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Carly Moore #4

Buried in Secrets

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Book four of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling Carly Moore series.

Be careful where you dig…

Life in Drum, Tennessee has been quiet since corruption was uncovered in the sheriff’s department three months ago—too quiet. Still, Carly is shocked when she discovers one of her sweetest lunch customers at the tavern has committed murder in cold blood.

Carly is certain the woman was fulfilling an infamous “favor” for the town patriarch, Bart Drummond, but now she has to prove it. She already knew that Drum has two sides—the side they show the world, and the seedy underbelly. Only in Drum, all things seedy lead back to two men—Bart Drummond and the local drug king, Todd Bingham.

The deeper Carly gets, the more she begins to question everything, even her desire to have her own family. But even if she could forget Bart’s threat is hanging over her head, she can’t forget that her father is still searching for her, ready to drag her back to her own death. She needs to uncover the truth, but everything is buried in secrets.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2020

1093 people are currently reading
577 people want to read

About the author

Denise Grover Swank

132 books5,890 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,033 reviews25.3k followers
March 18, 2022
Buried in Secrets is book four in the Carly Moore series by Denise Grover Swank. I’ve loved this series from the start but I feel like in this one everything got ramped up a few notches. Once again our favorite heroine is trying to help everyone, whether they want it or not. And the romance is also more present in this one. There was some definite swooning going on!!! This made me so happy because I’m all about the swoons.

Carly has been in Drum, Tennessee for about seven months now. She’s still working at the Tavern, living with Hank while caring for him, and at the Tavern, every Tuesday she runs a tutoring program for the kids who are struggling at school. At the same time, she is doing as much research as she can to find a way to bring down Bart Drummond. She wants to bring down Bart before she starts working to bring down her father.

There has been another murder and the person responsible is part of a group of women who regularly come in for lunch. She’s a quiet woman whom no one would have ever suspected of killing someone. Carly is convinced that the crime is somehow connected to Bart and she is dedicated to finding out how.

There’s not too much else I can tell you without spoiling anything. Just know that there are twists and turns throughout as Carly continually puts everyone else’s welfare above her own. It never fails to amaze me how this woman who has been betrayed by everyone in her life, still cares so much and gives so much. I also love, love, love that Carly’s romantic life has finally taken a positive turn and it makes me so happy.

“For the first time ever, I felt like I was where I was supposed to be.”

My love for Carly grew ten fold in this book. I could literally not put it down. The next book in the series, book five, is The Lies She Told and I can’t wait to get started.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Nicki.
298 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2020
Holy...wow.
Talk about an emotional rollercoaster! I've never gone from being so freaking happy and excited to terrified to sobbing so quickly.

I was emotionally on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book. My heart was pounding. I couldn't put it down to do anything. I forgot to eat. I forgot to feed my kids. Good thing they know where the cereal lives.

Carly, as always, is an adorable badass. I felt like her and Max connected more in this book and it was needed. I hope they continue that in the next book. And I could not get enough of sweet, amazing Marco. The action was on point. The horrors were too real. And the feels were extreme. I ended this book emotionally exhausted in the best way.

If you want a book that is completely engaging from the first page to the last, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Erth.
4,605 reviews
May 14, 2021
This is one of the most thrilling and profound mysteries ever written by this great author.
Carly is looking for ways to catch Bart Drummond -one of her nemesis- red-handed in a series of past crimes. It shouldn’t be that difficult (the man is guilty as sin), but irrevocable proof tends to slip through her fingers. In her pursuit, she gets involved in a new, apparently clear-cut murder case and gets to meet the perpetrator’s family. As piece after piece of evidence piles up, a deep sociological study of the waters lurking below the surface in Drum, Tennessee, shows us a world hit by sadness and desperation, of silent cries for help and barely hidden violence.
In this context, Carly tries hard to bring back hope to the community and to herself. She gives love and friendship a chance, a huge step for someone who’s been so badly hurt before. But as she learns to rely more on those around her, she comes to realize that it’s her newfound contention network that will cause her unbearable pain once again.
This is a brilliant book, with precise doses of mystery, romance, thriller, and analysis of human nature. A great read!
Profile Image for Miranda.
437 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2020
I’m speechless. It was intense and every bit amazing.
This was the usual exciting mystery and suspense but then it added additional twists that leaves you stunned.

“Just one more chapter...” This is what I repeated to myself over and over into the middle of the night. Lack of sleep, bags under my eyes, eyes heavy.
I just kept wanting to see what would happen next.

Someone in town has been arrested for cold blood murder. One that no one would have expected.
Carly is determined to find out why and if there is a tie to Bart Drummond which could bring more evidence to help her bring him down. She of course digs into so many secrets she needs to sort out which ones to focus on. Secrets that no one would have guessed.

I absolutely love how the author takes you on an investigation to find all these clues, your mind can’t resist going into different scenarios to figure out the mystery yourself. I think that’s what makes it so much fun is trying to figure it out with the information you come across.
Once you think you figured it out... BAM! There is an unexpected event Think things are leveling out and you are thrown for another loop and your jaw drops. But that’s not all, let’s add another hook into the storyline.
This was emotional but so well written that it leaves you with a book hangover.

Highly recommend reading this book as well as the series if you haven’t already started. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,278 reviews57 followers
November 23, 2020
4.5🌟’s.

What would make a sane mother shoot a man and murder him in broad daylight?
Does this have anything to do with Bart Drummond and his infamous favors? Or is it unrelated and something else just as sinister? These are questions that will keep you enthralled and be on your mind until the final chapter.

Carly and Marco set about trying to find clues and reasons why Pam killed Jim Palmer. They are hoping it will link to Bart and be another piece to bring his empire down. I had a few theories floating around, but I didn’t see the connection until the very end.

With this series, it’s not just about the whodunnit and the Drummond puzzle it’s also regarding the citizens of Drum. I was on a high progressing through this episode with the relationships and street party but then the last quarter got deep and emotional. I’m still processing all that was revealed. Some answers are uncovered but so many more are still out there with regards to Carly and her dilemma.

If you have been waiting for this book to be released and want to know if it’s important to the overall concept, my answer is Yes! And my advise is don’t wait, dive right in now.
282 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2020
Good but not great

I have a hard time liking Carly. I feel for someone trying to fly under the radar she really sticks her nose in where it doesn’t belong. The book series seems to be set up in 2 parts. I am not sure how many books the author plans to write but after 4 books I do not feel Carly is any closer to accomplishing goal number 1, than she was at the beginning of the series. She spent the entire book on something unrelated to her first goal.

I like the other characters and I am interested in the current main relationship which is the only reason I gave this book a 3 instead of a 2.

I love this author and I am sure it will pull itself together but I was just disappointed that at the end of this story Carly didn’t seem any closer to her 1st goal.
Profile Image for Kay H.
795 reviews68 followers
October 28, 2024
We are on the home stretch. I'm starting to feel a bit like this series and the "big plot" needs to wrap up. But it was good to finally have some progression on the 3.5 book slow burn romance. Sounds like we will start to finally get some movement on the overall plot as well. Onwards!
Profile Image for Norma's Nook.
424 reviews13 followers
November 21, 2020
This book right here, I can't. It's so good, I'm still processing everything I'm feeling, and their is so much. As Carly continues to make Drum home, the stakes are rising, and she doesn't even know the extent of it. There's so much that's hidden just under the surface and it's driving me bananas in the best way. Carly and Marco are so close to getting what they need, but that final piece is just out of reach. Buried in Secrets had me crying in both joy and sadness. It was the best of both mystery and romance. It's a beautiful reminder that uplifting community just because you're kind and want to help, is so desperately needed sometimes. Every character grew in Buried in Secrets, every plot point serving to drive the story closer to some sort of answer. It was a whirlwind of emotions, as Carly attempts to lower her walls and overcome her insecurities. Buried in Secrets is one fantastic story, and as with all of DGS's stories, I will be waiting for the next story to see what her brilliant mind comes up with next.
Profile Image for Angela Page.
91 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2020
This is one of my favorite series!! Carly Moore is my favorite character. This is the 4th book in the series and it keeps getting better and better!! Carly has now been in Drum for about 7 months and her determination is just as strong to take down Bart. I love how complex Carly is, one minute she is as tough as nails and the next she is vulnerable. She definitely has trust issues and is working them out! I truly love the cast of characters in this series. This book hits all the feelings. It was a very emotional ride!! I cant wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
899 reviews38 followers
November 24, 2020
Buries in Secrets is the 4th Carly Moore book and man is it a ride. Here are some of the emotions that I went through just reading the book: elation, happiness, heartbroken, humorous, tense.... and there a a ton more. Denise knows how to write a great story. She knows how to keep you interested in what you are reading. In other words, she writes a really great book.

As Carly goes on an adventure through out Drum and Ewing, she finds that some secrets could be the deadly kind. She also finds happiness even though it could put them in danger. Carly has a major choice to make. Can she make the right one?
Profile Image for Laila Nelke.
370 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2020
Holly Molly what an emotional rollercoaster! I can't believe I just finished reading Buried in Secrets and here I am sitting emotionally exhausted after this wild drive and waiting for the next book already because it was soooo good and it doesn't cover at all how I really am feeling. I am so invested in Carly Moore series and each next one book is better and better than the previous one even if I absolutely loved and said the same before. Incredibly amazing!
Love Carly, she is my favorite heroine now quite a badass with a pure heart and soul. Love to see how she's grown since the last book and gaining her strength to be able to truest someone again. Carly is not the only one loveable person. I really love and admire Marco now that he's proven to be trustworthy. All the other characters are perfectly imperfect or imperfectly perfect I'm not sure which is truer but they are all so real and human as they come.
The action packed, suspense, mystery and love and sorrow and a lot more with twists keeps you engaged in to story guessing just to be proved wrong.
I think everyone is going to love this book!
52 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2020
I don’t think there has ever been a title more fitting for a book. Carly is buried under so many secrets she’s about to suffocate under them. This book had me on my seat for the entire thing. I didn’t want to put it down. I’m so happy to see the relationship between Carly and Marco improve. I love that she’s letting the people of drum become a part of her. I laughed, and I cried. I can barely control my need for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dani.
138 reviews40 followers
December 9, 2021
I am enjoying this series too much, the only thing that bothers me is that as I am reading them one after another, there seems to be kind of repetitive.
I understand these books took their time to see the light of the day and there's a necessary summary to recap what happened on the other stories but for me is becoming too repetitive.

Anyway, Carly is my fav character of them all. Strong-minded, brave, lovable, and I love the development she's been through from the first book.

Wyatt was a character so weird for me, he was such an important character at the beginning and now he's been swept under the rug. Now, every time he appears is to cause trouble... I actually wanna see what he adds up to the story because right he's a filler character and super unnecessary to the plot.

By the way, Marco and Carly *swoons*. Their friends-to-lovers story fills my soul 💜 and their transition was so smooth, nothing was forced between them... I love it!!!

I am so intrigued, I want to know what happens next but oh men *sighs*

I will force myself to wait because I am skimming all the time because it's like reading books 1, 2, and 3 all over again with those summaries...
Profile Image for Sandra Lancaster.
335 reviews
October 24, 2022
I finished Buried in Secrets a little while ago and I'm still just sitting here in awe and a little bit emotionally drained. Such an incredibly amazing book! I feel like I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster ranging from happiness, laughter, fear, surprise, sadness and the list goes on. It is suspenseful and keeps you turning the page. Just when I thought I had figured things out it went a different direction I hadn't seen coming. Denise continues to surprise me with how she can weave such an intricate and engaging story. And that ending.... it's gonna take a while to recover from this book hangover.

While I’m beyond happy that Carly is learning to trust again and put her heart out there; I’m also worried that something awful is going to happen. I absolutely adore Marco and can’t get enough of him. I feel like Carly and Max’s friendship began to make a pivotal turn; they connected more and I hope that Max will help her anyway that he can. And I’m anxious to find out what Hank isn’t telling Carly. Will it be too much for her and cross her line?

This book and series are engrossing and entertaining. Don’t miss out, pick it up now.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,284 reviews279 followers
November 27, 2020
Welp! Carly is back in the saddle and things are moving forward again - at least in Carly’s relationship with Marco. It is heart-warming and fabulous to the sigh-worthy extreme. Carly is working so hard to overcome her fears and Marco is the perfect man to help her through them while still supporting her independence and intelligence. *sigh*

The mystery plot-line, however, doesn’t move forward at all. And that is the reason for the star drop. Oddly, there isn’t an arc or resolution in this specific book’s storyline. In fact it just ends. Carly is in more serious trouble than ever before, things aren’t looking good - the end.

Still, following Carly and Marco, along the the rest of the fun and quirky residents of Drum is like coming home to favorite friends. And, even though the ending is super frustrating, the journey is a joy.
Profile Image for Amanda.
308 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2020
I absolutely adore Carly’s series and book 4 is no different. Yet again, Denise is able to weave a story full of mystery and suspense that keeps you guessing all the way until the absolute literal end. Her plots are always complex and right when you think you have it figured out, plot twist! You better guess again! I experienced a myriad of emotions throughout the ride as well. At times I was ecstatic, other times I laughed, and towards the end I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat. There were also both happy and sad tears. I don’t think I’ve felt so nervous reading the end of a book in quite a while. The last few chapters had me so tuned out to the rest of the world that who even knows what happened outside of this book.

I also love how imperfectly perfect Denise’s characters are - Carly continues to try to overcome her past scars in regards to relationships and trust and her progress is refreshingly realistic. I was so excited to see the progress with a certain someone in this novel. And I continue to love all the secondary characters in the town of Drum. Book 5 can’t come soon enough!
Profile Image for Sheri P.
1,147 reviews24 followers
November 24, 2020
Holy Smokes!
This story was a perfect slow burn, following a twisted trail of secrets and lies, leading up to an unexpected explosive ending that blew me away.
Carly Moore is my favorite kind of heroine! She sees beyond the surface and looks for the truth of the situation, even when it leads her directly into danger. While she hasn't been in Drum even a full year yet, she has become invested in the people and the community. Unfortunately, in a town that has been beaten down like Drum, Carly's charitable actions only seem to build more distrust between her and the town-folk. Carly is working to bring down the man who threatened to reveal her past, but with trust issues of her own, she's questioning everything and everyone.
I loved everything about this book! I cannot wait until Carly's next book in June.
Profile Image for Angela.
2,510 reviews10 followers
November 23, 2020
Carly definitely has a back bone. She’s so different than how she was in the Rose series. Tons of twists and turns in this one. Love Marco. But I think Carly is in over her head.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,397 reviews24 followers
March 25, 2022
Is it wrong of me to ask for these to be written faster lol. I’m flying through these. They are so easy to read and be invested in
Profile Image for Eve.
216 reviews
December 1, 2020
I was really disappointed with this book. The mystery Carly set out to solve in the beginning was resolved in a way that was totally removed from all of the time she spent with it. And I found it really hard to believe that a teenager would suddenly just spill their entire life story (one that could lead to trouble for them) to a complete stranger.
While I also understand the need to keep readers coming back for more, I was not pleased by the end of the book. The last few pages had nothing at all to do with the story but were instead a set up for the next installment.
It was a quick read and since I am invested in the character, I will obviously keep reading the series. But this one just fell flat for me.
Profile Image for Patricia Black.
74 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2020
This series just keeps getting better! Carly is still searching for the best way to bring down both Bart Drummond and eventually her father. Under the guise of studying the history of Drum, TN she unearths some suspicious "accidents" that she thinks she might be able to tie back to Bart. With the help of some of the friends she's made she begins to uncover things that someone would rather keep quiet. What happens when you continuously poke a hornets nest? I guess you'll have to read to find out.

This books makes you feel a plethora of emotions...happy, sad, angry, shock, and everything in between. I fall more in love with Hank and Carly with each book. I also question the character of more people with each book (but no spoilers!) I'm not sure how Denise does it, but she's written another 5 star book! If you haven't picked up this series by now, what are you waiting for?!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
815 reviews
November 23, 2020
4.5 Stars!

I’m still processing this amazing story. And will continue to do for days after. A serious book hangover for sure. A story that you’re not going to want to miss!

We pick up back in Drum, Tennessee where Carly has started to put roots down. Those roots are attempted to be uprooted during the mystery that Carly finds herself wrapped up in.

You think it’s going one way but Lordy I was not ready for the twists and turns that Denise Grover Swank gave us. What a wild ride! Not just for the story, but emotionally as well.

While I enjoyed the story, the mystery, and the romance, I just wish we would get something additional towards the next step with the Bart mystery. We get more and more mystery and my curious mind needs a few answers soon! I can’t wait until the next installment to find out more!
Profile Image for Cora.
337 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2020
*rocking in a corner*
“I’m ok...you’re ok...we are all ok”
Review to come once I can say these works and mean them. My heart hurts...oh the feelings! Another amazing book Denise!
Profile Image for Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book.
1,496 reviews36 followers
July 12, 2021
Every book gets better & better. I don’t want to catch up but I can’t stop reading! Carly is such a fabulous character. This series has it all…mystery, characters that you love…and some you hate. But it makes you feel, you are invested! I just love how DGS weaves a story.
Profile Image for ReBecca.
815 reviews11 followers
February 7, 2023
I love everything (well almost everything) that Denise Grover Swank writes. So it pains me to rate Buried in Secrets three stars and not give it the usual four or five-star rating that Denise and her books deserve.

When comparing Buried in Secrets to the rest of the books in the Carly Moore series, I was left disappointed, bored, and a little frustrated. I felt that this book sort of stalled the series and in my opinion was a fluff piece. Knowing that there are only three more books left in the series, leaves me a little concerned that Carly will not be able to achieve her goals of taking down Bart Drummond and her father. Buried in Secrets didn't provide Carly with any clearer directions on where to go next nor is she any closer to accomplishing her goals. Instead, she was left with more unanswered questions.

After reading Buried in Secrets I'm worried that Denise is going to rush the next three books and end up with a sloppy ending, just to have Carly meet her goals.

The one positive thing to come out of Buried in Secrets is Carly and Marco's relationship. I'm ecstatic that Carly and Marco have finally decided to take their relationship to the next level. Carly deserves to be happy, and it's very obvious that Marco is the perfect fit for her.

While I have been enjoying the Carly Moore series, Buried in Secrets was definitely a letdown for me. I wouldn't recommend skipping it, because there are some pivotal moments throughout the book, but be mindful when reading it.

****

In Buried in Secrets, Carly finds herself back in the middle of Drummond's family drama. As she continues to dig deeper into Bart Drummond's life, she can't help but believe that one of her customers fulfilled an infamous "favor" for Bart and killed a man in cold blood. Carly is certain that Bart is behind this kill and she intends to prove it. But as usual, the deeper Carly digs into Bart and his past, the more at risk she is of putting herself and her loved ones.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,098 reviews47 followers
February 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ this was probably the best installment of the series!! every book has been well-written, suspenseful, and engaging; i enjoy the character growth, the development of relationships, and being surprised at each revelation.

in this book, Carly has been in Drum for several months and is gaining ground regarding her pursuit to link the town patriarch to the ongoing corruption. she is also set on trying to get to the bottom of why a local woman seemingly murders a man out of the blue (it’s witnessed and the woman gives herself up right away)…in the romantic front, Carly finally allows her feelings to be known…it put the biggest smile on my face!!!

of course, her real reason for being in Drum is discovered and the tension builds as this threatens her safety…she could run or stay in town and continue her mission…no spoilers but this was fantastic and heartbreaking….i cannot recommend this series enough!!! ✨✨✨
Profile Image for Find Me Behind a Book.
450 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2020
This book has left me speechless. You will find that there is a ton of suspense, mystery, happiness, heartache, and lots of secrets. Be prepared to finish this book in one sitting, because you won't want to put it down. Once again, Denise captures your attention from the first page and leaves you wanting so much more. What I love about Denise's writing is how she enables her readers to feel the emotions that her characters display. I felt it all as if I was Carly living throughout the events. And the book hangover I am feeling is pretty intense. The relationship Carly builds with each of her friends (specifically Hank, Marco, Max, and Jerry), is so amazing. These men truly love and care for her and want nothing but the best for her. She has built herself her own little family with a bunch of strangers. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Theresa .
1,848 reviews77 followers
December 13, 2020
4.5 Stars... The danger begins to intensify as Carly investigates the past in relation to the town patriarch, Bart Drummond... When a recent murder occurs that defies all logic, Carly inserts herself into the middle of it in hopes of finding links to Mr. Drummond... Once again she finds herself with many questions and few answers... As the people she loves most become a target, she must decide if the risk is worth the cost... Amidst all the turmoil, Carly and Marco can no longer deny their attraction to one another and make choices that could have devastating consequences... Carly continues to demonstrate her strength, tenacity, courage, and conviction as she moves through these experiences, but she also demonstrates compassion and kindness strengthening her relationships to the community of Drum... The tension is building and the outcome is going to be explosive:)
Profile Image for Jayme Carruthers.
310 reviews38 followers
November 27, 2020
Wow, who would have thought I could fall more in love with Drum than I already was? I'm so glad Carly got her own series, even if I am sad that means she had to leave Rose & NK to do it.

Denise pushed back the release date on this one but it was worth the wait. I laughed. I cried. I was happy. I was sad. I was angry. Denise is a brilliant story teller and world builder. I'm already itching for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
November 28, 2020
Buried in Secrets

This was one of those "can't put it down until you are through" books. I must admit I loved it. Of course, as usual, I wanted more. I always want more.
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