Cover Image: Where Secrets Live

Where Secrets Live

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Member Reviews

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

Where Secrets Live by S.C. Richards

This one is out now! It released on 9/6 😎

While somewhat of a mediocre thriller for me, this book was full of family secrets! I guessed one of the main twists early on but that was fine as there were several more at the end. I didn’t know who to trust which is always a plus!

While I’m fine with suspending disbelief, the amount of times the main character interfered with a police investigation was a little much 🙃 there was also a few plot holes that some editing could’ve helped to make it more seamless. It was also a bit repetitive as the main character would have to “catch up” the other characters on the investigation.

This one kept my attention though and I thought the premise was unique and well-done! Just needed an extra oomph on the execution.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Thriller + crime + family drama = a page turner. I read through this one SO fast! This is a gripping mystery right from the start with so many plot twists. Definitely recommend this one for psychological and crime thriller fans! Thank you to NetGalley + Crooked Lane Books for my gifted e-copy!

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Dark thriller that had you hooked from the off. The book was very well written. Great plot. Very exciting. Fast paced to get your heart racing. Loved this book

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Elizabeth (Liz) McCallister is devastated when her sister Meredith is murdered and vows to find out who would've wanted her dead. As she carries out her own investigation, Liz uncovers many family secrets and finds that there are some things she's better off not knowing. The story is told from Liz's point of view.

This was a well-written and interesting novel and the story moved at a good pace until near the end where it seemed to drag a bit. At the start Liz is described as someone who uses alcohol and sex with strange men to deal with her problems yet she didn't seem to have any problem quitting cold turkey once she started looking into her sister's death. I think she would've struggled more, especially considering there was alcohol within easy reach. To be honest, I'm not sure why it was even brought into the story but good for Liz anyway! As well, it was quite a stretch to accept the level to which she interfered in the police investigation without consequences but it is fiction after all. There are matters implied and discussed which some people might find triggering.

I believe this is the author's debut novel and I recommend it in spite of a few flaws.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own. My review will be posted to Goodreads as of September 2, 2022 and on amazon.ca after the publiction date, September 6, 2022.

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Meredith McCallister was murdered. Meredith who had always taken care of her younger sister, Elizabeth, and supported women who were victims of sexual abuse. Who would want to kill her and why? While Lizzie searches through her sister’s secret hiding places, Tom Martens, an agent with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension finds her at the crime scene. There is a shared attraction between Lizzie and Tom, but their first priority is to find her sister’s killer. As the investigation proceeds, it is clear that everyone had their own agendas…so much deceit on the part of those who were supposed to care for Meredith and Lizzie. Eventually, the suffering that Meredith endured during her life is revealed. Lizzie is shocked to learn that as a teenager Meredith gave birth to a baby girl who she gave up for adoption. I had an idea who was responsible for Meredith’s abusive childhood and although I was right, there was so many other twists and surprises in this complex story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

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Where Secrets Live by S. C. Richards

This twisted family saga speaks to dark family secrets and how some families will kill to keep them.

Very twisted thriller that kept my interest to the end. Very dramatic characters. Well-written. I recommend this novel.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

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This was an interesting book but at times it felt like it was a little much- a bit too long, a bit too many twists, maybe trying too hard. The main character was awesome!

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3.65 stars. Good mystery-thriller read with a vulnerable but feisty protagonist (Liz), many twists and turns, deceit, secrets, dysfunctional family relationships and betrayals. I was engrossed in this story, found it easy to read and there was good use of red herrings. The use of the first person point of view was also well done.

I did find the ending a bit too drawn out with almost two many reveals, one after the other. It was also a bit unclear how Liz figured out some of the secrets - in one case, it just seemed to come to her out of nowhere. In addition, Liz is described as a woman who deals with her problems through alcohol and sex yet we do not really see her struggles with this in the story. I thought this plot thread could have been better developed in the story.

Overall, an enjoyable read that kept my interest.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was a middle of the road thriller for me. I had guessed a good portion of the story as soon as two particular characters were introduced, so reading through was basically just waiting for those plotlines to be revealed.

However, I really did enjoy how quickly this book moved. It never felt stilted, the storyline was in constant motion. Also, there was one twist at the end that I didn't really see coming. The author did a great job with that character - making you feel like they were a safe character.

I also liked the main character, she was a force to be reckoned with.

Overall, I'd lightly recommend this book. It was good, but not one that I could barely put down.

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Lizzie has been drinking her sorrows for years to cope with the tragic death of first one parent then the other. The only positive in her life has been. her sister Meredith but now she's been murdered. Lizzie sobers up to find the truth about Meredith, her death, and the stepfamily that raised them, SO much dysfunction, so many lies. Meredith gave up a child for adoption- is that what caused her death? No spoilers from me. This is a sad story in so many ways but it's well told and there are good twists. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A fine read,

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Family history and long buried secrets are the basis of this standalone thriller, Where Secrets Live by S C Richards. Elizabeth McCallister manages her grief with alcohol and casual affairs, after the trauma of her parents’ deaths and her dysfunctional wealthy stepfamily upbringing. When her sister is found murdered, Lizzie loses the one constant sustaining person in her life. She channels her devastation into trying to find out why Meredith was killed, only to discover how much of her family history had been hidden from her. A warning, some of the content of this story may be triggering for some readers. A warped family saga with numerous revelations and twists that make for a gem of a read with a four and a half star rating. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

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The suspense in this book was great and held my interest. A storyline that has twists galore and characters that keep you occupied reading this book.

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I received a digital ARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.

This story has been called a mystery and thriller, but it is so much more than that. Liz’s sister Meredith is found murdered after leaving cryptic voicemails for her sister and cousin. While law enforcement is concerned with WHO committed the murder, Liz’s main concern is WHY. As she does her own search, she discovers family secrets that change everything. The story is not so much about the murder itself, but about the secrets and their lasting impact.
Readers should be aware that there are sensitive subjects in this book. Sexual assault and rape do play a role in the story, but have already happened in the past, and are not graphically detailed. Also, physical violence and shootings occur, but again, are not described in overly graphic detail.

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Where Secrets Live is a fantastic psychological thriller that looks at a family with many secrets.

This story begins with Liz being awoken from a heavy night of drinking by her cousin Fred. He tells her to get up and come with him, her sister Meredith is in trouble and needs them. When they arrive, and they are devastated to discover that she has been murdered. Liz is reeling from the news after losing her parents at a young age to be raised by stepparents.

Liz is devastated and wants to drink away the truth of her sister's murder. She keeps listening to the voicemail she received from her. In spite of wanting to run away from her problems she needs to find out the truth. Liz searches for clues that may help her discover what was happening with Meredith, but she is told to butt out by Tom, an FBI Agent and former boyfriend of Meredith's. Liz has a mind of her own and gets Fred to help her with the search. The clues lead to Liz to question everything she has believed she has been told and truths she was unaware of.

This was a gripping roller coaster ride that kept getting more exciting as I read the story. There were so many twists and turns it kept me guessing the entire time.

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Where Secrets Live is a thrill ride. The book is hard to put down and will keep you guessing until the end. It takes complicated family history to a whole new level as the story twists and turns and you’ll wonder if our protagonist will even make it to the end of the story? Does she? You’ll have to read this exciting novel to find out.

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Wow I actually really enjoyed this and the way you makes you realize you never really know anyone

There were lots of layers and drama and lies. It was very well written

Lots of trigger warnings tho

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Liz has lost both her parents and now her sister Meredith is murdered. The death of her sister has left Liz completely shattered. She can’t believe that someone would want to murder such an amazing person. Liz is determined to find out who murdered her sister. Through the course of her investigation, she discovers shocking family secrets.

S.C. Richards took me for a wild ride and I’m here for it. The plot twists were amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat. I appreciate the parts included about Liz struggling with addiction. I think it made her a more interesting and fully developed character. Some of the family secrets revealed were shocking. I highly recommend this psychological thriller! I can’t wait to read more by S.C. Richards!

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I did enjoy this book - a story of a sibling, trying to find out how her sister has been killed. They were both brought up with step-parents and it seems they got more love from the hired help, than they did their own stepparents.

Sometimes you don’t know people as well as you think you do!

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Lots to love with this book! The family has multiple layers of drama, and it's interesting to figure out what happened to Meredith. The story went places I wasn't expecting but kept me engaged the entire time. Liz isn't a likable character, but I don't need that to enjoy a book. Thanks for the advance review copy.

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First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, S.C. Richards, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After receiving an ARC for this novel, I was eager to see how S. C. Richards would grow on me, as I have heard of her writing in the past. A strong story and well-developed ideas emerges early on, leaving me to lose myself in all the action and suspense. I am pleased to have had the time to devour this book and am eager to find some more of Richards’ work soon to whet my appetite.

After losing their parents at a young age, Liz and Meredith McCallister are forced to rely on their sibling connection. All this takes a turn for the worse when Liz learns that her sister was murdered. However, this is not the only mystery that Liz must shoulder at present. While trying to find her sister’s killer, Liz discovers that Meredith had a deep secret, one that could have fuelled the motive for her murder. Liz must come to terms with the fact that her sister had a child in secret, who is now a teenager and asking questions.

While piecing together both these mysteries, Liz is forced to confront a past that she and Meredith thought was buried away. Liz cannot stomach digging into all these dark corners, but soon realises that secrets may have been the one constant Meredith had in her life over all these years

Seeking some help from her step-mother, Liz discovers that the secrets continue to emerge, both held by Meredith and others. Liz looks back at her life and wonders how much of it took place under a rock, while those around her lived secret or mystery-filled lives of their own. It could prove to be the key to learning about Meredith’s murder, but the truth has a way of also derailing the bucolic nature of some people’s everyday, as Liz is learning all too well. What other secrets will emerge and how might Liz handle them all before things come crashing down before her? Richards does a masterful job weaving this tale of deceit and deception.

I have always enjoyed a good book where mystery and deception fuel the narrative flow. S.C. Richards has a knack for making things work well and keeps the suspense high for those who like it. A plot that twists throughout and some characters with strong backstories help turn this book into an enjoyable reading experience.

Richards has strong narrative capabilities and keeps the reader wondering how things will progress throughout. The characters who emerge are both multi-dimensional and well placed, keeping the story on track throughout. I enjoyed how it all added depth to the plot and provided some needed mystery, and the story progressed with ease. Richards never lets up, keeping the reader wondering until the end as the mystery finally has some resolution. I’d try another S.C. Richards novel in the future, if only to compare to this addictive piece.

Kudos, Madam Richards, for a great introduction to your abilities. I will have to see if I can get my hands on more of your books soon.

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