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Ella Perri Mysteries #1
Buried Secrets: Some things should stay hidden
Families have secrets. Some secrets are locked, sealed and taken to the grave. Others beg to be told. They ooze through cracks a little at a time. You tease them out until an ugly truth is fully exposed. Ella Perri knows there’s something hidden in the family cottage.
In his last breath, Ella’s grandfather reveals to her a startling secret that hints at something sinister. On behalf of her beloved grandfather, she embarks on a dangerous quest for truth. A World War II diary and the 21st century collide as Ella desperately chases every clue in a faraway and unfamiliar setting where the real story begins. Who can be trusted and who has something to hide?
One secret leads to another. Ella must decide: share the secrets and alter the fates of her loved ones forever or become part of the lie that’s been buried deep for decades.
Buried Secrets is a suspenseful mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the shocking ending.
In his last breath, Ella’s grandfather reveals to her a startling secret that hints at something sinister. On behalf of her beloved grandfather, she embarks on a dangerous quest for truth. A World War II diary and the 21st century collide as Ella desperately chases every clue in a faraway and unfamiliar setting where the real story begins. Who can be trusted and who has something to hide?
One secret leads to another. Ella must decide: share the secrets and alter the fates of her loved ones forever or become part of the lie that’s been buried deep for decades.
Buried Secrets is a suspenseful mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the shocking ending.
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2020
51 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Krissy Baccaro
12 books36 followersKrissy Baccaro is the award-winning author of the Ella Perri Mysteries series, which explores dark family secrets and atmospheric suspense across decades. Known for her twisty, compelling thrillers rooted in rich Italian history, Krissy draws inspiration from old Italian stories and family memorabilia. She splits her time between upstate New York and southern Florida, and when she's not writing, you can find her with her toes in the sand and a book in her hand.
Check out her website for writing news and book updates: krissybaccaro.com
Check out her website for writing news and book updates: krissybaccaro.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 12, 2020
*edit to add review *
Buried Secrets sees the reader being transported to the beautiful Italy as Ella goes there following the death of her grandfather. He told her to find 'the box' and upon discovering it Ella decides to head to the town where he came from in search of answers to secrets that she discovered.
It appears that one secret leads to more and the more that Ella discovers the more tangled the story becomes. There are many twists and turns though I have to admit I kinda guessed where the story was heading early on when she had a conversation with her uncle, and despite that I really enjoyed the story and the wonderful setting in Italy.
4 stars
Buried Secrets sees the reader being transported to the beautiful Italy as Ella goes there following the death of her grandfather. He told her to find 'the box' and upon discovering it Ella decides to head to the town where he came from in search of answers to secrets that she discovered.
It appears that one secret leads to more and the more that Ella discovers the more tangled the story becomes. There are many twists and turns though I have to admit I kinda guessed where the story was heading early on when she had a conversation with her uncle, and despite that I really enjoyed the story and the wonderful setting in Italy.
4 stars
September 2, 2020
'Buried Secrets' by Krissy Baccaro is the story of a grand daughter's search for truth and is an eminently readable and enjoyable book. The family secrets are discovered with the passage of time and echo Ella's own journey of grief. The various characters are well developed and family interaction a strength of the narrative. For me, it was reminiscent of authors of family chronicles such as Anne Tyler or Anne Proulx. At the time of reading, I was not aware that it was the first in a series and I look forward to the future instalments unfolding. A gentle but most pleasant read and recommended as 4 stars.
June 6, 2021
Ella's grandfather, as he lay dying, reveals a family secret that hints at something sinister.
BOOK BLURB: On behalf of her beloved grandfather, she embarks on a dangerous quest for truth. A World War II diary and the 21st century collide as Ella desperately chases every clue in a faraway and unfamiliar setting where the real story begins. Who can be trusted and who has something to hide?
As Ella follows the clues she discovers a hidden box ... its contents reveal a crime and a missing woman named Gianna.... which leads her to Italy. The more she discovers, the more questions are raised. As the dark truth comes to light, Ella must make a life-altering decision.
This is a fast-paced romp through Italy searching for the truth. It's packed with a punch .. a lot of action, suspense that starts at the very beginning and maintains a high level that leads to a most unexpected conclusion. The multi-layered characters are solidly drawn. As Italy has always been on my bucket list, it was wonderful getting lost in the author's descriptions of the people, the culture.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial /Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 11, 2020
A wonderful mystery
The author uses weather and setting to create an atmosphere with mastery. The moods change as the mystery deepens, and the MC dives into the family secret. The plot has many intertwining layers in the past and present- written smoothly and with clarity.
The only tiny minus is that I skipped some pages in the middle—otherwise, awesomeness. But I'm a person who reads four books at the same time. I went back and read the pages after I wolfed down the awesome surprise ending.
The main character's story is easy to follow as she deducts the clues from the US to Italy. And I love the description of Italy's villages, shores, and vineyards. The ending is thrilling, and I didn't see the different betrayals coming.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel and shall buy it the moment it comes out. Friends of mystery and historical fiction, this is the book to read.
The author uses weather and setting to create an atmosphere with mastery. The moods change as the mystery deepens, and the MC dives into the family secret. The plot has many intertwining layers in the past and present- written smoothly and with clarity.
The only tiny minus is that I skipped some pages in the middle—otherwise, awesomeness. But I'm a person who reads four books at the same time. I went back and read the pages after I wolfed down the awesome surprise ending.
The main character's story is easy to follow as she deducts the clues from the US to Italy. And I love the description of Italy's villages, shores, and vineyards. The ending is thrilling, and I didn't see the different betrayals coming.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel and shall buy it the moment it comes out. Friends of mystery and historical fiction, this is the book to read.
June 12, 2020
The atmospheric and emotional beginning sets the scene for a dramatic family mystery. Despite family disapproval, Ella sets out to solve a historic secret and honour her Poppy's dying wish.
The cast of characters is believable and vividly portrayed. The plot is suspenseful with many twists and a surprising and poignant ending. The Italian setting is dramatic and mirrors the story's emotions.
The ending gives romantic hope for the future and leaves mysteries to be solved.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The cast of characters is believable and vividly portrayed. The plot is suspenseful with many twists and a surprising and poignant ending. The Italian setting is dramatic and mirrors the story's emotions.
The ending gives romantic hope for the future and leaves mysteries to be solved.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
This one was good, but I couldn’t help but feel that there could have been more of a conclusion to the story ending. I also did predict the suspect. But I didn’t think it was that deep. Either way, good story.
December 26, 2020
Five shiny stars!
The author uses weather and setting to create an atmosphere with mastery. The moods change as the mystery deepens, and the MC dives into the family secret. The plot has many intertwining layers in the past and present- written smoothly and with clarity.
The only tiny minus is that I skipped some pages in the middle—otherwise, awesomeness. But I'm a person who reads four books at the same time. I went back and read the pages after I wolfed down the awesome surprise ending.
The main character's story is easy to follow as she deducts the clues from the US to Italy. And I love the description of Italy's villages, shores, and vineyards. The ending is thrilling, and I didn't see the different betrayals coming.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel and shall buy it the moment it comes out. Friends of mystery and historical fiction, this is the book to read.
The author uses weather and setting to create an atmosphere with mastery. The moods change as the mystery deepens, and the MC dives into the family secret. The plot has many intertwining layers in the past and present- written smoothly and with clarity.
The only tiny minus is that I skipped some pages in the middle—otherwise, awesomeness. But I'm a person who reads four books at the same time. I went back and read the pages after I wolfed down the awesome surprise ending.
The main character's story is easy to follow as she deducts the clues from the US to Italy. And I love the description of Italy's villages, shores, and vineyards. The ending is thrilling, and I didn't see the different betrayals coming.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel and shall buy it the moment it comes out. Friends of mystery and historical fiction, this is the book to read.
May 9, 2020
Buried Secrets is a fast paced, page turning mystery with well drawn out characters and plenty of side roads and red herrings!! I love the setting of Italy and the author makes you feel as if you are on a visit to that beautiful country. Of course, this visit is filled with intrigue and uncertainty! The quest that Ella is on has enough twists and turns to keep you up all night. Each time I thought I had it figured out, the next chapter threw me off again! I loved the characters and would loved to sit in the garden and have a drink with Poppy! The ending was a satisfying surprise and it leaves you wanting more!! I can't believe this is Krissy Baccaro's first novel and I can't wait to read more from this up and coming mystery author! Bravo!
June 28, 2020
To Abriella Perri, Poppy and Nonna are the best grandparents anyone could have. After her husband’s death, Poppy was the support and comfort which kept Abriella from taking her own life. She is finally beginning to work through her husband’s death when Poppy dies unexpectedly. In his last lucid moments with Abriella, he indicates that something has been deeply troubling him and that she should look for a certain box. Before she can ask him anything more, Poppy is no longer with her. Grief-stricken and desperate, Abriella vows to find the box and discover what had upset her grandfather so much. When she and her best friend, Jamie, find the box containing Poppy’s diaries, a gun and a locket Abriella remembers seeing on an Italian woman in one of her grandfather’s paintings, she decides to travel to his hometown in southern Italy to find out who the woman in the painting is and what roll she played in Poppy’s life. What she discovers there will change her own life and all of the lives of of her family forever.
The stunning coastline of southern Italy is the perfect backdrop for Buried Secrets, Baccaro’s debut novel of romance, and murder. From start to finish, the tension never lets up. As the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into this nerve-stretching story, he may be so baffled, as to think for a split-second, that he might even have killed the woman himself. When Nico enters the scene, sexual tension matches the mystery, and Abriella’s attraction to him meshes with the grief and the guilt surrounding her husband’s death. Their interplay in this vacation paradise will leave the reader wanting to make his own travel plans by the time the story ends.
The stunning coastline of southern Italy is the perfect backdrop for Buried Secrets, Baccaro’s debut novel of romance, and murder. From start to finish, the tension never lets up. As the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into this nerve-stretching story, he may be so baffled, as to think for a split-second, that he might even have killed the woman himself. When Nico enters the scene, sexual tension matches the mystery, and Abriella’s attraction to him meshes with the grief and the guilt surrounding her husband’s death. Their interplay in this vacation paradise will leave the reader wanting to make his own travel plans by the time the story ends.
January 3, 2022
This book was a very enjoyable read. The writing held my attention and there were some surprises. After Ella's grandfather dies, Ella who was urged to find a box in his house learns of the secret he kept for years. It's a secret that turns Ella's life upside-down. Ella dives deep into the mystery determined to expose the dark family secret, hidden for decades.
Set in Italy, there's action and suspense that starts from the off and is maintained throughout at a high level leading to an unexpected ending. The multi-layered characters are excellently drawn. It was wonderful getting lost in the author's descriptions of the Italian culture.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Set in Italy, there's action and suspense that starts from the off and is maintained throughout at a high level leading to an unexpected ending. The multi-layered characters are excellently drawn. It was wonderful getting lost in the author's descriptions of the Italian culture.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 14, 2020
I’m extremely excited to share my review of Buried Secrets by Krissy Baccaro, courtesy of Love Books Group Tours
What an atmospheric, emotional, Rollercoaster ride this took me on! I’m going to have to bite my tongue, so I don’t include spoilers!
After her Grandfather “Poppy” passes on, our main protagonist Ella, sets out to unravel a family mystery, when she finds “the box” that he asks her to find as it was his dying wish.
It’s not often I find a book in this genre that touches me so deeply. This literally had my eyes welling right from the start. Buried Secrets is a page turner that takes a hold on you from the start and you won’t be able to put it down.
Krissy sets the scene beautifully and you can imagine yourself right alongside the cast of characters, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Italy that she so wonderfully depicts. I even caught myself googling the places that were visited and now want to go myself to follow in Ella’s footsteps.
The characters are so well developed, multi faceted and believable! Characters you can imagine amongst your own family and circle of friends.
Moving on to the plot, where do I start? It was full of twists, turns and surprises! Just when you thought you had solved the mystery………. nope you’re wrong! Krissy goes and throws in another treat of a twist to throw you off guard.
This seriously isn’t a book to pass up and by the end, you will be left with so many unanswered questions that you’ll be pleased to hear that this is the 1st of a series and let me tell you, I for one can’t wait for the 2nd Ella Perri instalment. So all you mystery, crime and thriller fans, why are you still reading my ramblings? Go buy the book already, so I can talk about it with you.
Krissy……You nailed it!
What an atmospheric, emotional, Rollercoaster ride this took me on! I’m going to have to bite my tongue, so I don’t include spoilers!
After her Grandfather “Poppy” passes on, our main protagonist Ella, sets out to unravel a family mystery, when she finds “the box” that he asks her to find as it was his dying wish.
It’s not often I find a book in this genre that touches me so deeply. This literally had my eyes welling right from the start. Buried Secrets is a page turner that takes a hold on you from the start and you won’t be able to put it down.
Krissy sets the scene beautifully and you can imagine yourself right alongside the cast of characters, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Italy that she so wonderfully depicts. I even caught myself googling the places that were visited and now want to go myself to follow in Ella’s footsteps.
The characters are so well developed, multi faceted and believable! Characters you can imagine amongst your own family and circle of friends.
Moving on to the plot, where do I start? It was full of twists, turns and surprises! Just when you thought you had solved the mystery………. nope you’re wrong! Krissy goes and throws in another treat of a twist to throw you off guard.
This seriously isn’t a book to pass up and by the end, you will be left with so many unanswered questions that you’ll be pleased to hear that this is the 1st of a series and let me tell you, I for one can’t wait for the 2nd Ella Perri instalment. So all you mystery, crime and thriller fans, why are you still reading my ramblings? Go buy the book already, so I can talk about it with you.
Krissy……You nailed it!
April 27, 2021
“There’s a box in the cottage. I want you to find it. Only you! Watch who you trust.” This is what Poppy tells Abriella on his deathbed. This excellent book goes on from there.
I loved the suspense and travel to Italy, her much loved grandfather’s birthplace. I don’t want to give anything away because I want you to love this book as much as I have. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC for my honest review.
I loved the suspense and travel to Italy, her much loved grandfather’s birthplace. I don’t want to give anything away because I want you to love this book as much as I have. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC for my honest review.
August 26, 2020
Buried Secrets was a great read. It kept me trying to figure out what will happen. Krissy did a great job with character development. Sometimes the font of the journal entries are hard to read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
August 30, 2020
In 7 decades, I have read a LOT of books ❣️ Believe me, this one is in my all-time top 3❣️ Thank you sooooooo much Krissy❣️
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April 25, 2021Krissy Baccaro’s Buried Secrets
I’m writing this in 2021. Any reference to the time frame in the book is based on when it was written.
During the early days of World War II, a woman named Gianna went missing in Southern Italy. The dying wishes of a beloved grandfather and family dynamics send a loving Granddaughter on a search to solve the mystery. Old letters secreted away in a hidden box guide her as she searches to find answers. Written in Italian, the fading ink and creased paper provide clues as to where she might find answers. Her quest is almost impossible. Her loyal best friend travels with her eight thousand miles from home to help in solving the mystery. Old World traditions, a close-knit and suspicious local population in the villages of Southern Italy, and emotional baggage hamper the investigation. Add the adventure of being in a beautiful setting with culinary and cultural distractions, and the task becomes gargantuan. Attempting to follow in the footsteps of a woman gone for seventy years, the characters must win the trust of people who have been hiding secrets for over seventy years. Her grandfather’s warning, “Watch who you trust,” rings in her mind, but she has to trust someone.
Baccaro is masterful in guiding the reader through a labyrinth of clues. Letters, written in Italian with ink fading from age, guide Abriella on her mission. The discovery of additional information comes in different forms. Still, the letters maintain the intrigue and mystery in the story. The strength of the characters belies the overwhelming opinion ingrained in an ancient culture. Abriella’s resolve and bravery overcome the belief women cannot succeed when danger threatens. Along with the mystery, a romantic nugget is implanted in the story. Grief, friendship, relationships, and trust are central themes in this narrative.
The author combines mystery and personal feelings to keep the reader in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and recommend this book for anyone interested in mysteries, especially the coldest of cold cases. It may be fiction, but the story gave me the feeling I was reading the author’s personal history.
As a writer, I appreciate the hard work and attention to detail an author must have to compose a good mystery story. BURIED SECRETS meets the criteria needed to provide suspense, show the human attributes, and bring the tale to a conclusion.
I’m writing this in 2021. Any reference to the time frame in the book is based on when it was written.
During the early days of World War II, a woman named Gianna went missing in Southern Italy. The dying wishes of a beloved grandfather and family dynamics send a loving Granddaughter on a search to solve the mystery. Old letters secreted away in a hidden box guide her as she searches to find answers. Written in Italian, the fading ink and creased paper provide clues as to where she might find answers. Her quest is almost impossible. Her loyal best friend travels with her eight thousand miles from home to help in solving the mystery. Old World traditions, a close-knit and suspicious local population in the villages of Southern Italy, and emotional baggage hamper the investigation. Add the adventure of being in a beautiful setting with culinary and cultural distractions, and the task becomes gargantuan. Attempting to follow in the footsteps of a woman gone for seventy years, the characters must win the trust of people who have been hiding secrets for over seventy years. Her grandfather’s warning, “Watch who you trust,” rings in her mind, but she has to trust someone.
Baccaro is masterful in guiding the reader through a labyrinth of clues. Letters, written in Italian with ink fading from age, guide Abriella on her mission. The discovery of additional information comes in different forms. Still, the letters maintain the intrigue and mystery in the story. The strength of the characters belies the overwhelming opinion ingrained in an ancient culture. Abriella’s resolve and bravery overcome the belief women cannot succeed when danger threatens. Along with the mystery, a romantic nugget is implanted in the story. Grief, friendship, relationships, and trust are central themes in this narrative.
The author combines mystery and personal feelings to keep the reader in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and recommend this book for anyone interested in mysteries, especially the coldest of cold cases. It may be fiction, but the story gave me the feeling I was reading the author’s personal history.
As a writer, I appreciate the hard work and attention to detail an author must have to compose a good mystery story. BURIED SECRETS meets the criteria needed to provide suspense, show the human attributes, and bring the tale to a conclusion.
May 25, 2020
Buried Secrets is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way through. I got caught up in the mystery that Ella was trying to solve, and was breathless at times, hoping she'd unravel the tangled family secrets and get to the truth.
October 1, 2020
This is a terrific, heart-touching, heart-breaking story with plenty of suspense, great characters, and several twists and turns. (I will admit to expecting another twist before the end but it didn't materialize.) I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the Italian countryside and the historic places Ella and her friends visit. The story hooked me with its details from the very beginning and didn't let go until I turned the last page.
Those are the things I loved about the story; now the things I didn't. Buried Secrets is written in my least favorite point of view- first person present. That point of view feels so awkward to me as a reader. I know some people like it but I'm not one of them. I never feel as if I'm a part of the story. I'm an outsider listening to someone tell me about things that happen. I realize this is just my personal opinion so it doesn't have any bearing on my rating. The reason it is rated 4 stars instead of the 5 I would have liked to give it is because of the ending. There isn't one. It just stops and leaves the reader hanging. Now, it's not EXACTLY a cliffhanger because the major plotline is carried through to 98% completion, but there are still huge questions that aren't answered and two pivotal characters who just disappear. There is no explanation for what happened to them, just gone. Several places could have used the services of an editor. Either spelling, grammar, missing words, or very confusing sentence structure. Also, there were times I felt Ms. Baccaro was trying to see how flowery she could make a normal sentence and things were overdramatized.
Even with all of the above issues I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there will be a sequel to see if the remaining questions are ever answered.
I want to thank Story Origin and Ms. Baccaro for allowing me to read Buried Secrets. I highly recommend it.
Those are the things I loved about the story; now the things I didn't. Buried Secrets is written in my least favorite point of view- first person present. That point of view feels so awkward to me as a reader. I know some people like it but I'm not one of them. I never feel as if I'm a part of the story. I'm an outsider listening to someone tell me about things that happen. I realize this is just my personal opinion so it doesn't have any bearing on my rating. The reason it is rated 4 stars instead of the 5 I would have liked to give it is because of the ending. There isn't one. It just stops and leaves the reader hanging. Now, it's not EXACTLY a cliffhanger because the major plotline is carried through to 98% completion, but there are still huge questions that aren't answered and two pivotal characters who just disappear. There is no explanation for what happened to them, just gone. Several places could have used the services of an editor. Either spelling, grammar, missing words, or very confusing sentence structure. Also, there were times I felt Ms. Baccaro was trying to see how flowery she could make a normal sentence and things were overdramatized.
Even with all of the above issues I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there will be a sequel to see if the remaining questions are ever answered.
I want to thank Story Origin and Ms. Baccaro for allowing me to read Buried Secrets. I highly recommend it.
May 3, 2021
Let's see.....I am not a romance fan so perhaps this wasn't the book for me. For a book billed as suspense, there was a lot of romance included! That detracted from my enjoyment of the overall story. It also colored how I viewed the story. But, first off, I really did enjoy the mystery part of the book and I loved the descriptions of Italy. I would have liked more focus on the whole mystery part of the book with added detail and maybe a bit more critique. I have questions like why were Ella's grandfather's letter hidden in several different places? Why weren't they all in the same place, together? And how does Ella have access to both sides of the correspondence? I have other questions too but to ask would be a spoiler. And again, back to the romance. With the story told in two timelines, I pretty much could have done without the flashbacks to the past. They were all romance. And Ella's quickly serious romance when she ventures to Italy truly made this feel like a romance book with some mystery thrown in. I would recommend this book for romance enthusiasts who want to add a little mystery into their reading!
Thanks to Books Go Social for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to Books Go Social for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
April 3, 2021
Overall this book was very enjoyable. The writing kept me hooked and interested. The characters are just like people you would meet on the street, the dynamics a little off, but overall, not someone you mind chatting with. The book moves very quickly. I was able to guess the ending for the most part, with only a some surprises. I had to re-read the last two chapters a few times because the first time through I thought I missed something, so if you are going to read this, pay a little more attention in those chapters.
After Ella's Poppy dies, and instructs her to find a box in his house, Ella learns of the secret her Poppy has kept for years. A secret that turns Ella's life upside-down. Her Poppy's last piece of advice, don't trust anyone. Ella dives deep into the mystery determined to expose the dark family secret, hidden for decades.
Most of the time this book was fairly fast paced, the solution a little too convenient, and quite a few mysteries still left unsolved. I would most likely recommend this book for someone who enjoys a good mystery. And I will be on the look out for the next book in this series.
After Ella's Poppy dies, and instructs her to find a box in his house, Ella learns of the secret her Poppy has kept for years. A secret that turns Ella's life upside-down. Her Poppy's last piece of advice, don't trust anyone. Ella dives deep into the mystery determined to expose the dark family secret, hidden for decades.
Most of the time this book was fairly fast paced, the solution a little too convenient, and quite a few mysteries still left unsolved. I would most likely recommend this book for someone who enjoys a good mystery. And I will be on the look out for the next book in this series.
November 7, 2020
I should start off with the fact, that I would have rated Buried Secrets 4.5 out of 5 stars, but since there isn't such an option I am putting 5 stars ... and here's why:
The scenery, the twists and turns, the heart-breaking story it depicts, the way Ella deciphers all the clues left by her grandfather - the whole story is just mesmerizing, leaving you wanting for more.
But really, the only thing that I wished was different, is the ending. After I finished the book I was left with a few unanswered questions, which is not unheard of (maybe Krissy Baccaro is leaving some mystery for a second book, who knows), but it would've been great if there was a complete closure.
Overall I enjoyed the book from start to finish and I'll be looking forward to reading more from Ms. Baccaro!
Christian
BooksShelf Reviewer
The scenery, the twists and turns, the heart-breaking story it depicts, the way Ella deciphers all the clues left by her grandfather - the whole story is just mesmerizing, leaving you wanting for more.
But really, the only thing that I wished was different, is the ending. After I finished the book I was left with a few unanswered questions, which is not unheard of (maybe Krissy Baccaro is leaving some mystery for a second book, who knows), but it would've been great if there was a complete closure.
Overall I enjoyed the book from start to finish and I'll be looking forward to reading more from Ms. Baccaro!
Christian
BooksShelf Reviewer
May 9, 2020
This captivating and well written novel gives you a suspenseful, intriguing read. Almost instantly, you are drawn in to the well developed characters and setting. The descriptive details and creative layers to this story make it one that you won't want to put down. Highly recommend. An absolute must read!
December 18, 2021
This book was listed as a thriller, but it had so much romance! If you read/love romance, you would like this. I avoid romance novels, so It wasn't for me. The writing was good and so were the characters, but the story was not my cup of tea.
May 8, 2020
Amazing mystery that you won't be able to put down! Highly recommend checking this out, This is a must read!
May 9, 2021
Buried Secrets is a real page turner. Mystery, romance, suspense, betrayal. What more could you ask for? :)
March 4, 2025
Thriller!
A hidden secret that will change a family’s lives forever. Great settings and wonderful realistic characters. A real page turner. I stayed up half the night to finish it.
A hidden secret that will change a family’s lives forever. Great settings and wonderful realistic characters. A real page turner. I stayed up half the night to finish it.
April 29, 2025
Both books 1 and 2 are enjoyable reads!
Two editing glitches in both: you wouldn’t be eating spaghetti AND meatballs in 1937 Calabria, and it’s ‘mamma’ , not mamà.
Two editing glitches in both: you wouldn’t be eating spaghetti AND meatballs in 1937 Calabria, and it’s ‘mamma’ , not mamà.
April 6, 2021
Buried Secrets by Krissy Baccaro. BooksGoSocial, 2021
Ella is a physician about to start a residency who makes the deathbed promise to her beloved grandfather to find and review some hidden documents, then visit his birthplace in Italy to clear his name, if needed. Still suffering grief and guilt over the loss of her partner, Jack, Ella is supported by her extended family, including her mother and sister, grandmother and granduncle and her best friend Jamie, a new lawyer just starting her career.
This story has a great plot supported by an intriguing, and - at least for me – very original sequence of events, particularly as Ella discovers her grandfather’s secrets. Settings, particularly descriptions of the Italian countryside made me want to travel there again.
I understand this book to be the first of a series and perhaps later works will fill in some of the gaps and in particular, develop characters more fully. I found pervasive inconsistent behaviour distracting and disappointing. Neither Ella nor Jamie rang true for me as newly (I’m assuming) graduated professionals; both struck me as too immature to have recently completed a rigorous, lengthy course of study. Between Jamie’s smirking and Ella’s suboptimal judgement, driving-related among other things, I was unable to warm to either of them. It is important to me to like at least some of the characters.
That said, I was immediately engaged in the story and finished it the same day.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of Buried Secrets for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #BuriedSecrets #NetGalley
Ella is a physician about to start a residency who makes the deathbed promise to her beloved grandfather to find and review some hidden documents, then visit his birthplace in Italy to clear his name, if needed. Still suffering grief and guilt over the loss of her partner, Jack, Ella is supported by her extended family, including her mother and sister, grandmother and granduncle and her best friend Jamie, a new lawyer just starting her career.
This story has a great plot supported by an intriguing, and - at least for me – very original sequence of events, particularly as Ella discovers her grandfather’s secrets. Settings, particularly descriptions of the Italian countryside made me want to travel there again.
I understand this book to be the first of a series and perhaps later works will fill in some of the gaps and in particular, develop characters more fully. I found pervasive inconsistent behaviour distracting and disappointing. Neither Ella nor Jamie rang true for me as newly (I’m assuming) graduated professionals; both struck me as too immature to have recently completed a rigorous, lengthy course of study. Between Jamie’s smirking and Ella’s suboptimal judgement, driving-related among other things, I was unable to warm to either of them. It is important to me to like at least some of the characters.
That said, I was immediately engaged in the story and finished it the same day.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of Buried Secrets for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #BuriedSecrets #NetGalley
October 19, 2021
This was a free Netgalley download. Thank you Krissy Baccaro & Netgalley.
Oh my word…..
I downloaded this when #2 Ella Perri mysteries popped up. Since I thought I had to read the first part for this continuation, I downloaded #1: Buried Secrets.
Firstly, the cover is misleading, I downloaded this from Netgalley, assuming this was a crime mystery, but nothing could be further from the truth; for me this book falls into the category of feel-good beach reading - a category I rarely read.
I could have been pleasantly surprised, but the opposite is true...
I did finish it, although I often had the urge to put it aside:
There is no character development, writing style is simple, the novel is abundant with unnatural dialogues and storylines. At the end of the book, one crazy storyline after another emerged, with completely unbelievable actions voiced by flat, annoying characters.
The book is no crime mystery, basically it is just about a well-kept family secret that is coming out. Should have been shorter, with less drama, and showing, instead of telling.
Besides, the two protagonists are naive, unbelievable and probably the silliest girls in Italy, and I didn’t like the fluffy romantic bit in the end.
I am sorry, but just 2.5 stars for me.
Oh my word…..
I downloaded this when #2 Ella Perri mysteries popped up. Since I thought I had to read the first part for this continuation, I downloaded #1: Buried Secrets.
Firstly, the cover is misleading, I downloaded this from Netgalley, assuming this was a crime mystery, but nothing could be further from the truth; for me this book falls into the category of feel-good beach reading - a category I rarely read.
I could have been pleasantly surprised, but the opposite is true...
I did finish it, although I often had the urge to put it aside:
There is no character development, writing style is simple, the novel is abundant with unnatural dialogues and storylines. At the end of the book, one crazy storyline after another emerged, with completely unbelievable actions voiced by flat, annoying characters.
The book is no crime mystery, basically it is just about a well-kept family secret that is coming out. Should have been shorter, with less drama, and showing, instead of telling.
Besides, the two protagonists are naive, unbelievable and probably the silliest girls in Italy, and I didn’t like the fluffy romantic bit in the end.
I am sorry, but just 2.5 stars for me.
October 19, 2021
This was a free Netgalley download. Thank you Krissy Baccaro & Netgalley.
Oh my word…..
I downloaded this when #2 Ella Perri mysteries popped up. Since I thought I had to read the first part for this continuation, I downloaded #1: Buried Secrets.
Firstly, the cover is misleading, I downloaded this from Netgalley, assuming this was a crime mystery, but nothing could be further from the truth; for me this book falls into the category of feel-good beach reading - a category I rarely read.
I could have been pleasantly surprised, but the opposite is true...
I did finish it, although I often had the urge to put it aside:
There is no character development, writing style is simple, the novel is abundant with unnatural dialogues and storylines. At the end of the book, one crazy storyline after another emerged, with completely unbelievable actions voiced by flat, annoying characters.
The book is no crime mystery, basically it is just about a well-kept family secret that is coming out. Should have been shorter, with less drama, and showing, instead of telling.
Besides, the two protagonists are naive, unbelievable and probably the silliest girls in Italy, and I didn’t like the fluffy romantic bit in the end.
I am sorry, but just 2.5 stars for me.
Oh my word…..
I downloaded this when #2 Ella Perri mysteries popped up. Since I thought I had to read the first part for this continuation, I downloaded #1: Buried Secrets.
Firstly, the cover is misleading, I downloaded this from Netgalley, assuming this was a crime mystery, but nothing could be further from the truth; for me this book falls into the category of feel-good beach reading - a category I rarely read.
I could have been pleasantly surprised, but the opposite is true...
I did finish it, although I often had the urge to put it aside:
There is no character development, writing style is simple, the novel is abundant with unnatural dialogues and storylines. At the end of the book, one crazy storyline after another emerged, with completely unbelievable actions voiced by flat, annoying characters.
The book is no crime mystery, basically it is just about a well-kept family secret that is coming out. Should have been shorter, with less drama, and showing, instead of telling.
Besides, the two protagonists are naive, unbelievable and probably the silliest girls in Italy, and I didn’t like the fluffy romantic bit in the end.
I am sorry, but just 2.5 stars for me.
February 13, 2022
"Buried Secrets: Some things should stay hidden" penned by the author Krissy Baccaro is the first installment in An Ella Perri Mystery series. Main character of the story is Ella Perri. She stands at the foot of her grandparents' home but is unprepared to enter it. Her grandfather aka Poppy has passed away. He is not there to welcome Ella in the cottage which has once provided comfort, stability, and love to her.
Before Poppy passed, he asked Ella to find a box in the cottage. Poppy also asked Ella to watch who you trust. Poppy didn't wake up after his heart failed for the second time. Ella found white envelopes with letters inside them. In one of the letters, it was written 'Please don’t waste your time on me when the real criminal is out there somewhere…'. After reading more letters, Ella found out that Poppy was in love with a woman named Gianna but has something bad happened to her? Was Poppy responsible for that?
Read this story to find out the dark secrets that have been buried in the Perri's family for a long time. Story is intriguing. Pace of the story is fast and I enjoyed every bit of it. The author has created a great plot. I love Krissy's writing style. Those who love reading mystery stories couldn't afford to miss reading this one.
Before Poppy passed, he asked Ella to find a box in the cottage. Poppy also asked Ella to watch who you trust. Poppy didn't wake up after his heart failed for the second time. Ella found white envelopes with letters inside them. In one of the letters, it was written 'Please don’t waste your time on me when the real criminal is out there somewhere…'. After reading more letters, Ella found out that Poppy was in love with a woman named Gianna but has something bad happened to her? Was Poppy responsible for that?
Read this story to find out the dark secrets that have been buried in the Perri's family for a long time. Story is intriguing. Pace of the story is fast and I enjoyed every bit of it. The author has created a great plot. I love Krissy's writing style. Those who love reading mystery stories couldn't afford to miss reading this one.
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