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Men of Valor #1
Buried Secrets
After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales—and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
378 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
831 people are currently reading
3281 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
121 books3,007 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
August 12, 2015
What more could I ask for in a Christian thriller/suspense novel? Hm... can't think of a single thing! ;)
I wasn't sure at first how I felt about the rather revealing prologue-- I thought it might take away from the story. But it didn't! If I had had the time to just sit down and read this book all the way through (and if I hadn't been so tired from last weekend) I'm quite sure I would have stayed up way past anyone's bedtime to finish it. It's the type of book that you just don't want to put down until you've read the last chapter and can sit back, satisfied with the outcome. And yes, I'm sure you'll find the outcome quite satisfying.
On the down side... All the references to Lisa being "hot", "a hottie", etc. really got to me. I absolutely do not like that term and it disappointed me to see it used, especially as much as it was.
Still, it was a great book and I can't wait for the second one!
I wasn't sure at first how I felt about the rather revealing prologue-- I thought it might take away from the story. But it didn't! If I had had the time to just sit down and read this book all the way through (and if I hadn't been so tired from last weekend) I'm quite sure I would have stayed up way past anyone's bedtime to finish it. It's the type of book that you just don't want to put down until you've read the last chapter and can sit back, satisfied with the outcome. And yes, I'm sure you'll find the outcome quite satisfying.
On the down side... All the references to Lisa being "hot", "a hottie", etc. really got to me. I absolutely do not like that term and it disappointed me to see it used, especially as much as it was.
Still, it was a great book and I can't wait for the second one!
January 21, 2015
Another fantastic book by Irene Hannon, who always tells a tightly written mystery. This one is no exception.
I think what makes this one stand out in my mind is the calculated, cold-blooded killer. It wasn't your typical criminal and it was an intriguing to get inside the killer's mind.
The heroine Lisa is likable and a strong leading lady, but Mac was my favorite. I loved him, and I can't wait to read the books about his brothers, especially Finn.
Overall, this is an exciting read with a creepy antagonist.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
I think what makes this one stand out in my mind is the calculated, cold-blooded killer. It wasn't your typical criminal and it was an intriguing to get inside the killer's mind.
The heroine Lisa is likable and a strong leading lady, but Mac was my favorite. I loved him, and I can't wait to read the books about his brothers, especially Finn.
Overall, this is an exciting read with a creepy antagonist.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
April 13, 2015
Ready for a more peaceful life after years on the Chicago police force, Lisa Grant takes the police chief position in a small town. But when human remains are discovered at a nearby construction site, Lisa finds herself and her department stretched too thin. With a call for assistance into St. Louis County, Lisa comes into contact with ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor. As Lisa and Mac search for answers behind the unmarked grave, they soon find themselves involved in a decades old missing person case. But someone has gone to great lengths to ensure that the past stays buried.
I'm always delighted to pick up one of Irene Hannon's books. I know I'll be taken on very suspenseful ride. This newest is no different.
I really enjoyed it. I found the mystery to be intriguing and the killer's motives to be what kept me turning pages. The dynamics between Mac and Lisa were fun to watch develop. I look forward to seeing them more in the next book too.
While this one was not my favorite of Irene's, it was still good and made for an enjoyable read. I'd read this one rather quickly because I was so interested in it . It was also fun to see a couple of "cameo" appearances from one of the characters in one of her other series. For me, I always enjoy getting a glimpse into the lives of characters whose story is finished.
Fans of romantic suspense will surely enjoy this book.
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson, romantic suspense
Rating - 4 stars
I'm always delighted to pick up one of Irene Hannon's books. I know I'll be taken on very suspenseful ride. This newest is no different.
I really enjoyed it. I found the mystery to be intriguing and the killer's motives to be what kept me turning pages. The dynamics between Mac and Lisa were fun to watch develop. I look forward to seeing them more in the next book too.
While this one was not my favorite of Irene's, it was still good and made for an enjoyable read. I'd read this one rather quickly because I was so interested in it . It was also fun to see a couple of "cameo" appearances from one of the characters in one of her other series. For me, I always enjoy getting a glimpse into the lives of characters whose story is finished.
Fans of romantic suspense will surely enjoy this book.
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson, romantic suspense
Rating - 4 stars
December 26, 2015
4.5 stars. Not my absolute favorite Hannon book, but excellent characters and an engaging story. I didn't care so much for the focus on the attractions between the main characters; I would have preferred to spend the time concentrating on the crime-solving, and just have a little mention of it. I'm definitely interested in reading his brothers' stories when they come out.
July 5, 2019
A great suspense story, but not a favourite of mine by Irene Hannon.
The downsides for me were the romance and the language aspects.
The romance:
The level of romantic awareness that the main characters had for each other was too much for me. As a rule, I like my suspense to be the main focus and the romance only secondary, and in this story the thoughts of both MCs on their appreciation of the other's body was just not what I wanted to be reading.
The language:
For most of the book our villain swore, but it was told as "she swore" or "she used words most of her clients wouldn't appreciate" or something like that, which I truly appreciated, so I was very disappointed when towards the end of the story our villain actually used God's name in vain.
The downsides for me were the romance and the language aspects.
The romance:
The level of romantic awareness that the main characters had for each other was too much for me. As a rule, I like my suspense to be the main focus and the romance only secondary, and in this story the thoughts of both MCs on their appreciation of the other's body was just not what I wanted to be reading.
The language:
For most of the book our villain swore, but it was told as "she swore" or "she used words most of her clients wouldn't appreciate" or something like that, which I truly appreciated, so I was very disappointed when towards the end of the story our villain actually used God's name in vain.
May 9, 2016
I love Irene's books, and wish I can give it more than 3 stars, but this book was just a 3-rating for me.
Even though the perpetrator was twisted and a bit mental, and the way the victims were killed were smart, the suspense felt a bit predictable and only picked up by the last 50% of the book. The characters, Mac and Lisa, were enjoyable and I loved that Mitch from Deadly Pursuit made an appearance. The romance side was a bit too much for me. I like my suspense to be the main focus and the romance only secondary, as with Lynette Eason's books.
This was still a very enjoyable read and found myself reading this story as fast as I could and I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Even though the perpetrator was twisted and a bit mental, and the way the victims were killed were smart, the suspense felt a bit predictable and only picked up by the last 50% of the book. The characters, Mac and Lisa, were enjoyable and I loved that Mitch from Deadly Pursuit made an appearance. The romance side was a bit too much for me. I like my suspense to be the main focus and the romance only secondary, as with Lynette Eason's books.
This was still a very enjoyable read and found myself reading this story as fast as I could and I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series.
April 8, 2015
There are two things that made this book stand out for me. The first is the unique way Hannon approaches the romance. Instead of the usual scenario where the hero and heroine are pitted against each other, with emotional obstacles to overcome, it doesn't take Mac and Lisa long to figure out they have a mutual attraction going on. But they are professionals and that means they won't act on that attraction until they close their active case. The romantic plotline is deliciously full of anticipation that is shared with the reader. And the thinly disguised flirtation sprinkled in their routine encounters is sheer delight.
The second thing that really struck me about Buried Secrets is the way the suspense is delivered. It reads like a television episode. Think Castle or NCIS maybe. The reader becomes part of the investigation, following the clues right along with the detectives, though we have the added advantage of a some villain POV scenes that give us an edge over Lisa and Mac. It's a slow, deliberate build until the nail-biting conclusion filled with action and angst that lasts for about seventy pages! Mercy, my heart nearly stopped a time or two! A stunning start to a new series by an incredibly gifted suspense author.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
The second thing that really struck me about Buried Secrets is the way the suspense is delivered. It reads like a television episode. Think Castle or NCIS maybe. The reader becomes part of the investigation, following the clues right along with the detectives, though we have the added advantage of a some villain POV scenes that give us an edge over Lisa and Mac. It's a slow, deliberate build until the nail-biting conclusion filled with action and angst that lasts for about seventy pages! Mercy, my heart nearly stopped a time or two! A stunning start to a new series by an incredibly gifted suspense author.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
April 24, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense from Irene Hannon. It is the first in her Men of Valor series and I am already looking forward to the next one!
I thought this was a pretty creative story that had some interesting twists. The villain is definitely smart and creative…someone I would not want to make mad! I really enjoyed the way the book was narrated. The reader is able to see things from the perspective of the two main characters, who are in law enforcement, but every few chapters we get a peek into the mind of the perpetrator of the crime.
The growing attraction and eventual romance between Lisa and Mac was fabulous! The author really knows how to intersperse the suspense with great romantic tension. Another very fun part of the book was meeting Mac’s brothers. I enjoyed the dynamics between the three of them.
Buried Secrets was a great story that I did not want to set down and I definitely recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
I would like to express my thanks to Baker Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book I received in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I thought this was a pretty creative story that had some interesting twists. The villain is definitely smart and creative…someone I would not want to make mad! I really enjoyed the way the book was narrated. The reader is able to see things from the perspective of the two main characters, who are in law enforcement, but every few chapters we get a peek into the mind of the perpetrator of the crime.
The growing attraction and eventual romance between Lisa and Mac was fabulous! The author really knows how to intersperse the suspense with great romantic tension. Another very fun part of the book was meeting Mac’s brothers. I enjoyed the dynamics between the three of them.
Buried Secrets was a great story that I did not want to set down and I definitely recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.
I would like to express my thanks to Baker Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book I received in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
June 8, 2017
I'm going to make a careful assumption that this series of 'Men of Valor' is about 3 brothers, all of whom are in the military and have many classified missions under their belts. Mac McGregor, former Navy SEAL, the oldest of the 3 brothers, has mustered out and is working with the county law enforcement in Carson City, Missouri. He has been called in to assist Police Chief Lisa Grant on a crime dated over 20 years ago.
This crime mystery slash romance novel is just a tad too cozy for me and the crime reminded me too much of the movie "I know what you did last summer". It was a good read though and had couple of good characters in it. I'd say this series would be ideal for a teenager who might be inexperienced in criminal mysteries, and enjoy romance on top of it.
This crime mystery slash romance novel is just a tad too cozy for me and the crime reminded me too much of the movie "I know what you did last summer". It was a good read though and had couple of good characters in it. I'd say this series would be ideal for a teenager who might be inexperienced in criminal mysteries, and enjoy romance on top of it.
September 24, 2017
Buried Secrets is the most engaging romantic suspense I have read for a while.
When remains are found at a construction site, the local police join forces with a county detective to unearth the secrets that surround this long-cold case.
The romance is particularly well written in this book. From the first moment Mac McGregor, detective and ex-Navy SEAL, puts his foot in it, you know his relationship with Police Chief Lisa Grant is going to be highly entertaining. The tension is instant between the two, as is the attraction. Mac is down right swoon worthy. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark and handsome, Mac is also charming and kind. And guess what? He has two brothers, both in the armed forces (one of which will be our hero for the next book in the series). Yes!!! Cue excited happy dancing. The brothers also bring a great camaraderie and banter to the book, which provides a great background to the building attraction between Mac and Lisa. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but the overall effect of this book is delicious and thoroughly enjoyable.
We readers are given the answers to the crime straight up, and Mac and Lisa figure it out pretty quickly. The mystery then revolves around finding evidence and proving their suspicions are correct, as well as some surprise twists and building suspense. Irene Hannon obviously knows her stuff and writes a convincing and realistic portrayal of law enforcement investigation. The reader also gets a pretty in-depth perspective from the perpetrators, which was interesting.
Overall, this was a fantastic romantic suspense read, and I am eagerly looking forward to the following books in the series.
Fiction. Christian. Romance and love. Suspense. Crime fighting and law enforcement.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When remains are found at a construction site, the local police join forces with a county detective to unearth the secrets that surround this long-cold case.
The romance is particularly well written in this book. From the first moment Mac McGregor, detective and ex-Navy SEAL, puts his foot in it, you know his relationship with Police Chief Lisa Grant is going to be highly entertaining. The tension is instant between the two, as is the attraction. Mac is down right swoon worthy. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark and handsome, Mac is also charming and kind. And guess what? He has two brothers, both in the armed forces (one of which will be our hero for the next book in the series). Yes!!! Cue excited happy dancing. The brothers also bring a great camaraderie and banter to the book, which provides a great background to the building attraction between Mac and Lisa. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but the overall effect of this book is delicious and thoroughly enjoyable.
We readers are given the answers to the crime straight up, and Mac and Lisa figure it out pretty quickly. The mystery then revolves around finding evidence and proving their suspicions are correct, as well as some surprise twists and building suspense. Irene Hannon obviously knows her stuff and writes a convincing and realistic portrayal of law enforcement investigation. The reader also gets a pretty in-depth perspective from the perpetrators, which was interesting.
Overall, this was a fantastic romantic suspense read, and I am eagerly looking forward to the following books in the series.
Fiction. Christian. Romance and love. Suspense. Crime fighting and law enforcement.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
If you're looking for a book to help you fall asleep at night, don't pick this one up! I finished Buried Secrets at 2 am since I could not put it down. We read about the accident in the prologue, in first person perspective from the one who masterminded the cover-up. So the who-done-it is not a mystery, but rather the suspense comes from how the people involved are going to prevent the truth from coming to light. Lisa's character reminds me of Teresa Lisbon from the TV show The Mentalist- tough, professional, dedicated, and tenacious. Mac offers some assistance and insights but she clearly has a handle on the investigation. They are attracted to each other from the start, and Mac repeatedly admires her auburn hair with highlights. He's obviously a hair guy. We see his vulnerable side as he worries over his two brothers who are active duty special ops overseas. The softer side of Lisa is for the stray dog she adopted and became the department mascot. The viewpoint of the villain was chilling but also interesting to know the motivations for behavior. The investigation isn't fast-paced at first but the different viewpoints prevent stagnancy. Things speed up as evidence is discovered and more pressure is put upon the villain, which leads to a nail-biting climax.
(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
December 10, 2025
"Secrets could create very odd . . . . and unpleasant . . . . alliances." It appears that someone may be getting away with murder, or is it just a coincidence that a very cold case has given up all but one of its witnesses?
When a decades old skeleton is found buried on construction property in a small municipality, county detective Mac McGregor is dispatched to help the local police chief Lisa Grant process the scene. Following rather frosty introductions, the two agree to put aside first impressions and pool their resources to solve an intriguing case. The burial site contains several important clues which ultimately lead the two officers straight into the path of a seriously dangerous individual whose intent is rather obvious; secrets must remain buried.
Aside from the case, Mac McGregor and Lisa Grant feel an immediate attraction towards each other; both having recently moved to the St. Louis area in order to put aside their previous, more dangerous careers; in the hopes that they might find a way to settle down and establish families of their own. Deciding to make their relationship a priority after the case is solved, they never imagined that one of them would find his/herself in the crosshairs of a cold blooded killer.
Irene Hannon writes wonderful romantic suspense and "Buried Secrets" is no exception.
When a decades old skeleton is found buried on construction property in a small municipality, county detective Mac McGregor is dispatched to help the local police chief Lisa Grant process the scene. Following rather frosty introductions, the two agree to put aside first impressions and pool their resources to solve an intriguing case. The burial site contains several important clues which ultimately lead the two officers straight into the path of a seriously dangerous individual whose intent is rather obvious; secrets must remain buried.
Aside from the case, Mac McGregor and Lisa Grant feel an immediate attraction towards each other; both having recently moved to the St. Louis area in order to put aside their previous, more dangerous careers; in the hopes that they might find a way to settle down and establish families of their own. Deciding to make their relationship a priority after the case is solved, they never imagined that one of them would find his/herself in the crosshairs of a cold blooded killer.
Irene Hannon writes wonderful romantic suspense and "Buried Secrets" is no exception.
November 19, 2019
A Dangerous Woman
It all started when a skeleton was discovered. Lisa and Mac start investigating the mystery and sparks start to fly between them. But that wasn't the only thing. It wasn't long until they realized that there were secrets that were buried with the skeleton and a very dangerous woman was trying to prevent them from learning more. This is a book of high suspense that was difficult to put down.
It all started when a skeleton was discovered. Lisa and Mac start investigating the mystery and sparks start to fly between them. But that wasn't the only thing. It wasn't long until they realized that there were secrets that were buried with the skeleton and a very dangerous woman was trying to prevent them from learning more. This is a book of high suspense that was difficult to put down.
June 14, 2022
3.5 Stars 🌟
May 30, 2016
A CSI-style Mystery.
With evidence sparse and a brilliant villain willing to do anything to keep the past buried, this was an incredibly, intriguing read for me!
A clean adult book with a faint focus on God or any kind of relationship with Him. It left me wanting a bit more in that aspect, but still good!
It wasn't a thriller and it wasn't super suspenseful. If you like CSI or solving cases, playing clue *wink*, then you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. The plot was easy to follow. Irene did an amazing job at writing her villain. Getting into the phycological behaviours and thoughts were fascinating--An area in writing that I struggle with and now, very much admire in Irene Hannon's writing. As well as all the research that must have gone into writing this book. Wow. So good.
Also note, this was realistic in the realm of sin and the life surrounding it. Consequences and hardships that are hard to deal with in these life style choices. It talks about alcoholism, smoking, plotting murder and child abuse. The main characters do not involve themselves in those activities, but they are mentioned. As a caution, if you have spiritual weakness in those areas, please do not read this book. The contrast in Lisa and Mac's life was a great focus for me and highlighted the blessings of pursuing a christian life where Jesus is who we strive to be like.
The relationship between Mac and Lisa wasn't emotionally drawn-out. So I didn't feel completely connected to them, but I was routing for them throughout the book. Squeeky-Clean besides a few adult comments that wasn't overly outright, but you know the idea or intention as an adult. Not ideal for YA.
I ADORED the close family relationships on both Lisa and Mac's side. I can't wait to follow the series. Though I felt that it could have almost been Book 2 in a series, it was only Book 1.
Recommended as a Christian Adult Mystery Fiction Book
18+
With evidence sparse and a brilliant villain willing to do anything to keep the past buried, this was an incredibly, intriguing read for me!
A clean adult book with a faint focus on God or any kind of relationship with Him. It left me wanting a bit more in that aspect, but still good!
It wasn't a thriller and it wasn't super suspenseful. If you like CSI or solving cases, playing clue *wink*, then you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. The plot was easy to follow. Irene did an amazing job at writing her villain. Getting into the phycological behaviours and thoughts were fascinating--An area in writing that I struggle with and now, very much admire in Irene Hannon's writing. As well as all the research that must have gone into writing this book. Wow. So good.
Also note, this was realistic in the realm of sin and the life surrounding it. Consequences and hardships that are hard to deal with in these life style choices. It talks about alcoholism, smoking, plotting murder and child abuse. The main characters do not involve themselves in those activities, but they are mentioned. As a caution, if you have spiritual weakness in those areas, please do not read this book. The contrast in Lisa and Mac's life was a great focus for me and highlighted the blessings of pursuing a christian life where Jesus is who we strive to be like.
The relationship between Mac and Lisa wasn't emotionally drawn-out. So I didn't feel completely connected to them, but I was routing for them throughout the book. Squeeky-Clean besides a few adult comments that wasn't overly outright, but you know the idea or intention as an adult. Not ideal for YA.
I ADORED the close family relationships on both Lisa and Mac's side. I can't wait to follow the series. Though I felt that it could have almost been Book 2 in a series, it was only Book 1.
Recommended as a Christian Adult Mystery Fiction Book
18+
October 29, 2015
As is always the case with Irene Hannon's suspense novels, I loved this book! I was sucked in from the very first sentence and I wanted to keep reading till I read the last word. Sadly my schedule doesn't allow for that kind of reading but I did devour it as fast as I could.
I don't know why exactly but I've always been fascinated by cold cases so I was extremely excited when I discovered the plot of this book. And even though we learned the identities of those behind the crime early on in the story it didn't detract from the suspense at all and I was still totally hooked trying to figure out how it was all going to play out. I was really impressed by how well the author wrote the villain, she was so cold-hearted it gave me chills.
She also created pretty awesome main characters. Lisa was tough and independent but that didn't keep her from also being kind and caring. It was a brilliant balance which was exactly what was needed for her job. And Mac was a fun mix of strong, considerate, and funny. I especially loved his interactions with his brothers.
It was fun how the romance had to be kept kinda under the surface while Mac and Lisa worked the case but at the same time it was definitely there and I loved watching their feelings develop.
I highly enjoyed this book and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on book two!
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I don't know why exactly but I've always been fascinated by cold cases so I was extremely excited when I discovered the plot of this book. And even though we learned the identities of those behind the crime early on in the story it didn't detract from the suspense at all and I was still totally hooked trying to figure out how it was all going to play out. I was really impressed by how well the author wrote the villain, she was so cold-hearted it gave me chills.
She also created pretty awesome main characters. Lisa was tough and independent but that didn't keep her from also being kind and caring. It was a brilliant balance which was exactly what was needed for her job. And Mac was a fun mix of strong, considerate, and funny. I especially loved his interactions with his brothers.
It was fun how the romance had to be kept kinda under the surface while Mac and Lisa worked the case but at the same time it was definitely there and I loved watching their feelings develop.
I highly enjoyed this book and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on book two!
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 5, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Irene Hannon's romantic suspense. While Buried Secrets was definitely a good mystery with an intriguing and intricate plot, it wasn't my favorite of her books. A decent portion of the book was focused on the "bad guys" and their perspectives, and I found myself skimming over those chapters to get back to the main characters. Also, this book featured a lot of "talk" about a potential relationship between the main characters, but I was disappointed that the only "showing" of that relationship happened in the epilogue.
That said, Buried Secrets is well written. I definitely enjoyed the main two characters—Lisa and Mac—and hope they will be prominently featured in the remaining books in this series. I enjoyed meeting their families, as well, and thought that element helped round out the book some.
While this wasn't a favorite for me, I'm certainly still a fan and am looking forward to more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
That said, Buried Secrets is well written. I definitely enjoyed the main two characters—Lisa and Mac—and hope they will be prominently featured in the remaining books in this series. I enjoyed meeting their families, as well, and thought that element helped round out the book some.
While this wasn't a favorite for me, I'm certainly still a fan and am looking forward to more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
May 3, 2016
As the overview states, this is definitely a "can't-put-it-down thriller that will have readers up until the wee hours devouring every page." I loved every minute of this book. From the mystery of "who did it" to the romance to the action-packed conclusion, I didn't want it to end. View my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
November 17, 2017
In the prologue, four young people take a joyride. Only 3 come back alive. Where do they bury the 4th body? They believe they've covered their tracks well - at least for 20 years.
Ex-Chicago cop Lisa Grant is now chief of police in the small municipality of Carson. When a skeleton is found, she asks the county for help. Ex-Navy Seal Mac McGregor comes to her aid and sparks fly between the two at first glance. Lisa brings a forensic anthropologist out to the site and uses the clues found to trace a murderer. In a further attempt to hide the truth, other "accidents" begin to happen.
Irene Bannon writes good Christian romantic suspense novels. The first part of the book focused on the romantic feelings between the two major law enforcement characters. The second half of the book was more interesting to me as Bannon began to form the story of a cold-blooded killer who would protect her interests at all costs.
The book introduces readers to Mac's brothers who are the main characters in books 2 & 3 of this series. I learned a lot about diabetes in this story.
Ex-Chicago cop Lisa Grant is now chief of police in the small municipality of Carson. When a skeleton is found, she asks the county for help. Ex-Navy Seal Mac McGregor comes to her aid and sparks fly between the two at first glance. Lisa brings a forensic anthropologist out to the site and uses the clues found to trace a murderer. In a further attempt to hide the truth, other "accidents" begin to happen.
Irene Bannon writes good Christian romantic suspense novels. The first part of the book focused on the romantic feelings between the two major law enforcement characters. The second half of the book was more interesting to me as Bannon began to form the story of a cold-blooded killer who would protect her interests at all costs.
The book introduces readers to Mac's brothers who are the main characters in books 2 & 3 of this series. I learned a lot about diabetes in this story.
July 17, 2018
Wow! That was intense. RTC
May 13, 2019
I absolutely loved it. I read the book version. It was so nice having a physical book in hand and turned the pages non stop! The mystery, suspense, and romance. A perfect combination I'm excited to read more!
January 31, 2022
I listened to this story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator did a fabulous job. I'm definitely going to finish this series out. I can't wait to read/listen to Lance's story.
December 27, 2015
I haven't been this disappointed over a book/author in a long time. I usually love Irene Hannon's books. But she missed in this book, and let me tell you why. It wasn't characters. Sure, they could've been more well-rounded, but that was ok. The villain was on point, anyway. The mystery was pretty solid. The investigation was quite thorough and enjoyable, even. But the diabetes part, man. First, let me say that I'm so incredibly grateful that Irene differentiated Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. That actually meant a lot, and my heart kind of swelled when I read that. I loved, too, that she continued being a cop with diabetes and didn't let it rule her. And then it quickly plummeted. One, there was no "cause" of Lisa's T2D, except maybe a few bad eating habits. That usually points to genes, but Hannon ruled that out. The onset of her T2D actually happened relatively quickly. Like T1D quickly. Heavily symptomatic for awhile? Generally points to T1. T2 creeps up out of nowhere. One reason it's so dangerous--the blood glucose levels rise so slowly that the patient gets accustomed to living with the symptoms and no longer notices them. Also, Lisa mentions hypo episodes BEFORE diagnosis, and was having hypos without any meds--oral OR insulin. If a person with diabetes exercises and such without sufficient insulin or meds to help the body absorb its own insulin, the adrenaline and/or stress to the body actually can cause a severe case of HYPERglycemia: high blood sugar. Which causes ketones, which can cause diabetic ketoacidosis and eventually a coma. I'm not a doctor, but I really have a hard time swallowing that diagnosis. A few months of bad meals shouldn't cause T2D without the genes to back it up.
Now, if Hannon had stumbled across T2 and T1's little known sibling, LADA, the whole thing would have been soooo much more plausible. Actually, it's would have worked perfectly. LADA: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults. Also known as Type 1.5, in some circles. Because the pancreas is stopping and starting production of insulin, it can cause high and low symptoms without the use of meds. Yes, diet and exercise can help at first, and then insulin needs begin to ebb and flow, but patients eventually become full-time insulin users. At time of full onset, it will begin to behave like T1. Anyway, it makes more sense.
So, to make a long story short, that climactic scene left me with a bad taste in my mouth, because it made very little sense to me. I just couldn't swallow it. Her not being on meds just didn't allow me to believe it. I'm sorry, Mrs. Hannon.
I want to leave anyone who read all of this with a message:
If you write anything regarding diabetes--it's a complex disease with many facets and types. PLEASE, PLEASE don't be afraid to consult the Diabetes Online Community. We are VERY open regarding our situations and would love nothing more to see diabetes accurately portrayed in print. We don't mind being our own advocates. There are blogs by the truckload out there, but we can also be found very easily on Twitter using the hashtag #dsma. Ask your question using it, and you should get an answer fairly quickly.
I'm sorry for bringing a load of negative thoughts to the table, because I think the author meant well. Most do.
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
A person with Type 1 diabetes, who has a sister-in-law with LADA, and various family members with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Now, if Hannon had stumbled across T2 and T1's little known sibling, LADA, the whole thing would have been soooo much more plausible. Actually, it's would have worked perfectly. LADA: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults. Also known as Type 1.5, in some circles. Because the pancreas is stopping and starting production of insulin, it can cause high and low symptoms without the use of meds. Yes, diet and exercise can help at first, and then insulin needs begin to ebb and flow, but patients eventually become full-time insulin users. At time of full onset, it will begin to behave like T1. Anyway, it makes more sense.
So, to make a long story short, that climactic scene left me with a bad taste in my mouth, because it made very little sense to me. I just couldn't swallow it. Her not being on meds just didn't allow me to believe it. I'm sorry, Mrs. Hannon.
I want to leave anyone who read all of this with a message:
If you write anything regarding diabetes--it's a complex disease with many facets and types. PLEASE, PLEASE don't be afraid to consult the Diabetes Online Community. We are VERY open regarding our situations and would love nothing more to see diabetes accurately portrayed in print. We don't mind being our own advocates. There are blogs by the truckload out there, but we can also be found very easily on Twitter using the hashtag #dsma. Ask your question using it, and you should get an answer fairly quickly.
I'm sorry for bringing a load of negative thoughts to the table, because I think the author meant well. Most do.
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
A person with Type 1 diabetes, who has a sister-in-law with LADA, and various family members with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
February 21, 2018
Grade: B-
April 3, 2015
Title: BURIED SECRETS
Author: Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
April 2015
ISBN: 978-0800721268
Genre Romantic Suspense
Series: Men of Valor
They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . .
and killers keep killing.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources.
Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
BURIED SECRETS is the first book in Ms. Hannon’s new series, Men of Valor. I have to admit, this book is scarier than some of Ms. Hannon’s romantic suspense... the villain/murderer absolutely terrified me. I finished the book thankful I don’t have any “friends” like that in my life. So very cold. Calculated. (shudder.)
I enjoyed getting to know Mac and Lisa. I had to applaud Lisa for taking on a male dominated career and succeeding. I also fell in love with Mac. He is a total sweetheart.
Even though the identity of the killer is revealed early on, fans will keep reading as the body count keeps rising, the stakes keep going up, and the (suspected) attempted on one of the officer’s life is executed…
Irene Hannon is one of my very favorite romantic suspense authors. If you like romantic suspense and haven’t read her yet, please, check out her books. If you have read her books, don’t miss BURIED SECRETS.
5 stars. Available in paperback and ebook. 384 pages.
Author: Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
April 2015
ISBN: 978-0800721268
Genre Romantic Suspense
Series: Men of Valor
They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . .
and killers keep killing.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources.
Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
BURIED SECRETS is the first book in Ms. Hannon’s new series, Men of Valor. I have to admit, this book is scarier than some of Ms. Hannon’s romantic suspense... the villain/murderer absolutely terrified me. I finished the book thankful I don’t have any “friends” like that in my life. So very cold. Calculated. (shudder.)
I enjoyed getting to know Mac and Lisa. I had to applaud Lisa for taking on a male dominated career and succeeding. I also fell in love with Mac. He is a total sweetheart.
Even though the identity of the killer is revealed early on, fans will keep reading as the body count keeps rising, the stakes keep going up, and the (suspected) attempted on one of the officer’s life is executed…
Irene Hannon is one of my very favorite romantic suspense authors. If you like romantic suspense and haven’t read her yet, please, check out her books. If you have read her books, don’t miss BURIED SECRETS.
5 stars. Available in paperback and ebook. 384 pages.
October 1, 2015
I've yet to be disappointed with Irene Hannon's suspense books (and I've read all 10, counting this one), so I was hoping this would be a good read...and it was! Buried Secrets kicks off her new series, Men of Valor, and it held my attention even when I had sporadic reading time.
I loved the characters and how dedicated Lisa and Mac were to discovering the killer and getting justice. Even though it was a cold case that happened over 20 years ago, they were tenacious and that was great. Another added bonus that I loved -- Mitch from Deadly Pursuit (Guardians of Justice #2) made several appearances in Buried Secrets! I loved that book, so getting to see what was happening with him now was great.
All in all, a very good read and I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre. It's great and I can't wait to continue the series with book two, which is about Mac's brother, Lance.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I loved the characters and how dedicated Lisa and Mac were to discovering the killer and getting justice. Even though it was a cold case that happened over 20 years ago, they were tenacious and that was great. Another added bonus that I loved -- Mitch from Deadly Pursuit (Guardians of Justice #2) made several appearances in Buried Secrets! I loved that book, so getting to see what was happening with him now was great.
All in all, a very good read and I definitely recommend it to fans of the genre. It's great and I can't wait to continue the series with book two, which is about Mac's brother, Lance.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
August 29, 2015
A strong start to a new series, Buried Secrets introduces Mac McGregor to the St. Louis law enforcement scene familiar to readers of Irene Hannon's other suspense novels. While future books in the Men of Valor series will be about Mac's brothers, Mac's romantic interest - small town police chief Lisa Grant - is really the star of this particular show. Instantly and mutually attracted to each other when they meet at a crime scene, Mac and Lisa make a great team professionally and personally. Though they choose not to formally act on their attraction until the case is solved, we readers are still treated to tender moments, secret smiles, and they-just-can't-help-themselves flirting.
I enjoyed seeing Mitch again from the Guardians of Justice series and getting a little humorous backstory on his time in the SEALS courtesy of Mac. Lance & Finn, Mac's brothers who drop in for a visit in Buried Secrets, are hilarious but I can tell they have a deeper side to them that I am excited to see play out when they get their own stories.
The case in this book might be Irene Hannon's best yet! The villain's POV adds an extra measure of chilling suspense to the mix as we know things that Mac & Lisa don't, and this villain is indeed one creepy character.
Loved this book! Can't wait for the others in the series!
I enjoyed seeing Mitch again from the Guardians of Justice series and getting a little humorous backstory on his time in the SEALS courtesy of Mac. Lance & Finn, Mac's brothers who drop in for a visit in Buried Secrets, are hilarious but I can tell they have a deeper side to them that I am excited to see play out when they get their own stories.
The case in this book might be Irene Hannon's best yet! The villain's POV adds an extra measure of chilling suspense to the mix as we know things that Mac & Lisa don't, and this villain is indeed one creepy character.
Loved this book! Can't wait for the others in the series!
November 7, 2017
After reading so many graphic thrillers , bloody mysteries , and historical fiction about genocides around the world , it was great to read a soppy romance with a Christian theme . With pain and tragedy , illness and atrocities , you need that to be a 'soul survivor'
June 2, 2015
Irene Hannon delivers again. The cold case story was a solid one. Irene Hannon is fast becoming a favorite author.
November 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book!
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