cathrine's assistant at Locke industries. She gets an assignment to get a client. She goes to the client's house and sees more than she wanted to. She is offered more money and a promotion to acquire this contract. Josephine is in deep debt, so this money means a lot to her. This novel is a page turner with a heart pounding conclusion.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly not dull

Strong main characters, especially Joise. In a world of corruption it is the must difficult to be the one honest, well intentioned person, although with a little bit of criminal behavior. An intriguing mix of good and bad that makes for a series worth following.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read by Emerald O'Brien, and it won't be the last! She teamed up with Kiersten Modglin to create the Locke Industries series. So far there are two novels, and I hope there will be many more!

A tense, realistic thriller that I didn't want to out down!

[The Book Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally stayed up all night to finish this. WOW. Did not see any of that coming! I loved both Locke books!!

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I started reading this book as soon as I had finished reading the other standalone book in the series! I really enjoyed the other book, so I couldn't wait to read this mystery and find out what was going to happen! I also haven't read any of this author's other books, so I was excited to read my first book from her! After reading this book, I can say that I enjoyed it just as much as the other book! The plot developed at the perfect pace and it only took me a few sittings to read! I also enjoyed the direction the plot went in and the mystery aspect! The mystery aspect was different to what I was expecting, but overall I liked it! I also really wasn't sure what was going to happen next, so I didn't want to put the book down until I had finished it! I liked the hint of romance in the plot as well! There wasn't tons of it, but there were lots of other things going on in the plot! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Josephine was the main character, and she made a few small appearances in the other book in this series, so I was intrigued to know more about her! I felt for in this book because all she wanted was to provide for her sister and nephew and she did do things she didn't want to do to make sure she could do this! I felt sorry for Josephine, but she was a strong character and stood up for what she thought was right! There wasn't really a love interest for Josephine in this book, but Raymond 'Tackman' came pretty close lol! I was intrigued by Tackman because I wasn't sure what he did and what he was involved in, so I wanted to know more about him! There were also quite a few other important secondary characters as well and they all added to the plot and made it better! All the characters added to the mystery aspect as well! This book was only written from Josephine's point of view, which I wasn't expecting in a way! The other standalone book in this series was written from three different point of views, so I was sort of expecting this book to be written in a similar way! I understood why it was only written through Josephine's eyes though because it was her story and her trying to work out what the right thing to do was! It also kept the plot a mystery and let the reader find things out at the same time as Josephine! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! I really wish it wasn't because I would love to read more on Josephine and find out what happened maybe months or years down the line for her! The ending was left at a good place for the story, but I just wanted to know what happened next lol! I now can't wait to check out this author's other books! I haven't read any of her other books, so I have the choice of any of them lol! The cover for this book is also perfect for it! I love how well it suits the other cover in the series and it suits the feel of the plot as well! It would also draw me to the book! Big thank you to Emerald for an ARC of The Assistant's Secret!

[Joanne Ranzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine Oliver has been working for 3 years at Locke Entreprises, a company that keeps its clients' secrets at all costs. Cathrine, her immediate superior, finally offers her the opportunity to advance in the company and, above all, to see her salary double. For Josephine, who is overwhelmed with debt because she has to help her sister Maggie, who is a recovering addict, and her nephew Andy, this is finally the answer to all her problems. She'll do anything for her family. But will it go so far as to compromise her moral values? This is what she will discover as she is propelled into a world of secrets and danger. As her world is turned upside down, she will find the strength to fight back. Be ready for it! Superbly well written, I found myself holding my breath several times. Emerald O’Brien worked her magic, once again!
The Assistant’s Secret, along with The Nanny’s Secret by Kiersten Modglin, are the first two installments in the Locke Industries series. Each story can be read as a standalone. The story lines are also intertwined so I recommend reading both. You won’t be disappointed. I really hope that Emerald and Kiersten will continue the series. Both ladies are great writers and we need more secrets to discover! I received an ARC copy from the author, Emerald O’Brien, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ASSISTANT'S SECRET is another winner from Emerald O'Brien - she never disapoints me. This is another well-written and intricate mystery that keeps you turning the pages to find what twist the story takes next.  The Assistant's Secret and The Nanny's Secret by Kiersten Modglin, are the first two installments in the Locke Industries series.  Each story can be read as a stand-alone, but their story lines are intertwined and mostly
concurrent timelines.

Rule one, never discuss your clients personal affairs, no matter what. Now that she has finally been give her first client, Josie needs everything to go perfect if she wants to keep her new position. One big problem, no one ever told her gunrunners, prisoners or murder was part of the deal.  What should she do?  She signed so many nondisclosure agreements, even one question could mean her job or worse. This story is filled with secrets, deceit, lies even murder.  You won't know who to consider good or bad.

This is a psychological thriller you don't want to miss and an ending you won't see coming.

I did receive an advance readers copy from the author and am gratefully leaving my honest review and recommend the Locke Industry series. 

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josephine has been with Locke Industries, a top security company, for a few years as an assistant and finally gets the chance to prove herself with the opportunity to manage her own client. After landing the client and getting her salary doubled for doing so, she finally can feel some relief. Coming from a difficult background, she is now providing for her young nephew, as well as her sister who is a recovering addict. Josephine feels like she has it all figured out until she learns what exactly her client is trying to keep protected. Now she has to decide if she should keep her mouth shut and do what she needs to continue to provide for her family or let her moral compass kick in and do what she thinks is right.

I really enjoyed both of the Locke Industries books. I loved that Josephine’s story happened simultaneously to Olivia’s and I love that I got to learn a bit more about the sordid affairs of the illustrious Locke family. I thoroughly enjoyed the twist at the end and think the author did an excellent job of getting us to believe one thing and then turning us on our heads! I loved this so much, I want more of this series!

[Jennifer Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my top 5 reads of the year so far!!!! If I could give it 10 stars I would, yes it's that good! I have been a long time reader of O'Brien's and have always enjoyed her stories and have watched her writing progress. She keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat with anticipation for what's going to come next! This book is so good and so far off the charts. O'Brien really out did herself with this story and her writing is so phenomenal I couldn't believe it. By the time I got to the end all I was thinking was I want more, please don't be over and not because it's a cliffhanger but because I was so invested in the story itself. If you're new to O'Brien I highly recommend you pick up this one and get started right away. If you're a long time fan, don't be afraid to dive right into this one, it's a MUST read!!! I absolutely adored Josephine and her drive and strength in dealing with everything life has thrown at her, which is an awful lot of different "stuff" for lack of a better word.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important aspect of Josephine’s life is her family. They live together, they love her and they need her to survive, and she would do anything to make their lives easier. Almost anything. She never expected danger to be lurking within the hallowed halls of Locke Industries. When she accepted her coveted first client, she was proud of all she had accomplished, and was confident that she would leave her meeting with a signed contract and satisfied client. Little did she know that her life would change drastically the day she met Raymond Tackman, her mysterious client. She found him intriguing and attractive, until he showed her what he was paying her to protect. Which led her to become more interested in everything about him and his business dealings. He wanted her to know that “they both protect things”, but Josephine was uncertain as to what to do with this knowledge. She sensed he was a dangerous man with secrets swirling around him. She desperately needed this job for her family and backing down was not the answer. Josephine’s career and life may be in jeopardy, but she wasn’t a quitter, and she would see this through to the end. Wherever that may take her.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would it take for you to cross your moral line in the sand? That was the issue that twirled on a loop through her mind. That is once she was finally trusted with her first account. Was it a test? Was it real? Was she at risk? Would he actions or inaction cause her family to be in jeopardy? Could she put all of her high and mighty standards and do what she needed to do for her nephew, her sister? Don't blink or sleep (hell if you can step away from the story you're stronger than I was). Each page, each chapter reveals more. Is she going down the rabbit path? Will she survive? How can she make it work? The suspense will keep you hungry for more as the author does the dance and you become the puppet.

Each book is a standalone and these two author's have started it off with a bang. Getting to know the employees, their dirt, their secrets, will keep you poised too pounce on each book as they become available. In the true sense of the word these authors will keep you on a journey filled with suspense and secrets that kill or harm and everything in between. Absolutely loved it.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just getting better and I really hope that the authors are going to continue writing more books for it. I absolutely love how I am so enthralled with the story that it is impossible for me to put my cell down and do something else. Locke Industries has so many secrets and the people that work for them find out in such a way that the reader wants to keep peeling back the layers to find what keeps it ticking. I absolutely loved Josephine, she reminds me of myself and how I would probably feel in her position. She is the younger sister of Maggie who has just gotten out of rehab and aunt to her sister's son Andy. They all live together and Jo is really trying to make a name for herself at Locke Industries. The mystery and suspense is just so awesome and then the ending was just WOW! You need to grab this book you will be so happy you did.
I was very lucky to have received a free download of this book from the publisher, I am leaving a review of my own honest opinion because I just loved it.

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book first out of the two Locke Industries novels by Emerald O Brien and her collaborator Kiersten Modglins The Nanny’s Secret. Wowser. I was not disappointed. The assistant Josephine is keen to get on in the world. Owing lots of money it is incumbent on her to get on at Locke Industries so that she can get herself on a better financial footing and she has worked hard to get where she is. Unfortunately all is not as it seems there, the intrigue and suspense not forgetting the wealth of interesting characters just add to the plot meaning you just can’t put this book down! Fortunately with lockdown I didn’t have to but the worst thing is you finally get to the end and don’t want it to finish. I immediately followed up this reading with The NannyS secret and boy what a team the two authors make. Can’t wait for the sequels so am just gonna read them both again. They are superb! don’t miss out read them now.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine Oliver is supporting her recovering addict sister Maggie and Maggie's son and struggling to make ends meet on her salary as assistant to Catherine Locke of billion dollar security firm Locke Industries. When Catherine offers Olivia a client of her own and double her salary, Olivia thinks she has it made. All she has to remember is to never discuss the client's personal affairs with anyone anywhere at any time. Sure she can do this, Olivia meets with the client. However she was not prepared for things that may by unethical, immoral and downright illegal. Can Olivia save herself while keeping quiet? This book had lots of twist and turns. You need to read it with The Nanny's Secret by Kiersten Modglin. These books present two sides of the Lockes at about the same time. They can be read in any order but you will definitely want to read both. Thanks to the author for letting me read this book early. I loved it!

[Lisa Cornetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was Part 2 of the Locke Industries installment for me. KMod’s book dealt with Locke family drama—a topic I love to read about. This book centered around gangs, drugs, guns and hostages—something I’d rather not read about because it resembles real life all too much. These books were loosely connected because of Locke Industries—specifically Josephine—who was John Locke’s cousin. She was boxed out of the family business, only let in to take on a shady client. She made the best out of a shitty situation. With zero confidence, she managed to fake her way into saving her own life. I didn’t care much for her, but she got the job done. She even managed to charm Tackman, which is probably why he didn’t kill her. But hey, if she wants a relationship with a shady character like that, then by all means, YOU GO GURL!! This book was a nice flip—you got to read about the type of client Locke Industries dealt with…and, thanks but NO THANKS!!

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the Locke Industries books written between Kmod and Emerald O Brien. I did love the nanny's secret more in terms of the storyline and plot development. I found that the author was trying to do too much in a short time. What I did love is that she didn't put too much fluff around it.

I really did enjoy her writing though, it captivated me and made me want to continue reading. I will definitely pick up her other work. It was fast paced and action packed, but there was something that felt off to me. I really loved how intertwined the books were, I thought that was really well done.

As for Josephine to be honest I did not care too much for her, I didn't see myself really rooting for her as much as I did for Olivia in the prior book. 

I still did enjoy continuing this series and seeing how both connected with eachother and the shady people that Locke Industries tries to protect.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW! The Assistant's Secret by Emerald O'Brien was quite a book. If you read The Nanny's Secret by Kiersten Modglin, you will definitely need to read this book. They both take place during the same time period at Locke Industries. Both stories are different but, you get glimpses into some of the same situations from different perspectives. I don't know who thought this scenario up but, it was genius. 

Emerald has what I like to call a more traditional writing style. She starts out with a slow burn that continues to build until you have a huge bonfire at the end without a fire extinguisher. There were so many times in her book that I was worried about Josephine while she was at the home of her client, Mr. Tackman. He and his men scared the you know what out of me! I'll tell you Jo has a lot more guts than I do.

You really have to read both of these books. I was afraid at first they were the same story and just different perspectives. That's just not the case. If you like one or both of these authors or haven't tried either one, you must! I'm not sorry I did and I guarantee you won't either.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character Josephine is so unlikable. She wants to climb the corporate ladder at a shady security company by any means to make more money, money, money to pay off the debts she has for continuously putting her sister in rehab. She uses her sister as a crutch to blame her problems on. J gets her big break from being an assistant to managing a client. The client is an rich foxy man that she's attracted to even though he has drugs, arms, & hostages in his house. She suddenly has a conscience and breaks work NDA with many people and wonders why she might lose her job and be framed. A contrived, muddled plot that skipped from her bitchiness toward helping her sister and nephew to spying on her boss and plotting her client's downfall. I thought the story would get better and it didn't. It also ended abruptly. I'm disappointed I wasted my time finishing the book

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book! A part of a new series with books you can read in any order, this one had plenty of interesting characters, a well written plot and numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.

Josephine is drowning in debt from her sisters rehab stay. When Cathrane Locke of the powerful Locke Industries Security firm offers her a client of her own after working as her assistant, Josephine vows to make her proud. As she learns more about the client she has signed on she becomes aware that being successful comes with a price she’s not sure she’s willing to pay.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Josephine Oliver, a 'wallflower' type person who is an assistant for a major person at Locke Industries. She is given a chance to 'prove herself' to the company and get a huge raise in the process which would help out in her home life. But things don't always go as planned, and there is trouble brewing all over the place. Could Josephine lose her job and all her plans go up in smoke? This is a great story that is intertwined with The Nanny's Secret. Each one can be read alone, but believe me, they are super together! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Thank you, Emerald!!!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Locke Industries series but can be read as a standalone. Suggest reading this first if you are going to read The Nanny's Secret too. Well written with characters you will love and ones you will hate. Josie finally has a job she has wanted forever but was it a good decision for her? Can she compromise her morals to do this job? Is her first client what she thinks he is? Can she discover the truth before she gets hurt or her family? Has suspense, mystery and a touch of romance. Nice twist at the end. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The powerful and power hungry Locke Industries is where Josephine has been working for the last three years. To say that her life is a mess, is an understatement. When she is offered an opportunity to advance her career, it seems to be the answer to her problems. Until she sees something she should not. Fear, deadly secrets and betrayal are the highlights of this exciting, twisted book and it is Josephine that decides to take them all on.
I received an ARC of this book from the Author, Emerald O’Brien.
The review and comments are my honest opinion.