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Secrets and Shadows

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Everything she thought she knew was wrong

The cabin in the woods has been in her family for generations. Her mother's death has dropped ownership into her lap. What she doesn't know, when she moves in, is the space she hopes will bring her relaxation and a chance to write her next bestseller, holds family secrets she's not quite ready to know. But secrets always have a way of coming out. And what's lurking in the shadows will stop at nothing to make sure she stays long enough to find out.

This is a debut paranormal thriller and book one in the Secrets and Shadows series.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2024

13 people are currently reading
296 people want to read

About the author

A.L. Lynn

1 book19 followers
A.L. Lynn is a debut thriller author. Her first book Secrets and Shadows released on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited in January. She lives in Pennsylvania with her boyfriend, her created gecko, and her dog.

Her favorite genres to read are thriller, fantasy, and dark romance. When she's not reading or writing she's daydreaming about being a stay at home dog mom who gets to write thriller novels full time.

In the meantime she works full time as an assistant manager at Amazon.

You can follow her on instagram and tiktok: @allynnbooks

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5 stars
54 (49%)
4 stars
39 (35%)
3 stars
9 (8%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Sally❦.
105 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
Rating: 3.5-4⭐️
Expected publication date: 15 Jan 2024

"Secrets and Shadows" by A.L. Lynn is this indie author's debut novel and book one of the Secrets and Shadows series.

This novel follows Taylor Daniels, a 23 year old bestselling author of her first published thriller novel. After experiencing two years of devastating grief from the time of her father's death and her mother's descent into alcoholism leading to a tragic death, Taylor is ready to get a fresh start. After inheriting her family's cabin, she moves in, believing she'll experience a rejuvenation of creativity for her second novel but instead, after several revelations of her family's dark history, things are not always as they seem. Those gaps in her memory are more sinister than she initially thought.

The things we do for love often have tragic consequences. This paranormal thriller reveals the extremes we go to seek revenge even after death.

Follow Taylor and her story featuring Possession, Murder, Revenge, Grief, Isolation and Suspense.

The story was well written, and the pacing was great as well as included dialogue, mostly following Taylor's inner thoughts and feelings as she began to 'lose her mind' after she moved into the cabin. It portrays how isolation and vulnerability can make us targets to others, dead or alive.

"The cabin that was supposed to be my sanctuary was becoming my asylum."

Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh In Bookland.
59 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2023
”The line between fiction and the true unknown become blurry.”

🖤Paranormal Thriller
🖤Family Secrets
🖤Possession
🖤Murder
🖤Revenge
🖤Grief/Loss
🖤Cabin in the woods

I was super lucky to be selected to arc read Secrets and Shadows, a debut novel by A.L. Lynn and I am THRILLED about the opportunity because LITERAL CHILLS.

This is possibly my first paranormal thriller so the fact that I started and finished this book in one sitting, is insane! It had me completely hooked, constantly trying to figure out what was going on and what secrets lurked in the shadows.

I absolutely devoured this book.

This book had me hooked and I’m in desperate need of book 2!
Profile Image for Leslee G.
181 reviews15 followers
December 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨/5
 
-Paranormal Thriller
-Family Secrets
-Possession
-Murder
-Revenge
-Grief/Loss
-Cabin in the woods
 
This was a nice short paranormal thriller that had me on the edge of my seat until I was done. There was a bunch of twist and interesting turns. This was a good mystery, and many family secrets are uncovered! The ending had me sooo surprised and I can’t wait for the next book. I want to write so much more but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
 
Quotes:

“The line between reality and my nightmares has become so blurred I can’t tell the two apart anymore.”


“I couldn’t let him have the satisfaction of figuring out what happened. I also couldn’t allow him to kill you. You’re my anchor to the real world. You’re my way back. I need you here.”
Profile Image for Stephanie Leonardi.
281 reviews12 followers
December 7, 2023
This secret window vibe, short book was SO good.

Taylor has lost both her parents and the family cabin is now hers but strange things begin happening to her and memories are clashing with real life and she can’t determine what’s real.

Digging up her family secrets might be more than she wants to know!

If you’re looking for a quick read, little bit thriller, paranormal mystery, & some crime, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Sisi G.
84 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2024
I couldn’t put this down, I read it in one night and the vibe was perfect.
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,111 reviews34 followers
January 8, 2024
Secrets and Shadows is the debut novel by A.L. Lynn, and for readers who enjoy paranormal thrillers, this is a book that you’re going to want to check out.
The first book in A.L. Lynn’s Secrets and Shadows series and this book is going to do a good job at keeping you page-turning to the end. Brace yourself for the twist at the ending! Cue slow jaw-drop. Don’t you dare skip to the end to find out what I’m talking about either! LOL!
This novel is short, but it packs a punch. Author Lynn is quick to tease you with just enough to keep you coming back for more and wondering “What is going to happen next?”
Secrets and Shadows comes with well-placed drama, tension, and suspense that will keep you glued to the pages as Tayler’s story unfolds. Secrets from the past are going to come to light, and forever change how she thinks and views her parents. Prepare for some shocking revelations that will have your jaw creeping down to the floor, if not faster.
This is an engaging story that will stick with you after you finish and have you anticipating what comes next for Tayler. Whatever it is...it’s going to be interesting.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Charley’s Book Diary .
90 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2023
I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!! I was captivated and sucked in by the prologue!

Thank you A. Lynn for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC in return for my honest review and opinion on your first book in the Secrets and Shadows series.

This book is bone chilling and will have you looking over your shoulder for the shadows. Although, this book is only 135 pages I found myself immersed in Taylors world and waiting to find out what is next. I honestly will not know peace until I have the rest of the Secrets and Shadows series!!!

"I reach out to steady myself but before I can there's a cold air that forms around my body and seeps slowly into my skin.It's the last thing I remember before everything goes black" (prologue).

We follow Taylor through her journey of grief after losing her parents by the age of 23. As the only child, she inherited a cabin by a lake away from the hustle and bustle of life. She decides after her mothers funeral to move into the cabin in hopes it will ignite her creationism to write her second soon to be best selling thriller novel. However, little does she know she will be living out her own horror story……
Profile Image for Maria InkSorceress.
182 reviews19 followers
December 11, 2023
First and foremost, I wish to say that I am so grateful to be part of this ARC team and I am thoroughly looking forward to the next installment in this series.

"Secrets and Shadows,” the debut novel by A.L. Lynn, is an absolute gem in the realm of bone-chilling paranormal thrillers. From the very first page, I was hooked, and Lynn's narrative skill kept me on the edge of my seat.

The story follows Taylor, a young woman grappling with the unexpected death of her mother. "At twenty-three years old, I’m truly alone for the first time in my life." Lynn masterfully captures the raw emotions of loss and isolation, making Taylor an incredibly relatable and believable protagonist.

Taylor moves into her family's secluded cabin, where she begins to discover long-buried family secrets. As new clues are unearthed, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, and the paranormal elements add an eerie touch that had me looking over my shoulder and jumping at shadows. In only 135 pages (kindle edition), Lynn endears us to a very relatable and believable main character and immerses the reader in a story that reads like a major cinematic thriller in book form.

Coming soon – January 15, 2024. 220 pages paperback, 135 pages kindle.

Profile Image for Brenda Smith.
223 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2024
You know I love a good paranormal thriller and this was a perfect debut from A.L. Lynn.

Twenty three year old Taylor Daniels has just published her first thriller novel when she inherits her family cabin. We all know remote cabins make the perfect backdrop for creepy haunting vibes, right? Instead of a fresh start, the memory of her family’s dark past begin resurfacing and she isn’t so sure about her reality.

The story follows her processing her grief mostly through internal dialogue. Is she slowly losing her mind? This was a fast paced, very quick read that had me intrigued from the start. Excellent plot twists and a cliffhanger have me craving the next in the series immediately. If my first three reads of this year are any indication, it’s going to be an AMAZING book year!

Thank you A.L. Lynn and RR Book Tours for the ARC and the opportunity to be on this tour.
Profile Image for Heather Roue.
236 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2024
4.25/5⭐️

**ARC Review**

I really enjoyed this debut novel. I love paranormal stories and ghostly tales so this was right up my alley. Ghosts, cabin in the woods, secluded, family tragedy and secrets… sign me UP. It certainly creeped me out a few times and I definitely had a dream or two 😅 But like, I’m fine. It’s fine 🤣

The story was very well done and left you curious about what was actually happening. I love it when I don’t figure out all of the details.

“At least the blood didn’t get on the books.”

I recommend this book for sure!
Profile Image for Chelsea (2_girls_bookin_it).
682 reviews27 followers
January 9, 2024
**3.5 stars

I definitely enjoyed this short, paranormal debut. Not to mention that this cover is gorgeous. And I always love that 𝘢𝘩𝘢! moment when the cover makes sense. There were some times when there were inconsistencies in the story line, but there were other times when you wanted to scream at the main character to get her shit together (like any good paranormal/horror movie imo). And any book that can get me to feel intense emotions is gonna be one I recommend to others.
Profile Image for Amanda Mercedes.
678 reviews9 followers
January 12, 2024
This one was a short one but goodie! It was told from, in my opinion, an unreliable narrator perspective, and the twist on why was pretty cool! It reminded me a bit of the Haunting of Hill House (book) where you’re like what is happeningggg?? But unlike that book, in this one it slowly becomes clear why, and more perspectives are added in that added to the clarity. I also enjoyed the revelations being through journal entries!

Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the copy!

Profile Image for Phoebe.
60 reviews12 followers
March 13, 2024
Secrets and Shadows
By: A.L. Lynn
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

This book was fast paced. We start out with Taylor arriving up to the cabin she is going to call home. It’s been in her family for as long as she can remember. She had been to her mother’s funeral the day before. We get a backstory about the cabin as well as being told her father is also dead. From there she has to figure out her life with getting the cabin back into a place she can live. But that’s not the only thing she has to deal with. Things start happening to her that can’t be explained. She digs up family secrets and tries to make everything right. This book shows us the reality of how some people grieve as well as how far some people will go to seek revenge, even after death.
Profile Image for Felicity Elsberg.
11 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2023
I legit read this is in a day 😭 and it has become one of my favorite paranormal thrillers ♥️
while reading i kept having to look over my shoulder because i was so immersed in the book i thought what was happening was real! if that doesn’t give you enough info to read this book, then idk what is! As her debut novel im ITCHING to read the next book 😭
Profile Image for Conner.
74 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2023
Let me tell y’all, this book literally had me on the edge of my chair and audibly gasping. I finished the whole thing in one sitting! I just couldn’t stop until I knew what happened 😳 The world that’s being built around Taylor and Henry has me so excited to learn more about their story as the secrets are uncovered. If you enjoy paranormal thrillers, you will LOVE this one!
Profile Image for Samantha Cain.
19 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2023
I am hooked and need book 2 ASAP! This is a paranormal mystery & crime book!

When the author told me there was no romance in it, I was hesitant and she knew that! 😂 But I still took the chance on it and let me tell you, you will be in for a rollercoaster ride with this one. I was not expecting everything to unfold the way it did and I was shook. My jaw dropped to the floor reading that epilogue. 😲

The writing was phenomenal, the story was gripping and so addicting! I couldn’t put it down! If you’re into thriller, mystery, crime and or paranormal, this book is for you!

Also, I love the little “Supernatural” line that was added in there! 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Ashleigh Carter.
786 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2023
Chills. So many of them are everywhere. I absolutely demolished this book in one day. It’s a short read but no less lacking in the mystery and intrigue. I found myself on the edge of my seat all the way through. I couldn’t put it down because every chapter left me with more questions than answers. Add to it that the author brilliantly works in the past and the present, creating the necessary back story as we move through the book without a lot of exposition. It's sufficiently creepy but not so scary you can’t read it in the dark by yourself. But only just.
Profile Image for Kim.
229 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2024
OMG! This is my first paranormal thriller and honestly I didn’t know that I would like it so much!! This is also the debut novel of A.L. Lynn! This book was great, short and juicy! it kept me intrigued since the beginning! 💯 recommended! Looking forward to the next book!

I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
578 reviews19 followers
January 15, 2024
Secrets and Shadows is a debut paranormal thriller. I read this in one sitting as I just couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.

The writing style is done in the way of our main character Taylor’s inner thoughts which makes it even more eery and atmospheric.

A tale of secrets, revenge and grief.

And that twist!! Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Profile Image for J.
61 reviews
October 24, 2023
Phenomenal! I couldn't put this book down, I loved how it started "mid story" and gets you hooked right in because after reading that you just have to know what happens to cause it! I love a good mystery, there were so many good little family secrets I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Hannah.
155 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2023
I just finished the story and am just sitting here, trying to process what happened while trying to convince myself that any slight noise I hear is not in fact a ghost coming to inhabit my body 🫠 that is my honest opinion and verbatim what I sent to the author in a DM.

This is a great story if you love long buried secrets, family deception, remote settings, and a main character that somehow balances a million struggles at once. With all of that in mind, there are mentions of death, loss of a parent, assault, accidental death, and relived trauma. For me, all of that combined brought this thriller to life!
Profile Image for Nat.
52 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2023
HOLY SHIT!

This was incredible. I highly recommend reading this if you like paranormal thrillers!

I went into this book completely blind as I don’t usually read paranormal thrillers but I really enjoyed this!!

Edge of my seat for the entire read
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Garrett.
194 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2024
I read this for book club and i will admit paranormal stuff isn’t usually my thing ? But wow it was so well done and makes me want to read more 😍 the suspense in this book is so intense it hooks you in from the beginning . I loved the authors writing style! The way she explains the setting and what’s around really make it easy to feel like you’re actually in the book.
Profile Image for Emily Clements.
114 reviews
December 10, 2023
I couldn’t put this down. The horror/thriller vibes were such a page turner. The ending had my jaw on the floor. There was not one part where i was bored. I can’t wait for the second one 😭
Profile Image for Mac Spears.
53 reviews
February 28, 2025
Bought at an independent book store on impulse, no prior knowledge of author just dug the cover and love supporting artists and businesses when I can.

The book has a story compelling enough to drive me to the finish line. The premise is right up my ally and some of the twists were nice and unexpected.

However: the author tells vs shows the whole way though, explaining how and why instead of leading me to it organically. They also often repeat the same information a page or two later as if I would have forgotten it. The writing frustrated me, which drew me out of the compelling concept and reminded me I was reading.

I was excited to try this book out and am saddened to give a negative review. Like I said, the premise and characters were fine, I just kept being sidetracked by the nature of the narration.
Profile Image for What.Nikki.Reads.
926 reviews67 followers
January 10, 2024
🖤Paranormal Thriller
🖤Suspense
🖤Family Secrets
🖤Possession
🖤Murder
🖤Revenge
🖤Grief/Loss
🖤Cabin in the woods

This is a short, on the edge of your seat, debut paranormal thriller and I absolutely ate it up!
Taylor gets possession of her family cabin in the woods and everything goes south from there.

"The cabin that was supposed to be my sanctuary was becoming my asylum."

It was filled with twists and turns and I was never sure where it was going. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more in book 2!

Thank you for the ARC A.L. Lynn 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Mochi.
154 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2024
"Secrets and Shadows" it´s A.L. Lynn debut novel, available on Kindle Unlimited starting today.

I've had the honor of being part of the ARC team, and I must say that this book has been a pleasant surprise! I'm not used to read thrillers, but I throughly enjoyed this one.

I loved the way it's written; the atmosphere and setting are mesmerizing. I definitely got chills while reading this book.

I'm not giving it 5 stars because, due to the beginning being a little bit slow for me. It took me a while to connect with the book and the main character.
Profile Image for Julia (teastarsandbooks).
135 reviews14 followers
January 12, 2024
I’ve been taking some breaks here and there from my usual fantasy reads and this was a great treat! I told Shannon when I signed up for the tour that the story blurb had stuck with me for a few days, telling me I had to read this book. 



And I’m so glad I did! I love a good spooky paranormal story. I love when there’s mystery and questions that need answering. I love the creep factor of paranormal happenings that make the MC question their sanity. This book ticked all the boxes for me! While it was a fast read, it did not hold back on the chilling atmosphere of a haunted cabin and buried family secrets. 



The plot was delightfully twisted, the moments of paranormal happenstance was thrilling. Lynn kept the pace moving so, like the MC, the reader can’t catch their breath either. The writing was smooth and detailed, ensuring the reader is fully immersed in the tale. 



I loved this and am totally here for more of A.L. Lynn’s works!
Profile Image for Currin Nelson.
63 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2023
“This is the stuff of nightmares. The kind of things paranormal authors like me live for. Or at least we think we do. Imagining it, and actually living it, I’ve come to find out, are two totally different things.”

For someone who primarily reads fantasy, this was the PERFECT “palate cleanser.” The length, the chills, the twists, the paranormal activity, the crime, the hidden family secretes, the grief and coping….so good!

Being the easily startled and a big scaredy cat, I could not read it at night. So be warned, things get eery!! The caught me by surprise and now I need to know what things Taylor is going to get herself into!!

So grateful to have gotten an eARC of this book, the conversations and interactions have been top notch and the book hasn’t even come out yet!!
Profile Image for Chelsea (thatbookishteach).
316 reviews49 followers
January 10, 2024
RELEASING TOMORROW!!!

BETA REVIEW:
Thank you so much to my bookish bestie Amber for allowing me to beta read her upcoming paranormal suspense release, Secrets and Shadows. It genuinely kept my attention throughout and I was constantly wondering what in the h3lI was going on. As the title implies, we get to find out numerous family secrets throughout and the paranormal aspect was really well done! The cabin in the woods setting makes it all the better! I cannot wait to read the final version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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