City of Secrets is #4 in the Margaret Nolan series. It is the first book I've read, and it can be read as a standalone, but as with all series reading the previous ones adds more to the characters. I know I'm going to start with #1, Deep into the Dark.

Chapter one starts off with a bang introducing Bruce Messane's angsty demeanor. He's a wealthy man with many secrets that are unveiled after he was found dead in a presumed carjacking gone wrong. The investigation follows drug leads, the sex underworld, and the angel of death. This all comes together in a fast pace to a satisfying conclusion.

I enjoyed the banter and wit amongst the characters. It's a fast paced read with humor and short chapters. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy.

City of Secrets (Detective Margaret Nolan #4) by P. J. Tracy
Narrated by Abby Craden
Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Published: August 20, 2024

City of Secrets is the 4th book in the Detective Margaret Nolan series by P. J. Tracy. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.

This book is filled with fascinating characters and a brilliantly plotted storyline. This was fast paced with amazing twists! I thought it was amazing!!!

I can’t wait for the next book to be released! I love this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

P.J. Tracy’s latest complex mystery begins with a murder that will be tied to kidnapping, greed, and a drug cartel. Bruce Messane is the CEO of a pet food company. On the day that he is to sign a deal to sell the company he is murdered, a case assigned to Detective Maggie Nolan and her partner Al Crawford. His CFO and occasional lover Cynthia comes under suspicion when Nolan suspects that Mussane had been embezzling from the company, but with the proposed purchase the accounts had been recently audited. Messane’s shares of the company will go to his former partner. Shortly after he is interviewed, his wife is kidnapped and her disappearance is tied into the murder. Tracy weaves the threads of these cases as well as a drug bust, a second kidnapping and additional murders into a story that is fast paced. Nolan is a strong female lead. She is in a relationship with fellow officer Remy Beaudreau, a relationship that is against department policy. While attempting to be discreet, it is a well-known secret among fellow officers and only a matter of time before their commander will have to address this. It would mean the transfer of one of them, but Remy has been considering their future and may have a solution. Tracy’s characters are well developed and her dialogue flows effortlessly. This is the fourth book in the series and Tracy knows how to keep her readers coming back. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin/Minotaur for providing this book.

I wanted to know how the pieces of the puzzle fit together as soon as the story started. I still struggle a little keeping all of the characters straight in my head, but I enjoyed this installment in the Margaret Nolan series. I don't think it's necessary to read the other books in this series first. The story is stand alone. This mystery was pretty compelling and had a lot of pieces to it. I was still surprised at the end by the twist. I'd definitely look for more by this author. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

In some crimes, truth and justice are not always the same.

LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan has seen more than her share of unusual cases, and her latest is another one that turns out to be more difficult than it initially seems. She and her partner Al Crawford are called to a less than glamorous part of town where Bruce Messane, the wealthy co-founder of a healthy pet food company, has been found shot dead in his expensive car. What looks to be a possible failed carjacking or a walk-on-the-wild-side-turned-bad will prove to be far more complicated than either of those scenarios. His murder has upended the upcoming buyout of his company, and the wife of his former partner in that company, Rome Bechtold, is kidnapped soon after. Rome calls family friend Sam Easton for guidance, and despite having been warned to keep the police out of it they make the call to LAPD. When Rome is snatched off the street, it seems like too large a coincidence for Messane to be killed and the Bechtolds kidnapped without there being a connection between the events. Kinky sex games, a psychopathic love partner, and a new and violent rising power in the street drug scene all play a part in wherever these crimes are leading. Nolan is also dealing with her growing feelings for fellow Homicide Division detective Remy Beaudreau….relationships between members of the squad are not allowed, and theirs is becoming the worst kept secret in the department. One of them may have to transfer out if they continue their involvement. Can Nolan and Crawford follow the threads of the investigation in time to stop any more deaths?
City of Secrets is the fourth in the Maggie Nolan series after The Devil You Know. Maggie is smart and tough, and is working in an elite unit that sees the worst of humanity. From a licorice-guzzling tech to a young cop working in the rough neighborhood where he was raised, there are plenty of interesting supporting characters, and with a villain like the psychopathic Mimi to keep things lively the story drew me in early and kept my attention. Plenty of twists and turns, and a peek at the less than glamorous side of the CIty of Angels make for an enjoyable read. Fans of the other books in the series and/or of the author’s Monkeewrench books will definitely want to read this latest installment, and it would appeal to the audience of authors like Isabella Maldonado, Karin Slaughter and Michael Connelly. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to an early copy of the latest in this promising new series….I look forward to Maggie’s next case.

When a body is discovered in a high-end BMW in a deteriorating, crime ridden area of LA, Detectives Margaret Nolan and Al Crawford are called to the scene. As their investigation begins it is soon apparent that this particular case is not your average homicide.
This police procedural is the 4th book in the Detective Margaret Nolan series. Can be read as a standalone but to better know the characters it would probably be best to have read the preceding books in this series since there isn’t a lot of backstory for them in this volume. It has a complex plot that is well developed and flows smoothly. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending though as some things were not tied up. Overall, I enjoyed the twisty plot with its scary criminals and feel like it’s definitely a worthwhile read for people who like police procedurals, crime fiction, and thrillers. 4 stars

City of Secrets by P J Tracy is a police procedural, intriguing and well-plotted. It opens differently than most by the first half dozen or so chapters devoted to one player each in the story. All good guys in varying forms. As the story unfolded, the inter-relationships became clear. It started with a murder. A wealthy man in an expensive car was found shot in the temple on a dangerous street in a rough part of town. The only witness didn’t see much, only a black SUV and a laughing woman. They got a little further when they ID’d the man who lifted the tires. When the went to the man’s residence they found the door open, but nothing touched, they thought, until they came to an undusty spot in a very dusty wine cellar. Meanwhile, some very powerful people were waiting to sign a deal selling the victim’s company to a powerful conglomerate. They got sick of waiting. The victim’s ex-partner received a text showing a photo of his wife, bound and gagged: kidnapped.

What a terrific mystery. There were so many moving parts. Crimes are no longer simple. Good people ended up dead, right along with the bad ones. That happens when organized crime and cartels are involved. The primary investigator is Margaret Nolan, who along with her partner, Al Crawford took to investigating as if it were their second skin. They didn’t sleep. They didn’t eat. Other agencies were involved. Drugs. Kidnapping. This had it all. Rich people… An interesting character was Monserrat De Leon, counsel for the conglomerate buying Pretty Pets, the victim’s company. It’s always disconcerting when the reader can’t tell which side a person is on. Good procedural. Good characters. Good mystery. Intriguing solution when all was said and done. A glimpse into Nolan’s future.

I was invited to read City of Secrets by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #PJTracy #CityOfSecrets

This is the 4th book that focuses on Detective Margaret Nolan - LAPD Homicide. Over the last 4 books, we have also gotten to know several secondary characters who have been nicely developed and fleshed out and we get to see them in this book as well -Sam Easton and Melody, Remy Beaudreau, and her partner Al - to name a few.

This book starts off with an unusual murder, then we add a kidnapping, then another....At the same time, we are also getting additional storylines from different situations occurring concurrently - a case that Detective Remy Beaudreau is trying to close, and then we are introduced to and following a new character, an attorney involved in the current troubled sale of Peppy Pets.

P.J. Tracy (Ms. Lambrecht) has the ability to take the different ropes of each separate storyline and expertly weave them together so that the reader (and by reader, I mean me) can start putting things together at the same time that the case is unfolding. In the past, we were also following along as Detective Nolan dealt with her burgeoning relationship with Remy. That is also evident here, but it is more in the background and actually feels more stable. Getting Remy's side makes things infinitely more serious. I can't remember if we had that in prior books, but I liked it.

This entire case is strange and I will be the first one to say that I did not figure it out beforehand. There are some surprising twists and turns, and a VERY unexpected twist at the very end. Not only did that come out of the blue for me, I'm not sure how I felt about it. I will say this though, ANY time a book can surprise me, I am thrilled. That does not happen as much as I wish it did, so when it does happen, it is definitely a win.

Can this be read as a stand alone? Yes, I think so. There really isn't any part of the history that is not given to the reader, and it is easy enough to follow along with the information in the way it is parsed out.

The ending of this book does tie off the story line of the current case, but it leaves some things in Detective Nolan's personal life open ended and leaves the possibility of a next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

I have loved every single PJ Tracy mystery I've read. Her characters make me smile, and I enjoy following their lives. This volume was no exception. I enjoyed catching up with my literary friends. I wish the book had more backstory.
City of Secrets had an engaging plot and some creatively rendered bad guys. If you are a fan, you'll enjoy this issue. If you haven't yet picked up PJ Tracy book and enjoy crime fiction with a back story, don't hesitate. It's best to read each series in order. I loved seeing the Monkeewrench gang referred to in this book, and I'm hoping in the next volume they'll join forces on a caper. That would be loads of fun.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eBook in return for a review.

This is the fourth book in the series but read great as a standalone. I think you only miss character backstory/development but no big missing case details if you jump into the series here. Its a fast paced police crime thriller with corruption and drama.

This is an entertaining, well written police procedural. This is the fourth book in this series, and like any series the books do build on each other, particularly regarding character development, but they can easily be read as a standalone. I appreciate that the focus is on the investigation without an overwhelming amount of filler. We do learn about the characters, but there is a nice balance between character development and investigation. The storyline is complex with intersecting and overlapping cases, but remains easy to follow and keeps you engaged until the end. I was left with an ‘I want more detail’ moment with part of the final reveal, but that’s a minor issue and doesn’t by any means detract from enjoying the story.

The case of who killed Bruce Messane & kidnapped the Bechtolds made for a great next book in this series. I enjoy Margaret Nolan as a character & thought this story was engaging and interesting. It’s nice seeing Maggie happy with Remy and exploring their relationship despite being coworkers. My sense of justice was a bit affronted at the end of the novel but it worked for the characters involved. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley & Minotaur Books for a copy of this e-book.

I have always enjoyed the works of PJ Tracy. I will admit this book started slowly for me and I really considered not finishing it. I was glad I did not, the story picks up and is full of intrigue, suspense, and action. A good read!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book #4 in the Detecive Margaret Nolan series. You could read this book as a stand alone but PJ Tracy has done an excellent job of building the back stories and community in the series from page 1 in DEEP INTO THE DARK where Det Nolan was introduced to Tracy's Monkeewrench fans. There are several story threads that progress through each book along with the main crime investigation. To completely enjoy the series, it should be read in order.

Tracy keeps the tension high throughout CITY OF SECRETS as Det Nolan and her team investigate the murder and kidnapping commited to influence the sale of a mega company. The suspects are many, clues few and the end a surprise. Just they way I like my thrillers!

Fast paced, police thriller. Multilayered plot with a strong female lead. This is the fourth book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it’s better to read from the beginning to get all the characters. Audio was narrated by Abby Craden, and she did a fantastic job. Audio was provided by Netgalley for an honest review. #CityOfSecrets

An intriguing and complex mystery that will keep you turning the pages until the exciting end! A man is murdered in his car and Detective Margaret Nolan and her partner Detective Al Crawford begin their investigation. What was this wealthy man doing, in the early morning hours, in a rundown section of town and who killed him? His ex-wife and daughter are out of the country and his company, Peppy Pets Organic Pet Food, is involved in urgent discussions regarding a possible sale. It appears he had many secrets that Margaret and Al must slowly uncover. As they search for an unknown woman who was involved with the dead man, the investigation becomes even more twisted as the wife of his former business partner is threatened. A looming personal concern for Margaret and her love interest, Detective Remy Beaudreau, who is a member of the same Homicide Special Section where fraternization is not allowed. Meanwhile, Remy is investigating the overdose death of a local doctor. Is his death somehow connected to the murder that Margaret is investigating? An absolute thrill ride from beginning to end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

City of Secrets is the latest offering in the Detective Maggie Nolan police procedurals. It’s number 4 in the series. Set in Los Angeles, of course, the murder victim is a business mogul who is about to ink a multi-million dollar deal for his pet food company. But he shows up dead in his car in the wrong place. It doesn't make sense that he’s found in a barrio with a single shot to the head. Then within a few hours of that discover, his former business partner, a veterinarian, discovers that his separated wife has been kidnapped.

The Maggie Nolan books would make a great television series. There’s a phalanx of characters around her that also recur, novel to novel, and draw you into their lives. Fans of Stuart Woods will love P.J. Tracy, who used to write a very different kind of mystery with her mother. P.J. Tracy is in fact a pen name made by combining parts of her name and her mother’s (now deceased). I'm happy to recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys police procedurals, Southern California, or just a really good read.

Another tense chilling book in this excellent series.I really enjoyed City of Secrets ,the characters the stories the location a true page turner.#netgalley #st.martins books.

4.25stars-CITY OF SECRETS is the fourth instalment in PJ Tracy’s contemporary, adult DETECTIVE MARGARET NOLAN mystery, crime thriller focusing on Detective Margaret Nolan and the investigators of the LAPD. CITY OF SECRETS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstories and cohesion.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives CITY OF SECRETS follows as the LAPD begins an investigation into the murder of a billionaire businessman and owner of Peppy Pets just hours before the sale of his struggling corporation. In what appears to be a car-jacking gone wrong, Nolan and her team quickly discover that all is not as it appears to be. When the dead man’s former business partner and wife are kidnapped, the possibility of a ransom has yet to be revealed, someone else is pulling the strings in a game of winner take all.

Meanwhile, former US miliary soldier Sam Easton returns, hoping for a position with the LAPD’s SWAT team but before he is hired, Sam finds himself on the hunt for a killer, whose connection to the Cartel run dangerous and deep including the import of millions of dollar in illegal drugs.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, animated and spirted secondary and supporting characters including the return of Nolan’s forbidden love interest Detective Remy Beaudreau, and several members of the LAPD and forensics departments. We are introduced to former co-owner of Peppy Pets Dr. Rome Bechtold and his estranged wife Nicole, as well as company CFO Cynthia Jackson. The requisite evil has many faces.

CITY OF SECRETS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, murder and mayhem. From the Cartel to organized crime, drugs and kidnapping, rogue killers and dysfunctional family values CITY OF SECRETS pulls the reader into a dramatic and twisted story of intrigue, suspense, power and madness-a wonderful addiction to any crime lovers’ collection.



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I haven't read any other in the series but I didn't have a problem with following along. I think I may have missed some of the back story of Maggie Nolan and Remy but the mystery itself was good. A wealthy businessman is found dead in his car in a sketchy part of town and then his ex-partner's wife is kidnapped. Are they connected? There were a lot of characters so I was glad I had a list going so I could refer back. The writing was good and kept an even pace for the most part. The end was a little bit of a page turner but not breathtaking. I will go back and read the previous books because I liked the characters enough to find out more about them.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy.