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Beneath The Surface
The St. James Sage Book Three
The final book in The St. James Saga
Bret Ashton St. James has had one hell of a life. What began as a posh and privileged childhood quickly turned tragic.
Everything started to spiral downward the dreadful night his mother went missing when he was only five years of age. Lies and secrets filled his young head, so much so that now, as a young adult, he has trouble trusting anyone. He knows something is amiss back in Maine, and he plans on digging for the truth once and for all.
Thirteen years ago, Bret stumbled upon a dirty little deed, and since then, his life veered in a completely unexpected direction. The years since relocating to Washington have been good to him, but confusion constantly clouds his mind. Because of all the deceit in his past, his memory is blurred; he cannot always tell the difference between fact and fiction.
Book two left us hanging from the edge of a cliff; this one will not pick up right where Between The Trees left off, but be patient; the answers you seek will eventually unfold. Our hearts ached for Bret; the poor boy was never given a fair shot at life. Step into the mind of Cameron St. James's son, and see how he is dealing with the turmoil his father and the St. James men before him created.
The final book in The St. James Saga
Bret Ashton St. James has had one hell of a life. What began as a posh and privileged childhood quickly turned tragic.
Everything started to spiral downward the dreadful night his mother went missing when he was only five years of age. Lies and secrets filled his young head, so much so that now, as a young adult, he has trouble trusting anyone. He knows something is amiss back in Maine, and he plans on digging for the truth once and for all.
Thirteen years ago, Bret stumbled upon a dirty little deed, and since then, his life veered in a completely unexpected direction. The years since relocating to Washington have been good to him, but confusion constantly clouds his mind. Because of all the deceit in his past, his memory is blurred; he cannot always tell the difference between fact and fiction.
Book two left us hanging from the edge of a cliff; this one will not pick up right where Between The Trees left off, but be patient; the answers you seek will eventually unfold. Our hearts ached for Bret; the poor boy was never given a fair shot at life. Step into the mind of Cameron St. James's son, and see how he is dealing with the turmoil his father and the St. James men before him created.
Unknown Binding
Published November 18, 2022
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Leigh M. Hall
16 books373 followersLeigh is a believer in fairytales, the kind that keep some people up at night.
She lives in Texas with her family of gremlins and their amazing dogs. Not only does she love the heat, but she is preparing herself just in case there, in fact, will be a hell at the end of all this.
Growing up, she spent most of her time in the land of fictional characters and kept her head buried in a book. With ideas continually running around in her strange mind, she decided to dip her toes into writing.
Leigh published her first novel, Girl Bully (a best-selling psychological thriller), in 2020. Since then, she has published many more intensely dark and captivating novels. Many of her books can be listened to through Audible and Apple books.
Leigh loves staying in touch with her fans. You can follow her through her newsletter and many social media sites. She is very active in the writing community. You can find her at an in-person signing at any point during the year, including the incredible Wild Dead Wood Reads held during Wild Bills days in South Dakota every summer. She also attends Wanderlust in San Antonio, Texas, an event known for attracting a plethora of different readers.
Over the last few years, Leigh has been very busy building her career as a writer. She is a Houston Writer’s Guild member and an active in-person member/contributor to the 20 books community. She is also a sponsoring author for The Bookworm Box/Bookbonanza, a Texas-based charity bookstore, and event. As of 2022, Leigh is now an associate member of International Thriller Writers (ITW).
She lives in Texas with her family of gremlins and their amazing dogs. Not only does she love the heat, but she is preparing herself just in case there, in fact, will be a hell at the end of all this.
Growing up, she spent most of her time in the land of fictional characters and kept her head buried in a book. With ideas continually running around in her strange mind, she decided to dip her toes into writing.
Leigh published her first novel, Girl Bully (a best-selling psychological thriller), in 2020. Since then, she has published many more intensely dark and captivating novels. Many of her books can be listened to through Audible and Apple books.
Leigh loves staying in touch with her fans. You can follow her through her newsletter and many social media sites. She is very active in the writing community. You can find her at an in-person signing at any point during the year, including the incredible Wild Dead Wood Reads held during Wild Bills days in South Dakota every summer. She also attends Wanderlust in San Antonio, Texas, an event known for attracting a plethora of different readers.
Over the last few years, Leigh has been very busy building her career as a writer. She is a Houston Writer’s Guild member and an active in-person member/contributor to the 20 books community. She is also a sponsoring author for The Bookworm Box/Bookbonanza, a Texas-based charity bookstore, and event. As of 2022, Leigh is now an associate member of International Thriller Writers (ITW).
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 20, 2025
"Beneath the Surface" serves as a powerful and thought-provoking finale to the St. James Saga. The author’s choice to employ a first-person non-linear narrative truly sets this book apart, allowing readers to experience the intricacies of the plot and the emotional depths of the characters in a personal way.
The storyline unfolds in a way that keeps readers on edge, as past events resurface to influence the present. This creates an atmosphere of tension and anticipation, making it hard to put the book down. The exploration of characters’ motivations and their struggles adds layers of complexity, enhancing the overall experience.
The latter chapters escalate the drama significantly, pushing the narrative toward an ending that is both powerful and unsettling. It lingers in the mind long after the final page, prompting reflection on the choices and consequences faced by the characters.
Overall, "Beneath the Surface" is a fitting conclusion to the saga, offering a fresh perspective and an engaging plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. It’s a book that not only wraps up the series but also leaves a mark with its gripping storytelling and emotional depth. A must-read for those who appreciate a blend of suspense and introspection.
The storyline unfolds in a way that keeps readers on edge, as past events resurface to influence the present. This creates an atmosphere of tension and anticipation, making it hard to put the book down. The exploration of characters’ motivations and their struggles adds layers of complexity, enhancing the overall experience.
The latter chapters escalate the drama significantly, pushing the narrative toward an ending that is both powerful and unsettling. It lingers in the mind long after the final page, prompting reflection on the choices and consequences faced by the characters.
Overall, "Beneath the Surface" is a fitting conclusion to the saga, offering a fresh perspective and an engaging plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. It’s a book that not only wraps up the series but also leaves a mark with its gripping storytelling and emotional depth. A must-read for those who appreciate a blend of suspense and introspection.
November 16, 2022
“’ There should always be meaning in everything we consume. Our bodies, our minds: they are sponges and what they soak up needs to have a purpose. Nourishment, knowledge, whatever it may be, it is going to stick with us like a weapon that we can wield in the future.’” -Beneath the Surface
Hello, my name is Bret, and my life was turned upside down when I was five years old. At the age of five, my mother disappeared, and I found my teacher tied up in the billiard room of my house. I have spent the last thirteen years living with my grandma. Now that I have graduated high school and am an adult, I plan on going back to my childhood home to see my dad and put this puzzle in my head together. I don’t know for sure, but I have a strong suspicion that my dad has something to do with my mother’s disappearance.
Beneath the Surface is the final book in this series and is a nail-biter from the very beginning pages. Leigh M. Hall does a phenomenal job writing thrillers with turns you do not see coming. None of the three books in this series was predictable, taking you on a thrilling ride not knowing what was going to happen next. I liked that the final book was from Bret’s point of view. He was just a little boy when his world was changed forever, so it was a nice change to see how he was affected by it all. The very last paragraph grips you, leaving the reader to imagine all sorts of possibilities. I am truly saddened that this series has come to an end.
I rate this book 4.5 stars. I thought the book was awesome in almost every possible way but just felt that it was missing the “mind-blowing” moment. Make sure to read the Afterword from the author, it helps with the closure of the series.
Content/Trigger Warnings: anxiety, assault, attempted murder, death, kidnapping, and murder
Hello, my name is Bret, and my life was turned upside down when I was five years old. At the age of five, my mother disappeared, and I found my teacher tied up in the billiard room of my house. I have spent the last thirteen years living with my grandma. Now that I have graduated high school and am an adult, I plan on going back to my childhood home to see my dad and put this puzzle in my head together. I don’t know for sure, but I have a strong suspicion that my dad has something to do with my mother’s disappearance.
Beneath the Surface is the final book in this series and is a nail-biter from the very beginning pages. Leigh M. Hall does a phenomenal job writing thrillers with turns you do not see coming. None of the three books in this series was predictable, taking you on a thrilling ride not knowing what was going to happen next. I liked that the final book was from Bret’s point of view. He was just a little boy when his world was changed forever, so it was a nice change to see how he was affected by it all. The very last paragraph grips you, leaving the reader to imagine all sorts of possibilities. I am truly saddened that this series has come to an end.
I rate this book 4.5 stars. I thought the book was awesome in almost every possible way but just felt that it was missing the “mind-blowing” moment. Make sure to read the Afterword from the author, it helps with the closure of the series.
Content/Trigger Warnings: anxiety, assault, attempted murder, death, kidnapping, and murder
November 11, 2022
The third and final book in The St. James Saga. I have really enjoyed this series and how it all plays out. It's been a while since I read a book that has fully drawn me in like these books have. Filled with lots of twists and turns, angst, secrets and lies. It follows the stories of three St. James men as a tradition is passed down through generations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and series, and getting Bret's story in the end. I look forward to reading more from Leigh M Hall in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
I loved reading this book. This is the third book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous books before this in the series. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up and loved reading her books from the first one. Her writing skills and attention to details make her stories pop. This book is no different. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that you wont see coming. Bret's story continues in this installment. This is a great ending to the series and I look forward to seeing what this author has next for us. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. I found them to be relateable and truly made the story for me. A fast paced story that is hard to put down. I finished this book in one day as it is that good. It has great growth throughout and kept me engaged to the end. I highly recommend this book and this author.
November 17, 2022
What an absolutely gripping read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 29, 2022
I can't not say enough great things about this book and this series as a whole. I love how Leigh has Brought the characters to life and their emotions. She brings you for a whole rollercoaster ride and when you think you have something figured out, think again!! There is nothing about the books that are predictable! I hate that this is the final, but love that it came from Bret's point of view. It truly gave you a whole new insight on how he feels, felt and went through with everything!!!!
November 12, 2022
This is the third book I've read written by Leigh M. Hall; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the third and final book in the St. James Saga; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third and final book in the St. James Saga; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews