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Rumors

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Her death tore them apart. Will solving her murder bring them back together?

Best friends Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem were the golden children of Tanner University. Their paths were set: doctors, lawyers, business moguls, they were going to light the world on fire. Then, two weeks before graduation, Landy was murdered—and Nathan was blamed. Though he was never charged, vicious rumors drove him from town, and the circle of friends broke.

Ten years later, Nathan is back in Tanner, determined to clear his name. He’s asking questions no one wants answered, and soon rumors threaten to divide the community once more. Everyone in this small town is keeping big secrets—especially Landy’s old friends—and someone is willing to kill to keep their darkest deeds buried.

Unknown Binding

First published December 30, 2014

321 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

A.C. Arthur

185 books918 followers
AC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.

After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.

AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.

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5 stars
102 (37%)
4 stars
75 (27%)
3 stars
57 (20%)
2 stars
26 (9%)
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12 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Darina.
2 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2017
DNF.I feel so bad for the fact that I did not finish this I was soo bored. Too much was going on and I was really trying to enjoy the story but I just couldn't. It started off great but too much confusion.😥😖
Profile Image for Tia.
829 reviews294 followers
February 6, 2018
3.75 stars

This was a really good mystery. I can't believe it has taken me so long to get to it. This is why going forward I will immediately put down books that stall. I have too many other books that could be awesome. I'm immediately moving on to Revealed. I must know who killed who and what is really going on. Donovan and Justin are two pieces of work. Tracy needs to stop being a doormat. There isn't that much love in the world to keep getting crapped on and disregarded.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,073 reviews96 followers
January 5, 2015
Rumors by A.C. Arthur was originally titled Within The Shadows. I would recommend looking at the reviews of that book if you are considering reading this as the rating is a lot different. Still, I never read this book under its original title and just wanted to point that out.

I read this book in one day across a few sittings (After all a girl does have to feed her children!) and would like to say it really kept me interested.

If you want a book that's filled with mystery and will keep you guessing who killed Landy, then this is the book for you. My issue with this book though was that I can't see it being part of a series after searching through goodreads and the book doesn't actually answer all your questions at the end. Which left me wondering, WTF in honesty! If I knew this book was part of a series I would have given it 4 stars. However, with the ending that A.C Arthur gave me I was left really unsatisfied. A shame really as I felt this book was extremely well written.

This book has mystery, horror, love triangles (Or should that be squares?)and enough action to keep you interested. At the beginning I was worried about just how many characters this book was talking about, as different chapters are told from different characters points of view. However, it is done very well and everything does tie in nicely.

My issue was the ending, I was left in the air and not knowing what happens next. If anyone does read this review and knows of the next book, if there is indeed one please let me know as I will of course read it and amend this review. As it stands though, I can't give this book more than the 3.5 stars it deserves with the few answers it gave me.

This review and others are also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
Profile Image for Vidya-Book Driven Life.
388 reviews
June 19, 2015
Landy, Tenile, Nathan, Justin and Kareem were best friends, during their college at Tanner University. Landy-Justin and Tenile-Nathan were couples. Everything was so beautiful and their future is all set, just when Landy was murdered. And Nathan became the suspect. Even after Nathan's father won him out of the case, rumors never changed. Ten years later, Nathan goes back to Tanner to find the murderer. But there are so many secrets and so many rumors that comes with every turn Nathan takes. Between all this, he has to win Tenile back...from Justin.

Very well written and interesting characters! Every character has more secrets than what we know through the first impression and the author releases one after the other giving readers enough time to appreciate or analyze everything. The change in POV between the main characters gave more detail behind the motivation for their secrets. I loved the romance between Tenile and Nathan and was rooting for the couple to get together from the start.

I couldn't have asked for a better mystery novel. This is just perfect, until the ending though. That's just plain cruel to end a novel like that, without even a partial closure. :( But, the only thing that has kept me from pulling my hair after that kind of ending is that the second part of this series is coming soon. That's a big relief.
Profile Image for Beth  (YA Books Central).
415 reviews113 followers
June 21, 2015
Tiffany's Review:
Rumors is a murder mystery written about the lives of a group of friends: Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem. This group of friends are the high class students from Tanner University. Their parents have always had their futures planned out for them...they already know they will be doctors, lawyers, business partners....

But all these plans come to a halt when one of the group is murdered...Laney. The police and everyone else try to blame Nathan for the murder but he is never convicted.

The main part of the story is set 10 years later when Nathan arrives back in town to clear his name....and that is when the surprises, secrets, and rumors begin.....

Rumors is filled with so many secrets and keeps you guessing until the end. If you are looking for a good murder mystery then Rumors is definitely your book!!!!!! and keep guessing...because you will never believe the ending......
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,449 reviews13 followers
December 24, 2014
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

2.75 Hearts This story was previously released as Within The Shadows in 2007.I have enjoyed other stories by AC Arthur but I have to say I had the hardest time with this book. First there are so many characters that they all seem to mesh together. I never seemed to find myself caring about any of them. It felt like I was reading a soap opera or some teen drama where the group jumps from partner to partner in the same circle. I really just can’t say I enjoyed it and I am sorry to have to say that.

I will continue to read AC Arthur but think I will stick to her current reads and not the ones that are releases from before as her writing has improved so much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

789 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2019
Really! A cliff hanger??????

Will we ever find out just who the murderer is? Evidence initially pointed to The step brother. Then I thought it was the predatory history professor now I don't know who to believe did the killing. By the way where is Nicole? What happened to her and who was it in the back seat of her car? Where did Justin go because nothing was said as to whether or not he caught up with Tenile? So many questions, which book is going to give us the needed answers? A truly suspenseful thriller.
325 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2018
What a Cliffhanger

A.C. Author got me all tied up in this thriller when I should be working on family reunion stuff. I was shocked how the book ended. It's a good thing that she wrote the sequel so I can find out who the murderer is. This book is so good and well written. Kudos to A.C. Arthur.
64 reviews
September 23, 2019
Cliffhanger

This book was chilling and just keeps the reader guessing who the killer is. I always have issues when people who are engaged are in love with someone other than the person they are engaged to. All in all it was an interesting and gripping story. I want to finish the story. Nice job Ms. Arthur.
770 reviews3 followers
Read
May 1, 2021
To find the truth maybe painful!

This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened. The friendship between the group seemed strong. I hope that they find the true killer and that they find happiness in the love they share and continue to build their friendship and relationships.
You did a great job writing this book!!!
207 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2023
Rumors

This was a mysterious story about college students involved in a murder of one their close fellow friends. After ten years they have a memorial service for Yolanda the slain student. There is still no known killer only speculation and much finger pointing. Each new lead ends in further speculation.
25 reviews
November 11, 2017
Good reading

It took some time to get into but once there it was hard to put it down. The characters seemed real and life like. A story line that could actually be real. Can't wait to read the next book.
533 reviews
November 5, 2018
Disappointed the story did not end

Very unusual. For me this is a first, great story until I am left hanging. Not to happy. However I still have to give it a good rating and wonder what is next.
12 reviews
August 16, 2019
Did not care for Rumors

I was disappointed in this book not her usual style and was terrible to leave you hanging as who is the killer a c you are better than this I hope the next book comes out soon let's not stretch this out to several books
208 reviews
October 19, 2021
Love story

I Thought this was a murder mystery but it is more of a love story out several couples. If you got time to go through all the mushy mush, then you may enjoy this book. I wouldn’t recommend it!
Profile Image for Deborah C. Fidderman.
521 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2017
Rumors

I recommend this book, it's a whodunit book that makes you want to keep reading. This is a great story.
11 reviews
September 7, 2017
Fantastic

Very good book kept u flipping the pages! Good read... downloading rumor2.......this is my first book ok by this author
Profile Image for Sharnini.
4 reviews
September 20, 2017
Full of surprises!

This book keeps getting interesting with every page. It is far from predictable and leaves you wanting more. This book is a must read.
Profile Image for Laurie.
33 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2019
A good mystery that kept me reading and a nice change of author from what I normally read.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
June 11, 2015
This was craftily well done. You get invested in the story. What was good was that you didn't get bogged down in flashbacks of the past as you were egrossed in the intrigue of the murder, who killed landy and the danger that was happening in the now.

Tenile, Tracy, Kareem, Justin, Nicole and Nathan were all close at one time until Landy died. That doubt crept into their minds about Nathan and he left to save himself and them. In a town like Tanner where you sneeze and it is known when where and what type of kleenex you used not leaving for Nathan wasn't an option once suspicion was on him about Landy's death. Ten years later and he is still plagued by it. In a way they all are. Tenile is still in Tanner with Justin who is plotting his life to perfection with Tenile by his side. Except his heart isn't with Tenile he is with her because she helps his image. Just as years ago Landy did. Too bad because deep down you see that there is a nice guy he is just mired in the idea of success and beating down those who had money. Nathan is one of them. They were once friends and something happened, now Justin sneers at him like he is a rat. Nathan was loyal and supportive of everyone. And when Landy died and his friends doubted him that hurt. Even ten years later the sting is still there. All their dirty laundry and secrets are there to hang out with and see exposed except even now when Nathan has a way to exonerate himself he keeps his promise. His character is amazing in that sense.

Nicole is in love with Justin and comes back to town to see him and let him know. She overcompensates alot for her insecurities but what we see in the end for her just wasn't right. It cemented my feeling about Justin.

Kareem and Tracy are awesome together. He is the laid back kind sweet guy trying to overcome his past and Tracy is looking to the future. Their roles in this mystery are fascinating and I think that Kareem being the first to back and help Nathan speaks volumes about his character.

Each character brings its own tale of intrigue and mystery with pasts that haunt them and a future that is questioning. You wonder where they fit into everything as a whole. As you become engrossed in this intriguing tale you become Sherlock trying to figure out the murderer as more is revealed and you really get entranced you begin to wonder about what will happen. IS it who people think it is? Where is their friend Matt? Justin what is up with him really? All the while romance is in the air and you wonder where those chips will fall. The ending will have you reeling as you wonder just what is going to happen next and itching for the next in this series that will intrigue you and capture you from the first world into the web that is murder from ten years ago, danger in the now and romance that is left unanswered...
Profile Image for Cora.
20 reviews
July 13, 2015
Rumors by A.C. Arthur is a mystery romance book, set in a tourist town called Tanner that has an excellent reputation for medicine. It focuses on a group of once college best friends that were torn apart after the murder of one of one of their group in college. Set 10 years after Landy’s murder all the friends someway or the other end up back in Tanner. Particularly Nathan who has returned to clear his name as he was once the main suspect in the murder of his girlfriends best friend and although not convicted in a small town like Tanner Nathan in the eyes of the people who live their did the deed.

Told through the perspectives of the group and a few others the reader can start to understand exactly what happened and how everything became very complicated for this ambitious group of friends in the past ten years. The whole book is full of secrets and mystery which reminded be a bit of Pretty Little Liars. Everyone has secrets they don’t want anyone else to know but in a town like Tanner everything is bound to come out eventually.

This book is equal parts mystery and romance. For the mysterious aspect it starts when Nathan receives a letter talking about how the mysterious writer behind it knows who the murderer is and that they will kill again. Determined to find out Nathan returns to Tanner to investigate and clear his name where he once again meets all of his once college best friends who one way or the other return for Landy’s memorial service. The plot line of the book is shrouded in deceit, murderous intent and malicious behaviour but is it just from the murderer? With all the characters that are involved their is a lot of revelations and secrets mixed in with the storyline that ensures readers rapt attention. For the romance element of the novel, well it was complicated to say the least. Originally when they were at college Landy and Justin were together but Nicole was in love with Justin and Nathan and Tanile were together. 10 years later Kazeem is dating Taniles little sister Tracy who has her own secrets that involve Nathan. And everyone else is basically with the wrong person.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was trying to figure out who the murderer was, it wasn’t a glaringly obvious staring you right in the face who did it kind of book which really was excellent and added a whole other level to the quality of A.C. Arthurs writing. There are so many different people that it could have been and just when you thought it was someone boom there was an alibi. My only problem is when is the next book going to be released? I can’t wait for it!

Lastly I received an eARC in return for an honest review via NetGalley.
488 reviews7 followers
September 17, 2019
The first half of the book was really good, engaging. But after a while the angst was too much. Like "you people are grown ass adults, get your shit together." And someone who doesn't tell me "who dun it" at the end of the book just wants to watch the world burn. Would have like to know this this was a "to be continued..." kind of deal.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
March 11, 2015
Dr. Nathan Hamilton has left the anonymity of New York to return to Tanner. It’s time, past time to clear his name, catch a killer and hopefully rediscover if the love of his life still loves him. It’s been ten years, and Nathan is about to stir up a hornet’s nest. But he wants his life back minus the rumors about him. He didn’t kill Landy – someone did and he’s determined to find out who.

There are a lot of characters in this novel. A lot to keep straight in your mind as you read and do your own sleuthing of this mystery.

I really enjoyed Rumors. I was, at times, frustrated trying to keep all the characters straight – that might have just been me, but it kept me from falling totally into the story. I understand why story wise there were so many people around us, it just did have an impact on how easy it was for me to read this one. No right or wrong, just a personal opinion.

The love between Nathan and Tenile was beautifully written. How do you fall back into love with someone who you believe hurt you in the deepest way and possibly is a cold-hearted killer.

If you enjoy mysteries, then Rumors has one in abundance. Love situations? Yep, got plenty of that too. The one thing this particular book didn’t have… was an ending. We’ll get that in the next book. Wish I had known that before I started this one. True I got it through NetGalley so no foul, but in order to know the ending I need to search for it. Will I? Yes. I simply wish it had been an entire story without a cliffhanger. (again, my opinion)

Overall, I would recommend Rumors. I give it a 3 outta 5 on my rating scale – for that cliffhanger. But it is an enjoyable read, you just need to know going in that you’ll need the next book to get an ending.

*I received an e-ARC of Rumors from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Profile Image for Jessica.
885 reviews209 followers
August 7, 2019
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Upon first inspection Rumors, penned by A.C. Arthur, promises to be a delicious murder mystery surrounding the death of one member of a group of friends who were once like family. Like all tragedies, it is a make or break moment for close family or friends; sometimes things cannot be repaired and those people have difficulty picking up the pieces.

And so Landy’s death tore this once close knit group apart and even now, ten years later, things are still tense and unsolved when it comes down to the night that changed everything. All that time has passed but even still, they pick right up where they left off as danger lurks once more. But who killed Landy? And how have they not been caught at this point?

When diving into the story–which is filled with many chills, scandal and intrigue–we notice right away that its promising description is fitting and watch as the events plays before our eyes like a delightful and soapy show. We’re left with the sense that something big is going to happen once more by the novels end; just as we get closer to more answers… we’re thrust back once more.

Continued @ BOOKEDJ.
Profile Image for Kendra Needs.
1,185 reviews12 followers
November 28, 2015
RUMORS by AC Arthur was an amazing read, it pulled me and kept me intrigued till the very last page, when I realized that there was more, there was no way the book could just end like that.


The story in this book is very well written and developed, and the plot is so fast paced you will find yourself on the edge of your seat with anticpation. The characters in this book are very well written, some are paired off in couples (couples that may not be the one that they belong with).


This book is about a group of college friends that come back together 10 years after one of their best friends was murdered, the murder was never solved, for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Landy. For some of the the friends this means coming back home to where it all happened. With things left unsolved, and love left undiscovered, the group of friends comes back together with the hope of finding out who killed their friend Landy, and for some of them with the even bigger hope of rekindling love. Just when the friends think that they have things solved, they have a bomb dropped on them. Will they figure out who killed Landy, will it be in time??? and what if the killer is still out there????


RUMORS was my very first read by AC Arthur and given the cliffhanger that it ends with, it certainly won't be the last. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I would give RUMORS 4/5 stars.


Review on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
4,820 reviews16 followers
February 25, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Tenile Barres had been working at the hospital since 7am. The university was holding a service for the 10 year anniversary of her best friend, Landy Connor's, murder, which has never been solved. Tanile had slept restlessly since the murder, with bad dreams and waking memories. Myla Newstead was the head floor nurse, as well as the oldest and crankiest nurse on the OB ward Tanner Memorial Hospital. Geraldine Finley was the certified head gossiper at Tanner. Tenile grew up at Tanner. Her college roommate were Landy and Nicole Stanfield. Other closest friends included Nathan Hamilton, Justin Grant, Kareem Winston, and Mathew Kincaid. When Landy was murdered, Tanile's boyfriend at the time, Nathan, was blamed. Landy had been stabbed 47 times in Tanile's bed. Nathan had never been arrested, was now living in NYC, and had been named Obstetrics Research Director at Columbia General Hospital in Manhattan. Everyone, including Nathan, came together for the commemorative memorial and ended up staying for a while. Nathan was determined to find out who killed Landy.
This was a very good book. I didn't want to put it down, just kept read. I enjoyed the various twists and turns and the way the book ended. Anyone that love a good mystery would enjoy.
Profile Image for Erika.
51 reviews
November 2, 2015
***Note: Book provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

The book as a whole was good and kept me intrigued but I felt that there was too much going on within each character’s story to really be able to follow along.

The authors use of flashbacks sometimes confused me and had me thinking of those Nightmare on Elm Street movies where you never knew if the person had already fallen asleep and then out of nowhere Freddy showed up! One such example was when Tenile was running from the cemetery or so we thought. As we keep reading we realize that things are not quite adding up and end up inside a dream.

I did liked the mystery /suspense but thought the love triangles were a little too much. I had to try and keep up with all the moving pieces or should I say moving partners surrounding the main characters.

One thing that bother me was the fact that every single female except for Nicole had to take History with professor Richards and for some reason or another was failing the class. I mean Tenile was a Medical student and her sister wanted to join the FBI I do not see History as a core requirement for those 2 career choices. Just drop the class and keep it moving!

Lastly, I did not appreciate the cliffhanger as I was really looking forward to finding out who killed Landy. I am hopeful that the second book provides the closure I so desire.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
July 18, 2015
Ten years ago they were at college together, friends forever or so it seemed until one of them was viciously murdered and their ideal world fell apart. Now, on the tenth anniversary of Yoldane’s death, there is to be a special memorial service so they’re all going back in town, along with their secrets, dreams, loves and deceit. Nathan was the main suspect but now he’s determined to clear his name and find the killer. As more secrets are revealed, can he do so? Will the revelations heal old wounds or tear the once close relationships even further apart? If the killer is still on the loose, are any of them safe?

Wow - a great story with so many twist, turns and unexpected revelations, this is an enthralling thriller! The secrets held by individual member of the group hadn’t been discussed or revealed in the past decade but as a spotlight is shown on each of them now, things start to become clearer. With strong characters, great writing and a fantastic story, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this superb story to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries - but I want to read the sequel asap!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley too,
for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,337 reviews50 followers
June 12, 2015
From the moment I started reading ‘Rumors’ I really enjoyed it. The writing style is very easy to follow, the characters are well described and the story flows easily. This book is written through the point of views of at least five people, and although that sounds like a lot.. It made this book very enjoyable if you ask me. The main characters in this book are old friends and through reading the story through all those different eyes you get the story from many different sides. Since there is still no one arrested for the murder of Landy, reading the events through those different sides just made this book very addicting and fun to read.

What I liked the most about this book was the way there were more secrets revealed how further you got. There were a lot of secrets of which I had no clue of, especially not in the beginning. Most times while reading a book like this, I have some ideas about what will happen next and what kind of secrets are being revealed. Not in this book. There was mystery, romance and a fun rumor filled town. I just really enjoyed it.

The ending of this book was a little disappointing for me. But not in a bad way. I just didn’t want it to end. I really hope there will be another book continuing on this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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