Tangled Secrets

Mirror Estate #4

by S.F. Baumgartner

Two women. One targeted by an unknown enemy. One was accused of murder. Will they overcome their obstacles?Twenty-five-year-old schoolteacher Grace Benson lives a quiet life until she receives a threatening note. But when the FBI becomes involved, her world really turns upside down. Middle-aged wedding planner Sheila Mitchell suspects her husband’s up to something, but she never expects to find him dead—and be knocked unconscious near his corpse. When she comes to, the murder weapon’s in her hand. Will Grace survive? And will Sheila’s ex-husband, an FBI agent, clear her name? Who is targeting these women?

Genres: Mystery

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2024

About the author

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson's style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

Reviews

[Ruben · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

This is probably my favorite book of the series (thus far). The plot thickens...It looks like secrets will continue to unveil and as usual it all seems somehow linked to the Mirror Estate, only this time Doug Mitchell and Grace Benson come to life and unchain a series of events that will lead to some deaths and many more questions.

Who are they and how they're linked this time to this plot? It will be once again an opportunity for the FBI to get involved and help us answer some of those questions so that everything falls into place.

What I have really enjoyed is that S.F. Baumgartner has quite thoroughly done her homework to make of this series something somehow realistic and that keeps you hooked so as to know what's coming next.

I feel that a really good mystery/suspense/thriller read should make you feel a variety of emotions, and I think it is all quite well accomplished here.

I also love the fact not everything is given away so easily which makes you keep the interest and still be looking forward for more.

If this type of book genre is your thing, I'm pretty sure you'll get to enjoy it as much.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so addicting--I don't want to do anything else except for finishing the book! The suspense and anticipation was awesome. Getting reacquainted with all of the characters--Olivia, Dylan, Lilly, Ron, Grace, etc. were all great.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Secrets is book 3 in the Mirrow Estate Series bt S F Baumgartner. I believe that this series gets better and more surprising with each book. The Ghost, Dylan's Aunt, is in custody, but she is still calling shots! I like that the core characters are in every book and nothing is as it seems. I like the fast pace and complex story. I think this author has written a fabulous story that has surprises, betrayal, action and who is the "Silver Fox"? I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the Mirror Estate Series. I like how each book picks up right where thr last book left off. These are quick paced, FBI procedure books that leave you wondering who is a double agent. Just when you think you might know, there's a great twist. I couldn't put this book down and can't wait for the next one!!

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has infinite layers, the plot is intriguing and secrets are way too deep. The world is dangerous. The book is filled with twists and turns. The ending shook me.

To get into the plot, one needs to peel off one layer at a time and the author did a good job at building the suspense. There are multiple characters and multiple perspectives but they were alternating. The book has a complex web of relationships, secrets, mystery, atmospheric elements and mysterious connections. Truth is buried beneath the layers of secrets and mysteries. Among all the books in the Mirror Estate Series, this is my favourite but I need the next book too.

So many unthinkable things happens in the plot. I can’t take you inside the plot but read this book, If you are looking for a suspense thriller with multiple POVs and unknown connections.

I received the Advance Reader’s Copy and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Mirror Estate series. The Ghost is back! Although still locked away, she is still in control. Another great thriller. Love that the gang is back. This series is jammed packed with characters and sometimes keeping them all straight is sometimes difficult. Luckily there is a guide at the beginning to help me remember. The author also supplies a summary of the previous stories. If this is the first book for you in this series, it is very helpful. I would however, suggest reading this series in order. There is so much in each one, that it is difficult to get everything from the summaries.
Follow along as several different threads weave together in a cohesive manner. We have a school teacher, a wedding planner, the matriarch , a double agent, and lots of FBI experts. All on a different path, but all collide in this fast-paced story. If you like thrillers without the gore, great characters and story lines, this book (and series) is for you. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book. Very excited to see the next installment.

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, talk about keeping the pages turning. So much action and secrets to uncover. Danger around every corner. But such is the life when dealing with the ABC organizations and delving into espionage and drug cartels. I was so thankful the book gave a recap of the previous two books in this series. It had been a while since I had read the previous books, and the refresher was much appreciated. Releases Apr. 29th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had amazing characters, many with secrets that seem to connect them all together. The storyline is intriguing & mysterious. I was always wondering who the person was that had their hands in both sides of the game.

The ending left me shocked and ready for the story to continue.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I wish had happened is that I had read the other books in the series. You could understand the plot and all. But it definitely helps to read the books in order. It helps understand why some of the characters respond to circumstances and incidents the way they do in this book. Great read! I will definitely read the other books in the series now.

[Tristen Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mirror estate series continues to impress with its third installment. Every part is brimming with mystery and suspense, creating a fantastic read overall.

While reading this book from multiple perspectives can be difficult for some readers (myself included), the fantastic characters more than make up for it!

[Padmapriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the series from the first sequel and this part maintains the standard. The Mirror Estate series is a fast paced reads with quick chapters and gripping plot. Along with that, in this sequel I liked the mind map of characters and how they are connected, is something that I liked as well. The chapters are engaging as usual and the characters built are extremely realistic. Other thing that I liked about this series is that, multiple characters are given attention, even then the importance and the space given is the required amount for each character.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Hazel's Book Tours in exchange for a read and review.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good thing that there is a brief recap & a relationship diagram at the beginning of Tangled Secrets because I had not read any of the other books in the series & I would have quickly become confused about who’s who & how they all got to this place.

That being said, the story was still difficult to follow & I had a hard time finishing it. Never jump into the middle of a series…lesson learned

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the Mirror Estates series and the main characters are Grace Benson, a school teacher, and Sheila Mitchell, a wedding planner. Grace has just directed her first Christmas show at the school, and was packing up her things after everyone had gone, only to think she saw someone out of the corner of her eye. She is spooked further when it seems a car is following her back to her apartment. Sheila has gone to see her former husband, Ron Peters and their son Kyle, worried that her current husband is a spy. Both men work for the FBI, so they were the right ones to inform. Her husband Doug has been acting weirdly lately, using a second phone he keeps hidden away, going completely cash only and disappearing at all hours. They ask if he could be having an affair, but that doesn’t explain his abandoning their credit cards and the conversations she has overheard of him speaking in a multitude of different languages! Ore things occur that raise both women’s worries and we soon find out how they are all connected to the Ghost, Dylan Roche’s aunt, who is locked up in a secure Federal Detention Center. She wants out and a place to stay at the Marino estate, the Mirror Estate, wanting what is hers, some supposed treasure buried on the grounds somewhere and which may hide long forgotten family secrets.

The Ghost is running numerous plots from within the prison, with visits from her lawyer, who is in fact someone known as Rook, amongst other aliases, helping to coordinate them. Olivia Tso has been trying to figure out his true identity and also find out who has leaked information about her, placing her and her loved ones in danger yet again. She is working as a consultant with FBI task force lead agent, Ron Peters, as the Ghost will only talk to her. Her daughter Lily is now using the name Roth instead of Tso, and has just started work in a new role in charge of the Marino Private Select Accounts, catering to their elite VIP guests. She has Dylan and his best friend Tommy there to help her transition in this new job, but she learns quickly and is very detailed in her work. This attention to detail has her finding a few anomalies that she raises to her boss, but doesn’t really get a satisfactory response, so she keeps looking into what she found. This leads to her opening a dangerous can of worms, that soon involves a major drugs cartel, money laundering and more! When Sheila returns home from work one day to find her husband Doug back early from his business trip, she certainly didn’t expect to find him dead and wake up finding out she is the police’s main suspect!

Lots of secrets to be revealed about who Doug really was, but his is not the biggest reveal in this story, as so many twisted threads all come together to solve a mystery about a number of shadowy figures. Somehow Grace and Ron’s son Kyle, also an FBI agent and working on the same task force with his dad, find themselves connected, when a kill order is made on their lives. There is a mole somewhere in their midst, who somehow knows far too much and must be identified and stopped, but Ron is ordered to keep out of it and concentrate on the latest name the Ghost has provided them with and take down another drug kingpin. The Ghost wants to recruit Dylan to her side and uncover the secrets left at the estate, a place she has manoeuvred herself into having access to with her deal with the Feds. She seems to have an endless supply of informants in place everywhere, helping her in continuing to run her criminal empire from inside the Federal Prison. Nothing seems to have slowed her down and she is taking out those who have turned away from her or tried to take over her territories. So much more to discover about this woman and how she has so plans in motion, all at the same time. Only the death of her assistant Jade, seems to have affected her and she won’t let those responsible get away with her death. But she has no idea who Jade really was and that the person known as Jade, is in fact very much alive under a different name, and someone she has regular contact with! I can’t wait to see what happens when she discovers this!

Another suspense filled story that has you twisting in your seat wondering who is going to be the Ghost’s next target and if Lily, Dylan, Kyle and even Olivia, will be safe from harm. Danger seems to find them wherever they are and finally allows Lily to see who she really wants, out of Dylan and Kyle. Each book is a mix of spy craft, drug cartel takedowns, and danger from unknown directions, as mysteries need to be solved. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

f you’re a fan of Christian suspense thrillers, you’ll want to add Tangled Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner to your reading list. This gripping novel is the third in the Mirror Estate series. While you could enjoy it alone, I highly recommend reading the series to appreciate the rich character development and intricate storyline fully. These books will keep your interest, and you will want to read more.

In Tangled Secrets, the story centers around two women facing life-threatening challenges. Grace Benson finds herself on a hit list, and Sheila is accused of murdering her husband. As they navigate these dangerous situations, other characters, including Olivia, the Phoenix, and the Ghost, become entangled in the effort to protect those they love.

One of the best features of Tangled Secrets is the depth and complexity of its characters. S.F. Baumgartner has crafted individuals you can’t help but become invested in. Their struggles, relationships, and growth throughout the book and the entire series are portrayed with an authenticity that you’ll feel you truly know them by the novel's end.

From the moment you start reading Tangled Secrets, you’ll find it hard to put down. The author masterfully weaves this story and ensures that the suspense and intrigue never wane. Each chapter leaves you eager to discover what happens next, making this a true page-turner.

If you’re looking for a well-written Christian suspense thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat, Tangled Secrets is a must-read. And once you finish it, you’ll likely be eager to dive into the rest of the Mirror Estate series. S.F. Baumgartner has created a captivating world with memorable characters and thrilling plots that will satisfy any reader who enjoys this genre.

So, if you enjoy Christian suspense thrillers, check out Tangled Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner and the rest of the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[TC692 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tangled Secrets" by S.F. Baumgartner is an enthralling book that offers a thrilling ride. I truly enjoyed the storyline, and even though it's the third book in the series, it stands well on its own. While it's not essential to read the previous books, it might be beneficial to do so. The story includes a relationship map at the beginning, which helps keep track of the characters.

Baumgartner's meticulous study of FBI investigations shines through in the story, lending it an authentic feel. This attention to detail helps the narrative flow smoothly and makes it feel realistic to the reader. This sense of realism is essential in all genres, including fantasy.

The book is packed with action and different character perspectives, making it an exciting read. Although there are some characters who seem more central to the plot, the narrative gives a sense that many could be considered main characters. The summary suggests that Grace and Sheila are the main characters, but in my opinion, there are several characters who could claim that title.

The ongoing theme in the series revolves around secrets and mysteries that need to be solved, often by the FBI. It's reminiscent of a James Bond spy thriller series, where mysteries unravel and unfortunately, people die. Some mysteries persist throughout the series, while others get resolved. The reader will need to discover which is which.

"Tangled Secrets" is yet another well-crafted addition to the Mirror Estate Series by S.F. Baumgartner. It's a captivating read that delves into interconnected character stories. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Sheila, Ron's ex, at Mirror Estate talking to Ron explaining that her husband, Doug, might be a spy. Ron tells her that he would look into it for her. The Ghost is having meetings with an individual she knows as Rook giving him instrction what she wants done. Lily is friendly with both Dylan and Kyle.

After the holidays, Lily starts looking into two business that she believes are questionable. She brings her concerns to her boss, Janet, but Janet waves it off as nothing. Lily even talked to Tommy about it and he agreed something looked fishy. Lily decided she would look into the two some more.

Oliva was still meeting with The Ghost and she reminded the Ghost that she needed to provide more information to the task force in accordance with the agreement she made. The Ghost gave Oliva a name and the task force began planning to take him down. This individual was heavily involved with supplying drugs. Getting back to Doug, he is killed and Sheila is suspected as the killer. During the autopsy, a photo is found in Doug's throat which depicts two people. One is Kyle and the other is a music teacher.

You need to read this book to find out what Doug was involved with, why Kyle and the music teacher surfaced, how both Dylan and Lily were in danger because of Lily's investigation and how the takedown of the related indirectly to all of this.

The ending is well done and will leave you wondering what happens next.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Secrets is a wonderful suspense novel that you’re going to love reading. It is also book three in the Mirror Estates series. I’m a huge fan of suspense so I knew that I’d love this one as soon as I read the blurb.

A man was murdered. His wife was found with the murder weapon. They think she did it. But she didn’t. Who would frame her for murder? Why was her husband murdered?

Add in another woman who is receiving threatening notes.

Who could be targeting them?

Can Sheila’s ex-husband, an FBI agent, save them?

This series does need read in order. The books build on each other. So, if you want to read this one please look up the series and read the first two books first. Could you read this alone? Maybe. . . but you’d be missing key pieces of the story.

This is an amazing fast-paced story. The suspense is wonderful. Emotions will run rampant, in you that is and in the characters. The characters are wonderful and I enjoyed getting to know them.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is filled with espionage, danger, secrets and many characters that make it hard to tell who to trust. The author had me confused at times because there are a lot of characters so I had to really concentrate on the story. I love a good mystery mixed with intense action. Everywhere you turn the path widens to figuring out who is who.

I did like Olivia and the Ghost the best. They have a connection that goes back years. Revenge is the focus of this story and illustrates what someone will do to retaliate. I liked the CIA involvement along with the FBI and other high ranking offices that seemed to all come together to rescue a young woman. The best part of this story is when the pieces start to fit and they begin to close in on stopping a tragic event from happening.

Great story for those who love a thriller that takes skills to unravel. It is light on faith but still an outstanding book. I mentioned this earlier but I really wish there were not so many characters. It was hard to keep up with and at times I felt lost. The ending wasn’t surprising except it leaves us with a cliff hanger. Hopefully the author is planning on a follow up to this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Vickiec192 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the 4th book in this series, including the prequel, and I can hand on heart say that this is by far my favourite. Don't get me wrong, I have loved all of the others, but this is one of those series of books which has just gotten better by the book.
For me the characters seem more well rounded, mainly because the first three have taken them through some great arcs and so this book has allowed for even stronger characters. The new characters along the way in this one have also been weaved in really well. My pet peeve (well, one of them!) is characters just hap haphazardly dumped into the book for no reason at all. They all had their parts to play in developing the plot.
The plot in itself was incredible. I genuinely thought that I'd "solved" it about half way through, however, I should have remembered from the previous books in the series, I was waaaaay off. Packed with intrigue and suspense I found it really difficult to put down. Definitely a page turner. I also think this was probably the most cohesive of the books, between the characters and their relationships and the overall story line.
A great psychological thriller. If you enjoy reading the likes of Lisa Jewell, Adele Parks and Shari Lapeana, you will definitely enjoy this series.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is the third in a series (fourth considering the prequel). It can be read on its own as Baumgartner gives a good synopsis of each of the previous books at the beginning of this one. The relationships in this novel are complex and I appreciate a chart illustrating them at the very beginning. Many of the characters have previous or current code names and/or false names. I had to really pay attention to keep them all straight.

Baumgartner writes the narrative by having each chapter focus on one of nine people. Each chapter has the focused character clearly identified at the chapter heading. That is not a favorite style of mine as I feel it makes the flow of the narrative seem fragmented.

There is a great deal of subterfuge in this novel. Sometimes I was as puzzled as the agents were as to who was doing what and the motive behind actions. Everything comes to light at the end and is pretty well wrapped up except for a surprise which means I'll be watching for the sequel. There is a good faith message in the novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really come to enjoy Christian Suspense novels in recent years. Tangled Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Mirror Estate series. I had the joy of reading Book 2 in this series and I am excited that this book has been released.

WOW, this storyline really truly is filled with Mystery and Suspense from the very first chapter. The main characters are Grace Benson and Sheila Mitchell. The ladies are being targeted and threathened. The FBI, which includes Sheila's Ex-Husband, begins to investigate the targeted attacks. Sheila is being accused of murdering her husband. Secrets and Truths are discovered and the plot is fast paced. I was half through the book in about an hour because it was too good to put down. The author really has a GREAT style of writing that will always keep the reader involved in the story. Mystery, Intrigue, Twists and Turns are all a part of this book! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Novels. AWESOME BOOK!

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗦.𝗙. 𝗕𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5

❗️I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️

This my first book by S.F. But won’t be my last. As a Christian, I appreciate her perspective. I thought I had it figured out a few times and was pleasantly surprised I was wrong. Definitely recommend.

𝖡𝖫𝖴𝖱𝖡:

Two women. One targeted by an unknown enemy. One accused of murder. Will they overcome their obstacles?

Twenty-five-year-old schoolteacher Grace Benson lives a quiet life until she receives a threatening note. But when the FBI becomes involved, her world really turns upside down.
Middle-aged wedding planner Sheila Mitchell suspects her husband’s up to something, but she never expects to find him dead—and be knocked unconscious near his corpse. When she comes to, the murder weapon in her hand.

Will Grace survive? And will Sheila’s ex-husband, an FBI agent, clear her name? Who is targeting these women?

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what can I say, this book is good but almost had too much action and yes I got lost at times. The plot and characters worked well together. If you like action you are going to love this book! We had a happy ending despite all of the drama and excitement that it took to get there.
I guess I never gave it any thought even though I have watched many police, FBI shows on tv, as to what it would take to find a mole in the operation. Or the spies that were double agents. It just proves that all of the good guys are not all good but even they have their standards as to what is going too far and will stop before they reach that point.
I got this book from BookSprout and will be happy to leave my review.

[Jennifer Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd Time is most definitely a charm. I was unable to put this book down once I started reading. Even though you could read this as a standalone, it will be so much more fulfilling if you you have read the first 2 books plus the prequel..

I can appreciate there being a few entanglement with a dash of romance.
There was so much suspense, espionage and deceit, I found myself reading until the early morning hours.

There were a few times I had to go back and look over some of the names, because I got a little confused as to whom I was scared for but all in all I definitely rate
this 5 star read. I have to force myself to try and sleep before I start the next book, which I am so excited to begin.

Happy Reading 📚

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read in what I believe to be a series. Even with the relationship diagram, that had several pages to it, I found it very difficult not getting lost.


The intense mystery and intrigue throughout kept me reading this story with loads of twists and turns. One gets confused at times as to who is goo and who isn't. The ending was unusual and shaky for me as I never have read a story like this one. As stated earlier, the nonstop guessing of what will happen with all of the mystery and intrigue kept me going.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

''Tangled Secrets' by S.F. Baumgartner is the third in the series. I really recommend reading them in order to keep track of the story line. Most of the characters have previous or current code names and/or false names. A reader does have to really pay close attention to not become lost in the pages. I do like that each chapter focus on each of characters separately as it helps keep the story clearer in my mind. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the second one in the series. From the ending of this book, I believe another one is coming.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the Mirror Estate Series. There's plenty of action, suspense and mystery in this book. It's a good thing there are some guides to this book because things get really complex. There are plenty of layers to unpeel in this tangled book and plenty of secrets to uncover. Looking forward to the next installment.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read of suspense, intrigue and espionage. Kept me guessing which is my criteria for a good suspense novel. Only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was that there were a lot of characters at play and with real names and code names it was challenging at times to keep track of who was who and who was the good guys versus the bad guys. But to the authors credit, the connections were made in the final chapters and there was closure. So I can recommend this book.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I highly recommend it to everyone. Great characters and a great plot. I will be looking for more books by this author. The book is superbly written. Lots of twists, turns and shocking turns of events. Quickly becoming a go to author for me!!!! If you love to read a book and be shocked by the ending then check out this author for sure. You will love this book and this author. Go get everything she has done and read it now.

[Carol Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baumgartner spins a great mystery in this book. I am hooked. I do like the relationship diagram in the beginning. It helped me to keep the relationship straight. This was a page-turner with lots of suspense and intrigue. You'll be on the edge of your seat finishing this mystery. The character development and plots were terrific. I highly recommend this book and this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.