Celebrate the season in Whispering Pines with snow, mistletoe, and murder. Preparations for the Yuletide festival are in full swing, and so is the gossip about a blackmailing villager. Sheriff Jayne O’Shea doesn’t have time or patience for small-town rumors. After two long years overseas, her father is coming for a visit and everything has to be perfect. Then, just as things start falling into … start falling into place, the blackmailer is found dead.
As if that wasn’t enough, strange packages start showing up on doorsteps around the village, each containing a clue as to how the receiver will die.
Now, Jayne has to decide what’s more important. Focusing on a murder that’s already happened or trying to prevent six more.
What Readers Are Saying
“I can clearly see the thatched roof houses, their wood and stucco exteriors. It reminds me of Shakespeare’s house in London.”
“I’ve read them all and just want to go back.”
“I wish Whispering Pines was a real place”
“If you enjoy honest, rather raw characters seeking direction, and the consequences of past mistakes, you’ll enjoy this series as much as I have.”
“My mind is still in Whispering Pines. I can clearly see the thatched roof houses, their wood and stucco exteriors. It reminds me of Shakespeare’s house in London.”
“I really enjoy how the characters continue to evolve in this series and the new eccentrics fit right in!”
“I totally fell in love with both the village and the story.”
“I would gladly plan my next trip to Whispering Pines.”
The Whispering Pines Mystery Series
Family Secrets, book 1
Kept Secrets, book 2
Original Secrets, book 3
Hidden Secrets, book 4
Rival Secrets, book 5
Veiled Secrets, book 6
Silent Secrets, book 7
Merciful Secrets, book 8
more
Loose ends and family ties take front stage.
Shawn McGuire being one of my favourite authors, I’ve grown quite familiar with the community of Whispering Pines having read each book of the series from the start. Although I much prefer stand-alone novels, I have been drawn into reading a few exceptions because the writers have created wonderful characters and a charismatic world within which to tell their story. This is one of those exceptions. Book #8 brings several unresolved issues into the light that would have more depth of meaning for committed followers (like myself). I’m not sure how it would stand up to some of the others in this series if read by itself…I found the guilty party relating to the one death to be rather obvious but interesting as to how it played out – no real angst here. The events surrounding Jayne’s step-brother certainly added colour to the story. But the real premise of this chapter in Whispering Pines, in my mind, was the culminating family relationships. Solving mysteries seem, to me, to be intriguing side dishes while meaningful relationships are at the core of these stories. No matter what takes place, I like a book that has heart. As my reading was coming to a close, and loose ends were being tied up with a bow, I thought this was the end of my journey to Whispering Pines. I’m pleased to say that Shawn McGuire did indeed leave the door open to future developments.
I enjoyed the whole series. Especially that the place and people are ordinary villagers yet are just a bit quirky. And the bit about the ‘nun’ changing personalities makes me hope there is a book 9 in the works.
I have read most of the books in this series. I am addicted to the characters and the village of Whispering Pines. The characters are in my opinion flawless, you feel like you are right there among all the pines, houses and people. The storyline is great, well worth the wait for this edition. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I love the Whispering Pines series! I enjoy the storyline and I have grown fond of the characters. I especially love the messages the author incorporates into her books. Well done! I can’t wait for the next book.
Another great book from Shawn McGuire. Having thought I had it figured out only to be wrong again. Sheriff Jayne had her investigative skills put to the test again but able to pull it off one more time. We learned a little more about her life. Looking forward to the next installment to learn even more.
I love this series and this book is a great addition. The characters continue to grow with the story and the storyline in this book is as always tightly plotted.
Jaynes father and sister have come to visit Whispering Pines for the holidays. Jaynes dad has not been back for decades and he is reluctant, at first, to seeing his old friends. He slowly becomes more relaxed and even looks forward to joining in the Wiccan traditions. But there is someone who wants this group to suffer and who sets out to harm them one by one.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily am providing a review.
Merciful Secrets #8 – Just when I think I read the best book by this author, she releases the best book ever. It will be difficult to write a review instead of a book report since this book and this series are exceptional. I have been around a few decades and it is getting harder to find decent writers, so good and great authors are scarce in the Indie World.
The new and old storylines mesh together bringing a substantial depth to MS. This book starts about two months after Silent Secrets ends. There is a possible new murder and the effects of a 40-year-old tragedy returns for more murders. Some of the new characters introduced are surprising lending suspense to the possible future. There is plenty of intrigue and mystery along with surprises from unsuspected sources. Again, I did not put another McGuire novel down until I finished the last page.
This is one of the few authors that I can continuously recommend. Lucky for the new discoverers of this series, there are eight stories ready to be devoured. It is hard waiting for the next visit to Whispering Pines. I contacted the author to review her books and have never been disappointed with her work. 5*
Whispering Pines series:
Family Secrets, Whispering Pines #1 – An intriguing story. After finishing Stick and Stones, I dove into Family Secrets, my second book by this new-to-me author. These two books are nothing alike on storylines, except fantasy. I was drawn into this well written novel with its interesting plot and realistic characters, including the lovable dog. I couldn’t put FS down until it was finished. There’s an overview letting the reader know what the book is about, which I appreciate. This author is definitely someone whose work I want to keep reading. Two books, two winners!
Kept Secrets, WP#2 – Another intriguing story by a very good author. Now we’re being to know our main characters as they grow in this book, while remaining believable and realistic. The well written, fast paced plot keeps the reader interested, making it hard to put the book down. The author’s descriptions leave the reader with clear pictures about the town, townspeople and property. I contacted the author to review her books since she writes such substantial stories that leaves a reader satisfied.
Original Secrets, WP #3 – This is the best of the series. So intriguing that the reader can’t put the book down. A well written, suspense filled book with two deaths forty years apart that may be connected. The characters are steadily growing, even the hated ones are interesting. Their dialog is realistic and none of The Stupid Formula for these characters. Her descriptions are clear and you’re there in Whispering Pines. I’m looking forward to the next book. I contacted the author to review her books; her stories are substantial and the reader is satisfied when finished reading one of her books.
Hidden Secrets, WP #4 – Another hard to put down story. Well written, suspense filled and full of intrigue, still with an interesting group of characters with new ones added to boot. This substantial story has several stories going at once, including the past and the future and the worries that stem from them. I’ve never been disappointed by any book written by Ms. McGuire and I look forward to more of her work.
Rival Secrets #5 – Another substantial and interesting read. Rival picks up a month after Hidden Secrets ends. The well thought out storylines keep the reader immersed until the last page. Every book in this series has been great and this one is no different. The regular characters keep showing more of their secrets and growth, and the reader pulls for them. Their dialog is interesting without any stupidity, just realistic and clean. There’s touches of sexual tension and hints of mysteries to come. The murder was well handled and while there were plenty of suspects, the path to solving the crime was interesting. As usual, there were kinks along the path, but that’s what keeps the reader involved with the story. 5*
Missing & Gone – An interesting novella. This well written story introduces the main and some of the secondary characters of the book Family Secrets. It’s a quickly read suspense story, which I read after FS; I didn’t miss not having read M&G before FS.
Veiled Secrets #6 – I’m absolutely addicted to this series. Ms. McGuire is on my top ten list of favorite authors. This is another great addition. The story begins a month after Rival Secrets ended. There are a lot of surprises, good and bad, for everyone in WP. Law enforcement will definitely feel the brunt of the happenings. There are two good endings or beginnings at the end of the book. The storylines were very intriguing, suspense filled and mesmerizing making it hard to put the book down until the end. The author’s vivid descriptions of the Samhain event was pretty well done; I almost wanted to be there, but it’s too far North for me. The characters keep evolving with each book and Flavia is going to go nuclear soon by the way she’s acting, but that’s another story. 5*
Silent Secrets #7 – This has to be my all-time favorite series by one of my favorite authors. While these can be read as standalones, this is one series to invest in from the beginning. Ms. McGuire has an easy to read writing style that belies the intricacies of the continuous and new storylines. Her vivid descriptions place you there with a clearness of location, character and developments. Her imagination, active and nonrepetitive throughout her series, bring a depth to the tapestries she has woven in her storylines. It is wonderful to read about realistic characters that do not follow today’s stupidity formula common in so many books of various genres. They are realistic, people you know and understand. Yes, there are witches but do not expect travel by broom or the usual witch themes. The flow of the story(ies) keeps at a good pace and it is hard to put the book(s) down. There are plenty of emotions running the gamut, and a good balance between good and bad events, and good and bad characters. 5*
Whispering Pines end.
Merciful Secrets (Whispering Pines series) by Shawn McGuire is well written and a page-turning delight to read. Ms. McGuire creates a fantastic plot line and many quirky characters that you’d really like to meet. Then again, there are always a couple of exceptions.
Whispering Pines is an intriguing small village surrounded by a small forest of whispering pines. I’m sure you’d love to visit there. The village is filled with wiccans, carney people and of course tourists and always with a little murder thrown in.
Pyramids bugging Jayne, others in storage boxes — this story grabbed my attention right away and kept me going to the end.
Jaynes father has returned to the States for the first time in two years and 20 year since since he left Whispering Pines. He plans to spend the holiday with Jayne. Now, can he be convinced to attend the Midwinter Celebration, too. There is also an old cantankerous woman always stirring up trouble. Rumor had it she’s been blackmailing residents of Whispering Pines. When she is found outside dead questions arise. Suicide or Murder? If murder, most of the town are suspects.
Secrets are spilling over everywhere, from everyone. When mysterious notes and gifts appear, fear of Jayne’s estranged brother having returned is a major concern or is it Flavia stirring up dissent again?
It’s exciting watching these characters continue to evolve and the new and quirky people seem fit right in!”
I received a copy of this as an ARC with many thanks to the author. The above is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. Here are my thoughts:
This whole series about the little village of Whispering Pines has been a delightful read, and this 8th in the series is certainly right up there with my favorites. For this one, it helps to have some background from previous books in the series, but not entirely necessary. Yes, there is a death. Yes, the past rears its head and gives some grief to certain villagers. And yes, there is a little ‘Woo woo’ (“Wicca isn’t what society thinks it is, is it?”) Jayne’s dad pays a visit and I love how the story goes with him. McGuire’s dedication at the front of the book gives a little hint: “For those who believe there’s always time to try again.” Deputy Reed, shows further growth not only as a lawman, but as a man. “His confidence had grown too. Enough to question his boss’s decisions.” All the characters we’ve come to know are here, especially because of the big Midwinter Celebration. Reeva has a soft opening of her new kitchen store, which is going to play a big part in the continuation of the Whispering Pines story. I can hardly wait! More to come, as practically guaranteed by the last words: “I swore I heard Durga whisper, “For now.”
I love everytime I enter into Whispering Pines. Once again I settle in because I know it is going to be filled with what happened and who done it.
Jayne is one character I do not get tired of. This place keeps popping with every time you turn around something seems to happen as it does now. This festival is bringing in more than celebrating it also has you having to be one step ahead it seems. The secrets are coming to surface with magic at the corners.
I just soaked this one up with when it came to the end was not ready to leave yet.
As with all the previous books, this is a well written mystery that keeps the reader interested until the end. I really love all the characters, and reading how their relationships grow and change throughout the series. The relationships seem authentic because they aren’t rushed, and they seem to grow organically. This adds to the overall storytelling. You really become invested in the characters which makes the story even more interesting. If you are looking for a cozy mystery with a touch of witchcraft this a book for you.
A village celebration turns deadly. Suzette Thibodeaux is found dead on her porch in her wheelchair in freezing temperatures. A number of suspects emerge. Sheriff Jayne’s dad and sister on coming to visit.
A number of the village residents receive a gift with a message on how they are going to die.
This series gets better with each one. Another page turner from Shawn McGuire.
Merciful Secrets is the eighth book in the Whispering Pines Mystery series by Shawn McGuire, and Wow, is it a page turner!
On this visit to Whispering Pines we find Sheriff Jayne and the other villagers preparing for a Yuletide festival, and we know, no festival in Whispering Pines would be complete without a dead body.
Fans of the series, you DO NOT want to miss this one!!
I recommend this book for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those that enjoy a little magical flair, or anyone who just wants to read a great book.
Jayne O’Shea is the Sheriff of Whispering Pines, as well as the co-proprietor of a local Bed and Breakfast that she runs with her personal and professional partner, Tripp. This story takes place during Yule (winter solstice) and the village’s yearly winter celebration.
A couple checked into the B&B to visit the husband’s aunt, Suzette, a resident of Whispering Pines, who is close to dying from cancer. She is also the town’s most disliked resident. When the three of them show up at the winter celebration, there is much discord, charges of blackmailing, etc. until they are told to leave. When Suzette is found deceased, there is a mystery to be solved. Did the cancer do her in? Did one of her many enemies rush it along?
There are also threats being made to certain members of the Wiccan coven and it is obvious that Jayne’s missing half-brother is doing this. Or is he? And if he is, will he be found and brought to justice?
The author brings the story together well and I am eager for the next installment. I have read and enjoyed every book Ms. McGuire has written about Whispering Pines. Even though the Whispering Pines stories are a series, each book can be a stand-alone because the author does a wonderful job explaining who the people of Whispering Pines are. I received an ARC from the author.
I’m still listing to this one actually. So far so good! I can’t wait for my next long car ride to keep listening.