Dark Secret

DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal #2

by Janice Frost

Who killed Gray Mitchell?
Gray Mitchell’s body is found buried under fresh snowfall in the early hours of the morning outside Stromford Cathedral. D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry are called in to investigate. It seems that a number of people had motives to kill him, including Mitchell's partner.

Then another shocking act of violence occurs, also connected to the cathedral. Detectives Neal and Merry’s investigation reveals an intricate web of secrets connecting the crimes. But there is something the detectives have missed, the dark secret which can break open the case.

In a breathtaking climax, Jim Neal fights for the life of someone very close to him.

DARK SECRET is the second in a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ava Merry and D.I. Jim Neal. Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. Jim Neal is single dad who juggles his devotion to his job with caring for his son.

Set in the fictional Northern city of Stromford, this detective mystery will have you gripped from start to shocking conclusion.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Procedural, Amazon, Detective

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2016

About the author

Janice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. Her love of writing began when she was given a notebook by a primary school teacher and told to write ‘Just Imagine,’ on the cover. She enjoyed writing stories in the notebook so much that she decided she'd like to be an author. Due to life, work and children, It took a little longer than she imagined.

After a ten-year stint of working in London, Janice moved to Lincolnshire where she still lives. She now writes full-time. In her free time she enjoys walking, and reading in coffee shops.

Janice is the author of six books in the bestselling Merry & Neal series, four books in the Warwick & Bell series, and one standalone mystery, The Woman on the Cliff.

All of Janice’s books are published by Joffe Books.

The Merry & Neal series

1 Dead Secret
2 Dark Secret
3 Her Husband’s Secret
4. Fatal Secrets
5 Dirty Secrets
6 Murderous Secrets

Warwick & Bell series

1 Murder Among Friends
2 Murder Across The Lines
3 Murder Against The Odds
4 Murder On A Country Walk

Standalone novel

The Woman on the Cliff

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great follow up from book one!
The opening chapters in this book has you biting your nails and feeling quite tense. If you received an urgent text needing to be somewhere because someones life was in danger you would throw on your clothes trying to hobble one foot and a time putting your shoes on and at the same time picking up your car keys right? well imagine that in your head and you have the 'almost' openings of the first chapters. I am not giving away much else but to say that his book just gets better and better.

There was no sure way to find out who the culprit was in this "whodunnit" book, it lead to so many that at one time I thought the entire characters were in on the plot!

Very well written, fast paced and time will fly by. I had to read this in one sitting, I just couldn't go to sleep until I finished it.

My thanks to Joffe Books via Net Galley for my copy to read and review it was awesome.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

DARK SECRET by Janice Frost is the second in a new series of detective thrillers featuring D.S. Ava Merry and D.I. Jim Neal. Ava Merry is a young policewoman, recently promoted to detective sergeant. She is fitness fanatic with a taste for dangerous relationships. Jim Neal, the boss is a single dad who is totally devoted to his job as well as caring for his son.

The plot is set in the fictional Northern city of Stromford. The characters are well-developed and the story is evenly paced.

This is a super follow-up to Book 1-DEAD SECRET. Be prepared to bite your nails, as the tension mounts.

D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry are called in to investigate a new case; Gray Mitchell’s body is found buried under fresh snowfall in the early hours of the morning outside Stromford Cathedral. The victim has jumped? A possible suicide? Numerous people had motives to kill him, including Mitchell's partner, Leon, a suspect, who had been cheating on Gray.

Then another murder is committed, a young woman, with many secrets, also connected to the cathedral is stabbed to death! The investigation soon reveals an intricate web of secrets connecting the crimes. But there is something the detectives have missed, the dark secret which can break open the case.

In a breathtaking climax, Jim Neal fights for the life of someone very close to him.

A very enjoyable whodunnit murder/mystery.

My thanks to Joffe Books via Net Galley for my ARC.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the terrific follow-up to DEAD SECRET. Neal and Merry are once again called to investigate a body.

Gray Mitchell receives a text from someone stating they are on the roof of the cathedral preparing to jump. He throws on his clothes, runs to the cathedral, and climbs to the roof. The next morning his body is found buried under a mound of snow. Someone wanted this to look like a suicide.

Gray's partner, Leon, is a suspect. He's been cheating on Gray, and then finds out that Gray has been cheating on him. But he's not the only one who had a motive.

Another murder is committed, a young woman also connected to the cathedral is stabbed to death... a woman who had many hidden secrets.

As they follow the threads that connect these two crimes, and come closer to the dark secret, the more danger they face. Neal finds himself fighting for the life of someone very close to him.

The characters are bigger than life and the action is non-stop. The story is tightly woven around a very close group of friends. The ending is breath-taking.

My thanks to the author / Joffe Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise.

Gray Mitchell was an actor but he does tour guides now with his partner Leon. The author give all the POVs of the group of friends and we start to wonder why?! So, clever, because i find in the begining very boring but when really start the investigation we start to know that they had secrect.

Why Maxime and Laurence move??
What is Caitlin bad secrect?
Tara Smythe Leon's ex ??

There is a lot of information and already have my suspect but
wow I never see that "secrect" coming!!! A lot would have been clear if they did had some research about the others but still was a bit weird how happen.

Thanks, God that Marcus(poor, boy) and the others are good.
Still some unknow answers about Gray leaving Leon.
And the "know" and "unknown" really messed up with my mind.

Jim and Ava have a so so relationship. Apparently he s interested but
she is not and was like: get the girl, man!!!!!!!!!

Ava has a brother and still is recovering from her attack in the previous book and now she is assuming new responsabilities.

Jim has a son and has too a sister, Maggie. Jim seems to be a good lad, but he is a serious aura. And a little problem with alchool.

Can't wait for the next book!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Janet Newport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.

I read this immediately following a couple of really, really bad books and I had great hopes for this one as it was presented for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbot, etc.

Maybe my hopes were too high. It was an okay book. The fifth in a series and the only one I've read. Maybe that was part of my problem.... coming into the "show" well after the intermission instead of the beginning. The story was okay, well-paced and fairly credible. But none of the characters resonated with me. Every one felt somewhat flat and all the personal aspects of their various lives were "soap - opera" elements that I felt detracted from the book overall.


3.0 stars

[Pia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this rate, if I keep finding authors/series/books I love, I'll hace to read 20 hours a day for the next 6 years just to make my TBR pile a bit lighter.

This is the second book in a series, and I already have books 1 and 3 lined up. I like it when you can read a book and both get an insight of previous books, and can understand all the events and characters in the one you're reading.

DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal have a strained relationship at times. He's collected and professional, she's the kind of person that acts before she processes the consequences. But they make a great investigating pair, and when a man falls from the top of the Cathedral, they quickly suspect it's not a suicide.

This book has the feel of a traditional mystery, but in a modern way: a couple of detectives, a closed group of people who are the suspects, an ending that is unexpected but very clearly described and logical.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gutted when I actually realised I had this book out of order. I have read book 2 before book one. I was pretty angry with myself as I had them both side by side on my kindle and thought I'd got them the right way around. So after finishing, this Book 2. I have just started book 1.

I enjoyed the story line in this book it was a little different, and I have to say the who dun-it part, I really didn't have a clue. I think I suspected more than one person throughout the book.
We kick off with a murder, and different things have you thinking in different ways as to who and why, buy you just get it so so wrong.
I have to say though, as much as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it just didn't have me holding my breath,
It's a very interesting story and well put together.
I liked most of the character and the way they were developed.
I am thinking that we will be seeing a whole lot more from this author as this series grows, I believe it will just get better and better.

​Detective Sergeant Ava Merry and Detective Inspector Jim Neal.
Neal is a single dad so as well as caring for his son Archie Juggles his busy work schedule with the help of his sister, who is living with them after her relationship break up.
Merry is a single woman who is currently looking after her teenage brother along with working her busy job. she can be impulsive with just strengthens her character.
Both of these coppers are really likeable characters and grew on me through out the book.

​One thing I feel I have to mention is the summary at the back of the book. I thought this was fantastic, and think there should be something like this at the end of each book, it was great to summarise all the characters up at the end. A real good addition.

[Mary Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good old-fashioned whodunnit with engaging characters. An easy, accessible and entertaining read that held me whilst the DCI, his sergeant and I became acquainted. The second book of a series, this held up well as a 'stand alone' but I'm sure I will go back and read the first.

Though psychological and serial killers rule the market in terms of murder mysteries today, there is much to be said for the beloved style of those whose work is reminiscent of 'Our Agatha.' Ms Frost has made a fan.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new case for the team - a peaceful cathedral city is now not so peaceful with not one, but two murders to solve. I liked the cover, description and the scene setting but it did take a while to get into and only seemed to pick up pace after the second murder which is when I began to enjoy the story. It was fairly good and gripping enough to read till the end. For me a three and a half star book. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ingstje · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jim Neal and Ava Merry are called in to investigate the death of Gray Mitchell. Gray’s death is certainly suspicious because none of his friends believe in suicide and when they investigate his phone they find a message he received in his final hour from someone threating to jump from the cathedral. The autopsy further reveals he was hit on the head too. All through the story Gray seems like he’s a really good guy and nobody should mean him any harm. So the investigation does not lead anywhere until some of his friends start to make themselves suspicious, his partner of 20 years seems to have an affair, Gray himself was seen in a café with some guy, and then there was also the initial rivalry with Laurence who also offers a themed tourist tour in town and whose behaviour is kind of flaky. When a second murder happens even more questions raise. Who was to gain from all this? The answer is revealed by some unexpected evidence and it’s only in the last part of the book until we are taken on the right path.

This is the first book I read by Janice Frost and it is apparently the sequel to another book, called Dead Secret. Although I missed a little bit of background on both Jim as Ava, this can certainly be read as a standalone. Ava and Jim are both single and you can feel the mutual interest but they don’t act upon it and, although he is her superior, I certainly hope in the next novel they will get together, or at least let the tension run even higher. The book starts off rather slow, there is a lot of questioning of his friends and co-workers and nothing much to learn, but it got more interesting after the second murder. I was kept in the dark for a long time and I kept on wondering who of his friends could have had a dark secret, but then they all seem to keep something one way or another. I could not have come up with the solution myself and in that fact was maybe a bit disappointed, it’s just not possible to figure this one out on yourself. I maybe expected a bit more suspense and a bit less tell.
*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion*

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Secret by Janice Frost earns a 4 star rating as being book two in the crime thriller series starting DI Jim Neal and DS Ava Merry. It stands alone though it does reference the action from the first book, Dead Secret. The book starts out with the murder of former stuntman Gray Mitchell whose friends and lover all become suspects as well as key characters in the progression of the novel from the onset.

Merry is introduced as the first detective to take ownership of Gray's murder case by chapter three -It was interesting to see the story start out with the murder, plot progression, and immersion of the reader into the story before introducing the reader to the detectives who will lead the investigation.- and she is immediately more interesting than the background characters introduced before her. There's more development to her which fleshes her out very well. She's driven, career-oriented, yet has a feminine side as well as a devotion to her younger brother who lives with her. Ava Merry is the kind of heroine who is easy to root for when it comes to who will solve the case?

Neal shows up almost in the same breath as Merry. A Scot with more of a taciturn demeanor, his most redeeming features are his aversion to unpleasant smells at crime scenes and his love for his son who is raising alone for reasons undisclosed in this book. Neal works methodically to unravel the case in pieces. He steers the direction of the book as much as the investigation which makes him a solid lead character.

Overall, there is an attention to detail which is carried throughout and the plot is omnipresent. The focus of Dark Secret is finding the murderer before the murderer kills all those involved in the small circle of friends who surrounded our initial victim, Gray Mitchell. Chapters alternate between suspects, Merry, and Neal which gives the reader a 360 degree view of the case. It was a unique feature fans of the crime genre should enjoy. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a crime thriller as a solid read worthy of a four star rating.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Dark Secret, a very enjoyable police procedural. DI Jim Neil and DS Ava Merry are called to investigate the death of Gray Mitchell who is found at the base of Stromford cathedral. Whether it is suicide or murder DI Neil is treating it as suspicious and starts investigating immediately. It doesn't take long to establish murder and the hunt is on. Gray is an American who has recently moved to Stromford with his lover, Leon, so his circle of friends or, as the police view them, suspects, is limited. Then another body is found.
Dark Secret is very much a whodunnit with a solution that comes out of left field. This is not as much of a surprise as it could be because the reader is warned from early on that investigations have "known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns". I admit to being clueless about the perpetrator until the end so hats off to Ms Frost for great disguise as normally I have at least an inkling. It is not just the ending, however, that is good about this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the investigation which uncovers all sorts about the circle of friends and creates suspicion in all the wrong places. The characters are also, on the whole, pleasant with Jim Neil being a single parent and Ava Merry caring for her sixteen year old brother adding an extra dimension to their rather hard police exteriors.
Dark Secret is exactly the kind of novel I like - a straightforward police procedural in the third person with a hidden perpetrator and no hint of their thoughts and motivations in separate chapters. If you like the same then I would urge you not to miss Dark Secret.

[Crittermom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice Frost effortlessly blends modern British police procedural with psychological thriller. The end result is a suspenseful novel with a chilling and somewhat surprising conclusion.

I always enjoy police procedurals, but part of what especially attracted me to this novel is DS Ava Merry. She is a strong, intelligent female lead who thinks outside of the box. Her relationship with her superior DI Jim Neal is a bit rocky (due to events in previous novels) but they work well together.

The murder of Gray Mitchell is a difficult case. He was well liked and suspects are few. It is only after a second murder that secrets begin to come to light. Mental illness plays an important role in the novel, and Janice Frost does an excellent job portraying the challenges individuals with mental illness and their families face. Neal and May don't take the easy way out, they investigate thoroughly. The end sequence is both thrilling and terrifying.

After reading Dark Secret, I am anxious to read more of Janice Frost's novels. If you like British police procedurals, Dark Secret is a thrilling read.

5/5

I received a copy of Dark Secret from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gray Mitchell's body is found beside the cathedral, his blood tainting the pristine snow. All the reader knows is that after being lured there his killer is known to him. But who out of his close-knit bunch of friends could it be?
As the novel progresses it seems that every one of them seems to be running from their past in some way.and it's up to Jim Neal and Ava Merry to dig up their secrets.
To be perfectly honest I found this a slow burner to start off with but it soon became compelling as the novel went on and we found out more about our shady bunch of characters. I liked the theme of mental heath that was running constantly through the story which added another layer and more depth than I originally expected.
I would definitely consider reading the others in the series as the character of Ava Merry appeals to me and I do like a good crime novel. I would imagine that as the series goes on us as readers will find out more about our dynamic duo and that on its own would be enough to keep me reading.

[Judy Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good thrillers!

This series by Janice Frost are exciting, keep the reader guessing, lots of action. I couldn't put it down! Looking forward to more books to be written! 2017 is the time for another book! It seems so far away, but I'll be anxiously awaiting it's arrival.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this arc from Netgalley.

This was a fairly good read. It wasn't anything special, just your regular run of the mill suspense.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. Excellent characters. The plot was exciting and the ending a surprise.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plot that kept me guessing and some well written characters. Will be looking out for more by this author.

[Kristin. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start, speedy end

When I first began reading Dark Secret, I wasn't sure I would continue; the story was too slow for my liking. But my husband,who had already read the novel, encouraged me to stick with it. I thought the Bipolar characteristics of Johnathan was a bit over exaggerated. The two female villains, Angie and Caitlin with their shared psychosis, were also a bit less than credible, too. Still the novel was a fair read-though I did a good amount of speed reading to avoid excess verbosity in some parts. With the way my critique reads, I probably should have given this book a three star rating rather than a four!

[elizabeth mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of this series is just as good as the first one.
You find out a little more about our Scottish DI and his fitness freak DS. However not enough to overtake the main storyline. I do find it annoying when a writer goes off piste from the storyline to wax on about private lives or poetic about the scenery. This writer has the mix just right. Giving relevant details pertinent to the story.
This storyline has many characters and twists and turns keeping you engrossed right to the end.
I don't like giving up the plot of a book so you will have to read it. It is well worth the time.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Neal, wants to say something to Ava on the last case of how poor judgment led her to be injured. Working together again was a little uncomfortable till a new case began. The murder in the early hours , what called him out, that was so urgent. The secrets the people had in this small town, began to uncover that some people knew one another before.
A pact that had turned deadly, and how they were still disillusioned as adults led to more anger and murder. Complex plot of hiw murders were
connected..

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. Usually, I don't read two books in a series back-to-back. However, this series is intriguing, and I was eager to return to the crime scene.

Ava Merry and Jim Neal are back. When a gay man is found at Stromford Cathedral's base, Merry and Neal find many suspects. When a second murder occurs, things heat up quickly.

The characters are well-drawn; however, this series requires the reader to keep reading because the solution is found through investigation, not dropped clues.

[Peg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book

This is the second book in the series and it is pretty good. DI Neal and DS Ava Merry are not developing as well as I'd like and I'm hoping they end up together but that wouldn't work for their careers. These book are not bloody and cursing is at a minimum and seems appropriate when used.

[Bryngel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am underwhelmed with this second book in the series. Ava and Neal are too bleak to keep my interest. It's a very slow paced book and at times it's as if it's in a bad loop where nothing much happens and then there is some slow progress only to loop again. Not a thrill. I'm done.

(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).

[Geraint griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Read this book in 2 days. .Once again couldn't put it down. ! Really clever and interesting plot with intriguing characters . Going to down load next book. Can't get enough of this series. .

[Michele Zito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished book number and I have already started book 3 Her husband's secrets.
I am so enjoying these by Janice Frost , so well written and. I will be reading book 4 as soon as I finish this one. I hope she continues inwriting more about Neal and Merry.
Michele Zito

[Kitten Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a riveting book. All see.s well with a group of friends until one is murdered and then another. Mark's sister might be next. I figured out who did it but was shocked at the story went to tell why the person was a murderer. Awesome book

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific!

One of the most unusual and exciting police murder mysteries that I have read! Truly outstanding! DS Merry and DI Neal are excellent in pursuing and identifying the murderer.

[SkyeWake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than book 1 as it was a more polished story. 3.5 stars probably.
Annoyed by the way the timeline wasn’t consistent through the book - referring to yesterday when it was two days ago or a week ago then two days ago.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gray Mitchell's body is found at the base of Stromford Cathedral. A genuinely good man. So why was he murdered. Motive and suspects are missing. D.I. Jim Neal and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery.