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The Father's Secret
If you can’t trust family, who can you trust?
After a body is unearthed near Chris and Vanessa’s newly-acquired hotel, all eyes are on them. They may be the owners, but they’re also the newest residents. Everyone suspects them.
Not only that, but Chris is hiding multiple secrets from his new wife and rather than opening up her, he buries himself deeper in his troubles.
Meanwhile the oldest daughter is secretly dating one of the hotel staff — and only Chris knows how dangerous the boy is. By the time he finds out about their relationship, it might be too late to save his stepdaughter…
After a body is unearthed near Chris and Vanessa’s newly-acquired hotel, all eyes are on them. They may be the owners, but they’re also the newest residents. Everyone suspects them.
Not only that, but Chris is hiding multiple secrets from his new wife and rather than opening up her, he buries himself deeper in his troubles.
Meanwhile the oldest daughter is secretly dating one of the hotel staff — and only Chris knows how dangerous the boy is. By the time he finds out about their relationship, it might be too late to save his stepdaughter…
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
12 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Claflin
188 books1,430 followersStacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.
Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 29, 2022
😮New threat & belated confessions: fast-paced trouble🛎
Hotel ownership like you've never imagined it, experienced by newly blended family headed by Chris and Vanessa. This island hotel off the Pacific Northwest coast is expansive luxury for the guests and creepy quarters for the owners. And only a month into their marriage, cracks are beginning to surface, exacerbated by the discovery of a dead maintenance chief recently fired by Chris.
Their kids are heavily involved in the action. Unlike the first book in the series where Vanessa's inquisitive twins featured heavily, this time it's social media crazed Hope, her stepbrother Blake and her new boyfriend Cortez who are central to the ominous action. Weirded out by strange happenings at their residence, the family attempt to circle the wagons for protection. But, with seven kids, is that even a possibility?!
Chris's behavior, particularly his craving for alcohol and belligerence when Vanessa calls him on the drinking, got a bit monotonous after a while, but it made me think that the author is building a background that will lead to big things later. Just not in this particular volume in the series. It's part of the constant tension in a reclusive hotel where secrets seem to rule and violence always goes hand in hand with self justification.
The plot is exciting and fast-paced and I liked getting to know more of the kids and what's behind Chris's perturbed mind. An enjoyable thriller but, for me, not in the class of Claflin's Alex Mercer series. Like young Ariana, Alex's daughter in the other series, Hope is strong-minded, impulsive and apt to find her independence leads to big trouble. But I don't find the parents in this series as appealing, especially Chris.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Hotel ownership like you've never imagined it, experienced by newly blended family headed by Chris and Vanessa. This island hotel off the Pacific Northwest coast is expansive luxury for the guests and creepy quarters for the owners. And only a month into their marriage, cracks are beginning to surface, exacerbated by the discovery of a dead maintenance chief recently fired by Chris.
Their kids are heavily involved in the action. Unlike the first book in the series where Vanessa's inquisitive twins featured heavily, this time it's social media crazed Hope, her stepbrother Blake and her new boyfriend Cortez who are central to the ominous action. Weirded out by strange happenings at their residence, the family attempt to circle the wagons for protection. But, with seven kids, is that even a possibility?!
Chris's behavior, particularly his craving for alcohol and belligerence when Vanessa calls him on the drinking, got a bit monotonous after a while, but it made me think that the author is building a background that will lead to big things later. Just not in this particular volume in the series. It's part of the constant tension in a reclusive hotel where secrets seem to rule and violence always goes hand in hand with self justification.
The plot is exciting and fast-paced and I liked getting to know more of the kids and what's behind Chris's perturbed mind. An enjoyable thriller but, for me, not in the class of Claflin's Alex Mercer series. Like young Ariana, Alex's daughter in the other series, Hope is strong-minded, impulsive and apt to find her independence leads to big trouble. But I don't find the parents in this series as appealing, especially Chris.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 1, 2022
Book 2 continues with more secrets from Chris, Vanessa and blended family. Some good, love that Hope finally gives Winter and Summer a chance, in thanks to Maverick.
Of course, there has to be more details from Chris to Vanessa when she won't let certain things go (drinking, secrets that add up to things in Chris's previous life), more mystery, more death and more questions yet to be revealed. I'm really hoping Lucy is as good as I want her to be.
Also hoping this isn't the end of the series, I want to know the future of Blake, Hope, Dustin, Anya and the other siblings and the uncaring sheriff.
Of course, there has to be more details from Chris to Vanessa when she won't let certain things go (drinking, secrets that add up to things in Chris's previous life), more mystery, more death and more questions yet to be revealed. I'm really hoping Lucy is as good as I want her to be.
Also hoping this isn't the end of the series, I want to know the future of Blake, Hope, Dustin, Anya and the other siblings and the uncaring sheriff.
November 4, 2022
We dive right back into this exciting and gripping thriller. Chris and Vanessa just don't seem to be able to catch a break going from one murder to another. More secret passageways are found, the kids seem to be getting along but the parents, well that’s another matter altogether. Chris is keeping secrets not just about the murder but also about his past and I have to admit this had me very intrigued. While he buries his problems in drink, Vanessa tries to keep it all together but then there’s the break ins and Hopes crazy new friend, this throws twists and turns at you at every turn and keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until BAM! A surprise ending I did not see coming.
October 30, 2022
After getting through a dangerous situation, newly married Chris and Vanessa and their blended family are starting to settle in their outdated home which is part of a luxury hotel. With many hidden passages it is easy for an intruder to come in. The kids go on a hunt to find these passages because someone is messing with their stuff and it points to a maintenance guy who is obsessed with the oldest sister. Chris confesses to his wife about things he did to keep his family safe and is enjoying the alcohol too much. Surprising ending and looking forward to the next in the series.
November 3, 2022
The Father's Secret grabbed me right from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. The cliffhanger ending from the previous book sure helped on that score. It seems wherever Chris and Vanessa go, the dead bodies stack up.
The book was fast-paced and with enough twists and turns, and secret passages to keep me turning the virtual pages. I hope there will be more books in this series.
The book was fast-paced and with enough twists and turns, and secret passages to keep me turning the virtual pages. I hope there will be more books in this series.
November 3, 2022
This book focused on Chris and Vanessa. Chris is drinking more and Vanessa has a problem with it. They are only one month into their marriage and still learning about each other. What Chris reveals to Vanessa is a huge secret that he’s carried for a little while. Vanessa didn’t react to it the way I thought she would.
You have to read this book to find out.
I am really enjoying this series!
You have to read this book to find out.
I am really enjoying this series!
November 3, 2022
I have to say that I am loving this new series. So much more is going on with this newly blended family, and so creepy things happening. There's secrets, murder and so much mystery that will leave you wondering what on earth Will happen next. Can't wait for the next book.
January 5, 2023
Mystery all the way to the last page. Chris and Vanessa are new owners at their inn. Unfortunately they’re not exempt from having a murder there. Not only that, they are suspects. Suspenseful, twists and turns. Loved it.
May 18, 2023
CANT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT
I loved this book has many twists and turns. It was exciting all the way to the end. If you like surprises and twists and turns and not knowing what’s coming next this is for you. Now on to the next one!
I loved this book has many twists and turns. It was exciting all the way to the end. If you like surprises and twists and turns and not knowing what’s coming next this is for you. Now on to the next one!
November 22, 2022
EXCELLENT BOOK!!! A MUST READ!!!! I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3
November 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of suspense and mystery! The ending created questions, so looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 26, 2022
Suspense never stops
Great story , mystery, suspense and characters . Don't miss this series ! Waiting for the next book, The Corpse Secret
Great story , mystery, suspense and characters . Don't miss this series ! Waiting for the next book, The Corpse Secret
February 2, 2023
Secret
Omg! This book is not as I thought it would be. Taking different turns that
I didn't see coming, can't wait for to read the next book
Omg! This book is not as I thought it would be. Taking different turns that
I didn't see coming, can't wait for to read the next book
December 7, 2022
Chris and Vanessa cannot seem to avoid dead bodies. He is dealing with it by drinking. More secret passages in the house, a new love interest that might not be what it seems, and a romance that might not be approved of as well as more deaths. Really liked seeing the family bond. The ending was a wow factor. Looking forward to book 3.
November 2, 2022
Vanessa is still uneasy with the fact that Norm could come back but keeps moving forward. She is thinking about working at school or even opening her open place. She is happy that the kids seem to be getting along better than they did. While at school, Vanessa hears news about Norm.
Chris has been dreading the news that he just found out. He didn't do such a great job at hiding his body. He is becoming more stressed out. His drinking habit increases. He thinks his wife his judging him like his dead wife did. He doesn't have an issue.
Things get crazier for the family in the way of Hope's new boyfriend and there seems to be breaks ins that shouldn't be happening. Hope is putting pieces of the puzzle together. When she makes a discovery that throws her off her game.
With a new threat to the family how will Chris and Vanessa be able to deal with it and make sure their marriage survives all the things coming at them.
This book had me hooked until the very end. I was surprised at the ending as I really didn't see it coming. The characters are all relatable in their ways and flaws. How they struggle with each day in a new place, new friends and trying to be a family but having these horrible things happen. I recommend reading this book, it was so good. I can't wait for the next one, so addicted to this series.
Chris has been dreading the news that he just found out. He didn't do such a great job at hiding his body. He is becoming more stressed out. His drinking habit increases. He thinks his wife his judging him like his dead wife did. He doesn't have an issue.
Things get crazier for the family in the way of Hope's new boyfriend and there seems to be breaks ins that shouldn't be happening. Hope is putting pieces of the puzzle together. When she makes a discovery that throws her off her game.
With a new threat to the family how will Chris and Vanessa be able to deal with it and make sure their marriage survives all the things coming at them.
This book had me hooked until the very end. I was surprised at the ending as I really didn't see it coming. The characters are all relatable in their ways and flaws. How they struggle with each day in a new place, new friends and trying to be a family but having these horrible things happen. I recommend reading this book, it was so good. I can't wait for the next one, so addicted to this series.
November 2, 2022
This is the second book in Claflin’s new murder trilogy taking place at the huge old hotel that’s only half renovated, the other half spooky, and now part 2 has taken a new twist. I will not write any spoilers, but one can definitely ask here, will it be ‘like father, like son?’ Time will tell and it appears that the intrigue and mystery will not end until the last book is written. Something new happens in each book so far and I’m enjoying the surprises. It’s been a page-turner for sure, and I’m looking forward to book 3 to find the conclusions to more than one baffling instance, with a 5 star ending! I recommend new readers to read this entire trilogy. This is my honest opinion as an ARC reader.
November 7, 2022
With a combination of suspense and lots of plot twists you never know what will happen next. As if that’s not enough there are secret passages and secrets the characters are keeping. The only thing that kept me from giving this a five star rating was that some of the characters just stretched the bounds of my imagination within their interpersonal relationships. I would highly recommend!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews