Mapleton, Colorado’s police chief, Gordon Hepler, would rather be on the streets than behind a desk dealing with budgets and the town council, but he promised his late mentor he’d accept the position. And to Gordon, a promise is a promise, even if the person you made it to isn’t around anymore. However, doubts creep in, and he wonders if he was shoved into the job because his mentor thought he … couldn’t cut it on the streets.
Everything changes when a fatal traffic accident well outside Mapleton seems connected to elderly Rose and Sam Kretzer, two of Mapleton’s most beloved citizens. The arrival of Megan, the Kretzer’s grown ward, and Justin, their grandson add to his troubles when Megan is mugged. In addition, Justin is renovating his grandparents’ house despite their objections, and then someone breaks in and the house is ransacked. When Gordon ties the car accident to a grisly murder in Mapleton—the first anyone in town can remember—he’s afraid he’s into more than he bargained for.
His fears are realized when his investigation seems to link the Kretzers to a Nazi war criminal. Can he work with the big-city detective brought in to assist? Will he be able to solve the crime without revealing the secrets of his citizens?
DEADLY SECRETS revolves around a secret journal kept by a Nazi during WWII, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. Set in a small Colorado community, Deadly Secrets deals with people trying to do what they think is right while protecting those they love.
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It was good, liked the characters. Main character could have had much more personality. See why his girl left.
If I read it, it was excellent !!!!! I READ IT. JAK, jr.
Plot moved along quickly with plenty of twists and turns
Very good book. I like the fact that it keeps you guessing!
I enjoyed this author and characters. Characters were down to earth. Interesting historical information. I would read this author again. I read entire book in 6 hours!
Historical and modern problem of drug addiction, good comparison.
Everyone knows someone just like the characters in this book. That is why I liked the story. Secondly it is important as more people try to say the “Holocaust”( US Political Party Members) did not happen! This a nice little reminder that it did in fact happen.
I recommend the entire Mapleton series. It’s a small town setting with very real yet sympathetic characters dealing with everyday issues, including Police chief Gordon Hepler dealing with staffing problems, a potential relationship, and then a murder,
and a mugging, and more than he wants going on in his town. This is a light and easy read.
Didn’t finish. Poor story line, trite and sophomoric.
Too predictable
I could barely get through this. Forced myself thinking there might be something more to it. More like a read for a teenager.
Kept my interest.
The whole story is shallow and improbable. Didn’t really care what happened to any of the characters. I read it because it took place Colorado, but there was nothing of local interest in the story. It could have taken place anywhere.
Couldn’t put it down
A real page turner. I’ll be watching for more books by this author.
Deadly Secrets (Mapleton Mystery #1) by Terry Odell Narrated by Steve Marvel
Gordon Hepler, is questioning his decision to take the job as Mapleton, Colorado’s police chief when suddenly there are two dead bodies found in and around Mapleton. Rose and Sam Kretzer, two of Mapleton’s beloved residents, somehow seem be connected the these mysterious incidents. Also at the center of everything going are Megan the Kretzer’s Goddaughter and their Grandson Justin both of which have recently arrived in town to visit. Megan is attacked and threatened and Justin is receiving suspicious phone calls about a journal that may be hidden and contain information about the Holocaust . Can Chief Hepler solve who is behind these killings before someone else is found dead? Is Justin involved than he is letting on? Is Megan’s visit the catalyst to everything that is happening?
Deadly secret is the first official mystery book written by Author Terry O’dell. She previously wrote romance novels. Although this book is classified as a police procedural she keeps true the her beginning by adding a touch of romance to the storyline. I enjoyed her combination of these two genres. The book is well written, her characters are realistic, she includes just the right amount of red herrings to keep her readers involved in the mystery. Her characters range from young adults that are still trying to find their place in the world to senior citizens that have seen and lived though a lot and are still strong and outgoing people.
I listened to the audio version of this book which was Narrated by Steve Marvel. Mr. Marvel did a great job bringing the story to life. He has a great tone of voice, great timing and pace, wonderful diction which defined each character’s voice.
I would recommend this book both print and audio versions to anyone that enjoys a good mystery. I don’t really remember any bad language but there is a scene that involves adult relations so I would not recommend to anyone that is upset by this type of scene.