Dark Truths

Angel Falls #6

by Tess Thompson, Charlene Tess, Judi Thompson

Is a serial killer walking the quiet streets of Angel Falls? Small-town Sheriff Jonas Clearwater is suddenly responsible for investigating his best friend’s death. Preliminary observations suggest the successful true-crime novelist Cecil Howard could have died from a drug overdose or suicide. Jonas is racked with guilt wondering if he could have prevented the tragedy. On the night Cecil dies, Jonas comes face-to-face with author Peyton Patel, a woman with whom he’d had a brief encounter and never expected to see again but couldn’t get her out of his mind. Why was she there, and what does she know about Cecil’s death? Months earlier in a chance meeting on a lonely night, an instant attraction had ignited between them, but both were hurting from personal tragedies and the timing wasn’t right. Peyton had just buried her beloved grandfather, and Jonas learned that his father has a fatal illness. Soon, it becomes evident that someone was trying to silence Cecil before he could expose the facts about the brutal murders of three women in New Mexico. This time Peyton’s life is in danger, and Jonas realizes his feelings for her are real. Now, he’s in a race with time to keep Peyton from becoming the next victim. Will the fire that’s been smoldering between them burst into flames again?

Genres: Romance, Fiction

268 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2021

About the author

pen name of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecil Howard, a well-known true crime novelist, is found dead in his home.

His best friend, Peyton Patel, an author in her own right, is the one who discovered his body. He had invited her to his home to discuss the book he was currently writing...

Sheriff Jonas Clearwater, another of Cecil's friends, is investigating his death trying to learn if this was an accidental overdose, a suicide, ,,,, or something else.

It becomes evident that someone was trying to silence Cecil before he could expose the facts about the brutal murders of three women in New Mexico.

Is a serial killer walking the quiet streets of Angel Falls?

Peyton and Jonas have a history of sorts, and joining together to investigate their friend's death, they're also dealing with a mutual attraction that might lead to .. something. There's plenty of action, lots of characters to watch. Not everyone is who they say they are ... and almost everyone lies and/or has secrets. There are some twists and turns that lead to a surprising conclusion. Although 6th in this series, it is easily read as a stand alone.

Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of the Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Jonas Clearwater and grisly fiction writer Peyton Patel, two of true crime writer Cecil Howard’s closest friends were devastated to learn of his murder. Especially now that they have evidence that he was close to revealing his discovery of a serial killer and an innocent man may be in prison for a murder he may not have committed. Now someone has broken into Cecil’s temporary residence in Angel Falls and his home in Albuquerque and the only thing that appears to be destroyed were the offices where he does research for his books. Now Jonas and Peyton are trying to follow the trail set my Cecil while the killer is wanting to make sure they don’t find him.

This story continues with the continuing stories from Tess Thompson’s other books and I love that we are able to follow their journey‘s as well.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When mystery writer, Cecil, is found dead with pills strewn over the top of his desk, the safe assumption is suicide. But further investigation proves otherwise.
A lot of people come together to find out what really happened to their friend.
Find out whodunit by reading this book You won’t want to put it down.
Nice job.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m starting to be a bit addicted to this romantic suspense stories and I love when I find great books to lose myself in.
A chance encounter makes Jonás and Cecil willing for more but the timing was wrong. Call it destiny or just coincidence, faith brings them face to face again and so it begins a suspenseful adventure of finding themselves and their love for each other while fighting a serial killer that takes over their small town.
Another great story with interesting characters and a must have happily ever after.

[Ave Reads ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25 🌟

First and foremost, I'd like to express my gratitude to Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book.

Jonas Clearwater, a small-town sheriff, is tasked with investigating the demise of his best pal. According to preliminary findings, Cecil Howard, a prominent true-crime novelist, might well have killed off the drug overdose or suicide. Jonas is filled with remorse, wondering if he could have done anything to avert the catastrophe. On the night Cecil dies, Jonas came face-to-face with novelist Peyton Patel, a lady with whom he’d had a brief meeting and never expected to see again but couldn’t get her out of his thoughts. What drew her there in the first place, and what does she know about Cecil's death? Months ago, they seemed to have an undeniable charm after just a brief encounter on a lonely night, but they were both struggling from personal losses, and the timing wasn't right. Jonas just had learned that his father had a terrible illness, and Peyton had just lost her cherished grandfather. Cecil soon realizes that someone is attempting to quiet him before he can reveal the truth about the terrible murders of three women in New Mexico. Peyton's life is in jeopardy this time, and Jonas understands his feelings for her are genuine. He's now racing against time to avoid Peyton from being the next victim.

This book had a well-written plot, and the plotlines were crazy till the very end, the reason for which was quite unexpected to me.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a fantastic job building the story and pulled me in with all the mystery and suspense. I was glued to the pages with all the twists along the way. The story moves fluidly and is a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Carolyn Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting who done it read with mystery and romance along the way

Angel Falls is full of interesting people, a nice clinic, good friends, and in this sixth book in the series we get to know more about Peyton and Jonas. Relationships blossom by the end of the book. I like the multiple romances revolving over solving the mystery. Very fun read. I really enjoyed it.

[Bertha Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Truths is the sixth book in the Angel Falls series, written by sisters Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson, under the pseudonym Tess Thompson, and which combines Romance with Mystery and Thriller, with a healthy dose of Paranormal, represented by the matriarch Bella Morales, a beloved figure who is the link that unites all these stories.
In this book we continue the story of Sunshine and Matt and the romance between Jonas and Peyton begins, with the appearance of the other characters of a series that I have come to love so much, that I would not like to see the series come to an end.
A very entertaining read, with a super interesting plot in which twists and turns abound, very human characters that seem to be alive and in which there is no shortage of dramatic, tender, funny and action moments that will not let the reader put the book down until they have reached the end of the story. Which reminds me that I should include a WARNING: This book poses a high risk of the reader spending a sleepless night, trying to read "just one more chapter"!
I thank the authors and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone wants to make sure that you don't find the truth. Peyton is enjoying her time in Angel Falls but that is all about to change with the sudden death if her friend Cecil. She can't believe that he would take an overdose as he hated drugs. He had too much to live for but did it have something to do with the new book that he was writing? The local sheriff Jonas Clearwater is in charge of the case and he won't stop until he finds out what happened to his friend. He knew Cecil better than anyone and he agrees with Peyton about something being wrong with his death. Can they work together to find the truth? Can they continue to fight their attraction to each other? So many secrets and lies will be uncovered. A good read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley and publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Jeremy Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 📚

Dark Truths by Tess Thompson

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Rounded up to 5⭐ on Goodreads

Thank you to the publicist for my gifted copy. I love this cover.

"Is a serial killer walking the quiet streets of Angel Falls?

This book sucked me in from the start. The author had a unique way of writing a thriller that was paced well, with lots of subtle details to keep me invested from start to finish. This romantic suspense novel combines the fierce feelings with a serial killer aspect that I think all thriller readers will enjoy.

If you have never read a book by this author, I would suggest giving them a chance!!!

[Cherry London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark truths was the first thriller I have read with three romance stories within it. What a story it was a mind-boggling and intriguing story, with a serial killer that had the police running around at their tails. I love the three romantic couples and the hurdles they had to clear within their minds before moving on to another chance at love. This was truly an entertaining, intriguing, and thrilling read.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I did guess the murderer half way through but I still thought it was good.
Peyton is a writer and her friend Cecil, also a writer is found dead. He was researching for a book and was getting too close to the truth so the murderer struck again. I would like to read other books by the sisters.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I do like the blend of a mystery and a romance. The story was a good one.. I like the small town feel yet the town is close to a big city. Why would anyone kill an author? Really enjoyed this book.

[Jessica Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy from a giveaway and can't wait to receive it! Nothing like a thriller to get me through the winter

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone book.

This book is fast paced, suspenseful and tense. The plot is full of twists.

[Melissa Flasck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this mystery with a love story as well. I cared about the characters and couldn't wait to figure out what was happening. Plan on trying the other books in the Angel Falls series.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book six in the Angel Falls series and sees Peyton Patel and Sheriff Jonas Clearwater brought together by the death of their friend and author Cecil Howard. Peyton is a fellow author, writing horror stories, and was a sounding block for Cecil and his true crime stories. He had come to Angel Falls on her request, to have somewhere peaceful to finish writing his latest bestseller. He had hired a home to stay in rather than sharing space with Peyton at the home she inherited from her grandfather, also a famous author and who taught her lots about her craft. Cecil had a boyfriend of only a short time, who worked as a personal trainer near his home. Cecil was investigating the true crime of a husband who had been imprisoned for the gruesome murder of his wife, but had denied killing her. The evidence was almost too perfect, framing the husband for the murder, but Cecil had visited the man in prison and followed up on some similar cases in other towns across New Mexico. It seems he had found something out that led to his murder, which had been staged to look like a suicide!
Jonas had known Cecil since they were at college and he helped him to come out of his shell and protect him from the bullies. When he hears the address of the death, he races over and meets Peyton there, as she found his body. The two of them had met some months before in a bar, she on the day of her grandfather’s funeral and him on the day he got news of his father’s diagnosis with ALS. They were attracted to each other but never went past first name basis, or anything past just a drink together to drown their sorrows. Neither Peyton nor Jonas believe that their friend died of a drug overdose, nor does his mother Miranda, when she comes to help settle his estate and visit Cecil’s temporary home and meet his friends. Maggie and her grandmother Bella come to the funeral and warn Peyton to be careful and that Miranda is in danger. It seems the murderer isn’t content on just killing Cecil, but they want to silence anyone that might have been given any information about Cecil’s research into the case, which might identify the killer! Jonas gets closer to Peyton as he tries to figure out who killed his friend and if these other murders are also linked to the other murders in New Mexico, calling out to the detectives on those cases and his good friend and FBI agent Matt Bentley, who still comes to visit his father, Judge Eli Bentley who was recovering from a stroke.
There is also a touch of romance with Sunshine Davis, the medical clinic receptionist, who was originally hired to help look after his dad, but has since moved into the judge’s home with her two children, whilst her home is being rebuilt after a fire. The state police officer in charge is useless and Jonas manages to finally get control of the case passed to him, but this just places him, Peyton and Miranda in even more danger. Another man is also chasing after Peyton for a date and as her relationship with Jonas has its ups and downs, she tries things out, but soon realises Jonas is the man for her. Another murder linked to Cecil soon occurs and two break-ins at Cecil’s homes, make the case more urgent to be solved, sooner rather than later. This is another cracking read in this series that pulls at the romance strings, whilst placing all of the main characters in danger from an unknown killer. Lots of familiar characters for those who have read any of the other books in the series, but it isn’t needed to follow the story, just adds a nice sense of familiarity to the story. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the residents of Angel Falls and my favourite characters as well. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

voluntarily read an arc of this book and am leaving a review. What can I say about another amazing romantic thriller by Tess Thompson? The Angel Falls series has been one that I just can’t get enough of. I absolutely love how in depth the author goes in creating the characters. It’s like I’m reading a real life story about people I very much want to know. I love the sweet romance that developed between Peyton and Jonas, it’s so natural and I love their interactions. Equally intriguing are the characters from previous books that are so effortlessly woven in throughout. I’ve always been someone who wants to keep up with the previous book’s characters and this definitely scratches that itch.
Cecil’s death and the mystery surrounding it was so fascinating. The connections made and the the mystery unfolding kept me guessing. Tess Thompson does not shy away from hard situations we all experience in life or the pain they bring either. They are written in such a way that I actually cried a few times while I read. This book and the whole series will keep you wanting to come back to Angel Falls, NM to find out what is happening in this small town and the amazing people who live there.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "DARK TRUTHS". This a very interesting, riviting, thrilling, intriguing, suspense fill drama with mystery, steam, secrets, lies, twists that make for a very addicting read from start to finis.
Peyton Patel followed in her grandfather's footsteps he was a famous author she writes Horror stories her BF Cecil Howard writes true Crime well know author who has come upon something he wants to bring up light.
Sheriff Jonas Clearwater shows up at the scene at Cecil home they say he it was suicide drug overdose being his BF he doesn't believe its true so he's going to investigate himself he thinks he was murdered for what he wanted to expose.
Peyton & Jonas spent a night together when both were hurting badly it was for comfort along time ago when he realizes she in town & wonders why they work together to find what trul happened to Cecil.
I definitely recommend to get this very well writing thriller so many suspects to rule out also Peyton, Miranda, Cecil's mother are in danger the killer thinks they know to much will Jonas figure who the killer is in time you must get this book so well worth the read I thoroughly enjoyed it won't disappoint.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

True crime author Cecil Howard is dead, but was his death a suicide or murder? Sheriff Jonas Clearwater had been Cecil’s friend since college and has no idea why someone would want to kill him. His death brings Jonas in to contact once again with Cecil’s friend, Peyton Patel. Peyton is also a writer and she and Cecil often discussed the books they were writing. Cecil was researching the murder of a woman whose case is similar to three other recent murders. The woman’s husband is in prison, but is there an unknown connection between the four cases? Jonas is dealing with the serious illness of his father and the time he spends with Peyton, away from the case, renews the attraction between them. Will Jonas, with the help of his friends in law enforcement, be able to find the killer before they strike again? I highly recommend this series if you enjoy, as I do, unique mysteries with main characters and secondary characters who are often connected within the individual books. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a mutual friend's death shatters their world, Sheriff Clearwater bands together with Peyton Patel to investigate Cecil’s death. Even though the death looks like a suicide or accident, there’s something there that makes them question what the truth is. With the circumstances being less than favorable, the two are cautious in how they handle the investigation and each other. There was a time when they sought comfort in each other, but things were left awkward and unknown. Neither wants to believe that their friend could be in a place to harm himself, or even accidentally. What they end up finding out along the way is chilling and scary. The possibility of a bigger tragedy or series of tragedies is even more obvious. Can they catch a real killer?

I really enjoyed the hints of romance mixed in with a suspenseful read. I felt like the characters were well developed, the storyline very plausible and intriguing. I’d love to see what else the author has come to, whether it be along the same line of these characters or something totally different.

[BM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Thompson again produced another success. Romance, friendships, murder and intrigue. Sheriff Jonas is called into a death of his friend, popular true crime author.
Peyton, his friend and fellow author, found him dead when she arrived at his house for a pre-arranged dinner. Suicide seems obvious but those who know him well doubt it.
Connection to his research leads Jonas to pursue reasons for murder and is there more to it.
Love develops between more than one couple and responsibilities are eased, but will then true reasons for the death be identified?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* ARC Review – I have become a fan of these authors and the Angel Falls series, since reading most of them courtesy of the Hidden Gems ARC program but they are also available on Kindle Unlimited. This is a good series, but you could read each as standalone books. The authors do a good job of giving you enough information about the other characters that appeared in prior books.
This is the story that focuses on the Sheriff Jonas and Peyton. Although they have met briefly before, this book throws them together to solve the murder of her best friend, who happens to be his college roommate. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep turning pages to find the killer.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The build up

I knew it was going to be interesting, but I was not expecting that to be the role the Naz played! Good addition to the series and a great blend of action, murder, romance and suspense. More details and catching up with former couples in the series occurs and the smile over Eli and Miranda could not be beat. There were some hardships and obstacles, but everyone worked together to overcome them. It was great seeing Jonas get his HEA. Another thing I like about the story and series is that the couples and towns all have problems, but they still work to help others and find the beauty in moments. Good series and book!

[Charlene Tess]

Dark Truths is Book 6 in the Angel Falls series. As with all the books that we write as Tess Thompson (our two last names) Dark Truths is a mystery with a love story. We wanted to complete the romance between Sunshine and Matt that our readers liked so much in Dark Flames, and at the same time, introduce a new couple we thought our readers would love. We were right. Jonas and Peyton's love story was popular with our readers. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When mystery writer, Cecil, is found dead with pills strewn over the top of his desk, the safe assumption is suicide. But further investigation proves otherwise.
A lot of people come together to find out what really happened to their friend.
Find out whodunit by reading this book You won’t want to put it down.
Nice job.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story line that draws you in and keeps you glued to the pages. Suspense, thrills, mystery and a bit of romance have you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens. The characters are strong, easy to get to know and realistic. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[B.J. Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Working my way through the Angel Falls series

I have loved reading the six books so far, but it had a little too much sex for my taste. For me that takes away from the story and its a little too "perfect" in my opinion. I do love the Tess Thompson books; I've read many more than just the AF series and will continue.

[M.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Such an amazing author! I can't wait to read more in the future. Definitely recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK TRUTHS is the sixth book in the Angel Falls series and is an engaging romantic suspense story. Murder, mystery, intrigue, danger, and romance combine with great characters to make an entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.