What do you think?
Rate this book
Whispering Oaks
A missing sister, an unexpected romance, an impossible mystery...
Nothing ever happens in Whispering Oaks.
The air is clean; uncorrupted by a tawdry downtown. Birds twitter. Crime is nigh non-existent. It’s the picture-perfect suburb with all the effects of classy restaurants and diverse nightlife. Not to mention block parties marked by face-forward flattery and back-biting.
Cassidy Linden hates it. Rather, the false mystique of it all disturbs her.
Nothing ever happens in Whispering Oaks.
So, when Cassidy’s younger sister vanishes one night, it’s not just surprising, it’s unfathomable—the only trace of her disappearance a trail of red petals and her cell phone left in the grass of her backyard.
No witnesses.
No suspects.
A police department who claim to be doing everything they can, and the poorly-timed return of a family friend.
When a one-night stand with the charming, enigmatic Ashlyn Castille reveals an unforeseen connection, Ashlyn and Cassidy realize they have more in common than either expected.
But one thing is certain, seventeen-year-old girls don’t just disappear. Someone must have taken her. Can Cassidy prove it in time to bring her little sister home? Or is she a fated anomaly?
The perfect mystery for a perfect suburbia.
Nothing ever happens in Whispering Oaks.
The air is clean; uncorrupted by a tawdry downtown. Birds twitter. Crime is nigh non-existent. It’s the picture-perfect suburb with all the effects of classy restaurants and diverse nightlife. Not to mention block parties marked by face-forward flattery and back-biting.
Cassidy Linden hates it. Rather, the false mystique of it all disturbs her.
Nothing ever happens in Whispering Oaks.
So, when Cassidy’s younger sister vanishes one night, it’s not just surprising, it’s unfathomable—the only trace of her disappearance a trail of red petals and her cell phone left in the grass of her backyard.
No witnesses.
No suspects.
A police department who claim to be doing everything they can, and the poorly-timed return of a family friend.
When a one-night stand with the charming, enigmatic Ashlyn Castille reveals an unforeseen connection, Ashlyn and Cassidy realize they have more in common than either expected.
But one thing is certain, seventeen-year-old girls don’t just disappear. Someone must have taken her. Can Cassidy prove it in time to bring her little sister home? Or is she a fated anomaly?
The perfect mystery for a perfect suburbia.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2021
58 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 7, 2021
Kindle Unlimited.
This came off fairly young adult/new adult - that genre isn't my favourite. The whole angsting about everything that comes with that age is not something I am very patient with. Even when I was that age myself. Add to it that all the family members and friends who are not telling the whole truth, meant it was a frustrating read, for me.
I generally do like mystery, but I guess there's a knack and a way to do it to cause intrigue, or irritation. For me it was mostly the latter.
My biggest issue was Cassidy's male best friend character, Grey, being a pining whining dog of a boy-man-child, always seemingly manipulating her into feeling sorry for him and utilizing her family to have an "in" with her, beyond even her own boundaries... Constantly trying to have more than a best friend relationship with her, and bringing that shit up when he does, screamed of coercion. It was sickening, to me. Even though it specifically states several times he doesn't deliberately do it and he clearly isn't trying to force anything, I entirely disagreed. I can't swallow letting off these types of toxic behaviours under the guise of "he's a good man, he can't help his feelings". So yeah this shit hit a real sore spot for me, and the more it continued, and the more he persisted being the feeble image of incel, MGTOW: the less I gave a shit about Cassidy and her family for entertaining his toxicity. (Or the author, for regurgitation such alarming shit!)
Overall, the entire family and people are just very toxic. This wasn't of interest to me. Yet it never was fully fleshed out either.
The relationship between the two women is nothing but sexual, and never went further than that for me. Even in the epilogue it was clear that sex was just being used as a coping device between them.
There was lots of potential for something deeper, but it just never did go further enough. And that's how I've felt with a lot of Shea's stuff. Good ideas, reasonable execution, but no real payoff or backbone for it to be deep and meaningful enough.
I think perhaps this author is not for me. I've tried a few now, and I think they are just too young and immature for the type of substance I am looking for in my reads.
This came off fairly young adult/new adult - that genre isn't my favourite. The whole angsting about everything that comes with that age is not something I am very patient with. Even when I was that age myself. Add to it that all the family members and friends who are not telling the whole truth, meant it was a frustrating read, for me.
I generally do like mystery, but I guess there's a knack and a way to do it to cause intrigue, or irritation. For me it was mostly the latter.
My biggest issue was Cassidy's male best friend character, Grey, being a pining whining dog of a boy-man-child, always seemingly manipulating her into feeling sorry for him and utilizing her family to have an "in" with her, beyond even her own boundaries... Constantly trying to have more than a best friend relationship with her, and bringing that shit up when he does, screamed of coercion. It was sickening, to me. Even though it specifically states several times he doesn't deliberately do it and he clearly isn't trying to force anything, I entirely disagreed. I can't swallow letting off these types of toxic behaviours under the guise of "he's a good man, he can't help his feelings". So yeah this shit hit a real sore spot for me, and the more it continued, and the more he persisted being the feeble image of incel, MGTOW: the less I gave a shit about Cassidy and her family for entertaining his toxicity. (Or the author, for regurgitation such alarming shit!)
Overall, the entire family and people are just very toxic. This wasn't of interest to me. Yet it never was fully fleshed out either.
The relationship between the two women is nothing but sexual, and never went further than that for me. Even in the epilogue it was clear that sex was just being used as a coping device between them.
There was lots of potential for something deeper, but it just never did go further enough. And that's how I've felt with a lot of Shea's stuff. Good ideas, reasonable execution, but no real payoff or backbone for it to be deep and meaningful enough.
I think perhaps this author is not for me. I've tried a few now, and I think they are just too young and immature for the type of substance I am looking for in my reads.
November 6, 2021
Secrets bond and secrets break.
3.5 stars. I didn't end up liking this as much as I wanted to, but please believe me when I say the author deserves serious props for the fact that I like it at all. This is romantic suspense, or I guess a soft thriller with a heavy romance subplot, and it happened to employ a plot point that I hate. I have to emphasise that there isn't anything bad or wrong or particularly objectionable about this trope/plot, but it's something that I really dislike, and every time it comes up in a thriller (or any other book) I get so annoyed.
So... the fact that I still mostly liked this? I'm counting it as a win! I went into this almost completely blind, but basically, it's about Cassidy, whose world falls apart after her little sister Emily goes missing. She is dissatisfied with the police's efforts and starts looking into things for herself, while developing a romance with Ashlyn, a suave newcomer in town. The author does such an amazing job of creating the perfect, cosy but slightly eerie and claustrophobic small town atmosphere. The suspense was so well written, and I love how she created tension and did her reveals. The fact that Cass and Ashlyn are developing a romance in the midst of a traumatic situation is something that's discussed and acknowledged, and the relationship never felt far-fetched and unbelievable. Their chemistry was lovely, and the book does a good job of being really sexy, even if it's not particularly steamy? If that makes sense. I really like Shea's writing in general; simple, but never boring or flat, and really easy to get through.
I definitely recommend this, even though, again, that one plot thing (which I won't mention because of spoilers) did tank my enjoyment. Shea's a great writer and I look forward to reading more from her!
March 14, 2022
Rating 4.5
What a great read!! This is a book I didn’t know I wanted in my life. It’s a Romantic Suspense. I’d say it’s about 15% on the former and 85% on the latter.
I don’t normally read books with little romance but I happily would make the exception to read another like this from Stephanie Shea. This book will have you wondering who did what and why! It’s got lots of surprises and plot twists. Also, Shea leaves some room for a possible follow-up.
Shea has become one author I’ll read anything from. She’s a rising star in the lesfic world and I’m just sitting back to watch her succeed!
What a great read!! This is a book I didn’t know I wanted in my life. It’s a Romantic Suspense. I’d say it’s about 15% on the former and 85% on the latter.
I don’t normally read books with little romance but I happily would make the exception to read another like this from Stephanie Shea. This book will have you wondering who did what and why! It’s got lots of surprises and plot twists. Also, Shea leaves some room for a possible follow-up.
Shea has become one author I’ll read anything from. She’s a rising star in the lesfic world and I’m just sitting back to watch her succeed!
May 16, 2024
3.5. This was a fun romantic thriller that sucked me in. I love complicated sister and mother/daughter relationships, so in a lot of ways this was up my alley. I enjoyed the romantic subplot with Cassidy and Ashlyn, and I liked their dynamic. I hated Grey, and found his entire unable to take a hint bullshit beyond annoying, but overall I had a good time!
Damn that cliffhanger tho! I still have questions and frankly, would love a sequel focusing more on Cassidy and Paris later down the line.
Damn that cliffhanger tho! I still have questions and frankly, would love a sequel focusing more on Cassidy and Paris later down the line.
March 30, 2022
If you want a disturbing, hair raising page turner this is for you. It would have been a five star without the setup for a sequel in the end, as I would certainly not subject myself to more of the psycho terror decribed here.
March 22, 2022
This book had me on the edge of my seat! So many twists and turns! I love how Shea painted the quaint, sometimes claustrophobic small-town picture. I felt like I was there. And the sex scenes between Cassidy and Ashlyn were very hot. I've come to expect that from Shea and was not disappointed! Highly recommend if you like family drama, steamy scenes and surprises around every corner!
October 7, 2022
A good story that held me all the way though also kept me on the hop, throwing in curve balls every time I thought I’d cracked it. Great read, recommended.
February 15, 2023
Fantastic Mystery!
Cassidy’s younger sister’s disappearance has changed everything. She is sure someone must know something, especially her sister’s boyfriend. When she meets Ashlyn’s and discovers who she really is they have more in connection than just attraction. Together they work to try and find out the truth about what happened but it won’t be easy.
This delivered on the suspense. With every chapter something new became a possibility or threw them off track. You could feel how desperately Cassidy wanted to find her sister, so sure she was alive, but the emotional journey she went on in trying to piece it all together and do the job the police was supposed to be doing was really taxing on her.
I’m so glad she met Ashlyn, and had a great support network around her, even if some of them turned out to be questionable. Despite the tension that bubbled between them at times, together they were quite the team and without them I’m sure the outcome of the story could have been very different. I was quite shocked as everything started to be uncovered and felt so much for Cassidy because the secrets coming out where not the easiest to process.
I really enjoyed this and couldn’t put it down as I just needed to know what the truth was. Highly recommend as it’s a great romantic suspense!
Cassidy’s younger sister’s disappearance has changed everything. She is sure someone must know something, especially her sister’s boyfriend. When she meets Ashlyn’s and discovers who she really is they have more in connection than just attraction. Together they work to try and find out the truth about what happened but it won’t be easy.
This delivered on the suspense. With every chapter something new became a possibility or threw them off track. You could feel how desperately Cassidy wanted to find her sister, so sure she was alive, but the emotional journey she went on in trying to piece it all together and do the job the police was supposed to be doing was really taxing on her.
I’m so glad she met Ashlyn, and had a great support network around her, even if some of them turned out to be questionable. Despite the tension that bubbled between them at times, together they were quite the team and without them I’m sure the outcome of the story could have been very different. I was quite shocked as everything started to be uncovered and felt so much for Cassidy because the secrets coming out where not the easiest to process.
I really enjoyed this and couldn’t put it down as I just needed to know what the truth was. Highly recommend as it’s a great romantic suspense!
November 2, 2021
What a trip!
I recently finished Chef’s Kiss by Stephanie Shea, I love it so much that I immediately started reading her newest book Whispering Oaks. Stephanie said it’s a different vibe from Chef’s Kiss, which is easy to read, warm and full of fun. Whispering Oaks, on the other hand, is in a totally different atmosphere; it’s intense and full of mystery, but also very entertaining. I thought I knew what was happening next, but the twist coughed me off guard multiple times. It would make a perfect thriller movie!
There are a few chapters that I feel weird about why Cassidy suddenly being this powerless and trapped, almost feel like she’s been manipulated, and as the secret reveals, everything makes sense. The book was in well pacing; it kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. The ending... I know what’s coming, but It still gives me chills.🥶
I’d love to repeat that I love Stephanie’s writing style. I love it even more after Whispering Oaks.
I recently finished Chef’s Kiss by Stephanie Shea, I love it so much that I immediately started reading her newest book Whispering Oaks. Stephanie said it’s a different vibe from Chef’s Kiss, which is easy to read, warm and full of fun. Whispering Oaks, on the other hand, is in a totally different atmosphere; it’s intense and full of mystery, but also very entertaining. I thought I knew what was happening next, but the twist coughed me off guard multiple times. It would make a perfect thriller movie!
There are a few chapters that I feel weird about why Cassidy suddenly being this powerless and trapped, almost feel like she’s been manipulated, and as the secret reveals, everything makes sense. The book was in well pacing; it kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. The ending... I know what’s coming, but It still gives me chills.🥶
I’d love to repeat that I love Stephanie’s writing style. I love it even more after Whispering Oaks.
February 16, 2022
I read Chef's Kiss a few months ago and loved it, so looked for more by Stephanie Shea and noticed this one. It's very different to Chef's Kiss, as it's a lot darker but it still has the easy writing style that I find really engaging.
Whispering Oakes falls into the suspense/thriller genre, but also features a romance. I quite liked the thriller and although it felt resolved early in a way, there were still a few aspects that I didn't see coming and I liked the risk taken by the author to branch out and do something very different to previous works. The romance between Ash & Cassidy wasn't fleshed out as well as I think it could be, but that may be due to the level of detail required to keep you in suspense. For me, the driving force was the thriller aspect to this, as it's definitely engaging from start to finish.
Another good novel from Shea and I'm looking forward to reading more from her. I highly recommend giving this a go if you're into thrillers or looking to expand your reading preferences.
Whispering Oakes falls into the suspense/thriller genre, but also features a romance. I quite liked the thriller and although it felt resolved early in a way, there were still a few aspects that I didn't see coming and I liked the risk taken by the author to branch out and do something very different to previous works. The romance between Ash & Cassidy wasn't fleshed out as well as I think it could be, but that may be due to the level of detail required to keep you in suspense. For me, the driving force was the thriller aspect to this, as it's definitely engaging from start to finish.
Another good novel from Shea and I'm looking forward to reading more from her. I highly recommend giving this a go if you're into thrillers or looking to expand your reading preferences.
November 12, 2021
I was blown away by Chef's Kiss and now after reading Whispering Oaks, Stephanie Shea has become one of my favorite authors. She pieces together a mystery so effortlessly and brings us a memorable romance along the way.
Nothing every happened in Whispering Oaks, until the night Cassidy Linden's sister, 17 year old Emily disappears. Cassidy is home for the summer from college and working at the local bar. She makes it home at 4am and finds the kitchen door open. A trail of rose petals lead her to the backyard where she finds her sisters phone. With no leads and no evidence the police seem to think Emily just ran off with her boyfriend. But Cassidy knows her sister wouldn't just leave without a word and stay gone for so long.
While working at the bar Cassidy encounters Ashlyn Castille whose blue eyes she could drown in. A one night stand wasn't on her agenda but she just wants to forget the pain her sister's disappearance has her living in. Cassidy and Ashlyn discover a connection that takes them both by surprise and makes them destined for more than just one night together. The twists and turns along the way will keep them both on their toes. Will Cassidy ever see her sister again and what secrets is Cassidy's idyllic neighborhood hiding.
I don't want to give away too much as it needs to be experienced firsthand. This is a truly enthralling mystery. Cassidy is a wonderful character. Her struggles in dealing not just with her sister's disappearance, but trying to be there for her mother and father and feeling like she has failed everyone. The guilt she feels over her best friend, Grey, who she knows is in love with her, but she doesn't return his feelings and her confusion over the feelings she does have for the gorgeous, enigmatic Ashlyn.
Stephanie Shea is phenomenal. She has such a way with words. It's not poetry, but it's poetic. I highly recommend this book.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
https://sapphicbookreview.com/review/...
Nothing every happened in Whispering Oaks, until the night Cassidy Linden's sister, 17 year old Emily disappears. Cassidy is home for the summer from college and working at the local bar. She makes it home at 4am and finds the kitchen door open. A trail of rose petals lead her to the backyard where she finds her sisters phone. With no leads and no evidence the police seem to think Emily just ran off with her boyfriend. But Cassidy knows her sister wouldn't just leave without a word and stay gone for so long.
While working at the bar Cassidy encounters Ashlyn Castille whose blue eyes she could drown in. A one night stand wasn't on her agenda but she just wants to forget the pain her sister's disappearance has her living in. Cassidy and Ashlyn discover a connection that takes them both by surprise and makes them destined for more than just one night together. The twists and turns along the way will keep them both on their toes. Will Cassidy ever see her sister again and what secrets is Cassidy's idyllic neighborhood hiding.
I don't want to give away too much as it needs to be experienced firsthand. This is a truly enthralling mystery. Cassidy is a wonderful character. Her struggles in dealing not just with her sister's disappearance, but trying to be there for her mother and father and feeling like she has failed everyone. The guilt she feels over her best friend, Grey, who she knows is in love with her, but she doesn't return his feelings and her confusion over the feelings she does have for the gorgeous, enigmatic Ashlyn.
Stephanie Shea is phenomenal. She has such a way with words. It's not poetry, but it's poetic. I highly recommend this book.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
https://sapphicbookreview.com/review/...
March 4, 2025
Cassidy works a bar at a club, and coming home to her parents suburban house in the early hours of the morning, she finds everything is not right. Things are so wrong. Her family is broken. Her sister Emily is missing.
A few days later while at work in the club, she meets Ashlyn, and later they spend steamy time together - Cassidy takes out her hurt, fear and frustration on Ashlyn. Only later she finds that Ashlyn is also involved with the situation; Emily’s new boyfriend Chuck is Ashlyn’s younger brother, and he is also missing.
To confuse the matter further, the loss of Emily seems to coincide with the return of her father’s former best friend and neighbour Paris, who hasn’t been seen for about ten years.
This is a tense psychological thriller-style story, where Cassidy and Ashlyn together solve the mystery. It is full of angst, but no death. A hard read for me.
It is well written, with an almost instant understanding and love between Cassidy and Ashlyn, two people united in a shared loss. And of course it does have a happy ending.
A few days later while at work in the club, she meets Ashlyn, and later they spend steamy time together - Cassidy takes out her hurt, fear and frustration on Ashlyn. Only later she finds that Ashlyn is also involved with the situation; Emily’s new boyfriend Chuck is Ashlyn’s younger brother, and he is also missing.
To confuse the matter further, the loss of Emily seems to coincide with the return of her father’s former best friend and neighbour Paris, who hasn’t been seen for about ten years.
This is a tense psychological thriller-style story, where Cassidy and Ashlyn together solve the mystery. It is full of angst, but no death. A hard read for me.
It is well written, with an almost instant understanding and love between Cassidy and Ashlyn, two people united in a shared loss. And of course it does have a happy ending.
September 25, 2024
My first by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A nice blend of romance and suspense. Interesting characters and unusual plot. Something a little different. Well worth a read.
November 8, 2021
Stephanie Shea did it again! If you’re looking for a suspense WLW story, with great intense real characters, this is a must read. The story keeps you hooked, you won’t be able to put it down, the emotions are on point and the romance is hot and real. I just loved it. It depicts how friendship, family and love relationships can be affected by a difficult and tragic event. It captures suspense, doubt, love, from beginning to end, Totally recommend!!
November 5, 2021
Wow!, just Wow
This book just became one of my all-time favorites. It has everything you could want. Mystery, suspense, romance, angst, and love! The two main characters, Cassidy and Ashlyn are wonderful, had me rooting for them from the start. Do yourself a favour and get this book as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed!
This book just became one of my all-time favorites. It has everything you could want. Mystery, suspense, romance, angst, and love! The two main characters, Cassidy and Ashlyn are wonderful, had me rooting for them from the start. Do yourself a favour and get this book as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed!
November 2, 2021
Loved it
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book, but was pleasantly surprised. It is a mystery of a missing girl, but there is a romance in there as well. Well written, with a good plot. Well worth the read.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book, but was pleasantly surprised. It is a mystery of a missing girl, but there is a romance in there as well. Well written, with a good plot. Well worth the read.
November 8, 2021
Loved it
I gave it five stars because I couldn't put it down. Great story line and the characters are pretty awesome. Can't wait for the next book
I gave it five stars because I couldn't put it down. Great story line and the characters are pretty awesome. Can't wait for the next book
May 15, 2022
Why did this have to end, I want more. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
August 23, 2023
A brilliantly written mystery/suspense and wlw romance book. The protagonist of whispering Oaks, Cassidy is such a complex and vibrant character that she practically jumps off the page. And it was a joy to read her journey as she searched for her missing little sister and fell in love with Ashlyn. I don't want to say much more than what the blurb said about the plot because of mystery and suspense it just needs to be read. Such an addictive ride that had me on the edge of my seat afraid for the character's safety at times. So yes all of this novel was superb my favourite part of the book though is the wlw love story of Cassidy and Ashlyn the way this author wrote a love story is nothing short of amazing. It's written so well they're feelings for each other how they support each other how their relationship grows from when they first meet to when we leave them. The love scenes are perfect, beautifully written, passionate, and yes I found them just very enjoyable to read as a lesbian woman. These love scenes in this book stood out to me as some of the best written book wlw love scenes I've yet to read. And that was only one aspect of the relationship the emotional aspect was just as well writtena nd enjoyable. I will never forget Cassidy and Ashlyn's love story. Thank you to the author Stephanie Shea, who wrote this book Thankyou for writing Cassidy's story. It's one I will never forget.
Also I know this is a stand-alone novel but a sequel would be great one day.
Also I know this is a stand-alone novel but a sequel would be great one day.
November 7, 2021
I must start by saying that Whispering Oaks is definitely my favorite Stephanie Shea book.
Shea, as always, writes nuanced, real characters that are easy to connect with.
This book hooked me from the start, you can feel Cassidy's frustration and despair at finding her sister. I just wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Shea does a great job revealing everything and keeping you connected with the protagonist, you feel her pain, anger, love, hope...
The connections made in this book show the kind of complex characters and relationships I always like to find in books. Cassidy’s family dynamics, the sisterhood between Emily and Cass, the friendship with Grey, every single interaction with Paris is so deep and full of tension that they kept me reading nonstop. The connection with Ashlyn was so well written and developed, so real and complex.
Cassidy, Ashlyn and Paris are especially multidimensional characters that keep every scene interesting and intriguing.
Shea is a great writer and I’m so glad she wrote a suspense book!
I loved Whispering Oaks!
Shea, as always, writes nuanced, real characters that are easy to connect with.
This book hooked me from the start, you can feel Cassidy's frustration and despair at finding her sister. I just wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Shea does a great job revealing everything and keeping you connected with the protagonist, you feel her pain, anger, love, hope...
The connections made in this book show the kind of complex characters and relationships I always like to find in books. Cassidy’s family dynamics, the sisterhood between Emily and Cass, the friendship with Grey, every single interaction with Paris is so deep and full of tension that they kept me reading nonstop. The connection with Ashlyn was so well written and developed, so real and complex.
Cassidy, Ashlyn and Paris are especially multidimensional characters that keep every scene interesting and intriguing.
Shea is a great writer and I’m so glad she wrote a suspense book!
I loved Whispering Oaks!
September 24, 2022
What A Great Mystery and Love Story!
I am so mad at myself for letting this book sit in my Amazon queque for almost a year. Everything Stephanie Shea has written I have loved. This book has outshined all the others. I love Cassidy and I love her with Ashlyn. The instant connection and fast bond was such a sweet and honest approach. When Cassidy comes home late from her shift at the bar, she notices the back door open, a line of rose petals on the ground and her sister Emily’s phone. Emily is missing. When Ashlyn is hanging out at the bar Cassidy works at, there is a connection and when Cassidy goes outside for a breather during her break, Ashley approaches her and needing a diversion, they go to Ashley’s for a one night stand. But they can’t seem to stay apart especially after finding out Emily’s boyfriend Chuck, that seems to be missing too, is Ashley’s brother who wasn’t even aware. This story has some really cool twists and turns and secrets. Lots of secrets. Such a great read!
I am so mad at myself for letting this book sit in my Amazon queque for almost a year. Everything Stephanie Shea has written I have loved. This book has outshined all the others. I love Cassidy and I love her with Ashlyn. The instant connection and fast bond was such a sweet and honest approach. When Cassidy comes home late from her shift at the bar, she notices the back door open, a line of rose petals on the ground and her sister Emily’s phone. Emily is missing. When Ashlyn is hanging out at the bar Cassidy works at, there is a connection and when Cassidy goes outside for a breather during her break, Ashley approaches her and needing a diversion, they go to Ashley’s for a one night stand. But they can’t seem to stay apart especially after finding out Emily’s boyfriend Chuck, that seems to be missing too, is Ashley’s brother who wasn’t even aware. This story has some really cool twists and turns and secrets. Lots of secrets. Such a great read!
May 27, 2025
I love it. That’s it. I love Whispering Oaks, and I have nothing else to say except that you should go read it.
Kidding, I do have things to say. This story left me with a heavy feeling in the chest, something close to fear. Apprehension maybe. Nearly everyone felt like a suspect to me at some point.
If there is something I love, it’s feeling like Jessica Fletcher trying to solve a crime in the safety of my house. The suspense had me holding my breath, and the plot twist… I saw it coming, but at the same time, I also didn’t.
Cassidy is full of anger. There is no other way to describe her. I enjoyed her determination, even if she often acted like a bull in a china shop. Combined with Ashley’s calmer and kinda-cold-but-not-really nature, they made a wonderful pairing. The pace of their relationship might seem fast, but it does feel right.
I honestly have nothing else to add to what at said at the beginning of the review. I just loved it
Kidding, I do have things to say. This story left me with a heavy feeling in the chest, something close to fear. Apprehension maybe. Nearly everyone felt like a suspect to me at some point.
If there is something I love, it’s feeling like Jessica Fletcher trying to solve a crime in the safety of my house. The suspense had me holding my breath, and the plot twist… I saw it coming, but at the same time, I also didn’t.
Cassidy is full of anger. There is no other way to describe her. I enjoyed her determination, even if she often acted like a bull in a china shop. Combined with Ashley’s calmer and kinda-cold-but-not-really nature, they made a wonderful pairing. The pace of their relationship might seem fast, but it does feel right.
I honestly have nothing else to add to what at said at the beginning of the review. I just loved it
March 18, 2022
Sensual and suspenseful
This book has just the right mix of romance and mystery, with strong main characters. The book immediately begins with the disappearance of MC Cassidy’s younger sister, Emily, and we soon learn Emily’s boyfriend, Chuck, is missing as well. Cassidy meets Ashlyn before knowing she’s Chuck’s sister, and the two bond as they seek to solve the disappearance of their siblings. Shea does a good job of building tension as the search for the two teens goes from days to weeks, and as a suspect becomes targeted. The story is an engaging psychological thriller that keeps you on edge to the end.
This book has just the right mix of romance and mystery, with strong main characters. The book immediately begins with the disappearance of MC Cassidy’s younger sister, Emily, and we soon learn Emily’s boyfriend, Chuck, is missing as well. Cassidy meets Ashlyn before knowing she’s Chuck’s sister, and the two bond as they seek to solve the disappearance of their siblings. Shea does a good job of building tension as the search for the two teens goes from days to weeks, and as a suspect becomes targeted. The story is an engaging psychological thriller that keeps you on edge to the end.
November 12, 2021
Gut wrenching!!!
Brilliantly written story of many conflicting and confusing emotions. My head is still spinning and my heart is still racing. The book was called a romantic suspense … but it was a thriller that I was not able to put down. The characters were well developed and relatable as well as the secondary characters. I don’t want to give anything away … just pick up this book today! I enthusiastically, heartily and unequivocally recommend this and any other works by this author. Thank you Peace
Brilliantly written story of many conflicting and confusing emotions. My head is still spinning and my heart is still racing. The book was called a romantic suspense … but it was a thriller that I was not able to put down. The characters were well developed and relatable as well as the secondary characters. I don’t want to give anything away … just pick up this book today! I enthusiastically, heartily and unequivocally recommend this and any other works by this author. Thank you Peace
March 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It had me captivated the whole time, and if it wasn't for work I would have read it in one go. The story follows Cassidy who is trying to figure out and deal with her sisters' disappearance. Cassidy was a very enjoyable perspective to read. Watching her navigate her emotions and second guessing everything. I want to say more but they get into the spoiler category, this was the perfect book for me and I am so glad I decided to read this book.
Recommend this for fans of intrigue with some romance.
Recommend this for fans of intrigue with some romance.
December 4, 2021
Love it!!
Realistic...loved the character development and interaction. Natural dialog and flow. Yep...all around super!
Seven more words required...that's kinda lame...one more...are we good now?
Realistic...loved the character development and interaction. Natural dialog and flow. Yep...all around super!
Seven more words required...that's kinda lame...one more...are we good now?
December 5, 2021
Gripping
This was a good, gripping read. I found it very difficult to pause my reading, so anxious was I to figure out the mystery. Looking forward to reading more of Stephanie Shea's work. 5 stars
This was a good, gripping read. I found it very difficult to pause my reading, so anxious was I to figure out the mystery. Looking forward to reading more of Stephanie Shea's work. 5 stars
April 12, 2022
Kept me on the edge of my seat!
This mystery has a bit of psychological thriller, family drama, and romance. Well written characters and good pacing kept me reading for hours. I look forward to more from Stephanie Shea!
This mystery has a bit of psychological thriller, family drama, and romance. Well written characters and good pacing kept me reading for hours. I look forward to more from Stephanie Shea!
January 4, 2023
edge of the seat read
What a read, the storyline kept me engrossed and wanting to peak at the ending but not wanting to get to the end. I hope there’ll be more of these books to come.
What a read, the storyline kept me engrossed and wanting to peak at the ending but not wanting to get to the end. I hope there’ll be more of these books to come.
September 25, 2024
nice balance of romance and suspense
My first by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A nice blend of romance and suspense. Interesting characters and unusual plot. Something a little different. Well worth a read.
My first by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A nice blend of romance and suspense. Interesting characters and unusual plot. Something a little different. Well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews