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Charlotte Dean #3
Deadly Secrets
Keeping secrets can be deadly... The charming town of Kingfisher Falls is the place former psychiatrist Charlotte Dean now calls home. When she stumbles across an old, carefully decorated grave in the bushland, Charlotte feels compelled to investigate. The trail leads to an unsolved case of a runaway. But is it possible that the young woman didn't leave town after all? Meanwhile, there's a new face in Kingfisher Falls: a clairvoyant who is winning the favour of the locals. But Charlotte can't bring herself to trust the mysterious woman. As Charlotte's search reveals more important clues, her attempts to uncover the town's secrets could prove to be a deadly pastime. It seems someone is out for revenge, and now, Charlotte is one of their targets.
Paperback
First published December 3, 2019
437 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
88 books364 followersPhillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 14, 2022
Charlotte Dean loved the small town of Kingfisher Falls, her little home beside the bookstore she now worked in alongside Rosie, local cop Trev Sibbritt's mother, and everything about it. In the upstairs third bedroom of her home, she and Trev moved an old wardrobe which had been covering the window and Charlotte was delighted with the view, then curious as she spied what she thought was a path. Going down and toward the woods, she slowly walked along the path which was edged with beautiful flowers - asters - until she reached a clearing. It was what was in that clearing that stunned her - Trev was quickly on the scene.
The grave was old but well cared for. The mystery of it tugged at Charlotte's heartstrings and when it tied to a seventeen year old missing person, a suspected runaway, the investigation by both the cops and Charlotte deepened. What had happened in Kingfisher Falls years prior? Would they discover the answers with very little to go on?
Deadly Secrets is the 3rd in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, dramatic and edged with tension, I'm looking forward to #4 sometime soon. Great characters and a well written plot, this is a series I can happily recommend.
The grave was old but well cared for. The mystery of it tugged at Charlotte's heartstrings and when it tied to a seventeen year old missing person, a suspected runaway, the investigation by both the cops and Charlotte deepened. What had happened in Kingfisher Falls years prior? Would they discover the answers with very little to go on?
Deadly Secrets is the 3rd in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, dramatic and edged with tension, I'm looking forward to #4 sometime soon. Great characters and a well written plot, this is a series I can happily recommend.
April 27, 2024
This is the third book in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries series. In book format the title is Deadly Secrets but if you want to buy the kindle version it is sold under the new title of Cold Case Murder in Kingfisher Falls. One of those publisher/ author disagreements maybe?
Anyway having chased it down and made sure it was indeed the same book, I read and enjoyed it very much. I like the character of Charlotte in all the books so far and her relationship with Trevor is going splendidly.
The book begins with Charlotte discovering a grave in the bush near her house. It looks like an old site but there is a wreath of fresh roses on it which indicates someone still cares about whoever is under the mound of earth. Charlotte uses her psychiatry training and her detective skills to help Trevor solve the mystery.
An entertaining and interesting book from this talented Australian author and I am looking forward to book 4 (whatever its title is).
Anyway having chased it down and made sure it was indeed the same book, I read and enjoyed it very much. I like the character of Charlotte in all the books so far and her relationship with Trevor is going splendidly.
The book begins with Charlotte discovering a grave in the bush near her house. It looks like an old site but there is a wreath of fresh roses on it which indicates someone still cares about whoever is under the mound of earth. Charlotte uses her psychiatry training and her detective skills to help Trevor solve the mystery.
An entertaining and interesting book from this talented Australian author and I am looking forward to book 4 (whatever its title is).
June 6, 2020
What a fabulous story, I am not sure where to start I loved it from start to finish it, is so well written, fabulous characters and Charlotte is beautiful inside and out as ever, so many emotions and yes danger and a mystery to uncover and Charlotte is at her best again with her sleuthing even if Trevor is always worrying about her but at the same time very appreciate of her help.
When Charlotte discovers an old grave in the bushland at the back of her place this starts a big investigation and now with a decent law abiding police officer at Kingfisher Falls namely Trevor Sibbritt we know that things will be investigated properly and Charlotte is more than happy to help, actually she feels very strongly that she must.
There are lots of things happening in this quiet little town a new person arrives and opens a shop telling fortunes, Harmony, but Charlotte is very wary of her as she seems to know things about Charlotte but she appears to be helping Rosie out, as the investigation moves on there are a couple of missing girls from a while ago and some thoughts on who the body is and who the killer is which had me turning the pages as the plot thickens.
MS Clark has pulled this murder mystery together so well Charlotte was such a help with the investigation and while she was struggling with her personal life as well, she is falling even more for Trevor but her past is still holding her back and a visit to Brisbane to see her mother happens and this then turns her life upside down and a future for Trevor and her is a yes and beautifully worked and worded by MS Clark.
I am loving this series, I feel that Charlotte, Trevor and Rosie are like family and love visiting with them and I love the mysteries that need to be solved they have me guessing and turning the pages, these stories also take in the emotions of these people and the love that shines throughout the story, I can highly recommend this book and the series and I really do hope that we have more visits to Kingfisher Falls.
When Charlotte discovers an old grave in the bushland at the back of her place this starts a big investigation and now with a decent law abiding police officer at Kingfisher Falls namely Trevor Sibbritt we know that things will be investigated properly and Charlotte is more than happy to help, actually she feels very strongly that she must.
There are lots of things happening in this quiet little town a new person arrives and opens a shop telling fortunes, Harmony, but Charlotte is very wary of her as she seems to know things about Charlotte but she appears to be helping Rosie out, as the investigation moves on there are a couple of missing girls from a while ago and some thoughts on who the body is and who the killer is which had me turning the pages as the plot thickens.
MS Clark has pulled this murder mystery together so well Charlotte was such a help with the investigation and while she was struggling with her personal life as well, she is falling even more for Trevor but her past is still holding her back and a visit to Brisbane to see her mother happens and this then turns her life upside down and a future for Trevor and her is a yes and beautifully worked and worded by MS Clark.
I am loving this series, I feel that Charlotte, Trevor and Rosie are like family and love visiting with them and I love the mysteries that need to be solved they have me guessing and turning the pages, these stories also take in the emotions of these people and the love that shines throughout the story, I can highly recommend this book and the series and I really do hope that we have more visits to Kingfisher Falls.
June 4, 2020
Welcome back to Kingfisher Falls with Book 3 of 4 in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries, "Deadly Secrets." A charming little town with intrigue of it's own. This book takes us into Charlotte investigating a shallow grave that looks like it's been there for sometime. As she slowly starts to reveal clues she is finding out that maybe the town is hiding something. I highly recommend the first two books in the series: "The Christmas Tree Thief" and "Deadly Falls." I don't usually read mysteries, but I really like Phillipa Nefri Clark's books.
July 26, 2020
If you love mystery and intrigue, you will love this book. Charolette Dean is sleuthing again. She finds a shallow grave at the back of her place. It’s been there a while. She slowly investigates it with police officer Trevor Sibbritt. She uncovers secrets and brings danger to town. Will they find out the secrets? This is a well written mystery. I give it 5 stars. It worth the read. Phillips Nefri Clarke always keeps you on the edge of you seat. Thank you Phillips
July 23, 2020
Deadly Secrets by Phillipa Nefri Clark finds Charlotte Dean in the middle of another mystery in Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte finds a grave in the bush land behind her flat. With the last police officer gone and a new one in place, Trevor, Charlotte once again is involved in the investigation. This time her help is welcomed rather than being seen as a nuisance. We also see more of Charlotte's past and her relationship with her mother. A great read.
July 19, 2020
Just really excellent! Maybe Ms. Clark's best yet! We lost the timid, nervous, annoying Charlotte, and found a strong resolved woman in her place. Now she is an equal and excellent match for Trev. While we didn't get to see much of some of our favorites like Lachie, we grew to love Rose and Lewis even more. Not being a huge mystery fan, I found this book well rounded in both storyline as well as character development. I look forward to seeing the evolution of the characters in the next book and feel confident it, too, will be well-balanced between plotline and characters.
January 19, 2022
Deadly Secrets
Charlotte Dean Mysteries book 3
By Phillipa Nefri Clark
Narrated by Carla Kissane
Back to Kingfisher Falls I visit for another amazing mystery! Charlotte is loving living there, and her budding relationship with Trevor is a light for her. But she is holding secrets, secrets she wanted to leave behind. When she finds a shallow grave in her backyard though, her secrets begin to be revealed. With this, danger comes, and things really heat up! Will the case be solved? To find out, you will have to visit Kingfisher Falls, get to know Charlie, Trevor, Rose and enjoy the bookshop! Small town mysteries are the best and Clark keeps you on the edge of your seat with this one.
Narration is continued by Carla Kissane, and I love her voice. She has made this series so enjoyable, continuing her voices from book to book. She adds just the right amount of suspense and keeps us vested in the outcome. Loved her performance.
Charlotte Dean Mysteries book 3
By Phillipa Nefri Clark
Narrated by Carla Kissane
Back to Kingfisher Falls I visit for another amazing mystery! Charlotte is loving living there, and her budding relationship with Trevor is a light for her. But she is holding secrets, secrets she wanted to leave behind. When she finds a shallow grave in her backyard though, her secrets begin to be revealed. With this, danger comes, and things really heat up! Will the case be solved? To find out, you will have to visit Kingfisher Falls, get to know Charlie, Trevor, Rose and enjoy the bookshop! Small town mysteries are the best and Clark keeps you on the edge of your seat with this one.
Narration is continued by Carla Kissane, and I love her voice. She has made this series so enjoyable, continuing her voices from book to book. She adds just the right amount of suspense and keeps us vested in the outcome. Loved her performance.
December 10, 2021
I find myself drawn back to Kingfisher Falls, and diving into Deadly Secrets... What a lovely Cozy mystery! 😊
It's far darker than the first two books, having just the right mix of romance, soul searching, and mystery. This not only draws the reader into the book, but pays out dividends with a really satisfying conclusion!
Yes, our protagonist Charlotte is rather fallible, and she still struggles with trust issues, and yes her curiosity gets the better of her, but really, that just makes her a more believable character!
So grab the audiobook, and let Carla Kissane's narration take you to Australia 🇦🇺, Kingfisher Falls, and a friendly bookshop!
It's far darker than the first two books, having just the right mix of romance, soul searching, and mystery. This not only draws the reader into the book, but pays out dividends with a really satisfying conclusion!
Yes, our protagonist Charlotte is rather fallible, and she still struggles with trust issues, and yes her curiosity gets the better of her, but really, that just makes her a more believable character!
So grab the audiobook, and let Carla Kissane's narration take you to Australia 🇦🇺, Kingfisher Falls, and a friendly bookshop!
September 30, 2025
Emotion and Action packed Cozy 4.75 stars!
Clark delivers a clean cozy mystery but the turmoil in Charlotte's life is not comfortable at all! This may be a cold case mystery but somehow the danger is still real today.
This is a stand alone mystery solved in a nice and satisfactory way but relationships within Kingfisher Falls shift or build along each story. I can recommend this for high school age and older for a satisfying mystery. Though free by promotion, my review is honest in content. I docked points because I'm not keeping it on my kindle. Read, wonder, smile then enjoy!
Clark delivers a clean cozy mystery but the turmoil in Charlotte's life is not comfortable at all! This may be a cold case mystery but somehow the danger is still real today.
This is a stand alone mystery solved in a nice and satisfactory way but relationships within Kingfisher Falls shift or build along each story. I can recommend this for high school age and older for a satisfying mystery. Though free by promotion, my review is honest in content. I docked points because I'm not keeping it on my kindle. Read, wonder, smile then enjoy!
November 8, 2021
woohoooo…heart eyes!!
I am loving this cozy mystery series! Charlie has her secrets that she hasn’t shared with anyone…not even the people whom she has grown to love…her boss, Rosie, and Rosie’s son…newly posted Leading Senior Constable Trevor Sibbritt. Charlie’s secrets take a back seat to the discovery of a grave right outside her back gate. Interspersed with the investigation of the murder, are Charlie’s secrets…and her growing romance with Trev. Such a wonderful story! Looking forward to the next book.
I am loving this cozy mystery series! Charlie has her secrets that she hasn’t shared with anyone…not even the people whom she has grown to love…her boss, Rosie, and Rosie’s son…newly posted Leading Senior Constable Trevor Sibbritt. Charlie’s secrets take a back seat to the discovery of a grave right outside her back gate. Interspersed with the investigation of the murder, are Charlie’s secrets…and her growing romance with Trev. Such a wonderful story! Looking forward to the next book.
January 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This was another hard to put down read in this series. More mysteries, intrigue and secrets and more to come as Charlotte once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. I'm loving seeing Charlotte's growth as she opens up and makes new friends and a new life. The storyline with her mother is a rough one but Charlotte is stronger than she realises. I love Trev he's such a good man and I'm loving the relationship that's blooming between them. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series and uncover more about Charlotte and the secrets she's uncovered.
This was another hard to put down read in this series. More mysteries, intrigue and secrets and more to come as Charlotte once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. I'm loving seeing Charlotte's growth as she opens up and makes new friends and a new life. The storyline with her mother is a rough one but Charlotte is stronger than she realises. I love Trev he's such a good man and I'm loving the relationship that's blooming between them. I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series and uncover more about Charlotte and the secrets she's uncovered.
April 7, 2021
Another great book in the series
Charlotte can be frustrating at times when she lets her past interfere with her happiness and when she puts herself in danger investigating. But even so, you keep rooting for her. A long-ago murder, dealing with her mother's illness and then finding something in the box that was sent to her by the home her mother is in. Looking forward to book 4 in the series!
Charlotte can be frustrating at times when she lets her past interfere with her happiness and when she puts herself in danger investigating. But even so, you keep rooting for her. A long-ago murder, dealing with her mother's illness and then finding something in the box that was sent to her by the home her mother is in. Looking forward to book 4 in the series!
October 27, 2025
I kept reading "just one more chapter"
The third book in this series is a great follow on from book 2, where we learn more about Charlie's past. Charlie (Charlotte) seems to continue to attract trouble and finds a grave in the woods behind her flat above the bookshop. As usual she does her sleuthing trying solve the crime.
An entertaining read once again.ovely to see the characters developing more.
The third book in this series is a great follow on from book 2, where we learn more about Charlie's past. Charlie (Charlotte) seems to continue to attract trouble and finds a grave in the woods behind her flat above the bookshop. As usual she does her sleuthing trying solve the crime.
An entertaining read once again.ovely to see the characters developing more.
March 31, 2021
A follow on from #2. I think it would be hard to follow without first beginning this series. This had both a murder mystery, and also advances the story about Charlotte Dean's complicated personal life. Fascinating read.
July 27, 2022
Loved the narration of Carla Kissane
Charlie has secrets , which she is keeping to herself . But those secrets fade away when a discovery of a grave right outside her back gate, is found. Another brilliant plot.
Charlie has secrets , which she is keeping to herself . But those secrets fade away when a discovery of a grave right outside her back gate, is found. Another brilliant plot.
September 12, 2022
Another great read in the series. I have loved watching Charlotte's character develop, and the love, trust and security grow between her and Trev. I almost don't want to read the next book which is the last in this series I believe. I hope there will be more to come.
February 16, 2025
I think this might have been my favorite one so far in the series! :) I really liked getting to know more about Charlie's personal history and life. Another great mystery too with good twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one!
October 18, 2025
This is the third book in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries series by Phillipa Nefri Clark in the Kingfisher Falls series. I enjoyed the storyline and the mystery---well written and engaging characters, too.
November 2, 2025
Another good read. Charlotte has a knack for finding mysterious happenings and seems to sense things which may be amiss. Charlotte is finally able to deal with personal issues surrounding her mother and the mental illnesses her mother faces. She gets answers but also has more questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
Another great book
Deadly secrets is another great book in the Charlotte Dean series that can’t be put down. Now onto the next book.
Deadly secrets is another great book in the Charlotte Dean series that can’t be put down. Now onto the next book.
January 31, 2021
Great Read
Enjoyable series, light hearted, fast read, you will laugh and smile while you are reading. It would be great to know a Charlotte Dean.
Enjoyable series, light hearted, fast read, you will laugh and smile while you are reading. It would be great to know a Charlotte Dean.
October 6, 2023
Love how the mystery continues into each book. Great read
June 18, 2024
really enjoyed this book...
March 9, 2025
Ms Clark pours on the love and emotion in her book.
Of course there's lots of investigation, from both the police AND the amateur..
Great fun, tears, anger 'n all...
Of course there's lots of investigation, from both the police AND the amateur..
Great fun, tears, anger 'n all...
October 1, 2025
Good Story
This story got my attention from the first page and held it to the last. Now I'll be looking for the rest of the series.
This story got my attention from the first page and held it to the last. Now I'll be looking for the rest of the series.
November 21, 2025
Charlotte Dean is an amazing woman with a complicated past.
December 8, 2025
I really couldn't connect with this story - mayb
January 17, 2021
I am binge reading this series, it's so good.
In book 3, Charlotte finds a grave in the bushland behind the bookshop, fully tended but who is buried there and who tends it?
With Trev back in Kingfisher Falls, will their relationship develop? Trev isn't the only newcomer to the area, there's a new shop opened, a clairvoyant, and she tells Charlotte something which floors her!
As usual, Charlotte gets involved, she can't but help herself. Will she be safe?
A great book which is well worth reading. Ideally read in order as each of the books are linked to the one before.
In book 3, Charlotte finds a grave in the bushland behind the bookshop, fully tended but who is buried there and who tends it?
With Trev back in Kingfisher Falls, will their relationship develop? Trev isn't the only newcomer to the area, there's a new shop opened, a clairvoyant, and she tells Charlotte something which floors her!
As usual, Charlotte gets involved, she can't but help herself. Will she be safe?
A great book which is well worth reading. Ideally read in order as each of the books are linked to the one before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews