Attorney Isaac Colson only wants to put his tumultuous past in Fog Lake behind him and return to his life in Memphis. But when an ominous text threatens that he must come back or there will be deadly consequences, he knows he can’t take any chances.
Rebecca Moreno has only ever loved one man—her high school sweetheart, Isaac Colson. But when his dad went to prison for murder, Rebecca’s father forbade them from seeing each other again.
Years later, Isaac is back in town and old feelings are stirring. But Rebecca is harboring a secret that could change everything. When The Good Samaritan Killer strikes again, guilt pummels her. She has to tell Isaac the truth. But as events unfold, she has more to lose than ever.
Isaac and Rebecca must find answers—their lives depend on it. But everyone seems to have secrets, each that forms an obstacle to finding the truth . . . and to staying alive.
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
Great story! I think it is best read after the book directly before it, Legacy of Lies, as it has many references to the investigation and killings that went on in that book. Secrets of Shame was full of intense situations and danger, along with a big secret that the heroine of the story had kept for many years that directly impacted many characters in the book. The title is definitely accurate. There were quite a few secrets that had to find the light of day in this book. I enjoyed seeing Isaac and Rebecca reconnect and am now on to the next book to read Bear's story.
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars "You always knew that I'd come back for you, didn't you?"
Rebecca Moreno is literally hanging off the side of a mountain, her worst nightmare coming true; he's back! She kept silent for all those years, trying to protect those she loved, and this is what it has come down to . . . right now . . . this very night.
"A car dangled from the side of the road, nothing beneath the front tires except a massive cliff."
Who was the driver? "It was Rebecca Moreno. His Rebecca." Like a knight in shining armor Isaac Colson knows he has mere minutes to talk Rebecca into trusting him with her life, fragile inches separating her from plunging to a certain death. And then . . . . the question can begin. Why was she on that remote road to begin with and could Isaac have been lured into some sort of trap?
It appears that the Good Samaritan Killer has come back to Fog Lake! (but wait a minute, wasn't he already in jail?) A fast paced thriller that readers will practically inhale!
Since reading Legacy of Lies, I have been anxiously awaiting the follow up to that story and it is here! Secrets of Shame picks up where the Legacy of Lies left off. I was so excited to finally know whether the real Good Samaritan Killer was behind bars or was he still on the loose terrorizing residents of Fog Lake. This book centers around Isaac Colson who returns to Fog Lake and his high school sweetheart, Rebecca. I liked both the characters, but I am not going to lie. There were times I found myself yelling at Rebecca to just tell her secret!! You'll have to read to find out what that secret is. In true Christy Barritt fashion, this book is full of page-turning suspense that kept me guessing until the end. Lots of my questions were answered in this book, but readers were left with even more. Hoping the next in the series will be out soon!
You don't have to have read the entire series to know what is going on, but you will definitely want to read Legacy of Lies before this one to understand the backstory.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Secrets of Shame by Christy Barritt features the Good Samaritain Killer again. Of course, in true Barritt fashion the story has many twists and turns to the plot. It is a cozy mystery with plenty of questionable moments that have the readers begging for more. I do enjoy stories that have characters that have made an appearance in another story, and this is another one that does that. The murder keeps crafting havoc in town and bodies keep showing up dead. Definitely a book for fans of cozy mysteries with the family members and many different ways the characters are running for their lives.
I received a complimentary copy of Secrets of Shame by Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I liked this one! It felt pretty fast paced and the mystery wasn’t extremely predictable. I like that these books are clean but I wouldn’t necessarily call them Christian. There was only one mention of Thanking God and no other faith content.
I always look forward to Barritt’s Fog Lake Suspense books because they are over all deeper and explore mental health issues in a trauma informed manner that I appreciate. Rebecca’s turmoil as an emotionally abused, adult child of an alcoholic parent who, like many in her situation, is battling additional trauma, comes across as totally believable. Even when you’re frustrated with how stuck she is, you still feel terrible for the position she’s in. Sadly, Isaac, who should be our heartthrob, just can’t seem to be anything but predictable. In general, it’s nice. We can’t hate a guy for being stable and sane. It’s just what Rebecca’s trouble life probably needs… it’s just that it wouldn’t hurt if he also has a personality. It turns out that book 6 feels more like a solid mystery thanks a true thriller. Like books 2+3 it just isn’t as gripping as book 1, 4 & 5, which was the first in a new set of stories taking place in the troubled mountain town of Fog Lake. Secrets of Shame suffers from middle book syndrome, with even characters we’ve grown to know, love and respect coming across as flat and uninteresting. All that aside, I am looking forward to book 7. Bear, brother to Madison (Book 5) & Isaac (Book 6), has always seemed like the most fascinating of the siblings, with his personality leaping off the page in his few appearances, even when someone else is supposed to be our focus. There’s still a killer on the loose and we’re counting on our man Bear to take him down. (We wouldn’t hate it if he cornered the guy in a cave, either, Christy! *hint* *hint*)
The mystery surrounding the Good Samaritan Killer gripped me in LEGACY OF LIES and the intrigue continues in SECRETS OF SHAME.
Attorney Isaac Colson, son of alleged serial killer, receives a text from an unknown number saying, “Every day you're not in Fog Lake, someone will die”. It could be a prank, but what if it's not? He races back to his hometown just in the nick of time to save his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Moreno, from a dire situation. Rebecca has a secret. One that would change everything. But because of threats to her family, she can't reveal it. Can these two come together and solve a mystery that's haunted the town for years?
I can't say that I ever really connected with Isaac or Rebecca. Even though Rebecca had a legitimate reason to stay quiet, I still got extremely frustrated by her silence. But despite all that, the questions swirling around about the Good Samaritan Killer kept me glued to the pages. I needed to know if the real killer was behind bars, or if he was set up. Was the actual culprit still on the loose and back to terrorize the town of Fog Lake? I was pleasantly surprised to find the answers to those questions.
I'd definitely recommend reading LEGACY OF LIES before this one. The other books in the Fog Lake series are optional, but great reads.
The Colson trilogy, part of the Fog Lake series, picks up after the last book and follows middle sibling Isaac and Rebecca, his high school sweetheart.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Rebecca is the lone survivor of the Good Samaritan Killer. He’s back, determined to finish what he started. And he lured Isaac back too. As Isaac and Rebecca begin to rekindle their romance, they face countless roadblocks—her father, threats to loved ones, and most importantly, the secret she’s kept for years. The one that could have exonerated Isaac’s father.
As usual, the plot progresses at an escalating pace, and there are suspects aplenty. There’s nice character development from the main protagonists but not much from side characters, though the set up for the next book is firmly in place. I’m not sure I fully embrace the plot device that led to James Colson’s arrest and subsequent fifteen-year imprisonment. His alibi might have led to embarrassment, maybe scandal, possibly even an abusive encounter, but that beats losing everything and subjecting innocent kids to such horrors. It’s flimsy, but with a strong suspension of disbelief, it works.
I’m invested in the overarching mystery and the characters in the town, though I still connect more to the Wilders than the Colsons. All that said, I’m eager to read the conclusion.
In book 6 of Fog Lake Suspense and the second book featuring the Colson family the situation grows even darker. The Good Samaritan Killer shows up again or is it another copycat?
When Rebecca receives a text from Isaac Colson she head's to his brother's house and nearly hits a man in the middle of the road. It turns out that this is no copycat killer and Rebecca's nightmare has returned.
Barritt, once again provides a story that gripped me from the opening pages. She also had me guessing and second guessing who the Good Samaritan Killer was. The chemistry between Rebecca and Isaac was fantastic because it was realistic. As the story played out I got to watch them struggle with the situation and the past.
I think the thing I enjoyed most about this story, was how the author dealt with mental illness and the fallout of functional alcoholism. She brought to light how easy the trappings of both of these issues can be while providing an amazing story.
I can hardly wait to read Bear's story and how this series (or section of the series) will end!
Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of this book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rebecca Moreno has remained in her haunting hometown and kept her own secrets. Now, not only has her one-and-only love returned, but he may have a connection to the serial killer devastating the community. Isaac Colson teams up with Rebecca to try to help solve the crimes and stop the murderer. The author keeps readers guessing since so many could be the guilty party. The suspense is intense and grips your attention to the end. You won’t want to miss this intriguing mystery even if you haven’t read the others set in Fog Lake. Each novel stands on its own but there are some connections. I received a copy from the author.
"My first kill was the hardest. Then I got a taste for it" - Barritt does it again in this riveting suspense book that grabs you in the first chapter and doesn't let go. Isaac Colson doesn't believes his father is the GSK serial killer and is working to get him released from prison but when he comes back to Fog Lake for his aunt's funeral, murders happen again. Is this a copycat or is this the real killer? And how does his high school girlfriend Rebecca figure in all of this? If you like heart-stopping suspense, mystery, and "following the clues" - this is the book for you. I received an advance copy of this book from the author but all opinions are my own.
I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. The saga of the Good Samaritan Killer continues in this book by Christy Barritt. Isaac Colson is looking for a way to prove his father is innocent, and rekindles a friendship with Rebecca Moreno who is forced off the road by the killer. They work together to try to find the killer before he strikes again, but Rebecca is harboring a secret that will affect all their lives. The suspense in this book definitely holds your interest. Themes of trust and forgiveness abound. A great read!
Suspense without the gore. Ms. Barritt has this down to a science. Fog Lake could be such a wonderful place to live if it weren’t for the serial killer who has decided to become active again after more than a decade! One family and one young lady are in his sights. He has vowed to finish what he started with Rebecca and his terror has begun. She kept his secret from years ago to protect her loved ones. Was it all in vain? Will he kill her and her nieces now? This is a must-read.
I've enjoyed getting to know the Colsons in the last two Fog Lake Mysteries (but wish the Wilder siblings made more of an appearance in these two novels). This one focuses on Memphis attorney, Isaac Colson. The Good Samaritan Killer is back and threatens Isaac that if her doesn't return to Fog Lake, people will die. Rebecca Moreno has a past with the killer -- and with Isaac. Rebecca's life is in danger, and Isaac wants to protect her, but her HUGE secret could destroy them both. The Killer seems to know way to much about both Issac and Rebecca and enjoys jerking them around.
This book was a page-turner and was an excellent read!! There was lots of suspense and mystery along with MANY twists and turns. Everyone was a suspect, and I was completely surprised at the end. While it is part of a series, and the other books in the series help to give the story context, you can definitely read it as a stand-alone book; it would still make complete sense. I would highly recommend!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Christy Barritt returns to Fog Lake, Tennessee, in the second book in a trilogy featuring the Colsons and their search for the real Good Samaritan Killer so their dad, who has been convicted for the killings, can be released.
There's plenty of suspense and thrilling moments this time as Isaac Colson and his former girlfriend, Rebecca Moreno, are targeted by the GSK.
I continue to thoroughly enjoy this series of Christian and the scares that it gives. I am so glad that we have good clean scary stories to read. I rated this book a 4 and not a 5 because it was hard for me to keep up with all the characters sometimes, but it was still a page turner and I would read it several times again. I recommend this book to anyone who love chills and thrills.
Scary and twisty describe this series well. The continued suspense and mystery surrounding the area and threatening its residents, two families in particular, leaves readers holding their breath from page one to the end. Stay tuned, there's more to come.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
This book in the Fog Lake Suspense series continues this mystery saga with almost non stop suspense, action and drama. Christy has written an amazing price of fiction that had me in the edge of my seat until it's dramatic and unexpected conclusion. Can't wait for more!
Another roller coaster story from the pen of Christy Barritt. Rebecca and Isaac dated years ago during their high school days. But one evening Rebecca was attacked by the GSK killer. For a strange reason, he decided to let her live awhile longer. Years later he returns to finish the job.
This author is so magnificent at writing suspense that you can't help getting drawn into the story. The characters are strong and compelling and the on going GSK psychological suspense is intriguing. Rebecca is targetted again by a killer, the links to various events in the past are revealing and the outcome is doubtful. Absolutely brilliant.
Christy Barritt continues her streak of gut wrenching suspense, as Isaac and Rebecca try to outmaneuver the Good Samaritan Killer. Along the way long buried secrets are exposed, leaving damaged hearts in the wake. And Rebecca has become a target for a serial killer. Read the series in order. One more to go! Highly recommend!
The first half was good, the last seemed unreal. Too much thrown into the plot, and still unresolved. The secrets and lies held for years, while a man was in prison. Rebecca keeping her secret, was the strongest key of preventing what happening. It seemed so disjointed by the end. Maybe in the next one, unless she has several books in series yet.
It is written "Everthing done in darkness will be brought to the light." This book truly reveals this, as one secret to another slowly unravels the truth and Rebecca, Issac and the Colson clan come to grips with how different life could have been if people had revealed their secrets sooner..
This book is full of danger and suspense. Isaac has been called back to Fog Lake via text message. He and Rebecca face the Good Samaritan Killer in this episode. Rebecca seems to be the target. Will they be able to solve the mystery of who is behind the real GSK before it is too late? I highly recommend this installment of a really good series.
Christy Barritt is one of my favorite autbors, but usually her mysteries are more low key. This series surrounding the Colson family are more intense. I sure don't read them except in the daylight, and hours before going to bed. Psychotic killers are not my forte. But somehow Ms. Barritt has me hooked.
Another Fog Lake Mystery! GSK is back? Another copy cat?? Who is the latest target & why? Clean, suspenseful read though I didn’t find Rebecca as relatable & believable as previous characters…she has a secret - a secret that will impact the Colson family (& wow, what a forgiving family!) Read & solve the latest mystery surrounding Fog Lake!
Y’all, I started this book this morning and didn’t put it down until I was finished with the whole thing! I suspected who the bad guy was but I was wrong! This book is a great page-turner and will keep you guessing until the last chapter. Great book!!
The suspense elements were done really well, but there were details that were inconsistent. That is a pet peeve of mine. There were also word usage errors.
“Don’t tell anyone, or else….” Why does this always work to the enemy’s advantage? I don’t get it. But…anyway….this novel only took me a few hours to plow through. Amazing action and intrigue!