What do you think?
Brannon House #2
Family Secrets
6 hours, 4 minutes
Some questions are better left unasked.
Like whose blood is on the knife upstairs.
Kenzi Brannon’s life was turned upside down when she moved into her family’s abandoned home to raise her niece. Problems compound when her aging mother starts to remember things.
And clues the police find regarding the knife don’t match anything Kenzi knows about her family.
Things go from bad to worse when she and her niece discover something horrifying in their house. But not even that compares to the strange ways her mom is acting.
Can they get to the bottom of it all, or will their house—a local legend that goes bump in the night—and the family secrets destroy them all?
Family Secrets is the second standalone in the Brannon House series, an exciting and hair-raising domestic thriller by USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin. To get the most enjoyment from the series, the books are best read in order. You can start with The Perfect Death if you haven't read that yet. Or start here, if you prefer.
Some questions are better left unasked.
Like whose blood is on the knife upstairs.
Kenzi Brannon’s life was turned upside down when she moved into her family’s abandoned home to raise her niece. Problems compound when her aging mother starts to remember things.
And clues the police find regarding the knife don’t match anything Kenzi knows about her family.
Things go from bad to worse when she and her niece discover something horrifying in their house. But not even that compares to the strange ways her mom is acting.
Can they get to the bottom of it all, or will their house—a local legend that goes bump in the night—and the family secrets destroy them all?
Family Secrets is the second standalone in the Brannon House series, an exciting and hair-raising domestic thriller by USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin. To get the most enjoyment from the series, the books are best read in order. You can start with The Perfect Death if you haven't read that yet. Or start here, if you prefer.
Audiobook
First published March 17, 2020
About the author
Stacy Claflin
151 books1,456 followersStacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 23, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kenzi and Ember continue to deal with Claire's death, starting with her funeral. I am still impressed with Kenzi's poise in the face of everything which happens and the way she really cares for her niece. She lets Ember have a lot of input into decisions.
Kenzi has two sort of romantic interests but she's just getting to know them. She's not ready to add that to her already full plate right now. She seems to have easily continued her job though.
The family mystery I thought would be the focus was the identity of Ember's biological father. While that does come up, there are SO many family secrets. I won't spoil but it's more than one. There may also be an old murder. Kenzi learns much more about her mother and their often poor relationship. There's also Bella, her imaginary friend when she was little, which may be part of why Kenzi was sent to a mental institution.
There's also a nosy neighbor who keeps showing up and asking questions about the house. I don't like him. Nothing else happened with him but I can't believe he isn't up to no good. I suspect he will turn up in future books.
Family Secrets is a fairly short, chock full of revelations addition to the Brannon House series. There is still so much I want to learn about this family and there are some big changes which I want to know how they are handled. Not to mention, there is the still the question of Ember's father. It looks like The Darkest Garden and Shattered Pieces are already available in ebook format in Kindle Unlimited currently. But I have The Darkest Garden coming up on audio for review next month.
Narration:
This narrator was new to me. I only had one voice which felt odd to me, and that was Ember's voice. It was deeper than Kenzi's voice which felt odd because she is younger. But overall, it was a good performance where the voices were comfortable and I could stay in the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kenzi and Ember continue to deal with Claire's death, starting with her funeral. I am still impressed with Kenzi's poise in the face of everything which happens and the way she really cares for her niece. She lets Ember have a lot of input into decisions.
Kenzi has two sort of romantic interests but she's just getting to know them. She's not ready to add that to her already full plate right now. She seems to have easily continued her job though.
The family mystery I thought would be the focus was the identity of Ember's biological father. While that does come up, there are SO many family secrets. I won't spoil but it's more than one. There may also be an old murder. Kenzi learns much more about her mother and their often poor relationship. There's also Bella, her imaginary friend when she was little, which may be part of why Kenzi was sent to a mental institution.
There's also a nosy neighbor who keeps showing up and asking questions about the house. I don't like him. Nothing else happened with him but I can't believe he isn't up to no good. I suspect he will turn up in future books.
Family Secrets is a fairly short, chock full of revelations addition to the Brannon House series. There is still so much I want to learn about this family and there are some big changes which I want to know how they are handled. Not to mention, there is the still the question of Ember's father. It looks like The Darkest Garden and Shattered Pieces are already available in ebook format in Kindle Unlimited currently. But I have The Darkest Garden coming up on audio for review next month.
Narration:
This narrator was new to me. I only had one voice which felt odd to me, and that was Ember's voice. It was deeper than Kenzi's voice which felt odd because she is younger. But overall, it was a good performance where the voices were comfortable and I could stay in the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
March 8, 2022
Mehhhh.... not bad but not great I personally think the author tried cramming alot of stories, side stories at once. will hold off on continuing the series - curious if anyone else feels the same about this? or just me?
March 6, 2021
A fantastic sequel to the first book really enjoyed it a great story couldn't put it down highly recommend looking forward to getting the next book in the series.
January 26, 2021
Not a bad book
just no meat on its bones! The story of the house continues with no mention of the murders or their fait.
More strange happenings in the house with no explanations of what’s going on. This book does have a cliffhanger of sorts.
just no meat on its bones! The story of the house continues with no mention of the murders or their fait.
More strange happenings in the house with no explanations of what’s going on. This book does have a cliffhanger of sorts.
May 19, 2020
👵Granny goes gaga! Talk about secretive!🙊👍👍
4.5-5🌟stars😊
Exciting mystery full of secretive behavior, things that go bump in the night (or day) and heroine Kenzi dealing with the death of her sister, assuming responsibility for her teenage niece Ember, and a mother in the throes of dementia with a load of sly secrets. All revolving around a grand old house that hides far too much. It's fast-moving, concisely written and full of twists, ghouly adventures and surprises, and they still have oodles of rooms in their inherited mausoleum of a mansion yet to explore.
I love author Stacy Claflin's easy-to-read writing style and her ability to put together an excellent, clean thriller. She's also great at pairing adults with brave youngsters raring to team up and solve the mystery or defeat the bad guy like in her Alex Mercer thriller series.
I can't wait for more Brannon scandals to be uncovered and some threads pulled out in this tapestry of secrets to be tied off. Although some issues remain outstanding, I would not characterize this story's conclusion as a cliffhanger.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
4.5-5🌟stars😊
Exciting mystery full of secretive behavior, things that go bump in the night (or day) and heroine Kenzi dealing with the death of her sister, assuming responsibility for her teenage niece Ember, and a mother in the throes of dementia with a load of sly secrets. All revolving around a grand old house that hides far too much. It's fast-moving, concisely written and full of twists, ghouly adventures and surprises, and they still have oodles of rooms in their inherited mausoleum of a mansion yet to explore.
I love author Stacy Claflin's easy-to-read writing style and her ability to put together an excellent, clean thriller. She's also great at pairing adults with brave youngsters raring to team up and solve the mystery or defeat the bad guy like in her Alex Mercer thriller series.
I can't wait for more Brannon scandals to be uncovered and some threads pulled out in this tapestry of secrets to be tied off. Although some issues remain outstanding, I would not characterize this story's conclusion as a cliffhanger.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 29, 2021
Family Secrets - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Book 2 of The Brannon's House Series by Stacy Claflin, is Family Secrets. Kenzie and niece Ember are still shaken by the murder of their sister/Mom, Claire, which was staged to look like suicide.
At her funeral, they're getting more concerned about their Mom/grandmother, Regina, who appears to be suffering from dementia more than ever...is it an act or are they right to worry?
Detective Graham Felton brings news of some evidence found on the third floor at the family home - and it isn't good.
Later Kenzie tells Ember about another family secret - why does it startle her?
The shocking revelations continue at a pace that is almost unbelievable - how many secrets can one family actually have? As Family Secrets continues, you can be sure you'll want to get this and the rest of Stacy Claflin's excellent Brannon House Series...don't delay, it's unputdownable!
Book 2 of The Brannon's House Series by Stacy Claflin, is Family Secrets. Kenzie and niece Ember are still shaken by the murder of their sister/Mom, Claire, which was staged to look like suicide.
At her funeral, they're getting more concerned about their Mom/grandmother, Regina, who appears to be suffering from dementia more than ever...is it an act or are they right to worry?
Detective Graham Felton brings news of some evidence found on the third floor at the family home - and it isn't good.
Later Kenzie tells Ember about another family secret - why does it startle her?
The shocking revelations continue at a pace that is almost unbelievable - how many secrets can one family actually have? As Family Secrets continues, you can be sure you'll want to get this and the rest of Stacy Claflin's excellent Brannon House Series...don't delay, it's unputdownable!
March 22, 2022
Same well-drawn characters and big surprises
Suspense fans will enjoy this book and series.
I enjoy a suspense story told in one book, where the ending resolves the issues addressed and the key characters are able to move on into enjoying life again. I need the happy ending to provide me with the enjoyment that I've missed throughout the story because I've been constantly worrying about the characters. Thus my 4 star rating.
However...
Continuously suspenseful. Kenzie and Ember have personal worries in addition to the noises in the house, the opening and closing of doors, the feelings of being constantly watched, the chair that moved itself.
The huge discoveries at the end slowly answer some key questions but we are left knowing that many remaining questions and suspense will continue into book 3.
Suspense fans will enjoy this book and series.
I enjoy a suspense story told in one book, where the ending resolves the issues addressed and the key characters are able to move on into enjoying life again. I need the happy ending to provide me with the enjoyment that I've missed throughout the story because I've been constantly worrying about the characters. Thus my 4 star rating.
However...
Continuously suspenseful. Kenzie and Ember have personal worries in addition to the noises in the house, the opening and closing of doors, the feelings of being constantly watched, the chair that moved itself.
The huge discoveries at the end slowly answer some key questions but we are left knowing that many remaining questions and suspense will continue into book 3.
February 19, 2022
The book starts off with the funeral of Kenzi's sister who was murdered in the first book of the series.
There are many secrets revealed in this one. Secrets that have been hidden for decades, and only come to light as the house's secrets are slowly revealed. And I'm sure there are more to come in the next one.
This is a fun, mostly stand alone book, but I would recommend reading the series in order to have all the questions answered.
There are no murders in this one, but it's one of the better psychological suspense books I've read in a while.
If you liked Johnathon Kellerman's The Web, you will probably enjoy this one.
There are many secrets revealed in this one. Secrets that have been hidden for decades, and only come to light as the house's secrets are slowly revealed. And I'm sure there are more to come in the next one.
This is a fun, mostly stand alone book, but I would recommend reading the series in order to have all the questions answered.
There are no murders in this one, but it's one of the better psychological suspense books I've read in a while.
If you liked Johnathon Kellerman's The Web, you will probably enjoy this one.
April 16, 2020
Wowwwwww, what?????? That was one hell of a rollercoaster ride with such an unexpected ending!
This book is awesome!! I loved it even more than the first installment, couldn't stop reading.. haven't been so immersed in a book in forever! the plot twist are out of this world and I so enjoy reading the interactions between Kenzi and Ember, especially getting an image of their evolving relationship, you really feel a sense of kinship.. You have outdone yourself again Ms Claflin! Bravo! Can't wait to read the next book!
This book is awesome!! I loved it even more than the first installment, couldn't stop reading.. haven't been so immersed in a book in forever! the plot twist are out of this world and I so enjoy reading the interactions between Kenzi and Ember, especially getting an image of their evolving relationship, you really feel a sense of kinship.. You have outdone yourself again Ms Claflin! Bravo! Can't wait to read the next book!
May 25, 2020
Family Secrets is the second book in the Brannon House series by Stacy Claflin.
Kenzi and Ember are continuing to deal with Claire’s death as well as with their mom’s/grandma’s dementia. And the house continues to have creaks and bumps and doors slamming on their own. There is a good creepy, spooky vibe in this book.
I read this all in one sitting. There was never a dull moment. I really enjoy Kenzi and Ember’s relationship and how they lean on each other as more and more secrets are revealed.
Kenzi and Ember are continuing to deal with Claire’s death as well as with their mom’s/grandma’s dementia. And the house continues to have creaks and bumps and doors slamming on their own. There is a good creepy, spooky vibe in this book.
I read this all in one sitting. There was never a dull moment. I really enjoy Kenzi and Ember’s relationship and how they lean on each other as more and more secrets are revealed.
May 25, 2020
Family secrets..they can get you
Phew this story was non stop and full of suspense. Creepy sounds in the house, DNA evidence of a past crime, family secrets that raise more questions, possible romances and possible new family members. Each page had a new answer and a new conundrum.
I enjoyed this story immensely and can’t wait for the next book to find out more answers about family dynamics, obsessed neighbors, creepy giggling, possible romances and just to touch base with the characters and this house!
Phew this story was non stop and full of suspense. Creepy sounds in the house, DNA evidence of a past crime, family secrets that raise more questions, possible romances and possible new family members. Each page had a new answer and a new conundrum.
I enjoyed this story immensely and can’t wait for the next book to find out more answers about family dynamics, obsessed neighbors, creepy giggling, possible romances and just to touch base with the characters and this house!
June 11, 2020
Wow! This one pulled me in quicker than the first. Secrets—oh yes! Kenzie soon finds out that the Brannon house has more secrets than she can fathom. To say that her mother is a hot mess would be an understatement. The woman has concocted a web of lies throughout the years and they all come unraveling down in a shocking ending. Oh, and we can’t forget Ember. She also reveals a secret but I think we’ll have to wait for the next book to see where this one goes.
Great book!! Full of twists and wth moments. I am going to start the third one right now.
Great book!! Full of twists and wth moments. I am going to start the third one right now.
June 5, 2024
This book was very accurately named. The Brannon family has more secrets than most families have relatives. Their secrets are big too. I really felt sorry for Kenzie and Ember in this book. They get hit left and right with the fallout from all the secrets in their family. Some good twists in this 2nd book in the series. Much better than the first and far more interesting. It would be cool to live in a house with secret tunnels, doors and rooms. But probably a little creepy too. On to the next in the series.
July 17, 2020
Torn
These books seem too short. Not really cliffhanger endings but the story is definitely not finished.
I am enjoying this series, however I am reading it books 1-3 on a row. I think I will be disappointed if the third book is not the conclusion to this saga. There are so many loose ends, i don't know how Clafin will be able to tie everything up in one more book.
We shall see.
On to book 3.
These books seem too short. Not really cliffhanger endings but the story is definitely not finished.
I am enjoying this series, however I am reading it books 1-3 on a row. I think I will be disappointed if the third book is not the conclusion to this saga. There are so many loose ends, i don't know how Clafin will be able to tie everything up in one more book.
We shall see.
On to book 3.
May 18, 2020
I loved the first book in this series but I have to say I think this one was even better! A lot of mystery and suspense along with secrets, secrets and more secrets. This is a page turner that will keep you entertained. I love all the characters and how the story goes between Kenzi and Ember's POV's. The ending leaves us waiting to find out more.
June 11, 2020
I even know half the stuff going on in this book and it is a fantastic mystery book. I"m so hooked I"m immediately going onto the third book. Crazy, mystery, secret rooms, and unexpected twists are just to name a few intriguing things about it. This is probably my most favorite mystery book series ever.
December 17, 2021
Family Secrets
Kenzie and Ember are trying to settle into the old family home and make it safe and comfortable but the strange noises are driving them nuts. Grandma’s dementia is worse, or is it? Strange coincidences, a hidden tunnel and moving chairs add to the stress. And will Ember decide to try and find her biological father? Read it straight through!
Kenzie and Ember are trying to settle into the old family home and make it safe and comfortable but the strange noises are driving them nuts. Grandma’s dementia is worse, or is it? Strange coincidences, a hidden tunnel and moving chairs add to the stress. And will Ember decide to try and find her biological father? Read it straight through!
June 19, 2023
A Very Compelling Book!!
Dark family secrets keep being revealed. It was shocking to see what the mother and father did to their children. The ending was shocking but it’s not over yet. I can’t imagine what kind of secrets are yet to come in the next book of the Brannon House series.
Dark family secrets keep being revealed. It was shocking to see what the mother and father did to their children. The ending was shocking but it’s not over yet. I can’t imagine what kind of secrets are yet to come in the next book of the Brannon House series.
May 20, 2026
Family Secrets had me questioning EVERYONE. Every conversation felt suspicious. Every character gave me “absolutely not” vibes. I kept changing my mind every five minutes about who was lying, who was innocent, and who needed therapy immediately.
The tension in this book? Incredible. It starts with a little “hmm that’s odd…” and quickly spirals into full-blown “WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!”
The tension in this book? Incredible. It starts with a little “hmm that’s odd…” and quickly spirals into full-blown “WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!”
April 19, 2020
Family Secrets
Oh my goodness I need to know what happens next. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series. I need it now. This one answered a lot of my questions but left me with sooooo many more.
Oh my goodness I need to know what happens next. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series. I need it now. This one answered a lot of my questions but left me with sooooo many more.
April 25, 2020
Loved it! Some family secrets should be kept secret! Sometimes the people you should trust the most are the ones you can't trust at all! So many twists and turns in this story that it has you guessing right up to the end. I can't wait for book three so we can get some questions answered!
April 25, 2020
After reading the first book in this series, I couldn't wait for this one. I'm happy to say; it didn't disappoint. I liked it more than the first one if that's possible. I read the whole thing in one afternoon and am now looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 10, 2020
Another awesome read
I have read these first two books and have enjoyed them. The characters develop nicely, there's humor, love, obligations, and suspense. This is not my normal go to books but glad I found them.
I have read these first two books and have enjoyed them. The characters develop nicely, there's humor, love, obligations, and suspense. This is not my normal go to books but glad I found them.
May 27, 2020
Delightfully pleasurable
I definitely enjoyed this second Brannon House book more.
The more the story unfolds the more the twists and suspense reel you into a delightfully pleasurable adventure.
Thanks a bunch, Stacy.
I definitely enjoyed this second Brannon House book more.
The more the story unfolds the more the twists and suspense reel you into a delightfully pleasurable adventure.
Thanks a bunch, Stacy.
June 8, 2020
Wow - so many secrets revealed but more to come!!! Lots of twists and turns and a crazy lady. I love houses that have secrets and secret passages. I just wish Graham had been in this book more!!! Some romance but mostly a suspenseful mystery. Looking forward to book 3 so please write fast.
June 9, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author knows how to weave a tale of mystery and suspense. The ending was amazing and I am looking forward to the next book. It is already uploaded to my Kindle!
July 10, 2020
Loving this series
Kenzi & Ember’s story in this second novel of this series. Many more secrets of both ancestors and the house come to light. I’m going to follow up this book with the third installment...can’t wait!
Kenzi & Ember’s story in this second novel of this series. Many more secrets of both ancestors and the house come to light. I’m going to follow up this book with the third installment...can’t wait!
August 30, 2020
Secrets! More secrets revealed!
Such a thrilling book!
Kenzi discovers more secrets about her house, her mother and her family.
I keep thinking it can't get any better but then it does!
Such a thrilling book!
Kenzi discovers more secrets about her house, her mother and her family.
I keep thinking it can't get any better but then it does!
December 7, 2020
Book 2 in the Brannon House series is even better than book 1! There are lots of things going on and I am almost as nervous as Kenzi and Ember to find out the secrets that the house hold. It's mystery and suspense and so good! I recommend this series.
January 31, 2024
I really didn’t care for this book. I read it because I read the first one, but I won’t be reading the third one. It’s just not for me. However I will say that I can see how some people would like it. It’s a fun and cozy thriller/mystery. Just not my style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews