Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
As a former cop turned private investigator, Annie Fitch hopes to never be in the line of fire again, so she’s expanded her business to include installing security systems. She’s thrilled to be hired by Preston Farr, a farmer with a vandalism problem on his family’s historic apple orchard and farm.

Preston’s roots in the community run deep. His family has held the same property in Leesburg, Virginia, since the 1700s. The two get to know each other over the course of the job. When Preston asks her out after the work is done, she accepts. After all, Annie’s on-again, off-again love affair with her childhood best friend, Ford, is currently off. Why should she mope until he decides it’s on again?

What she intended to be a fun, casual romp with Preston turns serious quickly when Annie’s newly installed security cameras record startling footage. Family secrets begin to unravel, echoing over two hundred years of heartache and violence.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2021

14 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Marie Flanigan

7 books48 followers
Marie Flanigan grew up all over the Commonwealth of Virginia as the youngest of three girls. Star Wars and comic books dominated her youth. She has a couple of degrees from George Mason University and is a licensed Private Investigator. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a web developer, and a children's librarian. An avid gamer, she reviews video games for GameIndustry.com. After nine car accidents, five concussions, and brain surgery, she decided that perhaps she was more suited to a quieter life. She and her husband and three dogs live happily and somewhat chaotically outside of Washington DC. She can be found online at Mflanigan.com, on Twitter @Marie_Flanigan or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarieFlaniga...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
56 (29%)
4 stars
69 (35%)
3 stars
51 (26%)
2 stars
14 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
March 2, 2021
A superb follow-up to the first book in this series...

Hidden Fury (Annie Fitch Mysteries Book 2) by Marie Flanigan is a superb follow up to the first book in this series: Exposed Fury. It’s another wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn settings and characters. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this mystery, thriller and suspense that it had me engaged from the opening chapter.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘As a former cop turned private investigator, Annie Fitch hopes to never be in the line of fire again, so she’s expanded her business to include installing security systems. She’s thrilled to be hired by Preston Farr, a farmer with a vandalism problem on his family’s historic apple orchard and farm… Preston’s roots in the community run deep. His family has held the same property in Leesburg, Virginia, since the 1700s. The two get to know each other over the course of the job. When Preston asks her out after the work is done, she accepts. After all, Annie’s on-again, off-again love affair with her childhood best friend, Ford, is currently off. Why should she mope until he decides it’s on again?... What she intended to be a fun, casual romp with Preston turns serious quickly when Annie’s newly installed security cameras record startling footage. Family secrets begin to unravel, echoing over two hundred years of heartache and violence.’

The story unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. Into the spaces between the words, the author breathes a pulsating intensity that rolls like a motion picture camera. With an abundance of imagery in the writing style, it makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class murder, mystery and suspense with perfect pacing.

For fans of mystery, thriller and suspense looking for an interesting, three-dimensional, and stimulating read, this would come highly recommended. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. A highly recommended read and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,600 reviews784 followers
March 26, 2021
Some time has passed since book one. Annie’s shoulder is healing, and she’s taken a course on installing security systems for clients. Annie’s delighted when a referral from her best friend leads to a security install at the historic Farr Farms.

Annie has fond memories of picking berries and apples at the farm, now run by Preston Farr. He and his siblings inherited the ninety-five acres, but Preston lives in his grandparents’ old homestead and handles the day-to-day operations. It’s a job he loves, but someone is vandalizing equipment and defacing the barns.

Once the job is complete, Preston asks Annie out. With no contact from Ford, she takes a chance. Just as the two are getting to know each other, trouble comes.

I loved the mystery threads from the vandalism to the history of the farm and the slaves who once worked there. Flanigan wove in history, suspense, and family issues that kept me turning the pages.

I learned about soap making, apple grafting and enjoyed getting to know more about Annie and the people in her life. Her old partner becomes involved as Annie investigates the farm and an old abandoned church bordering the property.

Things are perfect between Preston & Annie, she still thinks about Ford who she hasn’t heard from and Gunner doesn’t seem pleased. The case wrapped up and I’ll be curious to see what new cases come Annie’s way.

Fans of Kendra Elliot, Lauren Carr, and Melinda Leigh will enjoy the Annie Fitch Mystery series.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Profile Image for A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol).
2,157 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2024
4.5
Book source ~ ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.

Annie Finch, former cop now PI, is hired by a local farm to install some security cameras after some vandalism takes place. Annie likes jobs of this sort because she’s unlikely to be shot. Because she’s been shot before. A couple of times. And, as you can imagine, it is no fun. When the job is over, the charming Preston Farr asks her out. After a brief hesitation she says yes. Little does she know she’s about to get much more involved than she expected. Much more involved.

Wow. This had a twist I was not expecting. I love Annie and her no nonsense approach to life. I also love that she gets some happy naked time with Preston. She deserves some fun. I wasn’t sure what to think of him at first, but he grew on me over time. The writing, plot, pacing, and characters are awesome and this is a book that I didn’t want to put down. I look forward to seeing what’s next for Annie.
Profile Image for Escape Into Reading.
980 reviews43 followers
March 2, 2021
I like a good mystery. I like it when the mystery I am reading sucks me in and keeps me on edge for the entire book. I also like it when the characters are relatable. Sometimes, when I read a mystery, the characters are a little over the top. While in some cases, it is what the book needs, in other cases, it is a distraction. Fortunately, for Hidden Fury, I was kept on edge, and the characters were relatable.

Hidden Fury is the 2nd book in the Annie Fitch Mystery series. It takes place several months after the events of Exposed Fury. Annie, a PI, has expanded her business to include installing security systems. One of her first customers is Preston Farr, the owner of a historic orchard. His business is being vandalized, and he wants to find out who it is. Annie and Preston have an immediate connection and start a romantic relationship shortly after the system is installed. But, there is more going on at Preston’s orchard than just vandalism. After a skeleton is found in an abandoned, historic church on Preston’s property, Annie is compelled to solve the mystery of who it was. Will she solve the mystery? Will her relationship with Preston survive the truth?

The plotline for Hidden Fury was medium-paced which was fine with me. I like medium-paced plotlines with mysteries. It gives the plotline time to evolve (and in this case, it did) and for me to become engrossed in the book.

There is one main storyline with several secondary storylines in Hidden Fury. The primary and secondary storylines were well written. What I enjoyed is when the main storyline ended (when Annie caught who was vandalizing Preston’s farm and why), the author then had the storyline for the church become the main storyline. I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed how the author did it!!

There were a couple of twists in the plotlines. One was revealed in the middle of the book. I can safely say with that twist; I saw it coming. The other twist I saw coming but was stilled surprised (and saddened) when it was revealed.

The characters in Hidden Fury were well written and had a depth to them. Annie, by far, was my favorite. I was a little disappointed that her brother and Ford weren’t featured in this book.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Preston. He came across as a very indecisive man. I also wouldn’t have doubted the story that my great-uncle was telling. But, I can understand why he acted the way he acted. He was a decent person outside of the drama. I hope that Annie and his relationship are still ongoing in book 3 (if there is one).

As I mentioned above, I thought the mystery was well written. The author did throw some red herrings out to try, and they did distract me, but in the end, I figured out both. I still enjoyed the lead-up to both reveals.

The end of Hidden Fury was terrific. The author wrapped up the storyline and plotline. She also left some wiggle room for a book 3.

Hidden Fury is a well-written mystery. Even though I was able to figure out both mysteries, I enjoyed the lead-up to the reveals. It had an excellent medium-paced storyline.

I would recommend Hidden Fury to anyone over the age of 21. There are flashbacks to how Annie got her brain injury. There is also a mention of child abuse, insect, rape resulting in pregnancy, murder, racism, and a church’s desecration. There are sex scenes but nothing explicit.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,036 reviews
March 3, 2021
I enjoy reading mystery books where the blood has already happened.  This story takes place in Leesburg, VA, just down the road from where I lived in Alexandria.  There are still pockets of rural living near the Washington, DC, area.  Loudon County, Virginia is one of the last.  The author knows her history and weaves into the story the way race has played a part in the history of Virginia.  Annie Fitch, a former cop and now a private investigator, is introduced to Preston Farr by a friend.  They have al mutual attraction.  Preston Farr is keeping his family’s last 99 acres of farmland active as a ‘pick your own’ berries place where families can come and enjoy the rural life.  He is the youngest of his family and knows very little about his family history.  He just knows he wants to maintain the land.  When a local black minister comes calling to see if there might be a slave graveyard and/or church on his property, he tells her that there is a church but it is on his neighbor’s property.Turns out he is wrong.  The church and graveyard are on his property.  So, he and Annie decide to go find the church and find out more.  Turns out they find the remains of a white woman inside the boarded up church.  This is where things get interesting.  Who is she?  Why was the church boarded up?  This is a very well written second novel about Annie Fitch.  You can read it without reading the first book, ‘Exposing Fury,’ but I recommend reading it so you know Annie’s back story.  You will want to finish reading it t.  I finished it at 2 a.m.  I’m ready for Book #3. Another interesting aside, my good friend, Victoria Robinson, served as genealogy advisor to the author.
162 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2021
~Very satisfying sequel to a very good first book.
~First, I’ll state that I received this book as a gift from the author to read and review.
~I was very pleased to get a copy of this book, being that it is a sequel to a well written first book, “Exposed Fury.” Yes, I would recommend reading them in order, because this book builds upon the original story.
~While it is not a roller-coaster story, it is compelling and methodically written. There were no car chases through the city streets, no running gun battles in darken alleys…there were, however, some definite surprises. This is a strong, solidly written story. It was most enjoyable to read…I found myself looking forward to reading time.
~There is a lot of character development offered to the reader in this story. We learn more about the injuries sustained by main character, Annie Fitch…and how they affect her daily life. We are offered some insight into two returning characters, former partner and friend Police Detective and former, now absent, boyfriend Ford (definitely not my favorite character). Preston Farr is a new character introduced to the storyline. There are ample “good” guys, “bad” guys, and a few “gray” characters.
~This story involves a cold case mystery…one that has significant historical importance, both to the story and reality. The author, Marie Flanigan, has touched upon a social issue, and done it in a very sensitive manner.
~I would definitely recommend this book to any murder mystery enthusiast.
804 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2021
3.5* ARC Review – PI Investigation takes a Historical Turn
This is the second book in the series, and I did not read the first one, but at times wish I had. The ARC was provided by Hidden Gems and I voluntarily left this review. This is the story of Annie Fitch, a former police officer who has recently become a private investigator. Her business expands to security systems, and that is how she meets Preston Farr, who farms his family’s land in Virginia. This property has been owned by his family for centuries and all the history that goes along with it.
Annie installs a security system because Preston has had some vandalism that seems more than pranks. Once she completes the job, Preston asks her out and they start dating. Annie has some baggage from her injuries as both a police officer and cases as a PI. There is also the shadow of her ex, Ford, who was her best friend and then crossed the line into more but has now left her. This relationship puts a shadow on her current situation and other parts of her life, but having not read the prior book, I felt a little lost about his importance. As Annie and Preston’s relationship progresses, she becomes more involved with what is going on at the farm, and she begins investigating on her own and it leads into the history of what has happened on this land. It is a good mystery that keeps you guessing about what had happened, and what is going on right now.
Profile Image for Victor.
8 reviews
Read
March 27, 2021
Annie Fitch's fury is back

A story as short and interesting as it is intense, which will keep you, chapter after chapter, pending the unexpected outcome. What is truth and what is love? There are no definitive answers.

The moral burden and the political conflicts derived from the slavery on which the wealth inherited today was accumulated, are the backdrop against which this story, between thriller and mystery, takes place making Preston Farr have to face the skeletons kept in the closet of his family as he tries to keep afloat the property that has belonged to them for centuries, against -also- the pressure from urban developers.

As Celia, Annie’s best friend says: "Because white folks like to leave the past in the past, especially if the past makes them look bad."

Meanwhile, Annie Fitch, acting at the same time as a detective and the moral pointer of the story, convalesces from her most recent wounds, and from the previous ones, trying to overcome the uncertainty about her future (and most of all about her past) with Ford (see https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...) while giving herself the opportunity to relive emotions and sensations suspended since his departure.

I received a free copy (ebook) of the novel from the author.
285 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2021
I am voluntarily reviewing this novel after receiving a free copy.

Actual rating: 3.25 stars

There's not too much to say about this novel. It's a pretty low-key, slow-moving mystery. The initial mystery - someone defacing a guy's farm - isn't particularly juicy. Partway through the novel, though, that mystery is resolved and the story pivots into something much more interesting. I was definitely more invested in the second mystery, though the resolution/culprit was pretty obvious.

The characters are likable, but not too multi-dimensional. Preston started off very sweet, but became more irritating after a while, as he's continually pretty weak/spineless about the reality of his situation. He's definitely not endgame material - the story seems to be angling more towards Fitch getting together with the police guy. He's just kinda fine too - nothing much to say.

That's really this novel in a nutshell - it's just fine. Perfectly serviceable. If you want a slow-paced, competent, slightly forgettable mystery, this will serve you, but if you're wanting anything more meaty or thought-provoking, keep looking.
2,523 reviews42 followers
March 17, 2021
P.I. Annie Finch is back with a new case and a new love interest. Her former lover, Ford, left and has not contacted her in months. She is saddened, but it is time to move on. She meets Preston Farr, a prospective client, who is dealing with acts of vandalism on his farm. Annie provides a security system for his farm then accepts him as a friend…and maybe more? His land would be perfect for a development, but he and his siblings are not interested in selling the farm. When Preston is attacked, it seems that the vandalism has escalated to something much more serious. An abandoned church on the edge of his property, reveals secrets of a hidden past. Does this have anything to do with the acts of vandalism or was the attack on Preston from someone closer to home? An enjoyable mystery as Annie turns to her former partner, Detective Gunnar Janssen, for assistance. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,570 reviews26 followers
March 14, 2021


This is the second in this series by this author. This is the first book I've read by this author and I wasn't disappointed at all. This story is full of mystery and twists and turns. The characters are well developed and well written, they are very relatable too. This is a very well written mystery story that will keep you hooked from the first page. This book does not have a cliff hanger ending to it but the author has left it so there room for another book. So happy to have received a copy of this book from this author.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
Profile Image for Cindy.
787 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2021
I received this book free from the author, but this is my true opinion. This is the second book in the Annie Fitch series. Annie still has some lingering effects of being shot but she is continuing her work as a private investigator, adding security installation to her practice. Ford has disappeared and she isn’t sure where she stands with him. Preston hires her to install security on his farm. After her installation job, she becomes involved with Preston and some things from his long-ago family. I did find Preston’s extended family confusing because there were so many of them, but there is a mystery and no cliff-hanger, so I enjoyed the book and hope there are more in Annie’s series.
198 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2021
This is a nice book. It is book 2 in a series but I didn't feel that I needed to read the first book in order to know what was going on in this second one. I honestly felt that this was more of a romance than a mystery. The mystery took a very long time to get started. It was a bit unique sort of mystery but that didn't make the book for me. Very slow and drawn out, very low-key and characters a bit flat in my opinion. Perhaps it is merely because this is not the kind of mystery I usually read but Hidden Fury just didn't grab me.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. The review is my own.
Profile Image for Eva Edge.
1,277 reviews41 followers
December 7, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hidden Fury by Marie Flanigan is the second book in the Annie Fitch series and I loved it! The same as the first book - it was so real! It was easy to connect with the story and characters and you don't have to break your brain to understand what is going on. Enjoyed it from the start to the end.

After installing the security system on Preston farm Annie agrees to go out with Preston. Their connection is really and things progressing fast. Everything is smooth until dark historical secrets are brought to the daylight and many questions must be answered!

If there will be book three I will be first one in line to read :)
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
March 22, 2021
Annie meets a client to install a security system. He operates an orchard nearby the DC area. Annie begins to date the farmer orchard and learns the history and secrets in the historic property. The reveals of actions as far ago as slave owners. The investigation is very in itself, but the families and their history is extreme interesting. The story is engrossing and easy to read. I received an ARC from the author, and I decided to write a very entertaining review, includes read the story again.
Profile Image for R.W. Lang.
Author 7 books25 followers
March 2, 2021
Discovering past secrets can be a daunting experience. Preston Farr and his family find that out in Marie Flanigan's new book. This was a fast-moving and enjoyable read. Flanigan's voice is clear and her style is smooth and easy. My guess is there will be a third book in the Annie Fitch Mysteries series and I look forward to it.
Profile Image for John.
541 reviews18 followers
March 14, 2021
Very good on character development, but the mystery wasn’t very tense. We didn’t even know what the mystery was until about halfway through the book. Well written with almost no errors. I wasn’t overly pleased with the resolution, but the rest of the book was pretty good. I received a copy of this book as an arc from the author.
Profile Image for Michael Mardel.
Author 16 books10 followers
April 11, 2021
Hidden Fury by Flanigan was an easy read with twists and turns of a genealogical nature. The character of Annie was warm and intelligent as a PI and the bit of romance with Preston gave an insight into his family. Black history featured as did the decaying bones of a body in a boarded up church. A real who dunnit.
Profile Image for Laura Ruetz.
1,382 reviews74 followers
July 14, 2022
I have not read the first book, but this book does work as a stand-alone. The events of the first book are mentioned enough that I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I really think the characters shine here, they are complex and engaging. The plot and pacing are excellent. I look forward to reading more by the author.
41 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2022
This was a refreshing and satisfying investigation by Flanigan’s indomitable Annie Fitch. Annie has a lot on her plate: expanding her business, a new romantic relationship, healing. Annie is committed to the truth as she unravels twisted nests of secrets others would rather bury. I look forward to more Annie Fitch investigations from Marie Flanigan.
15 reviews
February 13, 2023
The description of this book made it seem like an exciting mystery but my god was this the most predictable and boring book I've ever read. I'm surprised I finished it.

Would maybe recommend to 13 year old who is afraid of their own shadow.
36 reviews
March 15, 2021
I LOVE the characters in Flannigan's book. They are well thought out and fun to get to know. Her story is well told and held me captive from the beginning.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,604 reviews19 followers
January 23, 2023
You have a lot of things happening at once, with twists and turns. The characters pull the interesting storyline along. I enjoyed this book
433 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2023
Great second book in the series. Great characters and descriptions. Plenty of mystery and romance. Hope there will be more!
804 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2023
Not a bad book, not my usual read but it was enjoyable
9 reviews
July 2, 2023
Marie's characters are compelling and relatable. Solid mystery writing!
Profile Image for Krystina Rust.
15 reviews
September 9, 2025
I love this 2 book series and I really wish there were more! I love the main character and I wish we could follow her story!
Profile Image for Agnes .
982 reviews88 followers
March 16, 2021
I have many authors reach out to me to read their books so when Ms Flanigan did so, I just thought another book for my TBR pile. I did read the synopsis and it sounded interesting. Maybe just my kind of book. And so I decided to say yes.

I am so glad I did because this book kept me turning the page. I fell in love with Preston and Annie Fitch and their story. Of course I didnt know why Annie turned to installing security systems (the answer must be in Book 1) but loved her romp with Preston and all the secrets that were coming out. Of course I will be reading Book #1 to learn more about Annie - but I must admit this book hooked me on a new author. Thank you Marie Flanigan for reaching out to me.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.