Wayward Secrets

Whispering Pines Mystery #13

by Shawn McGuire

What if the best decision you ever made was also the worst?

The new tourist season is about to start. The witches, carnies, fortune tellers, and other lovable outcasts of Whispering Pines are abuzz with excitement. Sheriff Jayne O’Shea, however, is nervous. After their tragic last season, the lakeside hamlet became known as the Murder Capital of Wisconsin, and she would love to redeem their reputation.

Everyone has assured her they’re ready and that it’s going to be a great opening weekend, but Jayne can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. Then, just as waves of happy tourists start to arrive, villagers go missing one by one.

This is the showdown Jayne has been preparing for. She knows who’s responsible, but before catching the kidnapper, she first needs to save the victims. That means releasing control and letting others step up because this time she’s too close. Failure could mean the end for those she loves most.


Readers LOVE this

“I can clearly see the thatched roof houses, their wood and stucco exteriors. It reminds me of Shakespeare's house in London."

“I've read them all and just want to go back.”

“I wish Whispering Pines was a real place”

“If you enjoy honest, rather raw characters seeking direction, and the consequences of past mistakes, you'll enjoy this series as much as I have.”

"Love, love, love these books. I can’t wait for my next visit to Whispering Pines."

“My mind is still in Whispering Pines. I can clearly see the thatched roof houses, their wood and stucco exteriors. It reminds me of Shakespeare's house in London."

“I really enjoy how the characters continue to evolve in this series and the new eccentrics fit right in!”

“I totally fell in love with both the village and the story.”

“I would gladly plan my next trip to Whispering Pines.”


The Whispering Pines Mystery Series

Family Secrets, Book 1
Kept Secrets, Book 2
Original Secrets, Book 3
Hidden Secrets, Book 4
Rival Secrets, Book 5
Veiled Secrets, Book 6
Silent Secrets, Book 7
Merciful Secrets, Book 8
Justified Secrets, Book 9
Secret of Her Own (novella)
Protected Secrets, Book 10
Burning Secrets, Book 11
Secret of the Season (novella)
Blind Secrets, Book 12
Secret of the Yuletide crafter (novella)
Wayward Secrets, Book 13

Genres: Mystery, Wicca, Cozy Mystery

282 pages, ebook

First published February 26, 2022

About the author

Mystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com

Reviews

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for the end of this series. I have fallen in love with the village of Whispering Pines and everyone who populates it. So there is a bittersweet feeling to reading this book. But it really is perfect.
Jayne, now has more roles as she runs the B&B with Tripp, oversees the town for River and continues in her role as Sheriff. There are a couple of things still on her list to complete. But when villagers start disappearing, she has only one job.
This book is as exciting, engaging and emotional as every other book in this series. As usual it was a I can't put it down read and I loved every minute of it. I am hoping the author brings us back to this village in a future series, but whatever happens, I can always visit by rereading this series.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The storyline was interesting and kept me turning the pages long into the night. This book was without a doubt a wonderful addition to this series. Even though I only see the characters on occasion, they feel like old friends or neighbors, the kind you are happy to see at your door and wish would visit more often. The community of misfits that live in Whispering Pines have a place in my heart thanks to the author who has made them multifaceted like diamonds, quirky and human. No one is perfect in Whispering Pines but then again again that's why the community exists.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received ARC Wayward Secrets to review, I enjoy the Whispering Pines stories, this one started out slow at first, it started moving faster after about 3 chapters in. The characters have grown and matured sensed the last book, Sheriff Jayne, Tripp, and Rachel are still running Pine Time Bed & Breakfast and the whole town is getting ready for the tourist season and for the opening day presentation. Morgan, River and Brier are still learning to adapt to the twins, they are all doing good but tired the twins are running the household. We have a few new characters that are involved in the story line, you will have to read this story to learn about them. Everyone is looking forward to tourist season and they all hope it is a calmer then last season. Things start happening and disrupting the first day of the season with mysteries at the circus, trouble at the tringle and people missing. Sheriff Jayne and Officer Reed are jumping though hoops to find out how to solve all the issues they are facing, missing people, fires and all the upsets going on. Life right now is strange in Whispering Pines, and it is affecting the originals, no one is sure who is causing all the problems, Sheriff Jayne has an a pretty good idea, but can’t prove it and she will need proof to be able to do anything about all the problems and who is causing them. Sheriff Jayne needs more help, hopefully they can hire another officer for the team so her and Reed isn’t running all the time. It could be a visitor coming into Whispering Pines or one of the residents of Whispering pines, time will tell. You will have to read this book so you can see how all turns out and to make sure everyone in Whispering Pines is well and prospering.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC by the author; here are my thoughts: The 'Whispering Pines' didn't seem to whisper loud enough to Jayne when people started going missing! Even Tripp was missing! Just when the summer tourist season is getting under way, strange things are going on: fires at the circus, disappearing people.. Jayne and her deputy are stretched thin, trying to answer (and figure out) all the calls for help. I had my suspect from the start, but didn’t know how anything could be proved – again. And will deputy Reed have to recuse himself – again? Is this the ‘Big Bad’? As usual, the secrets are convoluted and WILL keep you guessing. (I love Keiko’s story!) My favorite quote: “It’s not luck. The Universe meets you halfway when you put in the work and set yourself up to succeed.”

[Marianne Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going through Wayward Pines withdrawal. Shawn McGuire is a wonderful storyteller and I have thoroughly enjoyed this series

[L.K. Ludwig · Rating 2 out of 5]

skip this one

I’ve read all the others & enjoyed them. This one, not at all. It read as a slapped together, beyond implausible ending. I wish I hadn’t read it.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. It was slow at times, yet other times I could not put it down. I did not like the ending. I can’t imagine Jayne, the cop, making the decision she did with Flavia.

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Wow! I’m still reeling from this one!

Shawn McGuire’s Whispering Pines mystery series comes to a long-awaited climax with this thirteenth book (unlucky for some, but not for this author or her readers!) and it fulfils all of the promises made during the twelve book build-up… and more!

Obviously, I am going to recommend that you read books 1-12 first – you will still get the standalone story of Jayne investigating the kidnappers, as per the blurb, but would miss out on all of the fantastic character and community development which caused me so much delightfully thrilling, nail-biting anxiety when said characters began mysteriously disappearing in this instalment. I have no idea how Jayne managed to investigate at all, as I was a nervous wreck!

This is definitely my new favourite book in the series, with high stakes for the main character (and the thoroughly-invested reader!) and while the mastermind behind events will be no surprise to regular visitors to Whispering Pines, there are still plenty of surprises as the plot unfolds. Without giving anything away, I can confidently state that the community (and the series) will be very different from this book onwards.

And, personally, I cannot wait to see where Shawn McGuire takes us, Jayne and the whole of Whispering Pines in future. I feel like I know these people, this place, so intimately now and am desperate to read more stories from this unique, outsider community of troubled families, long-buried secrets, and Wiccan magics.

I highly recommend this series to mystery fans looking for something warm and cosy, a little woo-woo, but with an official sheriff’s badge attached. I’m looking forward immensely to my next visit to Whispering Pines.


‘Was Gran’s the voice that had been waking me with a start for the last seven straight days? If not her, whose could it possibly be? The message was upsetting and confusing. Now, the same feeling of dread that made my stomach clench every morning flared up and nauseated me. A massive shiver wracked my body as I wondered again what the message meant.
What if staying in Whispering Pines was your worst decision ever?‘

– Shawn McGuire, Wayward Secrets


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[bg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantawesome, Fabrillianto and much much more
(Fantastic, awesome, Fabulous, brilliant…..)

Despite the book’s tagline, I am convinced that, the bestest decision I made, was to purchase the first book in this series.

Highly recommend reading books 1-12 of the series, before reading this one to enjoy it the most.

I found this particular book to be a super satisfying read on many levels. I felt as though it was a culmination of sorts- solving the many mysteries and answering the umpteen questions I had from the previous ones. Thoroughly enjoyed it, hoping with each word, for the book not to end, yet, wanting to read quickly to know what happens next!

I feel so much gratitude towards Shawn for creating a quirky, magical, yet very relatable and life-like place: The Whispering Pines, which, I have now come to regard as my home and safe space.

I invite you to Whispering Pines to find out what the ebullience is all about and I am certain, like me, one day you too might realize how it was one of the best decisions you took.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Wayward Secrets is the thirteenth book in the Whispering Pines Mystery Series by Shawn McGuire. This is a perfect blend of cozy mystery, small-town charm, and just the right sprinkle of supernatural elements.
following Jane O’Shea who has a knack for solving mysteries that seem to find her no matter how much she tries to avoid them. The town itself is a character in its own right – a little quirky, idyllic, and full of secrets. The locals are a fun mix of personalities, from the nosy neighbours to more endearing eccentrics - and their interactions gives the series an extra element of interest along with some ‘warm-fuzzies’.
Ms. McGuire manages to balance lighthearted coziness with genuinely intriguing mysteries. Each book has its own unique twist, and while the stakes aren’t overly high/intense, they’re enough to keep you flipping pages late into the night. Plus, the touch of the paranormal adds an extra layer of fun without overwhelming the story.
Recommend for a binge-worthy read.
Happy Reading…

[Gayle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. The beginning gave me chills. The middle was downright spooky and the ending was like a roller coaster landing. Everyone is ready for the new tourist season to open - tomorrow! The B&B has the rooms ready, the food is ordered, Tripp and Roslyn ready for guests. Suddenly Jayne's sheriff walking talkie is going off with reports of villagers disappearing, one after another. I found that very spooky. Where did they go? How did they disappear? Perhaps the answer lies with another villager? Meanwhile Jayne is having niggling feelings of did she make the right decision in staying in Whispering Pines? Jayne has to sort out these feelings and find out what has happened to the villagers. Some things are wrapped up in surprising ways. The ending opens the door for new mysteries and adventures in Whispering Pines.
I received an ARC and voluntarily provided this review.

[Km Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if staying in Whispering Pines was your worst decision ever?

Tourist season is officially underway in Whispering Pines. Suspenseful twists and turns as Jayne tries to manage her job as Sheriff and run a successful bed and breakfast. So many people rely on her to find the culprit that's wreaking havoc on Whispering Pines. Will Meeka save the day?

How are the new additions doing? A better question would be, "How are the new parents doing?".

Shawn's story of Whispering Pines and the characters that live there never disappoints the reader. As each of her stories have unfolded, we gain a little more insight into their personalities and are able to picture them as they sit on their porches or feel like you are sitting at a table in their bakery and smelling the scones and muffins as they are pulled from the oven to sell. Another book that I couldn't put down!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series since I found the first book in an email and I have been looking forward to this book since the announcement and it did NOT disappoint. I highly recommend that you read this entire series! It's one that I could re-read again and again. The characters all have relatable personalities and quirks and you might find yourself wishing that some were really your friends. The mysteries are very well written and the details help you feel like you are really there. I love to lose myself in all of the books, wishing that I were a part of the Whispering Pines community. This series is one that I couldn't put down. It's a good thing I have a family that understands my love of reading and understood when I said that I had to find out what happened. I look forward to reading about any new adventures that might come to Whispering Pines.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 14 books in this series and I have finished them all. I’m wishing there was at least another and am debating reading them all again!. They contained just enough fantasy combined with a realistic presentation that kept me hooked.
Our heroine, Jayne, is written in first person. She is drawn to the town of Whispering Pines, which was established by her grandparents deep in the forest of northern Wisconsin. It is a town established for people who don’t belong in other places so there are some oddballs who live there. Events take place in these stories over the span of a year.
I found not one single spelling or grammatical error in the entire series to disturb my concentration. It was a nice trip in my imagination to Wisconsin. Thank you, Shawn McGuire! I hope you think of a fifteenth plot!

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayne has finally been able to remove the darkness from Whispering Pines. For once, instead of shouldering the burden herself, Jayne enlisted the help of the Villagers. A monumental decision had to be made but, unlike her grandmother, Jayne wanted the Villagers to know the reasoning behind her decision, rather than foster speculation and falsehoods.
Wayward Secrets is the final book in this much loved series, but is not the final chapter on the folk of Whispering Pines. I can't wait to read more on the quirky inhabitants of this wonderful community known as Whispering Pines.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Wayward Secrets: A Whispering Pines Mystery Book 13 from the author and have chosen to leave a review.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Jayne O’Shea is dealing with quite a problem in the village – beloved residents are disappearing! Or are they? Many secrets and mysteries are revealed and questions are answered. Sheriff Jayne faces one of her biggest decisions. It is a thrilling read all the way to the end. Whispering Pines is always an enigmatic place to be and I visit it every chance I get.
I very much enjoy the author’s style of writing and have read and enjoyed every book Ms. McGuire has written about Whispering Pines, as well as her other series.
Even though the stories are a series, each book can be a stand-alone because the author does a wonderful job explaining who the people of Whispering Pines are. I received an ARC from the author.

[Susie Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Spring arrives in the Whispering Pines Village, so does the Tourist Season. Sheriff Jayne goes out to check on all of the Village to make sure everyone is ready, they assure her they are indeed ready and very excited to begin the new season. BUT... Jayne has a gut feeling there's something off. As her visits are coming to an end, Villagers start to disappear. Jayne sets out to find the missing before she confronts the person she feels is responsible. Will she find the missing villagers in time and how will she deal with the guilty party? I have read all 13 of the books in this series and I will say this, I'm ALWAYS excited to read the next one. Doesn't matter what I'm reading at the time, I HAVE to drop it and go off to read about Whispering Pines.

[Bethia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to say that this series just keeps getting better and better! I feel like I know all the characters in the story and wish it was a real place. I cannot praise the author enough for continuing to be imaginative with the plot lines, carefully weaving an interesting, exciting, and intriguing mystery with a dash of romance and a lot of realistic family drama! If you have not read any of the other books in this series, I really recommend that you start with book one, but without boring the longtime readers, the information you would need to know is presented. However, it truly enriches the story's depth and meanings while giving you greater fulfillment as a reader to read the books in order.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the start to a new tourist season Jayne and Roz hike to the Whispering Pines graveyard to pay their respects to their grandmother and other former residents. The author uses this opportunity to review some of the history of the village. With her usual eloquent descriptions, I could feel the woods around me and feel the reverence in the sacred spot. Just as the tourists begin to arrive, trouble again finds Whispering Pines. Fires break out at the carnival and villagers go missing. Are they connected? What do they have to do with what Jayne calls The Big Bad? Will she ever defeat Flavia, the village's bad witch? Read this book and see. And be prepared for this series to take a turn. I have enjoyed this series with its colorful descriptions of the quaint village, the small houses with thatched roofs, the businesses, the winding pathways. I have learned about Wiccan traditions. I have watched Jayne grow as Sheriff. I can't wait for more. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy.

[Annie Kosar · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL & EXCITING VIST TO WHISPERING PINES!!:)

Could not LOVE Whispering Pines and its’ characters/villagers more!!:-). I am sad that I am at the “current” end of this series, and looking VERY FORWARD to beginning Hearth & Cauldron next!!:-). I am DEF hoping that perhaps the Whispering Pines Series might continue at some point?? I think there’s a lot more that could happen and I would like to find out what happens with some of the characters/villagers in their futures!!!:-). DEF take a journey to Whispering Pines and read EVERY one!!! sooooo FABULOUS!!:-). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!:-)

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love visiting back with everyone in Whispering Pines. Even though we are now at marking the 1st year for Jayne, and Meeka in Whispering Pines, this book immediately picks up where the Family Secrets left off. People are disappearing and it is up to Jayne to figure it out before harm can strike again. Once I started reading, I could not put it down, until the very last page. Changes are ahead, but the road will continue. I can not wait to see what adventures await the town of Whispering Pines. Blessed Be!

[Crystal Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the Whispering Pines Mystery series. So many times reading through these books, I couldn’t help but want to be a part of that community. Each book had some different and unique issues following a very Wiccan culture and how they all fed into most of the residents lives who lived there. This series takes you from the beginning and how this community came to be, and also how it doesn’t matter how tight knit these villagers might be, that everyone and anyone has their own secrets.

[Sandra Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Pines, My Happy Place

Wayward Secrets is a wonderful addition to the Whispering Pines Mystery Series. The intriguing village of Whispering Pines has achieved the kind of inclusion many of us yearn for among its quirky and likable residents. Perhaps it’s a variation of Camelot since most of Shawn McGuire’s many fans would love to live there.

This book resolves crucial issues in Whispering Pines that were introduced earlier in the series. Now we almost have a blank slate to explore in future books. The biggest challenge is waiting for more!

[Mary Cokenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan of this series? Get ready to ride a roller coaster full of emotions; this is the book you have been waiting for! Jayne O'Shea is being awakened every morning lately by a voice, and it's making her doubt herself, and every decision she has made about Whispering Pines. The village is opening up again for tourists and visitors; everyone on an anxious high, and then the drama begins.

Like I stated already, this is going to be one extreme roller coaster ride, so hold onto something with one hand, while using the other to hold your book or Kindle.

[Rita Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Conclusion

This book was an excellent conclusion for the whispering Pines series. I will miss the quirky, mystical and magical villagers.
As a side note I do not agree with how Jayne rendered out punishment for Flavia. She kidnapped seven people and caused the death of another person to say nothing of causing the death of her daughter. I think the punishment should've been from the real world. I believe the sheriff should've been there to pick her up and take her to prison. But that's just my opinion.

[Jane Passino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like visiting with old friends

I love the Whispering Pines series so much, and this long awaited Book 13 does not disappoint! I feel like I know the quirky characters, and it is lovely to visit with them again. It is time for some long overdue justice in a uniquely Whispering Pines manner. I can't wait for the next one!

[Sharon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series from the first book. I find myself feeling the characters are so well written they feel like friends, and you start to really care about the Village and it's future. This was a great addition to the series and the twists and turns have you navigate keep you wondering until the very end! I highly recommend this Author and this book series.

[Carol Edholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful tale in Whispering Pines. We learn more secrets about Sheriff O'Shea's family history. More details about the villagers that were not in the previous books. Now Jayne's biggest challenge as Sheriff is here. Can she handle it? Can she do what is right for the Villagers? A must-read for every Whispering Pines fan!

[Bonnie Harris W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!! Wayward Secrets was the perfect way to end the Whispering Pines series. Shawn McGuire is a gifted storyteller and draws you in from the first book to the last! You feel like you know the characters as friends and can walk the grounds of Whispering Pines alongside them as they go about their day!!!

[Laureen Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I'm a mystery enthusiast and stumbled on to the Whispering Pines series about a year ago. I have loved everyone of the 13 books and will probably read them over and over again. This finale book was a perfect ending for the series. Very enjoyable read and a very interesting peek into Wicca