A Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Amazon Charts bestseller.In the fifth book of the multimillion-copy bestselling series, Morgan Dane and Lance Kruger fight for the innocence of a young murder suspect—if only they could find him.When a retired sheriff’s deputy is shot to death in his home, his troubled teenage stepson, Evan, becomes the prime suspect. Even more incriminating, the boy … suspect. Even more incriminating, the boy disappeared from the scene of the crime.
Desperate to find her son, Evan’s mother begs PI Lance Kruger for help. She knows her son is innocent. Kruger and defense attorney Morgan Dane want to believe that too, but the evidence against the boy is damning. Just as the trail goes cold, another deputy vanishes. His shocking connection to Evan’s stepfather throws the investigation into chaos as Lance and Morgan fear the worst…that Evan is the killer’s new target.
With so many secrets to unravel, will Lance and Morgan find him before it’s too late?
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Morgan Dane is back with a new case to solve and she is taking no prisoners. I love Morgan Dane. She attacks each new case with a resolve to solve it no matter who gets in her way. While Morgan doesn’t work against the police, she doesn’t do things the same way they do. Her gut leads her down paths that are dangerous, her heart doesn’t let her ever give up, and her brain takes the clues she finds and put them in an order that let her find the answers that she needs.
The case is the focus of the book but the relationship between Lance Kruger and Morgan Dane is a part of the story I look forward to. The love between them is sweet, strong, and perfect. Lance lets Morgan be Morgan, he supports her, helps her, and guides her when needed all while helping her be the best mom, daughter, and lawyer she can be. He loves her three young children and makes their family complete. Morgan has a good life but with Lance it makes it even better. They work perfectly together but their love makes their personal lives just as perfect.
Melinda Leigh writes fast-paced, crime novels that show that things are not always what they seem. With each new release, I am excited to see what will happen next.
4 suspenseful stars!
Review by Nancy
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Secrets Never Die is the fifth book in the Morgan Dane series. It is a well-written story full of guesses and unpredictability. This book was well developed with a lot of suspense, mystery and a little bit of romance. For those looking specifically for a romance novel, I would look elsewhere. Although this story did have some romance, it was not the basis of the book.
Morgan Dane and Lance Kruger are hired to help a mother whose son is being accused of his father’s murder. Morgan and Lance are both dynamic and a powerhouse when working as one. This is where the romance was lacking for me, I felt as though their work relationship took precedence over their romantic relationship. It worked for this book but I personally like more romance in my novels.
The plot was easy to follow and allowed for a lot of intensity. It wasn’t just a murder case Morgan and Lance were trying to solve. It was suspenseful and unpredictable. The characters pushed their limits and their relationship. There were a lot of secrets that made this book very interesting. It started a little slow but quickly turned into a fast-paced read and before I knew it, I had reached the end. It resolved nicely and closed out the case without any cliffhangers.
Melinda Leigh gives us a well developed, keep you on your toes kind of story. Her writing is very easy to follow, as it flows perfectly and the plot made for a very captivating read. I will say there were times I wished I would have read the previous books in the series because I felt like I had missed something. Nonetheless, this was a great read!
This series started out great to me, and just keeps getting better! I couldn’t put it down! The suspense was top notch, and I loved how the author wove in little bits of romance to keep things going on that front as well!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns that the case took and the secrets that were revealed in the story. I liked how vulnerable Morgan was feeling about the upcoming wedding, but I especially loved that she eventually talked it out with Lance. I also liked how Lance knew he was walking a minefield with integrating with Morgan’s family life, and felt he was up to the task.
The story was extremely engaging and could have been ripped right out of today’s headlines. I’m very eager to see where the story goes from here!
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This story about Morgan and her three daughters and how Lance fits into the family. Then the twists of how Evan and his mom Tina and her second husband Paul get involved. Secrets found out but a lot goes down to reveal what is uncovered.
When the police easily pin a violent execution of a retired sheriff officer on his teenage stepson, Morgan Dane and Sharp Investigations quickly get involved to find the true killer. Evan has disappeared, but his mother insists the young man could not have committed the crime. As a player on Lance’s hockey team for at-risk youth, Evan was known to the police and had argued with his stepfather. In the eyes of a Sheriff’s department still reeling from scandal and corruption, the kid is the obvious defendant on the run from the law. But his mom Tina insists otherwise, and his friends do not seem to be entirely upfront. It is up to Morgan, Lance and Sharp to puzzle it out and find the truth.
Just when you wonder if this series may be getting predictable, Ms. Leigh sends us careening down a path filled with sharp turns, red herrings and enough twists to keep the reader riveted. As always, the story is well-plotted, well-written and well-developed. I found myself immersed in the investigation, trying to piece together clues, figure out Tina and solve the case. And I was stunned, yes stunned, at the conclusion…..did I mention twists!? But it is not all crime and drama, as the author continues to show the evolution of Morgan and Lance’s relationship, complete with some bumps, and how Lance is adjusting to being a dad to Morgan’s three daughters. Morgan does have a ‘crisis of faith’ to deal with, but it was done with a realistic touch that only made me love these characters more. As for Sharp and Olivia? Now there is a couple I want to see, well, couple up!
I normally do not like romantic suspense series that involve the same couple over multiple books – I always feel the relationship and plot begins to suffer by book three. That is not the case with this series – it has only gotten stronger! It only reinforces just what a master storyteller Melinda Leigh is. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this series in the next book!
This is a heart stopping murder mystery that has you on the edge of your seat, but I think what I like best about this whole series is the characters. I loved the undertones of attraction between Sharp and Olivia in this story. You can feel the heat growing between them and Sharp’s resistance to it is amusing, especially as Olivia seems totally aware of it and plays on it well. Lance’s adaptation to being a parent is heartwarming and the growth of his relationship with Morgan and her girls is beautiful. The author expertly weaves a captivating plot with the lives of the characters, making you invested in both the story and the characters. I will look forward to more in this series. I received an early copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way influenced my voluntary review and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
Secrets Never Die is Book 5 in the Morgan Dane series by Melinda Leigh. These books stand fine on their own but if you have a chance to read the first 4, they blend together nicely and are provide the full back story.
These stories keep getting better and better, which is no easy feat! This book was one the best yet. Filled to the brim with action, adventure and edge of your seat suspense. Highly recommend.
(4.5) First page and I was yelling Don’t go in, Don’t go in. The last page and I was sighing.
Melinda Leigh is an auto buy, an auto beg for arcs auto everything. If you haven’t read the first 4, you won’t be lost, but I think you lose out on the actual relationship of the characters, we (readers from book 1) have watched them grow, deal with life day to day as well as murder and intrigue. Something I highly recommend you do. We know or at least think we do for now, Morgan and Dane will be ok at the end so we root for them, but don’t panic over them. With that being said I can just see Morgan or Dane yelling in Melinda’s ear, kill one of us. Don’t listen to them Melinda.
I enjoyed the twists and turns, the red herrings as we think we know who is guilty and then find out , nah, not so much. This is entertainment at its finest. Some feel there was little romance. If I was searching for sex, then yes this would be light. But it actually feels like reality built around suspense, mystery an thriller. I was not disappointed. I was thrilled that Sharpe and Olivia, an extra bonus to the story. Thank you Montlake, NetGalley for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.
This is the fifth book in the Morgan Dane series. Retired Deputy Sheriff Paul Knox has been murdered in his home, witnessed by his stepson Evan. Now Evan is on the run as he believes that it was another cop who killed his stepdad…who can he turn to? Evan’s mother is desperate for her son’s safety and contacts Lance Kruger, Evan’s coach and a private investigator. Lance will begin the search for Evan along with his fiancée Morgan. Morgan will step in to protect the rights of both Evan and his mother. As details emerge, not only did Evan have a contentious relationship with his stepfather, but his own father was just recently released from prison and he hated Paul. His mother has a dangerous past as well and could this be coming back to haunt them? Find out in this thrilling addition to this amazing series. You won’t want to stop reading after you start! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I am such a huge fan of Melinda Leigh’s writing! She has a way of crafting her characters that makes them believable as people,not just characters in a book. The Morgan Dane series is a gripping romantic suspense , and I eagerly await each installment. What I like best is that the plot line is something I can actually believe in. No super spies and government plots happen in Scarlett Falls. Just things you could see happen in your own town.
When a retired deputy is killed and his troubled step-son goes missing, all that will save him is a mother’s love. When PI Lance Kruger is contacted by the boy’s mother, he and his fiance Morgan Dane are willing to do their best to clear the Evan and bring him home, but the evidence that he is guilty seems to be mounting. When another deputy, one who had close ties to the deceased, disappears too, the mystery deepens. It is a race to find out who the real killer is, before a teenager loses his life.
SECRETS. NEVER. DIE. by Melinda Leigh
The terror this young teen aged Evan has been exposed to, a father’s visitation only to belittle him, and make him late with his curfew. A light not on at the house, and his mother still working at the hospital. A noise,seeing a shiny badge, a cop killer, killing his step father. Words and more words that he would find him, as Evan finally manage to get out and run.
Private investigator Lance getting a call , from Evan mother. Lance also was a mentor for troubled kids. Tina tried to save her husband, now worried where was Evan. Eighteen hours and still missing. Now Tina is mentioning her father just got out of prison serving twenty five years. Her ex- husband got out two months ago. That’s why Paul put in state of the art security system. Someone got in, there wasn’t any break in .Evan is he hurt, dead or what. The plot is easy to follow, the clues are missing, you are hoping, for something. The investigation team doesn’t know there is a dirty cop. Great story and readers will definitely want to read. GivenARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Montlake Publisher.
Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh is book number five in her Morgan Dane series. I’ve somehow missed a book or two in this series, so I can say for certain that it can be read as a standalone. However, I will be rectifying that situation post haste!
If you’ve ever read any of my reviews, you know that romantic suspense is my absolute most favorite subgenre in the romance world–thank you, Nora Roberts!! I love a book that I just have to read one. More. Chapter. And before I know it, it’s 4 am, and I’m done! Secrets Never Die was that book for me this week. The twist at the end took me by surprise, so I loved that part about this book too. I’m always a little disappointed when I figure out the twist before the author reveals it, and I can honestly say that I’m pretty sure I’ve yet to figure out a plot twist of Melinda Leigh’s. Which makes her one of my favorite romantic suspense authors.
While I highly encourage readers to start with book one in the Morgan Dane series, you can read this as a standalone book and not be lost. With a strong female lead, a hot PI that’s not afraid to be her sidekick, and suspense galore, Secrets never die by Melinda Leigh should be in your hands ASAP!
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh 5 stars!
I volunteered to read and review thru Netgallery Secrets Never Die .
I must say that with out a doubt this is one of the best stories . It’s such an interesting and intense story . It captures you from the beginning and holds your attention thru the entire story . I was not disappointed at all . This story is action packed , very suspenseful and full of intrigue . It is one fantastic rollercoaster ride .
I was on the edge of my seat for most of this story . The characters are great .
I really enjoyed reading this story . I highly recommend reading this story .
Secrets, lies, deception, a retired deputy sheriff murdered, a missing teen who may or may not be involved, corrupt cops, drug dealers and a power play for control, inclement weather conditions, an undeserving sheriff with a chip on his shoulder, a pushy ADA and harrowing life and death situations is some of what you will find in this intriguing crime thriller. The mystery surrounding the who done it was even-paced and storyline was gripping and suspenseful all the way thru the read. There were several twists and turns to keep you flipping pages and a few edge-of-your-seat moments to keep you engrossed from beginning to end. The only thing that was a slight disappointment to me was the relationship aspect with Morgan and Lance. The story does show the progression to them living together and starting to intertwine their lives more – they are a great power couple – and a few sweet moments with Morgan’s girls, but it felt like it was lacking a bit. I would have liked to have seen a bit more revealed on the home front regarding the couple’s wedding plans and more romantic development between the two. There were touches of romance and a brief internal dialogue showing Morgan’s conflicted emotions regarding the wedding planning and her avoidance of it but it was swiftly brushed away without much thought or even a conversation with Lance over her doubts. That would have made it feel more real and connected to me. Romance and relationship drama aside, it was still another great installment to the series. I look forward to seeing what awaits them next.
*I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
I discovered Melinda Leigh and this series two weeks ago – after reading the first book I was hooked and immediately read the next four books back-to-back. This book did not disappoint!
There is something about this author’s writing style that I really like. Her books, including this one, are a nice mix of crime, suspense, and romance. I found the characters to be extremely likeable. Morgan Dane (attorney, widow, and mom of three) is the kind of woman you’d want as a friend. She’s loyal, ethical, and while she’s feminine and attractive she is NOT a pushover (she knows how to defend herself and use a gun). Lance Kruger (ex-cop, current private investigator, and Morgan’s new love) is a tough, badass guy, with a kind heart (he’s quickly fallen in love with Morgan’s three young daughters). I enjoyed the supporting characters as well and, even though they play a lesser role, they each contribute a valuable piece to the story – for example, Lance’s mom struggles with mental illness and rarely leaves her home, however, she’s a whiz with computers and does a lot of their background research for them.
As with all of the other books in this series, my attention was grabbed on the very first page and held throughout the entire story. I will definitely be seeking out additional books by this author after my experience with this series. And now to wait patiently until book 6 of this series is available!!
This is by far my favorite Morgan Dane Book. I have enjoyed the progression of Lance & Morgan’s relationship throughout the series. It’s like a slow burn on the background. The best part of this book for me was seeing Evan’s struggle throughout the book. In a he past books we didn’t really her from the victim’s POV. I loved hearing my from Sharp!!
This is the best Melinda Leigh book by far. Very suspenseful!!