The Northwoods village of Whispering Pines used to be a safe haven for outsiders, but after three deaths in two months, it’s become a hotbed of murder.Exhausted from being the only law enforcement official on duty, while also trying to open a bed-and-breakfast, Jayne O’Shea welcomes the escape she finds in her grandmother’s journals. Each entry gives her a deeper understanding of why her … her grandparents moved to the secluded spot so long ago. But as questions are answered, deeply hidden secrets are unearthed.
If Jayne can put all the pieces of this puzzle together, she’ll not only learn the truth behind her grandmother’s death, she’ll catch a killer whose been wandering the village for forty years.
more
This review is for the audio book.
I enjoyed this book. This one was a different book to the rest so far in the series because it Is a cold case Jayne is investigating and very personal, so a lot of reading old diaries. I think it helps to have listened to the previous books because you could easily make the connections between the names and the characters and there previous behaviour. Still a good like mystery and it does answer a lot of questions surrounding Jayne and even the town. The characters are fun and recurring because it is a small town, so you get to know them well across the series. I am off to start the next book in the series.
Jayne is busy at work and getting ready to open the b&b so needs a duty to help her and her police dog keep Whispering pines safe. When Jayne is called to over see another body she fears the worst but it is not the autopsy of the young man that causes her the most nightmares, this one is a little closer to home. Jayne’s own gran didn’t die in an accident as she was lead to believe and on further investigation Jayne finds that she might just have the key to solve the most important case in her life, the town’s history in the form of several diaries written by her Gran at the time of the biggest secret whispering pines holds.
I liked the narrator and think she really brings each characters to life with her easy style and at the same time can also build up the tension just as easy.
Jayne is now very much part of this series with another murder or should say 2 have fallen into her lap. They are not your norm either. This author knows how to weave the mystery and suspense that keeps you turning the pages with at times the mouth hanging open when secrets come to light. This one is even more interesting because we get a closer look at her grandmother too with finally getting some input from the dad. This is one that has got my attention like no other in awhile. I also like the one event that finally happens. I now have to see what is next.
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 an interesting plot and realistic characters, including the lovable dog. I couldn’t put Family Secrets 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, Whispering Pines #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, Whispering Pines #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 non 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, Whispering Pines #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. I contacted the author to review her books.
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 Family Secrets; I didn’t miss not having read M&G before FS. A conflict: Jayne knows her grandmother is a Wiccan, but she forgot it in FS? Minor detail, both are must reads, actually any of the author’s books are must reads.
Sticks and Stones – A surprising, intense novel. Not knowing what to expect from this new-to-me author, I started reading a book that turned out to be mesmerizing. I couldn’t stop reading this well written, thought out book with its interesting characters and storyline full of twists, even thought the age group doesn’t interest me. I’ve had this book a while and am glad I finally got around to reading it. My next read is Family Secrets.
KU borrow. Book 3 in the story of Whispering Pines finds Jayne, as the only cop in the area, up to her neck in trying to solve murders, open her B & B, and look into her grandmother’s old journals. Family drama adds to her stress. Does she have the answers all along? What I learned: “Everyone wears a different persona depending on who they’re with.” I’ve been truly fascinated with this story line, learning more about Wiccan, delighting in her pup, Meeka, who is becoming quite the police K-9! And will she EVER be able to maybe open her heart and let Tripp in – just a little bit? A little mystery, a little romance, a little witchery, what more could you want?
Love this series. The character’s interaction is great and the setting is very realistic. Jayne is so intense and does not let up until she finds the truth. Finally, she will find out what happened to Gran. Feel there are a lot more mysteries that have yet to be uncovered. That is great because that means more stories to follow. This is the second book I have read in this series and love how the story is progressing. Highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.