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Secrets and Malice
Rose's son Toby has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape, but she's convinced he's innocent and seeks help from her brother Brett who is a lawyer, but who's also dying from cancer.
After doing his own due diligence, though, Brett does not share her belief in Toby's innocence, and expects that he is probably going to be locked up for a very long time.
After doing his own due diligence, though, Brett does not share her belief in Toby's innocence, and expects that he is probably going to be locked up for a very long time.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2009
14 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 25, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway recently and was anxious to read it, given the description of the book. It didn't disappoint!
Secrets and Malice is essentially a good guy vs bad guy book but with a very, very dark bad guy. Toby is the kind of guy you see on TV shows about psychopaths and sociopaths. He's the kind of guy who makes you check and then re-check to make sure your doors are locked. He fits the profile of a sociopath to a T: charming, narcissistic, no remorse...he is one chilling dude.
I don't want to give anything away so I'll do my best not to say too much about the story itself. I will say, however, that Mr. Langwell has written a book that creeped me out, which is pretty hard to do. His writing is good, his dialog is believable, and his characters are well-developed. The storyline moves quickly and smoothly with no bumps along the way other than the bumps caused by the evil of Toby's character. Mr. Langwell seems to have done his homework when it comes to court proceedings and criminal behavior, as his courtroom and legal scenes are believable too, as is Toby's psychopathology. One bonus: since I live in Indiana it was fun to read about familiar cities, something Hoosiers don't often get to do in novels.
If I had to name anything that didn't quite work for me, I'd say that the connection between Toby's attorney and Toby's mother seemed unlikely and the ending, literally the last couple of pages, seemed unnecessary to the story. Those last pages didn't detract from the book but they didn't add anything either.
This is one book that I can see being made into a movie. Even though I often won't go to see movies based on books, I would see this movie. If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you turning the pages until the end, I highly recommend this book. Toby and his actions are disturbing and graphic so if you're bothered by such things, DON'T read this book. However, it's well worth the read if you can handle the content.
Secrets and Malice is essentially a good guy vs bad guy book but with a very, very dark bad guy. Toby is the kind of guy you see on TV shows about psychopaths and sociopaths. He's the kind of guy who makes you check and then re-check to make sure your doors are locked. He fits the profile of a sociopath to a T: charming, narcissistic, no remorse...he is one chilling dude.
I don't want to give anything away so I'll do my best not to say too much about the story itself. I will say, however, that Mr. Langwell has written a book that creeped me out, which is pretty hard to do. His writing is good, his dialog is believable, and his characters are well-developed. The storyline moves quickly and smoothly with no bumps along the way other than the bumps caused by the evil of Toby's character. Mr. Langwell seems to have done his homework when it comes to court proceedings and criminal behavior, as his courtroom and legal scenes are believable too, as is Toby's psychopathology. One bonus: since I live in Indiana it was fun to read about familiar cities, something Hoosiers don't often get to do in novels.
If I had to name anything that didn't quite work for me, I'd say that the connection between Toby's attorney and Toby's mother seemed unlikely and the ending, literally the last couple of pages, seemed unnecessary to the story. Those last pages didn't detract from the book but they didn't add anything either.
This is one book that I can see being made into a movie. Even though I often won't go to see movies based on books, I would see this movie. If you're in the mood for a book that will keep you turning the pages until the end, I highly recommend this book. Toby and his actions are disturbing and graphic so if you're bothered by such things, DON'T read this book. However, it's well worth the read if you can handle the content.
February 13, 2013
I received this first reader book of Ken Langwell from Goodreads giveaways. Absolutely could not put this down. The story builds slowly developing the plot/characters and enveloping the reader as well. Rose's son Toby is being accused with multiple rapes and she has no doubt her son is innocent she seeks out her brother's counsel (a lawyer) he has terminal cancer and is at the end of his life. A certain set of coincidences lead her brother to believe that Toby can be removed from the charges. To say more would ruin the fast-paced thriller! Ken Langwell is a refreshing new author- would read anything he writes. I do hope he has a sequel to this novel too. Read this new novel -this guy is headed for greatness!
February 18, 2013
Loved this book! I had trouble putting it down. It's a story about two young adults that make a bad decision and how it effects their lives and lives of others. Written smoothly,fast paced, with lots of great surprises. Highly recommend! I won this from Goodreads First Reads, and so glad I did. Thank you!
December 8, 2015
Wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one all the way through. I have won quite a few books on here and this is by far my favorite first reads book! Thank you so much for my complimentary copy!!
Highly recommended book, I have passed it onto my husband and I'm positive he will enjoy it just as I did. :)
Highly recommended book, I have passed it onto my husband and I'm positive he will enjoy it just as I did. :)
February 22, 2013
This was a great book, thanks for the early read Goodreads! I didn't expect the racial talk which added to the grit.
August 12, 2019
Hold on Tight
This book moves so far from beginning to end, you'll think you're on a rollercoaster - on it has just as many twists and turns to the very end of the ride! Loved it.
This book moves so far from beginning to end, you'll think you're on a rollercoaster - on it has just as many twists and turns to the very end of the ride! Loved it.
November 14, 2021
WOW!!!
Amazing twist and this is a must read for anyone who loves mystery and suspense with a splash of courtroom Drama.
Amazing twist and this is a must read for anyone who loves mystery and suspense with a splash of courtroom Drama.
April 6, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Brett and Anthony are two college kids driving home after a party where they had too much to drink. They have an accident that will change the rest of their lives. Years later, Brett's nephew Toby is arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape. Brett is dying from cancer and as fate would have it, Anthony is the judge on Toby's case. Brett chooses to reveal his long kept secret to his sister Rose in order to help Toby's case.
This is a very good book with a number of twists. Most of the characters end up in tough situations where they need to make hard choices (and like real people, they don't always make the right ones). I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others. The only criticism that I have is that the copy of the book that I received needed additional editing. There were a number of times when quotes were missing around character speech and at least a couple cases where the wrong character's name was used. These errors would cause me to pause my reading to understand and lose the flow of the story.
Brett and Anthony are two college kids driving home after a party where they had too much to drink. They have an accident that will change the rest of their lives. Years later, Brett's nephew Toby is arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape. Brett is dying from cancer and as fate would have it, Anthony is the judge on Toby's case. Brett chooses to reveal his long kept secret to his sister Rose in order to help Toby's case.
This is a very good book with a number of twists. Most of the characters end up in tough situations where they need to make hard choices (and like real people, they don't always make the right ones). I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others. The only criticism that I have is that the copy of the book that I received needed additional editing. There were a number of times when quotes were missing around character speech and at least a couple cases where the wrong character's name was used. These errors would cause me to pause my reading to understand and lose the flow of the story.
May 9, 2013
I won this book on Goodreads and was very intrigued by the description. I love thrillers and this did not disappoint! I had a lot of trouble putting this book down. The book is about a man named Toby who is accused of raping multiple women and viciously at that. His mother Rose is convinced of his innocence and goes to her brother who is an attorney dying. He tells her of a secret that involves him and the judge who is overseeing the case and to only use the information if she believes in his innocence. She uses the information to blackmail the judge and in turn sets off a chain of events. Toby is one deeply distrubed individual, unbelievably evil and may just be the devil. I could see this as a movie. Highly recommend this book, you'll be on the edge of your chair till the ending!
March 7, 2013
I won this as a free giveaway and thought it was very intriguing. It focuses on Toby, a young guy accused of multiple rapes and murder. Toby's mother, Rose is convinced that her son is innocent. Her brother Brett, a former lawyer is dying of terminal cancer and used to be very close to the judge that is overseeing Toby's case. He reveals a secret about the judge that can set Toby free. In doing so, it unleashes so many twisted events that some parts were difficult to read. There is a surprise twist at the end that I kind of figured out early on but it was good read with a look into the evil that some people carry inside them.
January 24, 2023
I received this book as a giveaway. At first, I was a little skeptical. I usually stick to love stories with authors like Nicholas Sparks. I've always been interested in reading more mystery/crime-solving books...since I love me some Unsolved Mysteries and CSI! This book did not disappoint. Although it started off a little slow, the overall ending was great! Thank you Ken Langwell and Goodreads for a good read! Can't wait for more books from this upcoming author!
Read
March 4, 2013If you like mysteries you will like this. It is fast moving with a twist at the end that you will never see coming. It is a story about two young lawyers and the secret they have carried through their lives. A woman that is so blinded by love for her son uses that secret to blackmail the judge to get her son out of jail. What follows are the tragic ramifications of her son's darker side that comes out after being released.
December 8, 2015
I received this book through the Goodreads- First Reads. I give this book 4 1/2 stars. It was a gripping story that kept me glued to the pages. It was pretty intense and made my heart race. There were also times I said WHOA! Toby is definitely a poster child for evil.
Want to read
January 13, 2013I received a copy of this book free through Goodreads first Reads.
I work at a Senior/Youth center and donate all print books I win in giveaways to the library.
I hope I get a chance to check this one out in the near future!!!
I work at a Senior/Youth center and donate all print books I win in giveaways to the library.
I hope I get a chance to check this one out in the near future!!!
August 18, 2013
I received a copy if this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Probably would have rated this 3.5 if possible. A little slow to start but then a real page-turner. Ending felt a little contrived. Enjoyed this book.
June 21, 2016
Excellent Read
Very well thought out and written.supurb story and well crafted.thought I had the ending,but the author threw an excellent curve ball.highly recommended,if your a crime buff reader..well done.
Very well thought out and written.supurb story and well crafted.thought I had the ending,but the author threw an excellent curve ball.highly recommended,if your a crime buff reader..well done.
November 30, 2012
I think this is a great book. It is suspenceful and keeps you on your toes. You definetly want to get to the end.
I highly recommend this new up and coming author, Ken Langwell.
I highly recommend this new up and coming author, Ken Langwell.
March 20, 2013
I received this free on good reads first reads. I don't like the fact its about rape but the story behind it all is a good one.
June 18, 2013
Absolutely gripping! A story that hooks you early and does not let go until the very end. Twists and turns, yes! Heart racing, yes! Thoroughly enjoyed this book front to back.
April 20, 2016
Twisted ending
Very well written story with many unexpected twas and turns,great understanding of sociopathic thinking. The ending will leave you breathless!
Very well written story with many unexpected twas and turns,great understanding of sociopathic thinking. The ending will leave you breathless!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews