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Whispering Pines Mystery #11.5
Secret of the Season
Everything is set for the O’Shea family’s first Christmas in their new home. After days of decorating, the house is perfect. Well, except for the glittering aluminum tree Lucy hates but her husband adores. It’s a silly thing, really, but when surrounded by two thousand acres of pristine pine forest, a silver tree just doesn’t feel right.
So Lucy and her best friend Dulcie head out with their kids, Dillon and Briar, in search of a proper Yule tree. But partway through their journey, Lucy makes a chilling discovery. A stranger is stalking them through the woods. And help is an hour away.
So Lucy and her best friend Dulcie head out with their kids, Dillon and Briar, in search of a proper Yule tree. But partway through their journey, Lucy makes a chilling discovery. A stranger is stalking them through the woods. And help is an hour away.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2020
201 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Shawn McGuire
79 books820 followersMystery 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 39 reviews
February 14, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Shawn McGuire (Whispering Pines Short Mysteries book 1). The O'Shea's have purchased two thousand acres in northern Wisconsin. She is there with their son and her friend and daughter. They are alone with the husband is off on business. It is just days before Christmas and they out looking for a Christmas tree 🌳. They find a camp site. Who is on their property? I would recommend this novella series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😊💘🎅
These three are the beginning of The Whispering Pines Mystery Series which I listened 🎶 to the first three a number of years ago. This is a very interesting series that I would highly recommend. Happy reading
Another will written romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Shawn McGuire (Whispering Pines Short Mysteries book 1). The O'Shea's have purchased two thousand acres in northern Wisconsin. She is there with their son and her friend and daughter. They are alone with the husband is off on business. It is just days before Christmas and they out looking for a Christmas tree 🌳. They find a camp site. Who is on their property? I would recommend this novella series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😊💘🎅
These three are the beginning of The Whispering Pines Mystery Series which I listened 🎶 to the first three a number of years ago. This is a very interesting series that I would highly recommend. Happy reading
December 8, 2020
What a beautiful story and a fascinating introduction to some of the pivitol characters in the Whispering Pines series. I could have kept reading about how the Village got started for an age. Who would have thought that Lucy was not the first witch after all or that Mallory was there even before Lucy and Kevan bought the property? Happy reading. Annemarie
November 30, 2023
Lucy’s husband Keven has a contracting firm and utilized his architectural expertise and talent to build an extraordinary home for his family in Northern Wisconsin. As the home in the evergreen woods is isolated, Keven welcomed the idea that Dulcie and her young daughter Briar be invited to live with Lucy and young son Dillion as with Keven’s firm a 5-hour trip one-way he was happy for his wife and son to have company during his absences. It’s an exciting time for everyone as this will be their 1st Christmas together in this beautiful woodland setting.
A seasonal and atmospheric novella welcoming the reader to awaken all of one’s senses to imagine living in an exquisitely designed new home amid 2,000 acres and preparing for Christmas. There’s a mystery in the woods discovered during one of the woodland excursions, and that’s only the beginning of the delights within this story.
Reviewer’s Note: I discovered the title as part of the short mysteries and enjoyed it as a stand-alone. I was unaware until adding my review on various platforms that it is also considered Book 11.5 in the Whispering Pines Mystery Series. I enjoyed the author’s writing and am eager to read the other short mysteries.
A seasonal and atmospheric novella welcoming the reader to awaken all of one’s senses to imagine living in an exquisitely designed new home amid 2,000 acres and preparing for Christmas. There’s a mystery in the woods discovered during one of the woodland excursions, and that’s only the beginning of the delights within this story.
Reviewer’s Note: I discovered the title as part of the short mysteries and enjoyed it as a stand-alone. I was unaware until adding my review on various platforms that it is also considered Book 11.5 in the Whispering Pines Mystery Series. I enjoyed the author’s writing and am eager to read the other short mysteries.
December 6, 2020
This was so much fun. A short story about the very beginnings of Whispering Pines. We've heard the back story within the series but to read the story of those beginnings was more vivid and brought the characters alive. I enjoyed it very much.
December 31, 2020
A Christmas/Yule story about the pleasures of living in a lightly inhabited woodland area and the joys of sharing what you have with others.
November 24, 2020
I just finished it. I could picture the village, from reading books 1-11, as Lucy and Dulcie discussed future plans. This short story made me so happy, I busted out in tears...happy tears!
Readers of the Whispering Pines series will love this short story of Lucy and Dulcie, their children, and Lucy's husband Keven, and their first Yule/Christmas (aka ChristYule) in the finished home within 2 thousand acres. While looking for the perfect Yule tree, snowshoe prints are found upon fresh snow, then a campsite is found; who could be camping upon the O'Shea land? Not telling!
Readers of the Whispering Pines series will love this short story of Lucy and Dulcie, their children, and Lucy's husband Keven, and their first Yule/Christmas (aka ChristYule) in the finished home within 2 thousand acres. While looking for the perfect Yule tree, snowshoe prints are found upon fresh snow, then a campsite is found; who could be camping upon the O'Shea land? Not telling!
December 10, 2022
A lovely Christmas/Yule novella, giving us insight into how Whispering Pines came to be! As with the main series, Shawn's style of writing makes me wish Whispering Pines was a real place. It is great to meet Lucy as a character. As the matriarch of the community, we only hear about her in the 3rd person in the main series as she has passed over, so it is nice to see Whispering Pines through her eyes. A quick fun read that could be read as a stand-alone story or for those of us who love book series, an added layer of magic and depth to an already great collection.
November 25, 2020
This was a wonderful story. Now we know how Whispering Pines got started. And we learned what the first characters were like. This is a fun story with some Christmas cheer. Hold on!!! Someone is camping on the property. Who could it be and why is he there? Will this group get out of the woods safely? Read this story and find out.
I voluntarily received a copy from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review.
I voluntarily received a copy from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review.
December 1, 2020
After reading Burning Secrets, this was a real treat!!! I absolutely LOVED this book. The story was wonderful, I had several OMG moments and I was fully immersed in this book. I felt like I was there with them and it was magical! There is not a single thing to criticise, I loved it from the first to the last word! Go, read it!!! Oh and it can be read as a standalone but the effect will be greatest if you have read at least a few of the Whispering Pines books.
January 18, 2023
Lucy's story
Lucy and Kevin are the founders if Whispering Pines. They both felt drawn to the land and was originally for jyst them and any children they might have. But with Kevin working so far away, Lucy was alone for much if the time. Eventually, others were drawn to their land as well and were welcomed if they have a true need to be there, and could provide a service to help others, they may stay. Those who fit in no where else settled in Whispering Pines.
Lucy and Kevin are the founders if Whispering Pines. They both felt drawn to the land and was originally for jyst them and any children they might have. But with Kevin working so far away, Lucy was alone for much if the time. Eventually, others were drawn to their land as well and were welcomed if they have a true need to be there, and could provide a service to help others, they may stay. Those who fit in no where else settled in Whispering Pines.
November 25, 2020
This is such a delightful, feel good story. If you are a fan of the Whispering Pines series, you will be delighted to read how it began. If you haven't yet read this series, this will get you wanting to read more. It was like a wonderful surprise to read how it all started. With a wonderful, feel good ending.
November 25, 2020
What a beautiful story and an endearing prequel to the Whispering Pines series.
I sometimes wonder what happened before "Page One", but you have answered that question in the most charming way. And with the holiday season upon us, your timing is impeccable.
Perfect in every way.
Thanks Shawn.
I sometimes wonder what happened before "Page One", but you have answered that question in the most charming way. And with the holiday season upon us, your timing is impeccable.
Perfect in every way.
Thanks Shawn.
March 28, 2021
A short look at how it all began.
I loved reading this beginning to a fav series. Author, Shawn McGuire’s words have a way of pulling me in to enjoy a magical escape to Whispering Pines. The characters are most enjoyable in a peacefully haunting setting.
Definitely recommend this delightful beginning and the entire series.
I loved reading this beginning to a fav series. Author, Shawn McGuire’s words have a way of pulling me in to enjoy a magical escape to Whispering Pines. The characters are most enjoyable in a peacefully haunting setting.
Definitely recommend this delightful beginning and the entire series.
October 29, 2022
Vintage Whispering Pines!!!:-)
We finally get a glimpse of the VERY begin getting of Whispering Pines!!:-). So many BEAUTIFUL connections and creates SOOO much understanding and reverence for how Whispering Pines came to be!!:-). If you LOVE the Whispering Pines series, then you will DEF not want to miss this one!!:-)
We finally get a glimpse of the VERY begin getting of Whispering Pines!!:-). So many BEAUTIFUL connections and creates SOOO much understanding and reverence for how Whispering Pines came to be!!:-). If you LOVE the Whispering Pines series, then you will DEF not want to miss this one!!:-)
November 21, 2020
Beautiful beginnings
This is a wonderful introduction to the story of Whispering Pines. We are introduced to young Dillon, Briar, and Mallory. And their respective parent(s) / grandparents.
This is a wonderful introduction to the story of Whispering Pines. We are introduced to young Dillon, Briar, and Mallory. And their respective parent(s) / grandparents.
November 24, 2020
The History of Whispering Pines Revealed
It is so wonderful to finally discover how Whispering Pines got started, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. A must read for every WP fan.
It is so wonderful to finally discover how Whispering Pines got started, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. A must read for every WP fan.
November 25, 2020
Wonderful Story
What a truly inspirational story! It really made me feel the beauty and reverence of the forest! I grew up in Wisconsin and know how much the forest brings tranquillity and peace to one! Thank you for an awe inspiring story!
What a truly inspirational story! It really made me feel the beauty and reverence of the forest! I grew up in Wisconsin and know how much the forest brings tranquillity and peace to one! Thank you for an awe inspiring story!
November 28, 2020
Unputdownable
Wow just loved this short mystery , it sets out the beginning of the Whispering Pines community I am really hoping for more shorts or full length prequel also loved that we find out why one of the present community is how she is.
Wow just loved this short mystery , it sets out the beginning of the Whispering Pines community I am really hoping for more shorts or full length prequel also loved that we find out why one of the present community is how she is.
December 2, 2020
Thank you
How special for you to give a perfect Christyule gift! It makes me yearn for book 12. Whenever I read your books I always feel like I’m right there. You are a wonderful writer.
How special for you to give a perfect Christyule gift! It makes me yearn for book 12. Whenever I read your books I always feel like I’m right there. You are a wonderful writer.
December 18, 2020
Perfect for the Holidays
This story was a very fun read. I love when authors provide the back story for familiar characters. Usually, it consists of a paragraph or a chapter. It was great to read about young Dillion and Briar. Also, their special guest (no spoilers here).
This story was a very fun read. I love when authors provide the back story for familiar characters. Usually, it consists of a paragraph or a chapter. It was great to read about young Dillion and Briar. Also, their special guest (no spoilers here).
December 11, 2021
Starting of the Pines
Would of liked more of the history of how Kevan/Lucy and Dulcie/Briar acquired more people to start the Pines…..felt unsatisfied as it ended leaving me in the lurch…
Would of liked more of the history of how Kevan/Lucy and Dulcie/Briar acquired more people to start the Pines…..felt unsatisfied as it ended leaving me in the lurch…
May 10, 2022
Secret of the Season
I loved this one, I got to meet some of the originals and got to meet grandma Lucy as a young mother. I also got a new understanding of the holidays that they shared. It was a very sweet book.
I loved this one, I got to meet some of the originals and got to meet grandma Lucy as a young mother. I also got a new understanding of the holidays that they shared. It was a very sweet book.
November 23, 2020
Great Short Read
Love this series and the characters and this new insight into the past! As Always, looking forward to the next one!
Love this series and the characters and this new insight into the past! As Always, looking forward to the next one!
November 24, 2020
What a great prequel!
How Whispering Pines began. I've loved all the stories about WP, but this is a clear romp onto the beginning.
How Whispering Pines began. I've loved all the stories about WP, but this is a clear romp onto the beginning.
December 2, 2020
Brilliant.
Lovely novello, was great to read something of the origins of whispering pines having read all the books in the series,
Lovely novello, was great to read something of the origins of whispering pines having read all the books in the series,
December 19, 2020
Heartwarming holiday short story that is prequel to Whispering Pines Series.
Enjoyed a lot + highly recommend.
Enjoyed a lot + highly recommend.
February 22, 2021
Greatest Series By Far
This was a delightful series that I could not put down. Loved the way it seemed to be a one book continuous story. Best books I’ve read.
This was a delightful series that I could not put down. Loved the way it seemed to be a one book continuous story. Best books I’ve read.
June 9, 2021
Great book
Omg these books are so great.You won't want to put them down.I love all the characters in this series.I'm so happy to read each one.
Omg these books are so great.You won't want to put them down.I love all the characters in this series.I'm so happy to read each one.
October 29, 2021
Now I understand whispering pines more. Very good book.
December 8, 2021
I like these little novellas.. it gives us a chance to see a different time in the town we love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews