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DS Allie Shenton #5
Hidden Secrets
One of them lied. One of them died. One of them is next.
Could you stay quiet about a murder?
Killed on his way home from a night out, Kit Harper had lots of secrets. At the opposite end of the city, another man is found smothered in his bed. Jack Carter had secrets too.
A photo of a young woman reveals a clue and with dual cases to run, Detective Allie Shenton and her team are pushed to their limits. As attacks on a close group of friends continue, a link to a cold case twenty years ago is unveiled.
Can Allie figure out who is telling the truth about what happened on that fateful night? And who is lying through their teeth, to get away with murder?
Set within the gritty streets of Stoke-on-Trent, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with an emotional pull.
Hidden Secrets is the fifth novel in the Allie Shenton series of crime thrillers from the million selling British author, Mel Sherratt, and perfect for fans of Helen Durrant, DS Butler, LJ Ross, Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis, Rachel McClean, Caroline Mitchell and Meg Jolly.
Could you stay quiet about a murder?
Killed on his way home from a night out, Kit Harper had lots of secrets. At the opposite end of the city, another man is found smothered in his bed. Jack Carter had secrets too.
A photo of a young woman reveals a clue and with dual cases to run, Detective Allie Shenton and her team are pushed to their limits. As attacks on a close group of friends continue, a link to a cold case twenty years ago is unveiled.
Can Allie figure out who is telling the truth about what happened on that fateful night? And who is lying through their teeth, to get away with murder?
Set within the gritty streets of Stoke-on-Trent, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with an emotional pull.
Hidden Secrets is the fifth novel in the Allie Shenton series of crime thrillers from the million selling British author, Mel Sherratt, and perfect for fans of Helen Durrant, DS Butler, LJ Ross, Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis, Rachel McClean, Caroline Mitchell and Meg Jolly.
- GenresCrime
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2022
76 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Mel Sherratt
44 books534 followersI write police procedurals, psychological suspense and women's fiction with a punch - or grit-lit, as I call it.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and makes liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books.
You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels
I also write women's fiction under the pen name of Marcie Steele.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 1, 2022
Cracking book, review to follow...
May 27, 2022
What a complex set of cases for Allie and the team. The brutal murder of a well liked young man and the equally brutal suffocation of a drunk with let’s say mixed reviews. Are they connected or is it just a case of a murderous night in Stoke? Both equally plausible right?! No offence Stoke!
Allie is up against it when the group at the centre of the first murder have nothing. No apparent reason for young Kit to have his life ended in his prime. But behind the police interrogational cordon, there is more than meets the eye!!
I loved the format of the story, switching from Allie’s investigation, to one of the close knit group of friends before switching to events from previous months featuring our first murder victim! This kept me on my toes, unable to pinpoint a motive or a suspect. I’ll admit I thought I had it sussed but only for a brief while before another attack played out before me.
Sherratt has crafted a tense police procedural, intricately twisting different perspectives and timelines to keep me engrossed and intrigued. I love visiting Stoke and the investigations Allie is involved in and this one is top notch. Sherratt had me glued to my kindle peeling back the investigative layers before she walloped me with the almighty conclusion!! Loved it!
Allie is up against it when the group at the centre of the first murder have nothing. No apparent reason for young Kit to have his life ended in his prime. But behind the police interrogational cordon, there is more than meets the eye!!
I loved the format of the story, switching from Allie’s investigation, to one of the close knit group of friends before switching to events from previous months featuring our first murder victim! This kept me on my toes, unable to pinpoint a motive or a suspect. I’ll admit I thought I had it sussed but only for a brief while before another attack played out before me.
Sherratt has crafted a tense police procedural, intricately twisting different perspectives and timelines to keep me engrossed and intrigued. I love visiting Stoke and the investigations Allie is involved in and this one is top notch. Sherratt had me glued to my kindle peeling back the investigative layers before she walloped me with the almighty conclusion!! Loved it!
May 30, 2022
What can I say? This series just gets better and better if that’s at all possible. Allie Shenton is one of my favourite detectives. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series so far and I can’t wait for book 6!
In Hidden Secrets Allie and the team find themselves frantically trying to piece together evidence for two murders, an attempted murder, and a cold case. The build-up of suspense throughout this book is almost palpable. There is so much going on I honestly didn’t know what to think. So many secrets and lies. How some people sleep at night I’ll never know. However, we’re not dealing with cold blooded murderers here. This story goes much deeper than that and you can’t help but have some level of compassion for those involved.
Short chapters compliment this fast-paced police procedural beautifully. The tension increases with each one, making it extremely difficult to put down.
As always with Mel Sherratt this book is full of colourful characters with intriguing backgrounds. People who could easily be living in your street. Real, relatable people, just possibly with more to hide than most.
The truth behind these crimes is as sad as it is shocking.
Another easy five stars for me. I loved it!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/05/3...
In Hidden Secrets Allie and the team find themselves frantically trying to piece together evidence for two murders, an attempted murder, and a cold case. The build-up of suspense throughout this book is almost palpable. There is so much going on I honestly didn’t know what to think. So many secrets and lies. How some people sleep at night I’ll never know. However, we’re not dealing with cold blooded murderers here. This story goes much deeper than that and you can’t help but have some level of compassion for those involved.
Short chapters compliment this fast-paced police procedural beautifully. The tension increases with each one, making it extremely difficult to put down.
As always with Mel Sherratt this book is full of colourful characters with intriguing backgrounds. People who could easily be living in your street. Real, relatable people, just possibly with more to hide than most.
The truth behind these crimes is as sad as it is shocking.
Another easy five stars for me. I loved it!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/05/3...
May 20, 2022
The death of Kit Harper raises lots of questions. To start with there doesn’t seem to be any fallible reason why someone would want to kill him. As Allie and her team start to dig further though, it looks like Kit was not on his own when it comes to keeping secrets.
I loved the close knit friendship between the characters in this particular case. It made Kit’s death even more personal seeing how they took the loss of their friend. I felt like I was sharing in their loss and grief along with them. It was interesting as we get further into the story, how little snippets of information about the group of friends raised questions in my mind and I knew only Allie was going to be able to help me answer them.
Hidden Secrets sucked me straight into the story, hardly letting me get up for air. I was consumed by the case as things are far from straight forward. I was so sure I was on the right path only to have the rug swiftly pulled from under me and realising I was way off the mark. I just love Allie and I enjoyed the working relationships within the team as with this being the fifth book in the series, I almost feel like I’m one of them. Although with my huge lack of detective skills and being so wrong with this case, I fear I wouldn’t last very long! The author has done it again, delivering a page turning crime thriller that gobbles you up and doesn’t spit you out until after the last page. A tense, edge of your seat read!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I loved the close knit friendship between the characters in this particular case. It made Kit’s death even more personal seeing how they took the loss of their friend. I felt like I was sharing in their loss and grief along with them. It was interesting as we get further into the story, how little snippets of information about the group of friends raised questions in my mind and I knew only Allie was going to be able to help me answer them.
Hidden Secrets sucked me straight into the story, hardly letting me get up for air. I was consumed by the case as things are far from straight forward. I was so sure I was on the right path only to have the rug swiftly pulled from under me and realising I was way off the mark. I just love Allie and I enjoyed the working relationships within the team as with this being the fifth book in the series, I almost feel like I’m one of them. Although with my huge lack of detective skills and being so wrong with this case, I fear I wouldn’t last very long! The author has done it again, delivering a page turning crime thriller that gobbles you up and doesn’t spit you out until after the last page. A tense, edge of your seat read!
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 26, 2022
The fifth in the Allie Shenton series, can be read as a stand-alone.
I love this series. A close-knit team of Allie, Perry, Frankie and Sam set in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
A group of friends who had links going back to their school days. Couples Kit and Nicky, Aaron and Tasha, Scott and Leanne, and Ben and Gemma. Ben and Tasha are new to the group but the others had been friends since school. They’d remained close into their thirties and the lads still went out to the pub every week.
Kit was found murdered after walking home on one such night out.
This shocked the group to the core, but there were many secrets that were being kept from their partners and friends.
Another murder in a different part of the city on the same day kept Allie and her team on their toes. With lots of people to interview this was quite a task, as differences between people’s statements came out.
Kit and Scott worked at Car Wash City, a chain of local car washes. This made the police suspicious because of prior run ins with the dodgy owner.
A brilliant insight into the character of the group of friends and the way they interacted.
A fast-paced story which I couldn’t put down, with twists and turns that I definitely didn’t see coming. I thoroughly recommend this book.
I love Mel Sherratt’s style of writing, gritty and straight to the point.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced copy. I will always be #TeamSherratt
I love this series. A close-knit team of Allie, Perry, Frankie and Sam set in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
A group of friends who had links going back to their school days. Couples Kit and Nicky, Aaron and Tasha, Scott and Leanne, and Ben and Gemma. Ben and Tasha are new to the group but the others had been friends since school. They’d remained close into their thirties and the lads still went out to the pub every week.
Kit was found murdered after walking home on one such night out.
This shocked the group to the core, but there were many secrets that were being kept from their partners and friends.
Another murder in a different part of the city on the same day kept Allie and her team on their toes. With lots of people to interview this was quite a task, as differences between people’s statements came out.
Kit and Scott worked at Car Wash City, a chain of local car washes. This made the police suspicious because of prior run ins with the dodgy owner.
A brilliant insight into the character of the group of friends and the way they interacted.
A fast-paced story which I couldn’t put down, with twists and turns that I definitely didn’t see coming. I thoroughly recommend this book.
I love Mel Sherratt’s style of writing, gritty and straight to the point.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced copy. I will always be #TeamSherratt
May 27, 2022
One of them lied. One of them died. One of them is next.
Kit Harper is murdered on his way home from the pub and, across the other side of town, Jack Carter is found dead in his bed. DS Allie Shenton and her team know they've got their work cut out for them, both of these men had secrets and, when there are further attacks on Kit's close friends, the team discover a link to a cold case that happened twenty years earlier. All they need to do now is work out who knows the truth about what happened that night and who is lying to save their own skin.
Hidden Secrets, the fifth book in the DS Allie Shenton series, hits the ground running from the first page and I was right back there on the streets of Stoke on Trent, totally caught up with the goings on of the estate residents. Once again Sherratt writes her characters with such authenticity and depth that they become real people to the reader. The close knit relationship of this group of friends was reflected in the way they dealt with the news of Kit's death and I felt that raw emotion as if it was someone I knew personally. The writing as always is seamless, with a well executed plot and, I've said it before but, when this author puts pen to paper she produces amazing work. This is an edge of your seat, compelling read with some great twists that you don't want to miss. I loved it.
I'd like to thank the author for an advanced copy of this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Kit Harper is murdered on his way home from the pub and, across the other side of town, Jack Carter is found dead in his bed. DS Allie Shenton and her team know they've got their work cut out for them, both of these men had secrets and, when there are further attacks on Kit's close friends, the team discover a link to a cold case that happened twenty years earlier. All they need to do now is work out who knows the truth about what happened that night and who is lying to save their own skin.
Hidden Secrets, the fifth book in the DS Allie Shenton series, hits the ground running from the first page and I was right back there on the streets of Stoke on Trent, totally caught up with the goings on of the estate residents. Once again Sherratt writes her characters with such authenticity and depth that they become real people to the reader. The close knit relationship of this group of friends was reflected in the way they dealt with the news of Kit's death and I felt that raw emotion as if it was someone I knew personally. The writing as always is seamless, with a well executed plot and, I've said it before but, when this author puts pen to paper she produces amazing work. This is an edge of your seat, compelling read with some great twists that you don't want to miss. I loved it.
I'd like to thank the author for an advanced copy of this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
May 19, 2022
Book Five, Detective Allie Shenton is back once again, oh I love this series.
Kevin (Kit) Harper after a fun night out with the lads, he was wasted and walking home through Stoke on Trent to his wife Nicky, a shadow fell across his path catching him on his temple his down and dead before he even hits the ground.
Allie's Sunday plans with Mark are on hold again as she get's the call in who was out to kill this man and why? So much more is about to happen as you read on.
Another fantastic slap bang wallop book from this amazing clever author.
She's knows how to twist and turn the chapters to keep you hooked.
I love this character and all the rest of the gang with lot's of humour and scenes that make readers quiver as you read.
Brilliant just brilliant, keep the books coming please, I won't ever say no to more.
That is all from me on this book leaving top star's all the way.
Kevin (Kit) Harper after a fun night out with the lads, he was wasted and walking home through Stoke on Trent to his wife Nicky, a shadow fell across his path catching him on his temple his down and dead before he even hits the ground.
Allie's Sunday plans with Mark are on hold again as she get's the call in who was out to kill this man and why? So much more is about to happen as you read on.
Another fantastic slap bang wallop book from this amazing clever author.
She's knows how to twist and turn the chapters to keep you hooked.
I love this character and all the rest of the gang with lot's of humour and scenes that make readers quiver as you read.
Brilliant just brilliant, keep the books coming please, I won't ever say no to more.
That is all from me on this book leaving top star's all the way.
June 29, 2022
Awesome
Wow what another cracker of a book from a
Mel Sherrat. I genuinely do not know how she does it.I came across her when I first joined kindle unintended .along with 3 other lady authors. I had not ever heard of any of them before.never having seen one single book in any of the major book stores which I actually found ridicules such Goof authors and none of these any major companies had signed ten up was shocked . However I knew it would not be long before they did go knocking I can not remember the book Mel wrote that suddenly they went here. But series how could they not with such a genius of a writer Because she is such a Genius each ok is better than the last one I can not recommend this book enough...... Read it in one sitting pure GENIUS I DO MEAN MEL SHERRATT YOU REALLY ARE TRUE GENIUS
Wow what another cracker of a book from a
Mel Sherrat. I genuinely do not know how she does it.I came across her when I first joined kindle unintended .along with 3 other lady authors. I had not ever heard of any of them before.never having seen one single book in any of the major book stores which I actually found ridicules such Goof authors and none of these any major companies had signed ten up was shocked . However I knew it would not be long before they did go knocking I can not remember the book Mel wrote that suddenly they went here. But series how could they not with such a genius of a writer Because she is such a Genius each ok is better than the last one I can not recommend this book enough...... Read it in one sitting pure GENIUS I DO MEAN MEL SHERRATT YOU REALLY ARE TRUE GENIUS
May 31, 2022
Book five in the series holds a complex case for the Allie's team. A tight-knit, tight lipped group of friends, a murder, attempted murder, drug dealing, secrets, lies and affairs are just some elements the team are forced to untangle to catch this killer.
As always Mel creates realistic characters woven into a complex plot and every time you think you know whodunnit she throws another curve ball to keep the reader on our toes.
As always Mel creates realistic characters woven into a complex plot and every time you think you know whodunnit she throws another curve ball to keep the reader on our toes.
July 29, 2022
Brilliant
Yet again Mel has nailed it with this Allie Shenton sorry line. Every twist and turn has you wanting more. Always sad when I come to the end of these series. Mel has left us with another cliff hanger as to what the future holds for Allie and Mark. Can't wait to find out. Hurry up with the 6th book of the Allie Shenton series please Mel.
Yet again Mel has nailed it with this Allie Shenton sorry line. Every twist and turn has you wanting more. Always sad when I come to the end of these series. Mel has left us with another cliff hanger as to what the future holds for Allie and Mark. Can't wait to find out. Hurry up with the 6th book of the Allie Shenton series please Mel.
October 28, 2022
Another great thriller by Sherratt
What a great read! Nothing is lacking in this thriller. This group of friends each have something to hide, and things start spiraling out of control quickly when one is murdered. A fast paced page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.
What a great read! Nothing is lacking in this thriller. This group of friends each have something to hide, and things start spiraling out of control quickly when one is murdered. A fast paced page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.
July 4, 2023
Just finished this book in 3 sittings. As always top class. A murder on a Saturday night of a man going home from the pub and then a separate one in a house on Sunday!! Are they related? The plot ebbs and flows and gets very complicated before all is clarified!! Another top class book from Mel Sherratt. On to read No 6 in the series which sadly is the finale!!
September 5, 2024
hidden Secrets
A fast moving read. Great characters in Allie’s team and they respond to each other well. It’s dire to realise how childhood treatment has such an influence on the people we become. The power of the drug scene is a huge problem. Looking forward to reading her next book.
A fast moving read. Great characters in Allie’s team and they respond to each other well. It’s dire to realise how childhood treatment has such an influence on the people we become. The power of the drug scene is a huge problem. Looking forward to reading her next book.
May 29, 2022
I have been looking forward to the next book in the Allie Shenton series. This, the fifth one, certainly didn’t disappoint.
It involved around a group that had been friends since school days but all had secrets and when one was found murdered these secrets begin to untangle.
When a second murder occurs Allie and her team are stretched to the limit. Are the murders connected or just random? Time and good detective work will eventually lead to a successful conclusion but not without many twists and turns along the way.
Another successful book by Mel Sherratt that I couldn’t put down
It involved around a group that had been friends since school days but all had secrets and when one was found murdered these secrets begin to untangle.
When a second murder occurs Allie and her team are stretched to the limit. Are the murders connected or just random? Time and good detective work will eventually lead to a successful conclusion but not without many twists and turns along the way.
Another successful book by Mel Sherratt that I couldn’t put down
June 12, 2022
Once again Mel Sherratt has given us a great, gripping, fast paced absolute page turner. Read as a standalone or whole series… but well worth a read. I personally would recommend the whole series. Roll on the next instalment.
June 14, 2022
Pretty Good
It's better than the last few that I've read by her. I do like the Allie series. It's a good enough read if you are in need of a book to read. Welp, on to the next one.
It's better than the last few that I've read by her. I do like the Allie series. It's a good enough read if you are in need of a book to read. Welp, on to the next one.
June 30, 2022
5th book in the Allie Shenton series and was not disappointed, another great page Turner
Cannot wait to read the next book. Each of Mel Sherratt books just get better. Worth do mich more than a 5 star 🌟
Cannot wait to read the next book. Each of Mel Sherratt books just get better. Worth do mich more than a 5 star 🌟
April 12, 2025
Great storyline showing that events in the past do always catch up with you, in this case over 20 years. Allie Shenton works hard but ultimately gets rewards, in both her team and personal lives.
Looking forward to no. 6.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Looking forward to no. 6.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 24, 2025
A group of friends who’ve shared their since they were schoolmates are shattered when one of th er m is murdered. As DI Allie Shenton and her team get to know the friends, they realize they’re hiding information. Secrets and lies rule the day.
October 15, 2025
An intriguing and rollercoaster ride.
An excellent crime thriller based around Stoke-on-Trent. Great fast-paced plot with a rollercoaster ride of an ending!
Highly recommended reading folks, you won't regret it.
An excellent crime thriller based around Stoke-on-Trent. Great fast-paced plot with a rollercoaster ride of an ending!
Highly recommended reading folks, you won't regret it.
May 26, 2022
On his way home from the pub after an altercation with his mates, Kit Harper is murdered. Kit was a likeable lad, so who would want to kill him? DS Allie Shenton and the team need to get to the bottom of this case, especially when there are attacks on Kit’s friends.
Jack Carter is found dead in his bed. Allie and the team now have two cases to solve. With secrets and lies on both cases, can they find the killers?
This is another fantastic story from the author. I love that I know I am always going to get sucked into these books. The characters are believable, as well as the storyline. The friendship between the group has been written so well, you can feel the love they have for each other. Just as I think I have it all worked out, there is another twist to confuse me! Excellent writing.
A well deserved 5 stars from me.
Jack Carter is found dead in his bed. Allie and the team now have two cases to solve. With secrets and lies on both cases, can they find the killers?
This is another fantastic story from the author. I love that I know I am always going to get sucked into these books. The characters are believable, as well as the storyline. The friendship between the group has been written so well, you can feel the love they have for each other. Just as I think I have it all worked out, there is another twist to confuse me! Excellent writing.
A well deserved 5 stars from me.
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June 9, 2022Good read
I haven't read the other books in the series but can recommend this one.
I suppose I should work my way backwards now
I haven't read the other books in the series but can recommend this one.
I suppose I should work my way backwards now
June 10, 2022
Brilliant book! As the 5th Allie Shenton book they just get better each time!
June 19, 2022
Hidden Secrets
As always Mel Sherratt has written a great book, which was a great read due to being kept wanting to know more. I will recommend this book to my friends.
As always Mel Sherratt has written a great book, which was a great read due to being kept wanting to know more. I will recommend this book to my friends.
July 1, 2022
Great read and wrap up. I missed this series and hope for more in the near future.
July 24, 2022
great read
I’ve read all the series so far and enjoyed them all I look forward to reading the next book in the series
I’ve read all the series so far and enjoyed them all I look forward to reading the next book in the series
July 28, 2022
Enjoyed
Good story nice read as usual waiting for the next one ☝book 6 . Read over 2 sleepless nights.
Thanks.
Good story nice read as usual waiting for the next one ☝book 6 . Read over 2 sleepless nights.
Thanks.
August 2, 2022
Great read
I would recommend this book you just don't want to put it down. I look forward to the next one.
I would recommend this book you just don't want to put it down. I look forward to the next one.
October 31, 2024
good
Another good book by Mel Sherratt I have read a lot of books by Mel Sherratt and not been disappointed yet ,
Another good book by Mel Sherratt I have read a lot of books by Mel Sherratt and not been disappointed yet ,
February 23, 2025
This book had so many secrets it was unbelievable. So sad that all these secrets spoiled so many lives. This book goes to show you that you may never know your friends as well as you think you do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews