Original Secrets

Whispering Pines Mystery #3

by Shawn McGuire

The Northwoods village of Whispering Pines used to be a safe haven for outsiders, but after three deaths in two months, it’s become a hotbed of murder.

Exhausted from being the only law enforcement official on duty, while also trying to open a bed-and-breakfast, Jayne O’Shea welcomes the escape she finds in her grandmother’s journals. Each entry gives her a deeper understanding of why her grandparents moved to the secluded spot so long ago. But as questions are answered, deeply hidden secrets are unearthed.

If Jayne can put all the pieces of this puzzle together, she’ll not only learn the truth behind her grandmother’s death, she’ll catch a killer whose been wandering the village for forty years.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Paranormal, Wicca, Mystery Thriller

490 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2018

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

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a trip through her Grandmother's early life for Sheriff Jayne O'Shea. Jayne's grandmother was found dead in her bathroom and everyone agreed that it was a horrible accident. But Jayne isn't so sure.

Investigating her death, Jayne comes across some journals from 40 years prior. Each entry she reads tells a story of how the village came to be and why her grandparents moved to this small secluded area to begin with.

The more Jayne reads ...and the more she questions the original residents ... the more she sees a connection to an early death. A young woman either fell or was pushed to her death.

"If Jayne can put all the pieces of this puzzle together, she’ll not only learn the truth behind her grandmother’s death, she’ll catch a killer whose been wandering the village for forty years."

This is a delightful series. Although easily read as a stand alone, I highly recommend starting with the first book. You won't want to miss all the residents ... from Blind Willie,who isn't blind ... to the carnies ... to the Wiccan group ... to a nun, who isn't a nun .. to Meeka, the four-footed canine. As friendly and diverse as the residents are, there are those with deep buried secrets.

I enjoy the mix of Jayne's life as a Sheriff balanced with her personal life, which isn't without issues. I look forward to more adventures in this colorful little village.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this well written mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Hanan Buhadana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so much fun!

[Melliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

#3 was a pivotal book, answering a lot of questions that were raised in the first two. It's a good stopping point if you don't want to continue with the series. I think that i do, but perhaps at a later date? Time for something else...

[Mervi · Rating 4 out of 5]

After returning to the small village of Whispering Pines for the first time in over a decade, Janye O’Shaye has finally started to feel like she fits in. She’s the Sheriff and she and her friend Tripp are busily renovating her grandmother’s huge house to start a B&B. She knows that Tripp wants to be more than friends. Even though she wants it, too another part is afraid that she’ll be hurt again. Her little West Highland White Terrier Meeka is happy, though.

Jayne decides to kayak to work and good thing that she does: a tourist is near drowning and she rescues him. She tries to make him go to the local healing center but he refuses. Feeling a bit frustrated, she continues to work. But by afternoon, that tourist is dead. It looks like an accident but Jayne wants to be sure. She also finds her Grandmother’s old diaries. Officially, her Gran drowned in her own bathtub but Jayne feels that something more sinister happened. She thinks that the diaries could give her a clue.

She’s tired because she still hasn’t got a deputy and she needs to run the station by herself at the height of the tourist season. Also, the renovation isn’t going as quickly as she thought.

This was a good continuation to the series. It’s as much quirky fun as the previous ones.

Most of the characters are familiar but we don’t see much of the carnival folks from the second book. Although we do get a couple of new eccentric characters. When Jayne finds the diaries their story about the founding of the town and the lives of the original inhabitants draw her. She ends up reading the diaries during her working hours, too. I enjoyed finding out more about her Gran and the town.

This book ties up the continuing mystery of her Gran’s death.

[Lisa Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the back story to know a little more of Jayne and her relationship with her grandmother. It's just sad that Jayne never got to see her before she was murdered. I was given this book free of charge in exchange for a voluntarily honest and unbiased review. This series is amazing and can't wait till the next book is out.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books keep getting better and better!

They are a great little escape from the more intense stuff I read! A cute, witty, quirky little whodunit.

If a mystery series is something you are interested in.. I highly recommend started this one. 13+ books is quite an investment but these are a quick, easy read.. and boy are they fun!

[Marianne Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is definitely not a cozy mystery as some of the tags attest to. They are well written, well done mysteries which always keep me guessing.

I love Shawn McGuire

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Secrets is the third book in Shawn McGuire’s phenomenal Whispering Pine series.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading all three books and can say this is the best one yet!
I love all the back story we learn in this book, about how Whispering Pines comes to be and how it’s current residents figure in.
I can’t wait to see what happens in book four!
I recommend reading this set in order, as each book is a continuation of the next.
If you love cozys that are different ,and have unique characters I highly recommend these books
I was given an ARC of this book from the author, the opinions are my own

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been awhile since I've read a book quickly this series is making me read read and read

[Ann Dudzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Whispering Pines Mystery series. Since I wasn’t posting reviews when I started the series, let me catch you up on what’s been happening.

The series is set in the Northwoods village of Whispering Pines, Wisconsin, which is mostly inhabited by Wiccans, circus performers, and others who “don’t fit into society.” Jayne O’Shea is a former Madison, Wisconsin police officer who arrives in Whispering Pines to prepare her grandmother’s house for sale after her death. Almost immediately after Jayne arrives, she finds a body on her property and the mystery begins.

While investigating the murder, she runs afoul of the local sheriff and we meet the denizens of Whispering Pines. The town is filled to the brim with people I’d love to be friends with, from Tripp, the love interest who wants to stay Whispering Pines but he’s too “normal,” to Morgan, the new best friend and best green witch in Wisconsin, to Meeka, Jayne’s West Highland White Terrier/police dog. The cast of characters is large but not difficult to keep track of and the author has created a fictional town that I kind of wish was real and I could visit. (Honestly, it reminds me a lot of Lily Dale in Western New York.) I can see the grandmother’s house on the lake, the town, the circus, and each individual shop. I’m seriously envious of Morgan’s store, I’m rooting for Jayne, and I really hope she finally nails Flavia for something.

Obviously, the backstory of nearly everyone in this village is that they are Wiccan and many of them have lived there for generations (although book two focused on the circus performers, including a gender fluid Ringmaster). It’s an interesting premise for a cozy mystery and one of the reasons I picked up the first book. I will note that all of the Wiccans in this book are also witches (or fortune tellers), which might turn off some readers since the two don’t always go hand in hand, although as of book three, I’ve only been introduced to green and kitchen witches. Personally, I’m waiting for an elemental witch to make an appearance and there’s hints that might be coming. For the record, Jayne is still slightly skeptical but accepting of the Wiccan lifestyle/religion.

By Original Secrets, Jayne has decided to stay in Whispering Pines, has taken on the job of sheriff, and with Tripp’s help, is turning her grandmother’s home into a bed and breakfast (with the threat of having to sell it if it doesn’t turn a profit in a year). The romance between her and Tripp is heating up and she’s discovered that her grandmother’s death was a homicide, not an accidental death as the police report states. And, of course, she’s solved three murders and dealt with an accidental death and a suicide.

I’ve already downloaded the fourth installment and while it hasn’t hit the top of my to-be-read list, I’m thoroughly enjoying the series. The author has a solid grip on the large cast of characters (new ones are introduced in each book and I’d love to see the intricate relationship tree that was probably necessary to keep them all straight.) Three books in and new backstories are developing naturally that add in great plot twists to keep things fresh. My only question is, in a town this small that caters to tourists, how many deaths can occur over the summer before Jayne is suspected of bringing bad luck to town?

The character of Jayne, as well as the feel of the books, reminds me a lot of Kinsey Millhone in Sue Grafton’s “alphabet” mystery series. So if you’re a Sue Grafton fan, I strongly recommend adding this series to your list of books to read.

I gave the first book four stars, but books two and three have sat solidly at 3.5 stars.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Have you ever seen a baby pigeon?"
Whispering Pines is a small town, established in 1966, on Jayne's grandmother's land. The 20 something ex police sergeant hadn't been back since she was 10, some sixteen years before. But, following her grandmother's death, she'd persuaded her parents not to sell immediately but instead let her try to establish a profitable bed and breakfast business in the large, multi bedroomed house. They gave her a one year trial to break even and the conversion work was being assisted by Trip, an attractive man she'd met just after her arrival. But Jayne had also taken on the job of Sheriff for the area and was desperately in need of a Deputy especially since Whispering Pines was becoming a popular tourist destination with it's beautiful scenery and colourful inhabitants, and the recent small spate of murders. But it is the arrival of the overdue autopsy report on her grandmother's death, showing it not to have been the simple accident previously believed, that has Jayne reading through the night the journals kept since the inception of the community in an attempt to discover who killed her.

This cozy mystery is full of atmosphere and character. Some lovely touches, too, like the sound of the wind in the trees which gives name to the small town. The townsfolk might call themselves witches, for the most part, but they are of the New Age variety, not paranormals, and predictions are only vaguely accurate despite the popularity of the fortune tellers with the tourists. The main protagonists, in particular, are very human with both good points And definite flaws. And the author carefully details every item that Jayne, and some others, eat.
The narration is good, clear and well paced. Sandra Murphy has a pleasant, well modulated voice and, whilst her renditions of the individual protagonists' voices are not greatly differentiated, this in no way detracts from her overall tidy performance.Sent

Although third in the series, Original Secrets can be enjoyed without having read the earlier books as all essential information is given. However, although the portrayal of the town, and of Jayne hdrself, is excellent and tension builds as the book progresses, the final resolution feels rushed and not quite satisfactoy. It is, however, a fun read. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request freely gifted me a complimentary copy of Original Secrets, via Audiobook Boom.

[Steph Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I really enjoyed reading this third installment of practical cop Jayne’s adventures amongst the kooky conclave of misfits that inhabit the village of Whispering Pines, but I confess to a sense of disappointment by the end.

Don’t get me wrong, the characters and plot are strong; the romance natural and sweet; and the tone and pacing remind me very much of Sue Grafton’s ‘Alphabet’ series, with many similarities between Kinsey and Jayne in terms of their efficient work ethic and emotional distance.

Likewise, there are some big twists and turns, and finally some long-awaited answers to some of the questions in the wider story arc.

This is actually where the novel did not quite work for me. The build-up has been climactic over the course of the series to this point and the clues have been perfectly drip-fed to intrigue and puzzle; and then, no spoilers, but I found the eventual big reveals to be somewhat anticlimactic against the explosions I had been expecting. I wanted more ‘woo-woo’ magic, baddies to turn out to be misunderstood and goodies to have hidden darker depths.

Also, I was somewhat taken aback at Jayne’s quickness to label certain people that she disliked as ‘scum’ and dismiss their motivations as unreasonable, at points where I actually felt quite a bit of sympathy for them as an outside observer.

As a result, I was gripped throughout this novel, reading the whole thing in one sitting at breakneck speed, on the edge of my seat. Then sat back afterwards with a slight sense of deflation. I am glad that the author assures that there are further secrets to come, and hope that they increase in intensity and impact as the series progresses.



It seemed that because nothing matched, it all went together perfectly. Like the herb bundles in Morgan’s shop. Or the people who lived in this village.

– Shawn McGuire, Original Secrets

(Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog)

[Kat Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the way Shawn McGuire draws out the overarching mystery of this series.

In this one, there was no body to be dealt with. Instead we go back to a 40 year old mystery that ties into the one most important to her. Her grandmother's death. Learning about the town of Whispering Pines, and how and why it was founded, as well as the history of its residents was kind of fascinating. So was watching how the past plays into the present.

This is a pretty cool series. Especially for someone who normally isn't a fan of the mystery genre. I'd definitely recommend it to someone who is, though.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all 7 of the books in the Whispering Pines series. What a great way to spend your time reading a cozy murder mystery! Each book is somewhat stand alone but if you start with book 1 you get each character as they enter the “scene” and the backstory of why our interesting detective is there in the first place. The books are filled with mysterious and quirky characters. From the village residents to visiting tourists, there is always something happening and probably dying to be found! I cannot wait until a new book comes out!

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Secrets, Whispering Pines #1 - An intriguing story. After finishing Stick and Stones, I dove into Family Secrets, my second book by this new-to-me author. These two books are nothing alike on storylines, except fantasy. I was drawn into this well written novel with an interesting plot and realistic characters, including the lovable dog. I couldn't put Family Secrets down until it was finished. There's an overview letting the reader know what the book is about, which I appreciate. This author is definitely someone whose work I want to keep reading. Two books, two winners!

Kept Secrets, Whispering Pines #2 - Another intriguing story by a very good author. Now we're being to know our main characters as they grow in this book, while remaining believable and realistic. The well written, fast paced plot keeps the reader interested, making it hard to put the book down. The author’s descriptions leave the reader with clear pictures about the town, townspeople and property. I contacted the author to review her books since she writes such substantial stories that leaves a reader satisfied.

Original Secrets, Whispering Pines #3 – This is the best of the series. So intriguing that the reader can’t put the book down. A well written, suspense filled book with two deaths forty years apart that may be connected. The characters are steadily growing, even the hated ones are interesting. Their dialog is realistic and non of The Stupid Formula for these characters. Her descriptions are clear and you’re there in Whispering Pines. I’m looking forward to the next book. I contacted the author to review her books; her stories are substantial and the reader is satisfied when finished reading one of her books.

Hidden Secrets, Whispering Pines #4 - Another hard to put down story. Well written, suspense filled and full of intrigue, still with an interesting group of characters with new ones added to boot. This substantial story has several stories going at once, including the past and the future and the worries that stem from them. I've never been disappointed by any book written by Ms. McGuire and I look forward to more of her work. I contacted the author to review her books.

Missing & Gone - An interesting novella. This well written story introduces the main and some of the secondary characters of the book Family Secrets. It's a quickly read suspense story, which I read after Family Secrets; I didn't miss not having read M&G before FS. A conflict: Jayne knows her grandmother is a Wiccan, but she forgot it in FS? Minor detail, both are must reads, actually any of the author's books are must reads.

Sticks and Stones - A surprising, intense novel. Not knowing what to expect from this new-to-me author, I started reading a book that turned out to be mesmerizing. I couldn't stop reading this well written, thought out book with its interesting characters and storyline full of twists, even thought the age group doesn't interest me. I've had this book a while and am glad I finally got around to reading it. My next read is Family Secrets.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

•audiobook•

I loved the first book and was disappointed I missed the second one. Book 3 made some references to the second, but it didn’t matter it was missed. It was no more or less of a loss than any book that references things in a character’s past.

I liked how it started off with new characters, visitors/vacationers in the area. I liked how Jayne describes people she sees by descriptions used when taking a police report (or like the info on a state id: height, hair color, eye color).

The diaries were an interesting as it gleamed how Whispering Pines was settled and got its name. It felt like a cult, which was different from modern day - only two generations later, which was kind if baffling. It also lost its credibility as Jayne pieced together the pieces. And the older mystery was really quite predictable, so I feel like the AH-HA moment was a folly and a let down. I also didn’t think Jayne’s reaction was credible- unless she comes to terms with it in the next book. But I won’t know. I don’t intend to pick it up.

The relationship with Trip, which I loved, felt so cliche to the current trend. Like come on, since when were adults so juvenile in dealing with feelings and saying what’s on their mind? I’m not saying we need to Trump twitter or Facebook blog or gossip like in a small town cozy soap opera Melrose Place episode,,but come ON already.

The first book was stellar and set the bar high. I think this book was on the lowest peg in a limbo round.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This one was a different book to the rest so far in the series because it Is a cold case Jayne is investigating and very personal, so a lot of reading old diaries. I think it helps to have listened to the previous books because you could easily make the connections between the names and the characters and there previous behaviour. Still a good like mystery and it does answer a lot of questions surrounding Jayne and even the town. The characters are fun and recurring because it is a small town, so you get to know them well across the series. I am off to start the next book in the series.
Jayne is busy at work and getting ready to open the b&b so needs a duty to help her and her police dog keep Whispering pines safe. When Jayne is called to over see another body she fears the worst but it is not the autopsy of the young man that causes her the most nightmares, this one is a little closer to home. Jayne's own gran didn't die in an accident as she was lead to believe and on further investigation Jayne finds that she might just have the key to solve the most important case in her life, the town's history in the form of several diaries written by her Gran at the time of the biggest secret whispering pines holds.
I liked the narrator and think she really brings each characters to life with her easy style and at the same time can also build up the tension just as easy.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting the Scene: Jane O'Shea is now the overworked sheriff of the Northwoods village of Whispering Pines, as she and Tripp also work to get their B&B ready and open. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Jane decides to give former Deputy Martin Reid another shot as her deputy but with very specific terms and conditions. Things are going surprisingly well, but that could change as Jane reopens an investigation into her grandmother's death, and Deputy Reid's mother is implicated in not one, but two suspicious deaths. On the other hand, after digging into the past, Jane may find the old adage, "Be careful what you ask for," is all too true.

What I Thought: I enjoyed the earlier books in this series, but this one was a notch above. First, learning about the history and origins of Whispering Pines and the "Originals," not only answers some outstanding questions about events and inhabitants in the past but it also leads to a better understanding of current day Whispering Pines. Then while Jane is faced with some challenging truths that will change everything she thought she knew about her family, we also see a kinder, gentler, and humorous Jane, much more comfortable in her own skin, than has been evident in earlier books. Finally, seeing the professional camaraderie that develops between Jane and Martin, as well as growth on the home front, is refreshing and hopeful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Sandra Murphy does a good job voicing the characters.

[Robert Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this third novel in the Whispering Pines series, Sheriff Jayne O’Shea digs deep into the past to investigate a forty-year old death and one much closer to home.

While clearing out the house, Jayne uncovers her grandmother’s journals, which provide a detailed account of how she founded the community of Whispering Pines and how it grew and developed over the years. Jayne finds details of the death of a teenage girl, which appears to be a murder her grandmother covered up for the sake of the new community forty years ago.

Determined to find out what really happened, she interviews many of the people who were there at the time, getting conflicting reports. She also hopes she can shed some light on her grandmother’s recent death, confirmed as murder by an autopsy report she receives.

All the main characters are there from the previous books, bringing the small community to life. Past and present conflicts and differences are brought into sharp focus as Jayne’s investigation uncovers some surprising secrets.

It’s another well written story with vivid and sometimes quirky characters, the charming backdrop of the village and its cultures, and Jayne’s gradual acceptance and seduction into its gentle way of life. The novel resolves some past and current personal issues, providing a platform for Jayne and the series to move into a new phase.

[Elsa Hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a pleasure to come home to Whispering Pines, the one place on earth where being a bit strange is not a bad thing....

For instance, there's the nun with painted toenails on a bicycle, a monocycle rider who follows her with a violin, but he dies suddenly. Another suspicious death?

Or is murder and heartbreak much closer to home? As Jayne O'Shea finds intriguing journal entries from her grandmother's meticulously kept journals, she realises that things are about to get very personal. To deal with this, Jayne has to be in "cop mode" more and more and somehow, it seems, she's noticing Tripp more and more too...

Another well written book by Shawn Mcquire, it can be read as a standalone but why read one when you can read all three? Each book is a study of the weird and wonderful people who make their living in the small community.
And those who murder them.

I received this book for free from the author - I review or try to review every fiction book I read.

I've fallen in love with Whispering Pines and would love to move there ASAP, actually!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Original Secrets is the third 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…

[Girlgeorge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little Wiccan mystery series. I bought the first 3 as a set and it ended up being just right for me. This third book wrapped up enough questions to allow for a satisfying end here, or to continue on if you enjoy the series. For me, I'll be ending here for now, but will put the 4th book on my "want to read" list for the future.

I didn't like who Jayne became in this book. Her personality changed and yes, I understand she had "things" happening, but towards the end of the book, I was just ready to reach out and slap her. When you start hating the main character, it's time to walk away from the series.

I enjoyed the Wiccan aspects and many of the other characters. I'd love to see if the B&B succeeds. I'd love to see if she and Tripp make it. So maybe one day I'll pick up book 4...

[Jameelah · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are the first three books of quite a long series which is why they are slow and take time to develop in storyline and plot. Think small town like Vampire Diaries but focusing mainly on witches without the super dark stuff. One consistent feature is that there is a murder/mystery in every book and Jayne, the woman who recently moved to Whispering Pines and has become the local small-town sheriff is the one to solve these cases. Whilst you get an answer for the murders, I felt that there was a big build up and then the 'murderers' would give themselves up really quickly which felt like the process was rushed. Due to it being only the first 3 books, I am keen to know more about Jayne's personal life and relationship with Tripp which has been hinted at the end. Overall an easy read with good character development.

[EFinn1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story- the blending of the past and the present in Gran’s (Lucy) and Jayne’s stories reminded me of a nautilus shell. As we get closer to the tight center of Gran’s life, Jayne’s life gets bigger and more complicated as she uncovers secret after secret.

Shawn McGuire masterfully crafts these characters and this story in a way that lets you identify with the good and even the bad townsfolk. Just when you really want to dislike a villain, she gives you pause to wonder.

Decades old murders, mystery and intrigue keep the story dark in all the right places while Jayne’s humorous internal dialogues add just enough light. A complex cast of characters keep your interest way beyond lights out.

I can’t wait for the next book; this town has a lot more secrets to give up.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second "Whispering Pines Mystery" by Shawn McGuire. This one was a good as the first one. (Missed the second Mystery so will have to back track a bit). She is very good at keeping her characters on track and there is a bit of spice but not over powering like some books. Just enough to keep you interested. No real blood and guts but the mystery is still there and it keeps you hanging just enough to make you want to read more but not enough to make you loose interest. I really like the whole Wicca aspect of the town and think it would have been fun to grow up in a town like that. I would recommend this to any reader without hesitation. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more.
Cheers
Lynn

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book in this series that I cannot praise highly enough it has captured my imagination completely and leaves me smiling at the end. This book introduces a new character at the village one I instantly liked for being himself in a truly different way. History is delved into, and making a stronger enemy of a person seems to be an extra unpleasant outcome of ‘solving’ two suspicious deaths. A new bond is formed within the police department from a newly inspired deputy, secrets once forcefully kept hidden are revealed, who was her grandmother really? Ah and the beginnings of romance in the town. Suspense, romance, drama, secrets and new beginnings, as I said, this book has it all.

[Liz Etnyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as much 'meat' as the earlier two, but still a really good read. Wish it was a bit longer - maybe explored the supporting characters motivations a bit more...which is weird because this one was even more 'supporting character' centered... It was fun to learn more about the founding of the town and the rifts that were created. The 'twist' at the end was almost an eye-roll moment - bad enough that by the time of the 'denouement' you know who 'it' was - and then to keep him 'in play' in such a hackneyed way was a bit of a groan. Still enjoyed it and look forward to a sequel - but could only give 4 stars - and the last half star to bump it up from 3 to 4 primarily because I'm invested in the characters.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

KU borrow. Book 3 in the story of Whispering Pines finds Jayne, as the only cop in the area, up to her neck in trying to solve murders, open her B & B, and look into her grandmother’s old journals. Family drama adds to her stress. Does she have the answers all along? What I learned: “Everyone wears a different persona depending on who they’re with.” I’ve been truly fascinated with this story line, learning more about Wiccan, delighting in her pup, Meeka, who is becoming quite the police K-9! And will she EVER be able to maybe open her heart and let Tripp in – just a little bit? A little mystery, a little romance, a little witchery, what more could you want?

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

McGuire continues O'Shea's story as yet another death affects Whispering Pines. When Jane rescues a young man drowning, she is angered to find him dead just one day later. This is frustrating, since the B&B is in the middle of renovations. Suddenly, she is swamped at the Sheriffs office and the community counsel is pushing for her to hire a deputy and her nemesis is recommends her own son. With little choice, she opts to give him a chance. Already overwhelmed, Jane's continued investigation into the death of her grandmother leads to an Originals death 30 years earlier. Can a death so long ago really connect with the recent murders?

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Shawn continues to weave the quiet darkness of Whispering Pines through the sub-plots while revealing only what we need to know as our MC, Jayne solves the deaths that are occurring with more frequency in and around Whispering Pines. The characters in this series vary from mysterious to delightful. The relationships are continuously changing and growing as is the town itself. I love how the pines almost have a personality and how characters from the past influence the present.