Tallie Brown’s life has never made sense. Raised in isolation by her mother, Julia, Tallie was dragged suddenly and without explanation from one third-world outpost to another until life normalized seven years ago when Julia took a position on a mountaintop in the Pacific northwest. But when Julia unexpectedly dies, Tallie uncovers clues suggesting that Julia had a secret life. Journalistic … phenom Jackson James is still recovering from the devastating mistake that flatlined his promising career. Now he’s paying the price, working as the editor of a syrupy community rag in a posh D.C. suburb. But when the very man who destroyed him drops a tantalizing lead about a potential D.C. scandal, the reporter sees his chance for redemption and sets off to chase the story. Jackson’s investigation leads him to Cutler’s Ridge, a dying Virginia coal town, and directly into the path of the mysterious and beautiful Tallie. As these two mistrustful loners follow their leads, their stories begin to intertwine until they reach an alarming conclusion – something terrible happened in Cutler’s Ridge. As they doggedly pursue the story, the town’s cold reception spirals into threats and danger, proving that there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden forever –because secrets never die.
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Secrets Never Die
By: Laurie Lewis
5 out of 5 stars
The story Secrets Never Die by Laurie Lewis is a romantic/suspense book. I loved reading it. The story pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It is a book that includes mystery and secrets. It is a story that had me at times quickly turning pages to find out what happened next. I enjoyed reading about the characters of Tallie Brown and Jackson James. Tallie is a woman who is strong, intelligent, and stubborn. When her mother unexpectedly dies, Tallie finds that she may have had a secret life. Will Tallie find the answers to the questions that she has? Jackson is a reporter whose past is having an effect on his future. He finds himself chasing another story seeking the road to redemption. Both Tallie and Jackson find themselves in the small town of Cutler’s Ridge. What will happen when the stories that they are chasing begin to overlap? What does the future hold for Tallie and Jackson? Read this book to find out. This is a story that is an example of why I love suspense books. You are taken on a journey that moves at a good pace and sparks your imagination and your ability to put clues together. Each one of the additional characters has their own part to play in the story and I couldn’t see the book without any of them. This is a book that I highly recommend reading.
Thanks to #Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for review purposes. This was my first Lewis novel, and I greatly enjoyed her writing! The suspense story line was unique, and there were many unexpected parts that I did not see coming. For one thing, I never knew that there was actually a “Quiet Zone” where cell phones and radio communication is banned. This shows that this book had a great mix of fiction and fact. I would categorize this is a clean suspense thriller book. By the way, I read this book in a day, so that also says a lot about its enjoyment factor!
This author enjoys reminding me of why she is one of my go to authors and why she will continue to be one. Her stories and the twist she comes up with are the things that draw me to her. Now we have Tallie who is truly not only emotionally stunted, but by default she’s also suspicious with a warning of trust no one as the last she received. There’s more than just the death of her mother here to deal with and the fall out is far greater than she can imagine. Conspiracies, cover ups, blackmail and so many deaths. This is an amazing read which will have you turning in circles to uncover the truth from the lies, the secrets exposed or do they stay secrets? In the end a judgement call will have to be made and that might mean further sacrifices. Jackson understands all of this yet he previous errors in judgement caused a loss of life and he’s not making those same mistakes again. But he also finds he’s been used and manipulated. When does honor over rule common decency? And when do secrets and the harm they can cause come before answers and revelation? Hmmmm let’s see if you still fell that way when you finish reading this.
Written by new to me author, Secrets Never Die kept me guessing right til the very end.
I even stayed up late finishing it.
A true suspense that had unexpected twists and turns I just didn’t see coming.
Chapter by chapter you slowly piece the clues together about Tallie and her mysterious past and why she is so untrusting of anyone ,but this fear she had this fear installed in her by her mother.
After her mother’s death she is on a mission to understand where she came from and who she is. Her mother, with her death left so many unanswered question.
A real page turner you will want to read one more page then one more chapter and before you know it the whole book will be read.
Published July 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
All I can say about this book is just Wow! What an awesome book! Absolutely one of the best suspense books I have read. The book follows Tallie Brown from a mountain top in the state of Washington to a town in the East. When her Mother dies unexpectedly she leaves Tallie a letter telling her that she can make a new life for herself or go to Cutler’s Ridge and dig up the past. There she meets Jackson, a newspaper reporter who is in search of a story that will redeem his mistakes. Tallie is on a search to find out who her Father is. Together they team up to find the secrets of the past. There are so many twists and turns in this puzzle that it will keep you guessing throughout the book. It grabbed me on the first page and didn’t let go. This is the first book in a very long time that has kept me up late to finish reading it. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.
Secrets Never Die by Laurie Lewis took me a little longer than normal to get into, but that was because of all of the distractions of life. By the time I got to the end of this book I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
Tallie grabbed my heart from the beginning and the more I read the more she had my heart. I loved the twists and turns we took together to find out the truth.
Jackson was sweet but relentless in trying to get to the truth. The moment when everything clicked for him I too had an aha moment. I wasn’t expecting the twist at all.
I really liked this book and i almost didnt read it. I’m so glad I did and I will look for others by Ms. Lewis in the future and hope I enjoy them as much as I did.
This is a great story about mystery and lies.
Tallie has lived with her mother Julia all her life. They have lived an isolated life and have moved around to different places. Tallie always felt something wasnt right but it was when her mum died suddenly and suspiciously that she started asking questions and uncovering secrets which has her not knowing who she really is.
Jackson James is a journalist whos career and reputation was ruined by a false story fed to him by someone. This person that appears with a job for him and a possible story to get him back into the big leagues of journalism. But can he be trusted.
Tallie’s and Jacksons lives become intwined as they both search of answers and are connected in ways they would never imagined.
Its a great page turner keeping you hooked from the beginning
SECRETS NEVER DIE is one of those books that I read based solely on the author’s name and nothing else. I have always enjoyed the way this author tells a tale and holy moly, this was quite the tale.
This is a well plotted, intricately woven, always in motion story that holds your attention from beginning to end. There are times that I got a little lost because I was reading too fast and missed important details. I had to make myself slow down so I could absorb what was going on.
Fantastic world building, suspenseful, twists and turns abound while leaning why some SECRETS NEVER DIE.
I think this book would make a fantastic selection for a book club or dinner night discussion.
I never hesitate to pick up one of this author’s stories. This story is full of action and drama. I loved being pulled into this story from the beginning and not being able to put it down until the end. The characters really made the story come to life and they really just messed well together. Tallie goes in search of answers to questions about her life. Jackson also finds himself off in search of unanswered questions. How many concidences can there be in one small town? A must read!
“Secrets Never Die” by author Laurie Lewis is one of the most intricately plotted and perfectly executed novels I’ve ever read. The action and drama hooked me from the first page, and never once did my attention drift. I’m still marveling over how the author was able to keep this very tense, twisty tale on course given all the moving parts. Every character is drawn with a careful hand, bringing a rich texture to this large cast, each with their own mysterious history, adding layer upon layer of intrigue, speculation and ulterior motives. And in the end, each one of their stories fits together like pieces of a puzzle. But I must warn you—once you get started, you won’t want to put this one down! Highly recommend!
(4.5 stars) – an intriguing & suspenseful mystery with a little romance on the side
The author sets things up carefully, and we’re introduced to the puzzle that is Tallie’s life thru Julia’s death.
The story gives us pieces as we go, gradually leading us to the answers. BUT we’re given details in a rather natural way & from different perspectives, so it can be a little confusing as things are not necessarily in chronological order, in addition to seeing pieces from different sides of the story & the inconsistencies that come with that.
So even as we figure out parts, it’s still not fully clear what exactly happened until the finale. It’s both frustrating and clever, lol.
There are elements of the final answer that I’m still not sure I’m satisfied with, but I’m so impressed with how well done the mystery was that I can’t bring myself to cavil over it.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: some general references to God & belief, but very minor
I was swept into the story right away and it kept my attention for the first handful of chapters, but once Tallie got to Cutler’s Ridge, the story started to lag a little. There were so many unanswered questions and I felt like I was constantly missing half of the story because of it.
Thankfully, the story picked up steam later on and I became more invested in it. Sadly, I just didn’t feel that much of a connection with any of the characters. I’m not sure why, maybe they just needed a bit more development.
The ending played out well and I liked the twist near the end, but I couldn’t wrap my mind around the reason for all the secrets and subterfuge. Maybe I just didn’t understand the explanation, but it really didn’t seem like that event was enough to cause everything that happened in the story. (Ok, it’s really hard to get my point across while not giving out any spoilers!)
All that being said, I would still read more from this author.
3.5 Stars
Secrets Never Die was a quite intriguing. I really didn’t know what to expect from this unknown-to-me author, but Laurie Lewis did a great job of creating a story and characters that kept me wanting to turn each page.
Tallie’s upbringing was pretty sad. Her mother was very emotionally disconnected. She taught Tallie many skills, but the most important thing (love) was something Tallie never felt. I wasn’t really sure what to think about Jackson initially, but he grew on me.
Cutler’s Ridge was a town that I wouldn’t want to spend time in. The people came off as a bit crazy, and so many were full of secrets.
I really had no idea how everything was going to tie together, and there were lots unforeseen of twists and turns-perfect for a suspense novel.
This was a fast, clean read. I would read more from this author.
A good suspense book is one of my very favorites to read! I loved the way the author did this one. There are several points of view that you get to see the story from. You get to see it from the point of view of Julia, that’s Tallie’s mom, Tallie and Jackson. All these points of view make the story more interesting. And help it to make more sense.
There were lots of things about Tallie that I liked. I liked the way she was smart. She had learned a lot of things through not only schooling, but through the way she was raised by Julia. They spent their whole lives on the run. But that’s not really something Tallie really understood until after Julia died. Julia sent Tallie on a mission after she died, a mission to find out where she came from and the secrets that surrounded her life.
Jackson has his own secrets. I liked the way his secrets drove him to be a better person than he had previously been, to change. That’s really what we’re all looking for in our own lives.
The reader doesn’t see much of the story through Julia’s point of view. Only the first chapter is her. But I learned from her that there’s always a way to fix your mistakes. Even if it’s hard. She tried to fix hers, even though she was already dead.
The plot of this book has so many twists and turns. I loved the way I never knew just what was coming next. And there’s no way I would have ever guessed just how all the characters were connected. I loved reading this one!
Secrets Never Die was a very suspenseful read. There were times where I couldn’t put the book down. I was fascinated by the suspense and wanted to know what was going on. There are many twists and turns, surprises, and it’s very action packed. I liked the character Tallie. She seemed innocent and yet poised to protect herself and others. Jackson James was an interesting character and seemed motivated to protect Tallie and discover the truth whatever it maybe. The side characters were also likeable and suspicious. It was an interesting read. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review, however this is my honest opinion.
I am an avid reader. I have read all books by Laurie Lewis except the historical fiction series. Each time I read a new book, I am sure it is her best, that is until the next one is released. The mystery, suspense, and intrigue in Secrets Never Die would not let me put it down. As much as I read, I couldn’t solve it myself. There is also some romance woven in the plot. As good as ALL of Laurie’s books are, this is the best suspense I have read. I plan to read the historical fiction books next. I you haven’t read any of her books yet, once you do, I am sure you will be as hooked as I am. I highly recommend this author.
What a remarkable, suspenseful story so full of twists and turns, surprises and a giant spider’s web of lies. I was truly amazed at how all the pieces and people were woven together to make this interesting story. I could not put the book down as I kept trying to see how everything got pieced together.
There were so many interesting characters but one of my favorites was Tallie Brown. She is smart, compassionate, and trying to find out who her father is after her mother died and left her with a photo. It was amazing to watch her past unravel to reveal who she is and who she was. I also enjoyed her opening up to Jackson James, an investigative reporter with his own dark secrets he is trying to overcome.
I enjoyed watching Tallie and James work together. They seemed like two lost souls until they found each other and brought out the best in each other.
I also enjoyed all of the suspense in the story, especially the ending that kept me riveted and not knowing how the book would end. Great story! One of the best suspense stories I have read. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
When Tallie Brown’s mother (Julia) dies in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington Tallie finds a letter from her with two choices–“establish yourself in a new place with a new career. You can start fresh, be anything you want, with no past and no baggage.” or another option, “Do you want to find answers to the questions you were afraid to ask? Start with the photo. You’ll figure the rest out.” A file folder with a letter and a faded photo from 21 years ago taken in Cutler’s Ridge have the power to send Tallie on a journey that will bring emotional upheaval, and change her life in a way she can’t possibly imagine. It’s the start of a hunt for answers to questions Tallie has had most of her 22 years.
Jackson James is working at a small local paper in Kensington, Maryland trying to get back on track after a devastating decision ruined his promising journalist career. A mysterious phone call from the someone he never wanted to hear from again sends him to Cutler’s Ridge, where he crosses paths with Tallie Brown. For such a small, insignificant little town there are a lot of secrets.
Wow!! This is my first book by this author and it was spellbinding. The mystery and suspense start in the first chapter, but the answers don’t come until the last few chapters, and even when the questions are answered the suspense doesn’t stop. I’ve never read a book with so much intrigue, where almost everyone has a secret.
I’m not sure how much I can say in my review without spoiling anything, but if you enjoy suspense this is a great book. I didn’t want to stop reading because I had to know how Tallie finding out the truth about her past fit in with the reason Jackson was sent to Cutler’s Ridge. I NEVER would’ve figured it all out. WARNING: You may not want to start reading this book at night–you’ll never go to sleep.
Wow! Talk about a gripping novel! The uncertainty and intrigue caught my attention from the very beginning, and the multifaceted characters and well written plot kept me turning page after page. The author only revealed bits and pieces of answers at a time, constantly leaving me wondering what the truth actually was. There were so many details and different sides of the story that I had no idea how the story would end, which was gratifying and rather maddening at the same time! This novel is very different from the others by this author, and while I definitely enjoyed her other books, I think she truly excels in this genre of suspense. I would definitely recommend this book!
A fantastic mystery. Can Tallie Brown find out why her mother raised her up in Isolation. This mystery takes you through lots of twists and turns. And putting puzzles through the mystery as you read. And this Author has done a fantastic job with this read. I seriously could not put this read down. Its a real page turner. And a must read for mystery readers.
Shauna Joesten