*I received this book through Netgalley, but all thoughts and opinions are my own*

I will admit that the first 15% of this book seemed to drag to me, but eventually it kinda pulled me in. It was never a 'oh I can't put it down!', but I was definitely interested.

Imogen is a strong female character, who as a cop needs to portray herself as even stronger. Now, I didn't read the previous book, so maybe I missed some of her build up and development, but she still seemed like a solid character. Also, I should mention that I didn't feel lost at all while reading this, you don't need to read the first book to understand.

As an American there were terms I didn't get right away, but it is easy enough to figure out their American equivalent.

Okay, to more of the heart of the matter. I love crime shows and this definitely felt like a crime show and had me on my toes trying to figure things out. Not only was I trying to figure out the present case, but also the past one that kept being mentioned. The characters, meh kinda flat, but it was more like they were reserved because they didn't trust anyone-- it worked. The mystery was really interesting and I enjoyed connecting the dots.

There were a few nit-picky things I did not like, such as have"<b>The Present</b> on each chapter set in the present time... that should be a given and done only when time shifts <i> back</i> to the present and not on each chapter. I also thought the beginning was too slow and the first three chapters should have been 1 or 2. Also, a pro can pick her clients??? And why was it never mentioned that Sam was late? UGH

In the end, I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure if this writing style is my kinda thing. Anyone who likes cop dramas, and mysteries will like this as long as they can handle the gory details.

Good thriller of a read but i found it very raw and hard to read at times which some people enjoy its just not my type of story line having said that i did enjoy it

Five stars is not enough for this book. I had the hardest time ever putting it down. Its so well written with constant action and twists. The characters are fantastic and the whole plot just sucks you in and doesnt let go. I cant wait for the next installment.

Tense, gripping and thrilling. I enjoyed this even more than The Teacher.

After reading The Teacher and loving it. I couldn't wait to read Karina Diamond's second novel. And what a corker it is to. I always say the darker the better well The Secret is just that. I couldn't put it down, and ticked all the boxes for me from the cover to the story. How awesome is this cover?! it has buy me now written all over it. I flipping loved it!

Bridget Reid has a secret, one that could get her killed… If she can escape the man who is keeping her locked in a basement bedroom.

DS Imogen Grey is good at keeping secrets – truths she’d never reveal to her colleagues at Exeter Police. She worked hard to get where she is – she nearly died for it. Now her past is catching up with her…

As DS Grey and her partner DS Adrian Miles search for Bridget, they uncover a terrifying web of abuse, betrayal and murder. And they realise that some secrets are better left buried

I actually enjoyed this more than The Teacher to be totally honest I found this story is written differently. Maybe the author has found her writing style. I love both the DS Characters in this story they make a good team. I am intrigued to know what is going to happen to them in future books. In this story we get to know them more especially Imogen with a story line that gives you an insight to her past.

This story is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Secret certainly isn't for the fainthearted. I am a massive horror fan and one of the things that I love about the author's writing is the element of horror. There are parts in this book that made me cringe and totally turned my stomach. Sounds bad I know but for me it speaks volumes about the book.

If like myself you are a fan of dark and gruesome books this is a must read which I highly recommend giving it 5 massive stars. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Avon and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Secret. This is my honest opinion of the book.

When Bridget's housemates are attacked while she is taking a shower, the first thought in her mind was that they found her. Grabbing her emergency backpack, Bridget tries unsuccessfully to call her friend Sam for help. Cold and tired, Bridget falls asleep in the grass, but awakens in a totally different setting.

DS Imogen Grey and her partner DS Adrian Miles have caught the triple homicide from which Bridget barely escaped. When Sam turns up at the police station with information, Imogen is placed face to face with the past that she hoped would stay secret. Is Bridget's own hidden past responsible for her present predicament? Will Imogen be able to put aside her feelings in order to solve the case?

The constant time shifts that establish Imogen's past, are sometimes confusing and ruin the flow of the book. I would have liked the book more had the author used a more linear fashion for the timeline. Imogen Grey was my favorite character in the book, as I am a fan of strong female characters who face adversity or difficult circumstances. The plot of The Secret was good overall, but the continuity of the story did keep me from enjoying it more. I would recommend this book to readers who like police procedural thrillers and I do look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Another brilliant book by Katerina Diamond. A must if you have read the Teacher.

Thanks for the chance to read this

The Secret instantly appealed with its cover (I do love cake), but more vitally from knowing how much I had enjoyed Katerina’s earlier book The Teacher. In my opinion she has taken her work up a notch, and along with it her ability to deliver a thriller that packs a punch, has a big twist and at times doesn’t hold back on the gruesome descriptions!

The Secret touches on some dark and less than glamourous aspects of life as we enter the world of prostitution, the underworld, drugs and other unsavoury areas. But combined they make for a book that will lead you up one path, down another, and around in a circle until you’re not sure where you are! That was both good and bad for me. Whilst I liked the not quite being sure of everything I did find myself a bit lost and confused at times.

The highlight of the book for me is the emerging partnership between DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles. It wasn’t until part way into the book that I realised they featured in The Teacher, and I have a feeling they could become a long term partnership for us readers, and I do hope so. The Secret allows us to get under the surface of them a bit more, and looks at who they are and the past too. I have a feeling they are going to be a force to be reckoned with, and a partnership I am looking forward to reading more about.

This book is not really for the feint hearted. It is violent, serious stuff, and has one hell of a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting. I am hoping we don’t have to wait too long for our next instalment. I have questions I need answering!

Katerina has a talent for delivering strong themed plots that are written with the style of an accomplished author who knows how to build a story to a crescendo and when we relax thinking we have it all sussed sticks an explosion that catches us unawares. I love it!!