Deadly Deceit: Harbored Secrets #2 (2019) - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (November 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735331
ISBN-13: 978-0800735333
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“Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?
Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
Thank you in advance to Revell Books and author Natalie Walters for sending me this gift copy (along with the goodies – bookmarks and bookplates). A positive review was not required at all; all words and thoughts are my own and given without payment or compensation.
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| ["Deadly Deceit" by Natalie Walters] |
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| [I'm a sucker for "swag". Love the bookmarks!] |
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| [I'm a sucker for "swag". Love the bookmarks!] |
Readers returning from “Living Lies” will remember reporter Vivian DeMarco who first visited Walton to cover the case of a murdered teenager (Sydney Donovan). A case that Deputy Ryan Frost also investigated. This is a standalone read and reading the previous book isn’t required. However, in reading “Living Lies” it does make “Deadly Deceit” far more enjoyable and the reader will understand some of this book’s references.
After the events of “Living Lies”, Vivian is now living in Walton because of losing her job at a big newspaper. She failed to cover a juicy “tabloid” story in which Lane Kent stated she was responsible for the death of her husband – which was actually a car accident and Lane was not responsible at all.
But, that isn’t Vivian’s current worry or her next big story.
Harold Kennedy gave the former star reporter a second chance. But, that soon ends when Harold dies.
At first it looks like a case of anaphylactic shock from an allergy. But, Vivian soon learns Harold’s death is anything but an accident, in fact there’s good evidence it was intentional.
Despite the death of her friend, Vivian is focused on the truth. But, in getting to the truth, Vivian will have to rely on Deputy Frost. And, in that pursuit, he also has to keep her safe when she continues to run into trouble.
Vivian stumbles on a video with Harold and a mystery woman – along with a demand for money. Now, Vivian is trying to locate the woman and find out why Harold was with her. As other people come into play, Harold’s accident is only part of a bigger deceit, deadly as it is. As Frost investigates, he also finds he has to make a career choice, and one that might tear him away from Walton.
Her previous novel, Walters creates a wonderful story with unique characters that could be or might be people we know. She brings back some of the characters from “Living Lies” to make the town come alive. With such vivid writing, I could almost see this town and the people in it.
There was so much going on in this book it is hard to catch your breath. But, it is worth the ride. Vivian’s past is also revealed which is absolutely heart-breaking. I hope to see a bit more of Vivian and Ryan in the third and final installment of this series.
Extortion, fire, accidents, family secrets, intrigue, romance – Walters really got this book to sizzle. At one point near the end I couldn’t stop reading – I was hooked, and found my heart beating a bit faster to see what was going to happen. The bible passage “live chosen” was beautiful and a loving reminder.
As to who killed Harold … you have to read this book.
Watch for “Silent Shadows”, the third and final installment in the “Harbored Secrets” series coming in 2020.
You can also pick up “Living Lies” now at Amazon or a local retailer.
** FYI: This would’ve been a quick 2-3 day read had “life” not interfered. Please don’t hold how long I took to finish the book against it.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Other book in the series:
Series: Harbored Secrets (Book 1)
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.”
You can pre-order "Silent Shadows" here"
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Other book in the series:
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (May 21, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735323
ISBN-13: 978-0800735326
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“In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Walters is the author of Living
Lies. A military wife of twenty-two years, she currently resides in Hawaii
with her soldier husband and their three kids. Natalie comes from a long line
of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting
them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is
defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalters.com.
Natalie Walters can be found on the following social media accounts:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/natwalterswrite
You can pre-order "Silent Shadows" here"
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