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Vital Secrets #2
List of Secrets
It could just be coincidence…
But Frank Zimmerman has seen too much over the years. He doesn’t believe in coincidences. A drowned lawyer, a fatal car accident, a heart attack and a socialite’s lethal fall in front of a huge crowd all have his cop antennae pinging - hard.
It also could be much more…
He digs for evidence to support his theory of a trail of bodies that lead into the past. But it’s second-generation detective Lizzie Zimmerman, along with his former partner Joe Wallace and FBI profiler Nathan Thomas, who will ultimately come face to face with the truth.
Can the mystery be solved before others die?
What’s going on? And who’s going to die next if Lizzie, Joe, and Nathan can’t figure it out in time?
But Frank Zimmerman has seen too much over the years. He doesn’t believe in coincidences. A drowned lawyer, a fatal car accident, a heart attack and a socialite’s lethal fall in front of a huge crowd all have his cop antennae pinging - hard.
It also could be much more…
He digs for evidence to support his theory of a trail of bodies that lead into the past. But it’s second-generation detective Lizzie Zimmerman, along with his former partner Joe Wallace and FBI profiler Nathan Thomas, who will ultimately come face to face with the truth.
Can the mystery be solved before others die?
What’s going on? And who’s going to die next if Lizzie, Joe, and Nathan can’t figure it out in time?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
287 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
D.F. Hart
22 books39 followers***Go to www.2ofharts.com to get signed up for my newsletter. That way you'll get advance notice of releases, promos, and freebies! ***
D.F. Hart is my pen name for suspense & thrillers; I've never found my given name to be particularly suspenseful or mysterious, so when I opted to finally give in to the siren call of writing, using my initials felt as natural as breathing. (I write contemporary romance as well, and you can find out more here on Goodreads by looking up D. Faith Hart!)
I’d always intended to be in this career; a college professor teaching Chaucer and Shakespeare somewhere and writing fiction in my off time. However, life has a sense of humor, it seems. Before I even realized it, I found myself hip deep into a career in Accounting – just about as far left-brained as you can get from being an author. I went with that flow and obtained my MBA with Accounting concentration to augment what I’d learned ‘in the trenches.’ I’m going on my twenty-sixth year of ‘crunching numbers’; I like it and I am good at it. But it has never been my passion, and it never will be.
In 2009, the pull to write became overwhelming. I’d had the plot idea for “Wall of Secrets” since 1989, but until I approached my fortieth birthday had been too timid to get it out of my brain and onto paper. I finally decided I’d wasted enough time. If nothing else ever came out of it, I would at least walk that fire path and put this story out into the world. “And the Wall Came Down” was the original title of the result.
By late 2018, I felt I’d told a good first story back then, a unique one, a gripping one. But it seemed a shame to just end it there. So, I picked up the loose threads I’d deliberately left at Wall’s conclusion ten years prior, and started weaving the sequel, re-titling books and their stations along the way. “And the Wall Came Down” became “Wall of Secrets”, the history-and-backstory rich prequel of the Vital Secrets series, and its sequel, “Book Keepers”, morphed into “Book of Secrets“, the first 'official' book in the set.
2019 also brought with it a unique opportunity to truly ‘go indie’, and I seized the chance and haven’t looked back. The advent of the next title in the Vital Secrets Series, “List of Secrets“, firmly set the path for a ensemble cast of characters whose lives develop and grow throughout the series while battling bad guys and catching killers.
Seven stories plus the prequel are the plan for the Vital Secrets series. The final installment, "End of Secrets", will be done sometime in 2022. I've also started a new series, "Raven's Path", which will follow an international hitman's travels as he wrestles with being a hired killer with a moral compass. The first installment, "Raven's Rise," will be released June 26, 2021.
D.F. Hart is my pen name for suspense & thrillers; I've never found my given name to be particularly suspenseful or mysterious, so when I opted to finally give in to the siren call of writing, using my initials felt as natural as breathing. (I write contemporary romance as well, and you can find out more here on Goodreads by looking up D. Faith Hart!)
I’d always intended to be in this career; a college professor teaching Chaucer and Shakespeare somewhere and writing fiction in my off time. However, life has a sense of humor, it seems. Before I even realized it, I found myself hip deep into a career in Accounting – just about as far left-brained as you can get from being an author. I went with that flow and obtained my MBA with Accounting concentration to augment what I’d learned ‘in the trenches.’ I’m going on my twenty-sixth year of ‘crunching numbers’; I like it and I am good at it. But it has never been my passion, and it never will be.
In 2009, the pull to write became overwhelming. I’d had the plot idea for “Wall of Secrets” since 1989, but until I approached my fortieth birthday had been too timid to get it out of my brain and onto paper. I finally decided I’d wasted enough time. If nothing else ever came out of it, I would at least walk that fire path and put this story out into the world. “And the Wall Came Down” was the original title of the result.
By late 2018, I felt I’d told a good first story back then, a unique one, a gripping one. But it seemed a shame to just end it there. So, I picked up the loose threads I’d deliberately left at Wall’s conclusion ten years prior, and started weaving the sequel, re-titling books and their stations along the way. “And the Wall Came Down” became “Wall of Secrets”, the history-and-backstory rich prequel of the Vital Secrets series, and its sequel, “Book Keepers”, morphed into “Book of Secrets“, the first 'official' book in the set.
2019 also brought with it a unique opportunity to truly ‘go indie’, and I seized the chance and haven’t looked back. The advent of the next title in the Vital Secrets Series, “List of Secrets“, firmly set the path for a ensemble cast of characters whose lives develop and grow throughout the series while battling bad guys and catching killers.
Seven stories plus the prequel are the plan for the Vital Secrets series. The final installment, "End of Secrets", will be done sometime in 2022. I've also started a new series, "Raven's Path", which will follow an international hitman's travels as he wrestles with being a hired killer with a moral compass. The first installment, "Raven's Rise," will be released June 26, 2021.
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March 3, 2021🎁 Books 1 & 2 are FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (3/3/2021)!🎁
December 28, 2024
This is the second novel in the Series 'Vital Secrets' written by D.F. Hart with K. W. Brnzell, and is the second novel of ten in the compilation titled The Secrets We Keep - An Intense Crime Thriller Boxed Set.
March 7, 2020
This third book in the Vital Secret series by D.F. Hart further showed that this series just gets better and better with each book. The mysterious string of accidents or were they murders happening across the world are a huge puzzle for law enforcement of many agencies to attempt to solve, relate, and more importantly, prove. The lives of the permanent series characters are once again intertwined with new ones and new romantic relationships are formed. The why and who are kept a mystery for the majority of the book making it a very nicely wrapped who-dunnit story. This is a voluntary review of this book which was part of an ARC from Hidden Gems Books.
July 4, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: List of Secrets
Author: D F Hart
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 6/10
Of the 18 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A gory thriller written with the reader in mind. Possibly needs better editing – I noted a number of small errors – and also too much telling in the prologue. Oddly, the prologue in book 2 (which I also read) was considerably better. Generally, the story is cleverly plotted although not overly original – hardened cop hunting killer, etc. etc. But, of course, murder/mystery/thriller reader love this stuff. There’s a market for it.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘I have read three books by this author. The best was the first book. I feel it was the strongest in terms of plot, character development and editing. Although the follow up books are also good, they never get to the level of the original. Often the way I guess. Frank Zimmerman is a typical hero for this genre; when we meet him, he’s polishing off another bottle of Wild Turkey at 3am. He’s a bit messed-up, ‘seen it all’ sort of guy. As I say, not original, but possibly it’s what readers of this genre want.’ Female reader, aged 62
‘By the numbers thriller. A few good twists. Author tends to tell too much. Starts off with a lot of deaths. Bang! Bang! Bang! Quick, pacey. Fans of a Tom Clancy thriller will probably enjoy this story.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘Often in life, you just want to read a good murder story. This did the job perfectly.’ Female reader, aged 69
To Sum It Up:
‘A solid thriller with a hardened cop to root for.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: List of Secrets
Author: D F Hart
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 6/10
Of the 18 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A gory thriller written with the reader in mind. Possibly needs better editing – I noted a number of small errors – and also too much telling in the prologue. Oddly, the prologue in book 2 (which I also read) was considerably better. Generally, the story is cleverly plotted although not overly original – hardened cop hunting killer, etc. etc. But, of course, murder/mystery/thriller reader love this stuff. There’s a market for it.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘I have read three books by this author. The best was the first book. I feel it was the strongest in terms of plot, character development and editing. Although the follow up books are also good, they never get to the level of the original. Often the way I guess. Frank Zimmerman is a typical hero for this genre; when we meet him, he’s polishing off another bottle of Wild Turkey at 3am. He’s a bit messed-up, ‘seen it all’ sort of guy. As I say, not original, but possibly it’s what readers of this genre want.’ Female reader, aged 62
‘By the numbers thriller. A few good twists. Author tends to tell too much. Starts off with a lot of deaths. Bang! Bang! Bang! Quick, pacey. Fans of a Tom Clancy thriller will probably enjoy this story.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘Often in life, you just want to read a good murder story. This did the job perfectly.’ Female reader, aged 69
To Sum It Up:
‘A solid thriller with a hardened cop to root for.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 5, 2024
NOT SPOILER FREE, I think, just in case, read at your own risk.
Oh man, finally got into the groove of this author. They didn’t disappoint. While the first book was detailed enough for the reader to put it together before the main characters, List of Secrets kept the cloak until almost the last chapter. From the-go you have two serial killers, siblings (in fact), and they both kinda fall in love with target and target adjacent. So many deaths, so many hearts destroyed. So many lies. The last page kinda gave me the feels that the target and target adjacent has something in common to bond over, and maybe it’s twisted to think the author meant they would become friends — or maybe even something more? Don’t know, the sneak peek suggested Joe would join in win the rest of the OG characters for the next book. Not all complaining. Enjoying it, actually.
Oops, my bad, the characters names - Lizzie, a cop from Seattle whose life changing betrayal of bestie and fiancé took her on a trip where she meets a guy she clicks super fast, Landon. Likable characters, I might add. But they soon return to their lives - Seattle vs Texas. They kinda have a long distance relationship. Cool. Normal. Then we have Samantha (was that her name? Cannot remember. Sorry. I suck with names, and this time I didn’t take any notes) hitting a skii class with a retired athlete, Donny, they fall madly in love within three dates or so, same as Lizzie/Landon. However, they do spend a lot of time together before hell breaks loose. While these couples go about their lives, murders are happening all across the globe, some to people who kinda deserve and others, well… leaving you with a question mark on how they were/are important to begin with. Shit happens, and suddenly the puzzles are put together with the joint efforts of Nathan (whose baby was born somewhere along the crazy murders and relationships growing speedily) and Joe (Lizzie’s godfather, and her dad’s old partner). Some other characters were introduced from other districts as well, and wondering if they will return on book 3 (the final one I HAVE) or even later on.
Hmm, what else can I say? I think this is it. The plot twist I didn’t see coming was the family bond. Familiarity, yes - at one point - but not this.
Oh man, finally got into the groove of this author. They didn’t disappoint. While the first book was detailed enough for the reader to put it together before the main characters, List of Secrets kept the cloak until almost the last chapter. From the-go you have two serial killers, siblings (in fact), and they both kinda fall in love with target and target adjacent. So many deaths, so many hearts destroyed. So many lies. The last page kinda gave me the feels that the target and target adjacent has something in common to bond over, and maybe it’s twisted to think the author meant they would become friends — or maybe even something more? Don’t know, the sneak peek suggested Joe would join in win the rest of the OG characters for the next book. Not all complaining. Enjoying it, actually.
Oops, my bad, the characters names - Lizzie, a cop from Seattle whose life changing betrayal of bestie and fiancé took her on a trip where she meets a guy she clicks super fast, Landon. Likable characters, I might add. But they soon return to their lives - Seattle vs Texas. They kinda have a long distance relationship. Cool. Normal. Then we have Samantha (was that her name? Cannot remember. Sorry. I suck with names, and this time I didn’t take any notes) hitting a skii class with a retired athlete, Donny, they fall madly in love within three dates or so, same as Lizzie/Landon. However, they do spend a lot of time together before hell breaks loose. While these couples go about their lives, murders are happening all across the globe, some to people who kinda deserve and others, well… leaving you with a question mark on how they were/are important to begin with. Shit happens, and suddenly the puzzles are put together with the joint efforts of Nathan (whose baby was born somewhere along the crazy murders and relationships growing speedily) and Joe (Lizzie’s godfather, and her dad’s old partner). Some other characters were introduced from other districts as well, and wondering if they will return on book 3 (the final one I HAVE) or even later on.
Hmm, what else can I say? I think this is it. The plot twist I didn’t see coming was the family bond. Familiarity, yes - at one point - but not this.
March 12, 2021
Cardboard characters and love at first sight for two couples in the first few chapters. Is this a mystery or a romance novel because neither the mystery or the romance worked. The killer displays no emotion that would explain the killings until the last few pages then it is over the top. Glimpses of anger earlier would have made it more believable, but I guess the author either didn't know how to do that or thought it made a better ending (it didn't).
Court room scene had quite a few procedural errors in it and the disclaimer at the end by the author on why she wrote it that way just shows how much she needs to learn. There are so many ways that could have been handled better, but that is true of most of the book.
Court room scene had quite a few procedural errors in it and the disclaimer at the end by the author on why she wrote it that way just shows how much she needs to learn. There are so many ways that could have been handled better, but that is true of most of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
Surprise Ending
Excellent novel. The characters were real. The dialogue was unaffected, not unnessarily repetitive and Mr Hart knows good grammar - which is rare these days. I honestly didn't have any idea who the killers were. Total shock!
There were people introduced that puzzled me. I had no idea who they were or why they were included.
Also for me, since I'm not a voyeur, the sex was implied - NOT pornographic!
This is a book that sells on it's creativity not because it's steamy. Thank you for an excellent book!
VERY well written!!!
Excellent novel. The characters were real. The dialogue was unaffected, not unnessarily repetitive and Mr Hart knows good grammar - which is rare these days. I honestly didn't have any idea who the killers were. Total shock!
There were people introduced that puzzled me. I had no idea who they were or why they were included.
Also for me, since I'm not a voyeur, the sex was implied - NOT pornographic!
This is a book that sells on it's creativity not because it's steamy. Thank you for an excellent book!
VERY well written!!!
April 6, 2021
Mysterious and a little chilling.
Two killers are, apparently killing for money and revenge, leaving a signature. With steady and plodding work, by local police, FBI, a former cop and the federal aviation authority, the case quickly solved, with a twisted surprise, which you can see coming, if you think about it.
Two killers are, apparently killing for money and revenge, leaving a signature. With steady and plodding work, by local police, FBI, a former cop and the federal aviation authority, the case quickly solved, with a twisted surprise, which you can see coming, if you think about it.
March 5, 2021
This story was intriguing even while I was wondering how it all fitted together. When the pieces started to mesh, it all made sense and events happened very quickly from then onwards. I didn’t expect it to end as it did but it was the only possible ending. A really good read - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
March 15, 2021
Entertaining
A wrongful murder conviction destroyed a family, caused the death of an innocent man and set the plot for revenge. Those persons who had roles in the conviction become the targets and the murder toll rises.
A wrongful murder conviction destroyed a family, caused the death of an innocent man and set the plot for revenge. Those persons who had roles in the conviction become the targets and the murder toll rises.
March 24, 2021
This book could have been called “All the Hitmen”. Even with all the killing in this book, I enjoyed it tremendously.I obviously didn’t want to put it down until I’d finished it, The twist at the end was quite a surprise.
September 9, 2021
Books
Never know if a book will be good. Covers can lure you in but sometimes the book itself fails. Not so here. I didn't expect all the pieces to fall into place, but they did at the end.good storyline.
Never know if a book will be good. Covers can lure you in but sometimes the book itself fails. Not so here. I didn't expect all the pieces to fall into place, but they did at the end.good storyline.
December 29, 2021
I found some of the descriptions of dialogue really amateurish. It wasn’t a bad book. I wasn’t bored. Something was always going on. It was a good plot too. It was just the writing in places where characters interacted with one another I thought could be better described.
March 1, 2023
Great police thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action and suspense. Boy did not see that twist coming with Landon. The ending kind of was a little flat though, still a good read!
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action and suspense. Boy did not see that twist coming with Landon. The ending kind of was a little flat though, still a good read!
March 5, 2021
Secrets
Dropping f-bombs and profane language ruins any book, no matter how good the story may be. Not necessary or cool.
Dropping f-bombs and profane language ruins any book, no matter how good the story may be. Not necessary or cool.
March 9, 2021
Nice
I thought the book was well written. The characters were pretty well thought out. The plot kept me in the book until the end.
I thought the book was well written. The characters were pretty well thought out. The plot kept me in the book until the end.
March 13, 2021
Somewhat predictable
I never warmed up to any of the characters. They seemed too contrived. And I figured out one part of the story about halfway through.
I never warmed up to any of the characters. They seemed too contrived. And I figured out one part of the story about halfway through.
March 16, 2021
Good story.
I chose 3 stars because its a good fast paced story. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. It leaves you wanting more.
I chose 3 stars because its a good fast paced story. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. It leaves you wanting more.
May 26, 2021
Interesting. A lot of coincidences, but we all know there is no such thing as coincidence where murder and mystery are present.
June 6, 2021
Very good book
Really good read kept you thinking right till the last few pages very enjoyable would certainly read more books by these authors
Really good read kept you thinking right till the last few pages very enjoyable would certainly read more books by these authors
July 7, 2021
Great mystery, I love a read that keeps you on edge from start to finish. Hart pulled it off with style.
February 2, 2022
fast paced
If you like twist and turns and full of action, this book is for you. Looking forward to reading the next book.
If you like twist and turns and full of action, this book is for you. Looking forward to reading the next book.
June 18, 2022
Another perfectly written thriller by DF Hart. book 2 is even better than book 1.
July 23, 2022
Great read with twists you won't even see coming!
April 22, 2023
I liked the intrigue, and the wondering how all the threads would come together in the end. Stayed up late too many nights reading this one!
November 5, 2023
Picked this up at random off my TBR pile and I am so glad I did. Terrific story loaded with suspense. Will definitely read the next one. Highly recommend it.
January 2, 2024
Didn't think a second book could surpass the first (in a series).... but this one sure did! I could not stop reading this one. True edge of your seat suspense thriller..... right to the last page!
November 13, 2019
Wow, lots of twists and turns and surprises. Seemingly unrelated episodes come together and old friends from previous books in The Vital Secrets Series - Wall of Secrets and Book of Secrets - return in this book. This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone, but takes deeper meaning if the first two books are read first. Onward to Web of Secrets in the Spring 2020.
August 26, 2019
This is an amazing read that is captivating from the beginning and throughout! I loved all three of these books and they kept getting better. I love the characters and the story is amazing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2019
I loved it. As fast paced and action packed as books 1 and 2. It was not what I was expecting, but it was just as thrilling. D. F. Hart knows how to keep the action going with totally unexpected twists right up to the ending. looking forward to book 4. I would definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews