Secrets to the Grave

Detective Somerset #1

by Steve Frech

The girl was lying face-down, the soles of her socks covered in fresh grass stains. Her wavy, chestnut hair fanned out across the pavement, as if across a pillow. She almost looked as if she was asleep… When a teenage girl is found dead on a quiet suburban street,  Detective Meredith Somerset  is called to the scene. The victim is shoeless, the only clue to her identity a silver heart-shaped charm hidden in her grass-stained sock. Did she run from her killer across the smooth lawns of Willow Lane? And if so, how did no one in the surrounding houses see or hear a thing? As Meredith investigates, she’s haunted by flashbacks. Years ago her little sister disappeared in broad daylight, and no one saw a thing then either. It’s the reason Meredith became a detective―to get the justice her sister never did―and she won’t stop until she gets the truth. Meredith needs answers. But Willow Lane has more than one mystery behind its doors―and to find the killer, she must venture into a community that’s determined to take its secrets to the grave…

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Audiobook, Suspense, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2021

About the author

Steve Frech lives in Los Angeles. His best-selling thrillers, DARK HOLLOWS, NIGHTINGALE HOUSE, and DEADLY GAMES, are available in all e-book formats and paperback from HQ Stories & Harper Collins.

SECRETS TO THE GRAVE (Book 1 in the Detective Meredith Somerset series) is now available.

In addition to writing, he is the co-creator of 'Sports? with Jessimae Peluso' for Comedy Central.

He is phenomenal at bar trivia, enjoys cooking, and is a frustrated Chicago Bears fan.

Reviews

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's totally normal to finish a book by one of your favorite authors and then send him a message on Instagram telling him that you hate him, right? The reason I have a love/hate relationship with series is the thought of being left hanging at the end, and this ending absolutely traumatized me!

This is the first in a series featuring Detective Meredith Somerset, and I liked her immediately. Tragic backstory that explains why she became a detective? Check. A completely believable and realistic character? Oh, hell yes.

The action begins with the body of a teenage girl found sprawled in the middle of the street in a quiet, suburban neighborhood. If you read a lot of thrillers, you know very well that suburbia is a haven for secrets, and the inhabitants of Willow Lane have more than their fair share. A teenage boy is hiding a devastating secret...the guy who drinks the $100 a pound coffee? His secrets would haunt your dreams. Everyone claimed to hear nothing, but of course that's not true.

To complicate the investigation, Meredith is hampered by both her new partner, who lacks punctuality and professionalism, and by the ghost of her little sister, long vanished and asking for help. Everyone on Willow Lane is a suspect, and when a silver medallion hidden in the victim's sock leads the investigation in a different direction, it's clear that someone close to this girl wanted her dead.

Pre-order this book TODAY and prepare yourself for a totally immersive story that you won't soon forget.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the e-ARC!

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girl is found dead in the middle of a quite street in a reasonably affluent area by a woman going on her early morning jog. This street has quite a mix of characters but focuses on four families who we zero in on as potential culprits. Each of these families are all very different and this gives a great perspective to the story, I really thought this was very well done as I found them all fascinating and ripped through the book waiting to see who was actually guilty. I liked the relationship between Meredith and Tyler, as their relationship grew it was plain to see they complemented each other in their roles, bouncing off each other not only with ideas but also when interviewing suspected parties. I also enjoyed the character of Sergeant Wheaton and the relationship he had with Meredith. This book was definitely a winner for me, thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to all. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girl is found face down dead in the middle of Willow Lane by a girl who is out jogging. This street, Willow Lane has a lot going on - so many lies and secrets. Detectives Meredith and Tyler are a great team who work well together. The ending left me saying “what?” Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Published September 2021.

[Auđur · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5*

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What just happened! Omg what a cliffhanger! How could you do that to us Mr Frech!!!!

This is the second book I have read by Steve Frech,

This is a fast paced can’t put down crime thriller with a partnership which is up there with the best I have read. I enjoyed getting to know Meredith Somerset and her new partner who has been promoted from vice and narcotics, Tyler Foles. Great character names! They develop quite a chemistry over the few days the investigation takes.

We follow Somerset and Foles as they investigate the murder of a teenage girl who’s body was found in a small street overlooked by just a handful of houses. The fact the girl is wearing only socks leads them to believe she must have ran from one of the houses. And what is the silver medallion hiding in her sock?

Their investigation takes them into the lives of these strange neighbours.

As well as the crime investigation we also get to know about the personal lives of the detectives which are just as big a part of the story as the crime itself.

But that cliffhanger!!

Steve Frech is now firmly one of my ‘I’ll read every book he brings out’ authors.

Thank you so much HQ for allowing me to read this advance copy and please put me to the top of the list for the next in the series!

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What an excellent start to a brand new series! Currently there's only 2 books but I hope that there will be more!

When a teenage girl is discovered deceased in the middle of an Atlanta suburban street, Detective Meredith Somerset is called in. The only clue to the victim's identity is a silver medallion hidden in her grass stained sock. As Meredith and new partner, Tyler Foles begin door to door enquiries in the street, they soon discover that no-one saw or heard anything untoward.

To solve this particular homicide effectively, Meredith will have to put all her personal problems to one side. It's a hard ask, when haunted by the memory of her younger sister Alice's disappearance many years prior. As our Detective immerses herself in the community, she'll only receive more questions than answers. All the residents in Willow Lane have something to hide, and the killer lurks behind one of the house doors...

And just when Meredith thinks that it's all done and dusted, another neighbourhood mystery takes its place...

To say that Meredith and Tyler start their new partnership on the wrong foot is an understatement! As soon as the rookie turns up to the scene late, he irritates his superior to the bone. Still, Meredith has exasperated affection for her new charge, and when the chips are down, she knows that he'll have her back. I look forward to see how their workmanship develops. Tyler has some pretty deep issues himself that needs working on if he's going to make it as a homicide detective.

Oh boy, that final scene has me begging for more! Can't believe I have to wait until next time to see how the scenario will play out!!

Such a blast!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story: The body of a young woman is discovered on a quite suburban street of Willow Lane. Detective Meredith Stokes and her new partner Tyler Foles are assigned to this case. As they begin to investigate, they soon realize that something is off with the community of this neighbourhood. No one is wiling to talk and to find the killer, both Stokes and Foles need to find out the secrets they are hiding.

My thoughts: Oh wow. Talk about a creepy neighbourhood! This story definitely delivered that! How can no one saw anything happened right?! It was bizarre.

I absolutely enjoyed following the investigations done by the detectives. It was pretty intense as they try to expose the secrets. There may seem to be a lot going on at first, but everything makes sense in the end and it was so well-done!

This was actually my third book by this author and it did not disappoint! In fact, this is most probably my favourite one so far!

I have a love hate relationship with the ending. It was perfect yet it left me wanting more! So here's me hoping that I get to read the next book soon!

In a nutshell, this was an enjoyable crime thriller and if you're looking for a twisty nail-biting plot with amazing characters, give this book a read!

Pub. Date: Sep 22, 2021

***Thank you HQ Digital, author Steve Frech and NetGalley for this gifted reading copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***

[Emily Fallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Heather Addai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught me from the first page. It is about a teen girl who is found murdered in a small, very nice neighborhood. Everyone on the street is a suspect. The girl is an orphan who has found one of her parents. Everyone on the street has secrets to hide. The lead detective has past trauma where her sister was abducted when they were little and she has visions that every case is her sister. She also worries about her ex husband and his future wedding and their daughter but it turns out to be a good thing for her. The twist at the end is amazing. The deaths in this book is not cut and dry. Kudos for this amazing novel!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of a new series, Secrets to the Grave by Steve Frech was a tremendously good read. A young girl is found strangled in a cul-de-sac, Willow Grove in Atlanta so Detectives Meredith Somerset and Tyler Foles are assigned the case. When they question the neighbourhood residents every one appears to have something to hide.

Various situations complicate the investigation so Meredith has her work cut out in this case. As well as the criminal investigation the reader learns of the detectives' personal lives which are a sizable part of the story. A great suspenseful mystery, I am looking forward to another case with Detective Somerset.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a totally immersive experience. I really had to keep reading to find out what happened and still want to know more re their journey.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

[Marguerite Dumesnil · Rating 4 out of 5]

thriller captivant

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read that kept you gripped throughout! It kept you guessing right to the end . Not sure whether the author plans on making this into a series but the main characters are likeable and would like to see where there relationships lead. Also loved the short chapters!

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Mallory Kapsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good mystery with twists and teasers that keep you wondering until the end!! Different povs than I’ve seen in other mystery books and I rly enjoyed it!

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series.
Detective Meredith Somerset and her new partner, Detective Tyler Foles are tasked with finding the killer of a teenage girl who’s body was found in a small street overlooked by a few houses.
They’re convinced that someone must have seen something so start to find out more about the people living on the street.
There’s plenty to get their teeth into as the investigation gets underway.
We also get an insight into the personal lives of Somerset and Foles and they work really well together.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightingale House was interesting but this one was really good. I thought I'd figured it out but I wasn't even close.

[Mella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Meredith Somerset and her new partner, Tyler Foles, get to know one another as they investigate the murder of a teenage girl on a street where everyone seems to be guilty of something.

I really enjoyed this. Meredith was great. I liked that while she had the requisite tragic backstory (a missing little sister) it doesn't overwhelm the narrative. She's obviously still upset but has looked for and managed to find healthy ways to overcome her trauma and it was refreshing. The inclusion of her therapist goes a long way to normalise mental health and I think that's really important. I liked that she had a great relationship with her ex husband, his partner and her daughter - I loved that they all get along and look to support one another - I wish more people did this for their kids.

Tyler was alright. I didn't love his drug use or his backstory. I mean if your mentor cop really did cover up your mum's death for the insurance, would you really ever tell anyone? I mean it's all well and good that he doesn't want to mar the cop's memory - but also - it's a crime? Meredith seems to accept it with little compunction and I didn't feel it was very realistic. Still it was okay.

As for the mystery I was riveted trying to figure out who was who and what was going on. It was very enjoyable. I felt sorry for the kids on that street though - they've all got seriously messed up parents.

A well written police procedural with a main character who's only slightly off her rocker and mystery that keeps you guessing. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

[Tina Varga · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read was very entertaining but there were many moving parts and where I was expecting more, we got less. I thoroughly enjoyed the story but he really had me with “The Good Husband” and I get attached to authors quiiand will read everything they’ve written. Needless to say I have circled back to read all the Steve Frech books!

[Erica Wilsack · Rating 4 out of 5]

great character building, and great plot line with the mains. pretty good plot twist although i did catch on pretty fast and my assumptions were right. overall a good read, fast pace and read it in a day so yea. good book:)

[Jaymee Roodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read - I enjoy how the story played out and was kept on edge, questioning everything throughout. I love how the book was written and it kept me intrigued the whole time.

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.”—André Berthiaume

Detective Meredith Somerset has been called to the scene of a body found face down in the street. The body is of a young teen age girl who apparently was strangled…a young girl found in an upper middleclass subdivision…a young girl who bears a striking resemblance to her sister who disappeared so many years ago. “I miss you, Meredith…” the voice of her sister is so clear in her mind, but Meredith has to shake off her haunted past in order to find justice for the murder of this young victim.

While investigating the scene, Detective Somerset finds it highly unusual that no one has come out of their homes to ask what is going on…no one is peaking out their windows…no one is out walking their dog…it’s as if Willow Lane is completely devoid of anyone but the emergency response personnel and the dead body in the street. Going door to door inquiring the residents if they saw or heard anything brings up more questions than answers, and Detective Somerset’s investigative senses are all a tingle. Someone knows what happened to this young girl, and she will uncover the secrets of the Willow Lane community…one way or another…

How well do you know your neighbors? Would you know if a killer lived amongst you? SECRETS TO THE GRAVE is an intriguing thriller that will keep you guessing as to what exactly everyone is hiding, and while the sleuth in you may unravel fragments of the mystery, there is still that wee bit you never quite guess! I’ve enjoyed Steve Frech’s other works, and this may be his best yet! Looking forward to the next installment to this new series! Loved and highly recommend!




**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

[Katie Scarlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the author’s last book, Deadly Games, so I was excited to read this book. In fact I loved his last book so much I read all of his previous books. It looks like Steve Frech is not afraid to try new styles and genres because this book is very different from his previous books. Unfortunately I much preferred his plot and the genre of Deadly Games. I’ve read a lot of police procedurals and so many of them are similar to this that it’s just not very unique or interesting. Like so many novels in this genre we have a female detective with a dark backstory and a very messy personal life. I just didn’t care about her ex-husband or her daughter as it just was not interesting but unfortunately the author took up a lot of page time with it.

I like mysteries but it’s thin here. Unfortunately this novel is more about the secrets people keep and seems more like a dark Desperate Housewives as it involves the goings on behind closed doors in a neighborhood. I also had zero interest in the criminal activities of a certain police officer. A conflicted character might add something to a plot but a drug addict as hero is far too much of a stretch. If you hate when books don’t wrap everything up be warned that’s the case here. While the actual case is completed the door is very much left open to a cold case that’s very important to a certain character. I’m interested enough to read that to see what happens but I do wish the author would get back to the style that so impressed me with Deadly Games. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jacklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's been a murder on Willow Lane and noone knows what happened...or do they?
Detective Meredith Somerset arrives on scene to find the lifeless body of a teenage girl laying in the road. There is no ID and she only has her socks on, which are stained green from the grass. These facts make it appear as though she was close by, but if that were the case, then why didn't anyone on Willow Lane hear her cry out for help? Upon turning the body over, Meredith sees her sister's face. She is immediately immersed in flashbacks from that tragic day and hears the phrase that has haunted her since. She shakes herself out of it, there is no time to dwell on the past. There is lots to do if she and her partner, Tyler Foles, are going to find out who this Jane Doe, what happened on Willow Lane that morning, and who else was involved. Will she be able to put all the pieces together? Or will the memories of her sister and that terrible day take over?
I loved this book so much! It was very well written and overall a great detective story. I will definitely be recommending this to friends and counting down the days until the second book in the series releases. There were so many twists and turns I didn't see coming, I didn't want to put it down! Another great thriller by Steve Frech!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Angie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an exclusive residential cul de sac an anonymous teenage girl lies dead on the roadside. It is up to detectives Meredith and Tyler to find her killer but on a street where everyone is keeping secrets they have a mammoth task in front of them.
As well as the intrigue that begins on the very first page this book really tugs at the heartstrings. No one in the neighbourhood admits to knowing this girl and what's more is they don't care. I loved the dynamic between the two detectives who have just been partnered up and it was a breath of fresh air to read of his senior officer who supports his team and stands up for them. The fact that everyone is hiding something led to little shocks throughout the book and I can honestly say that I never even suspected the killer.
This is a great start to what I hope will be a really exciting series with the mystery of Meredith's missing sister running through it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

[Danielle Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really drew me in from the beginning when the body of a young girl is discovered in the middle of the street.. A street surrounded by homes where not one person saw anything., or even came outside to see what was going on.. Which is definitely already suspicious.. As Merideth and her new partner Troy are questioning the residents its very obvious that they are all hiding something.. They just have to figure out if their secrets have anything to do with the murdered girl..
The case kept me guessing..Everytime another suspect came to the front of the investigation I was convinced they were it.. I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed.
I also loved all of the flashbacks to Merideths past and what happened to her little sister.. The reason she became an officer in the first place.
I can' wait to see whats going to happen in this series next, especially with how it ended!!

[Vivi Widodo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia found a girl body during her morning jog in a quiet suburban street Willow Lane. It's weird that nobody in the neighbourhood went out from their home even they surely heard Patricia's shocking scream when she found that the girl was dead. No identity found in the body, only a medallion hidden in her sock. So who's this Jane Doe?

Detective Meredith Somerset and Detective Tyler Foles are paired to go with the investigation. They did door to door questioning to Willow Lane residences, family of Bowers, Ansley , Morgan, and Whitaker. Someone in Willow Lane knew what's happened to this girl.

Steve Frech never disappoints how he bring the suspense in each of his books. Story lines and well-developed characters make this book is another unputdownable one from Steve Frech.
The ending will leave you wondering more about Meredith's unfinished past and this will make you wanting more from this author.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A digital copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Detectives Somerset and Foley are called to investigate the murder of a teenage girl whose body was found face down the middle of the street in an upscale neighborhood. Everyone on the street appears to be hiding something. Detective Tyler Foles is new to homicide and working on his first case. But, he is keeping his personal life private and that puts his new partner at risk. Detective Meredith Somerset is still dealing with her sister's disappearance more than 20 years later. I am a sucker for a police procedural and a series so this book meet all my expectations. There is drama, there is mystery and there is suspense. The author also left the ending open to (hopefully) the next book and I can't wait! Thank you NetGalley, Steve Frech, HQ Stories and HarperCollins

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant pulse racing thriller that I could not put down, it was brilliant and I cannot wait to read more from this author. From the very first page and from the story line I knew it would be a captivating story. Detective Meredith Somerset is called to a body that has been found on a quiet street, she has her own personal issues that she is dealing with at the same time, can she solve the murder before it is too late? I love working out from what the detective sees what might of happened to the victim. I found it a thought provoking read. There are twists that you will never see coming, the residents that all live on the street are all under suspicion. I like it how some of the chapters are left on a cliff hanger so you feel compelled to read another chapter. The ending was something I never in a million years would of guessed. It was just brilliant.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a intriguing new series to start reading.
Definitely a “can’t put down” book!
Secrets to the Grave introduces Detective Meredith Somerset as the lead detective and Detective Tyler Foles as her new partner. When a murder occurs, they are brought in to investigate.
As the story unfolds much Is learned about the backstory of Meredith and Tyler. And, both have very interesting pasts.
I am looking forward to seeing how their partnership evolves as well as their personal relationship. I want to start the next book in the series right now!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and HQ, HQ Digital for the arc of this book. There better be a sequel or ongoing series. Meredith and Tyler are such great characters and I can't wait to see what happens to them next. They are both flawed but likable.
The story was interesting and really kept me guessing. I liked having a small group of people to keep track of. The end was surprising!
If you have read any books by Steve Frech, you already know the writing is stellar and will keep you reading far into the night.