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Whispering Pines Mystery #1
Family Secrets
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0711FGPJM
Welcome to Whispering Pines, Wisconsin. A place for those who don’t belong.
Sixteen years after a family feud drove her from the cozy Northwoods village of Whispering Pines, Wisconsin, former detective Jayne O’Shea returns to prepare her grandparents’ lake house for sale. Once there, not only does she find that the house has been trashed, her dog discovers a dead body in the backyard.
Jayne intends to stay out of it, but when it becomes obvious the sheriff isn't interested in investigating the death, Jayne can't stop herself. Her list of suspects grows faster than the plants in the commons’ pentacle garden. Could it be the local Wiccan green witch with her stash of deadly plants? The shopkeeper who slips into trances and foretells death? The visitor determined to practice black magic?
What Jayne knows for sure is that the closer she gets to solving this crime, the more the sheriff wants her to back off. And when a local fortune teller provides a crucial clue, Jayne knows it’s up to her to solve this murder.
Welcome to Whispering Pines, Wisconsin. A place for those who don’t belong.
Sixteen years after a family feud drove her from the cozy Northwoods village of Whispering Pines, Wisconsin, former detective Jayne O’Shea returns to prepare her grandparents’ lake house for sale. Once there, not only does she find that the house has been trashed, her dog discovers a dead body in the backyard.
Jayne intends to stay out of it, but when it becomes obvious the sheriff isn't interested in investigating the death, Jayne can't stop herself. Her list of suspects grows faster than the plants in the commons’ pentacle garden. Could it be the local Wiccan green witch with her stash of deadly plants? The shopkeeper who slips into trances and foretells death? The visitor determined to practice black magic?
What Jayne knows for sure is that the closer she gets to solving this crime, the more the sheriff wants her to back off. And when a local fortune teller provides a crucial clue, Jayne knows it’s up to her to solve this murder.
284 pages, ebook
First published July 3, 2017
4889 people are currently reading
2846 people want to read
About the author
Shawn McGuire
80 books821 followersMystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
November 13, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable start to a new series.
June 26, 2017
Jayne O'Shea has returned to her grandparents home to settle their affairs and place their home for sale.
Once there, she finds the house has been trashed ...and a body of a young woman is in the backyard. Being a former cop, she knows enough not to do anything to interfere with possible evidence.
The local police don't seem to be too concerned, but Jayne can't help but investigate on her own.
Whispering Pines is a small town in Wisconsin, filled with all kinds of quirky, fun, strange people. Wiccans seem to make up the majority. Seems like the dead woman had a tatoo similar to what is seen among the Wiccan. And then Jayne discovers that her grandmother was also involved.
There's the man who can see when death is coming. Then there's the young girl who wants to learn the ropes ... learn the spells and incantations. But to what means?
All of these are suspects ... and the more Jayne investigates, the more the local sheriff warns her off. But Jayne is tenacious, if nothing else. Something sinister is affecting the town.
I would love to think there are still small towns similar to this one ... minus the dead body. Most of the residents are friendly and welcoming ... but as in most small towns, everyone knows everyone's business ... usually.
It's a well written story and I loved all the characters. No one can resist Meeka ... Jayne's four-footed partner. I'm hoping this may turn into a series. This is an author to keep an eye on.
Many thanks to the author for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Once there, she finds the house has been trashed ...and a body of a young woman is in the backyard. Being a former cop, she knows enough not to do anything to interfere with possible evidence.
The local police don't seem to be too concerned, but Jayne can't help but investigate on her own.
Whispering Pines is a small town in Wisconsin, filled with all kinds of quirky, fun, strange people. Wiccans seem to make up the majority. Seems like the dead woman had a tatoo similar to what is seen among the Wiccan. And then Jayne discovers that her grandmother was also involved.
There's the man who can see when death is coming. Then there's the young girl who wants to learn the ropes ... learn the spells and incantations. But to what means?
All of these are suspects ... and the more Jayne investigates, the more the local sheriff warns her off. But Jayne is tenacious, if nothing else. Something sinister is affecting the town.
I would love to think there are still small towns similar to this one ... minus the dead body. Most of the residents are friendly and welcoming ... but as in most small towns, everyone knows everyone's business ... usually.
It's a well written story and I loved all the characters. No one can resist Meeka ... Jayne's four-footed partner. I'm hoping this may turn into a series. This is an author to keep an eye on.
Many thanks to the author for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 19, 2023
Jayne O'Shea has gone back to Wisconsin to her grandparents' home to put the house on the market. She's unprepared for what she finds when she arrives, as the house has been turned upside down. To make matters worse, there's a body in the backyard... that of a young woman. Jayne had been a cop, so she was smart enough to know how to preserve evidence and protect the crime scene. It always amazes me how with a dead body lying in the yard, how unconcerned the local police often are in these stories. I guess that opens the way for the main character to carry out their own investigation...which will go over like a lead balloon with those same unconcerned police. Being a small town shouldn't automatically...that this is going to be the case, but I'm finding this happening more and more in these genera of books. Jayne sees that the womans body has tats that may indicate an interest or her involvement in Wiccan. About this same time Jayne discovers that her grandmother wasn't home baking cookies all the time...she was also involved in the cult. The little town is filled with strange people with unusual "talents." Some folks evidently can see death coming...some of the younger folks are interested in learning spells...Happy Halloween year-round here:) It's a well written story and the characters are interesting...I just didn't find it particularly believable, but I would be willing to try another by this author.
August 30, 2021
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free.
Started off really bad when grandparents' house is described as covering half an acre. That's like 23,000 square feet! And it's at least two stories! But the yard is only a quarter of an acre?
Not sure why there's no cell phone reception. Seems odd for a tourist area not to be accessible.
Found using the MC's police-style technique for describing people -- Six foot, muscular, close-cropped grey hair, that sort of thing, in italics! -- to be annoying. Also her constant whining over lack of self-confidence, which then never manifests.
Story was a bit more graphic than I'm used to in this type of light mystery, but tolerable. Magical silliness was expected. West Highland White Terrier as a K-9 was a bit of a stretch; is it now the vogue to pick uncommon breeds just for fun?
Not bad, if you like this sort of thing -- the blurb pretty much lays out the traditional premise, and no real surprises after that, though part of the mystery surrounding the murder remains to be continued in the next book.
Started off really bad when grandparents' house is described as covering half an acre. That's like 23,000 square feet! And it's at least two stories! But the yard is only a quarter of an acre?
Not sure why there's no cell phone reception. Seems odd for a tourist area not to be accessible.
Found using the MC's police-style technique for describing people -- Six foot, muscular, close-cropped grey hair, that sort of thing, in italics! -- to be annoying. Also her constant whining over lack of self-confidence, which then never manifests.
Story was a bit more graphic than I'm used to in this type of light mystery, but tolerable. Magical silliness was expected. West Highland White Terrier as a K-9 was a bit of a stretch; is it now the vogue to pick uncommon breeds just for fun?
Not bad, if you like this sort of thing -- the blurb pretty much lays out the traditional premise, and no real surprises after that, though part of the mystery surrounding the murder remains to be continued in the next book.
August 31, 2019
This was just silly. I could see a town with people who were Wiccan but then there are carnies?? I felt like the Mystery Machine and Scooby Doo should show up next. The mystery of the vandalism of her Grandmother's home was not settled and the plot of the murder was weak. Why would he kill Yasmine and try to kill Deputy Reed? If Flavia was the person who caused all the trouble, then why not kill her? It was very annoying when Jayne kept describing everyone she met with their physical description. I'm glad this book was free but I still feel I wasted my time.
June 26, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author. I received ARC of this story. I really enjoyed the way the story line went and the characters in it. It's not really a cliff hanger, but it does leave some questions unanswered. A good story. The review is done voluntarily and my own opinions.
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May 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2019)! 🎁
March 12, 2020
Beyond excellent! Drop a former cop, with her trained K9 companion, into a strange environment, add a dead body to the scene and a mystery to be solved ensues. The ending was a surprise, and the murderer and the reasons for the murder were shocking. All in all, a very well-crafted novel with realistic and multi-dimensional people you care about, living in a very interesting setting.
What a wonderful way to start a cozy mystery series: reluctant but trained main character and her very cute dog, a unique community with numerous opportunities for future murder mysteries, a slight dash of supernatural (what about that vision of the lady in the water?), and a smidgen of humor, plus portents of past crimes yet to be solved and multi-layered community members hiding their pasts. Yikes! I can hardly wait for the next one!
"…anyone who doesn't fit in elsewhere is welcome in Whispering Pines." Count me in!
What a wonderful way to start a cozy mystery series: reluctant but trained main character and her very cute dog, a unique community with numerous opportunities for future murder mysteries, a slight dash of supernatural (what about that vision of the lady in the water?), and a smidgen of humor, plus portents of past crimes yet to be solved and multi-layered community members hiding their pasts. Yikes! I can hardly wait for the next one!
"…anyone who doesn't fit in elsewhere is welcome in Whispering Pines." Count me in!
August 13, 2025
Sixteen years after a family feud drove her from the cozy Northwoods village of Whispering Pines, Wisconsin, former detective Jayne O’Shea returns to prepare her grandparents’ lake house for sale. Once there, not only does she find that the house has been trashed, her dog discovers a dead body in the backyard.
Jayne intends to stay out of it, but when it becomes obvious the sheriff isn't interested in investigating the death, Jayne can't stop herself. Her list of suspects grows faster than the plants in the commons’ pentacle garden. Could it be the local Wiccan green witch with her stash of deadly plants? The shopkeeper who slips into trances and foretells death? The visitor determined to practice black magic?
I really enjoyed this cosy small town mystery. Whispering Pines seemed like a lovely little place, except for the murder and some of the Wiccans. Even the Sheriff annoyed the life out of me. No wonder Jayne took it upon herself to solve the murder when he was sat back doing nothing. Although her grandparents house had been trashed it sounded like a nice house and in a great location. I would love a lake house somewhere.
Jayne was a great character - full of grit, determination and stood her ground. I loved the relationship she had with Meeka, her dog. So cute how they understood each other.
Jayne intends to stay out of it, but when it becomes obvious the sheriff isn't interested in investigating the death, Jayne can't stop herself. Her list of suspects grows faster than the plants in the commons’ pentacle garden. Could it be the local Wiccan green witch with her stash of deadly plants? The shopkeeper who slips into trances and foretells death? The visitor determined to practice black magic?
I really enjoyed this cosy small town mystery. Whispering Pines seemed like a lovely little place, except for the murder and some of the Wiccans. Even the Sheriff annoyed the life out of me. No wonder Jayne took it upon herself to solve the murder when he was sat back doing nothing. Although her grandparents house had been trashed it sounded like a nice house and in a great location. I would love a lake house somewhere.
Jayne was a great character - full of grit, determination and stood her ground. I loved the relationship she had with Meeka, her dog. So cute how they understood each other.
January 13, 2021
I started reading the book because a family member was reading it too.. and as a way to keep her motivated to read, I thought this would help.
I did not like the main character of this novel at all.. about page 100 this book started to get a little better...
The left this book open ended so I guess now I have to read the series...
I did not like the main character of this novel at all.. about page 100 this book started to get a little better...
The left this book open ended so I guess now I have to read the series...
February 8, 2019
That was so much fun. Gonna dive in to the next one right away.
July 29, 2018
An interesting mystery full of sub-plots and intriguing relationships. I had a hard time putting this book down. The author creates a level of suspense at many levels, leading the reader deeper into the mysteries, making us a part of the story through Jayne's (MC) thoughts. The story is complex but never confusing as the clues and solutions lead us into more questions. In addition, the town of Whispering Pines has a supernatural component in that many of the the townsfolk, supposedly, have special talents. These talents are always acknowledged but never seen by our main characters, adding another layer of suspense to the mysteries. Whispering Pines definitely has a darkness hidden amongst its people. The book has a good ending but the story doesn't end in that many of the secrets and mysteries continue. I had to buy the next book as soon as I finished this one.
July 1, 2017
Shawn McGuire’s Family Matters wasn’t just a technically well-written book, it was fun to read. I don’t believe in reviewers giving a detailed synopsis of the book, I feel that is the job of the author to write a synopsis to get people to read the book and it is the job of the reviewer to give an honest review. I am required to say I was given a free copy of the book by the author with no expectation of receiving a positive review and no expectation on my part of any remuneration.
As I said, this book was well-written It was also well-edited and well proofed, with a fast-paced storyline that did not need a lot of action to maintain interest. The plot was believable with human nature being what it is. There was a lot of suspense and there were enough twists and turns to make Chubby Checker proud. The dialogue was credible and authentic. It was not stilted and was never forced or simply a foil of the plot. At no time did I have to suspend disbelief to keep interest in the story. The characters were lifelike, many with quirks that increased their believability. They were complex, well rounded, and well thought out. If the main protagonist wasn’t an on again/off again police officer, I would call this a cozy mystery, which I don’t often read, but in this case, I am glad I did.
Shawn McGuire has put together a well written and fun read. A plot driven story with strong characters and dialogue that pulls it all together.
As I said, this book was well-written It was also well-edited and well proofed, with a fast-paced storyline that did not need a lot of action to maintain interest. The plot was believable with human nature being what it is. There was a lot of suspense and there were enough twists and turns to make Chubby Checker proud. The dialogue was credible and authentic. It was not stilted and was never forced or simply a foil of the plot. At no time did I have to suspend disbelief to keep interest in the story. The characters were lifelike, many with quirks that increased their believability. They were complex, well rounded, and well thought out. If the main protagonist wasn’t an on again/off again police officer, I would call this a cozy mystery, which I don’t often read, but in this case, I am glad I did.
Shawn McGuire has put together a well written and fun read. A plot driven story with strong characters and dialogue that pulls it all together.
October 3, 2020
Mystical and mysterious
Definite 5 stars for this sweet and suspicious story! Love the Wiccan aspects as well as the fairy tale like setting. A good balance of good intention and malice. A light read with depth! I’m excited to read the next novel in the series 😁
Definite 5 stars for this sweet and suspicious story! Love the Wiccan aspects as well as the fairy tale like setting. A good balance of good intention and malice. A light read with depth! I’m excited to read the next novel in the series 😁
June 11, 2017
I didn't want to put it down. McGuire is a highly skilled writer and this is a well crafted novel. Her descriptive writing style draws you in and keeps you. I read it in two days, I wanted to see what happened next but didn't want it to end. It is a mystery, but she weaves the story of her life and that of the locals in with it, so it is not just the mystery you find yourself getting involved with but also the workings of the town and the interesting dynamics of the personal lives of the residents. I liked the fact that McGuire treated Wiccan as a religion and not just a witchy, paranormal element for the storyline. Her characters are well developed and I liked the relationship that was developing with Tripp. There is no sex and violence in this one. I sincerely hope that there is another book in this series. I loved it and recommend it to anyone that loves a well written mystery. I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received from the author. All thoughts are my own.
April 6, 2020
I liked the main character and her new sidekick in this. I also liked the setting of the remote village that welcomes only those who don't fit in elsewhere—Wiccans, circus folk, psychics. And if she describes any more of the food they are selling and eating in the village shops I may break quarantine to go to the nearest bakery or ice cream place! I did have some issues with the way the mystery was structured—solved, yet not solved, and kind of an abrupt ending that was obviously designed to get you to go on to the next book. Since I am a sucker for not knowing what happened, I have picked up the next title, in fact the next two, since they came as a three-book set for Kindle. But I'm not sure how much longer I will keep reading, because I am also a stickler for grammar, and she keeps getting the "and I" vs. "and me" wrong. Grates on every nerve.
June 5, 2018
What a great mystery with a dash of paranormal! I can’t believe I waited this long to start the series. I fell in love with McGuire’s writing style back when I read her Wish Makers series. This is a very different series in more ways than one; the obvious contrast being the shift from YA to Adult.
When I first began reading Family Secrets I thought Jayne was an incredibly rigid, almost monotone, voice in the story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this protagonist, and I’ll admit…I was afraid I wasn’t going to enjoy her story. In the end, that’s one of the things that made it so enjoyable; Jayne’s story arc.
She was uptight in the beginning–understandably so–because of her family dynamic, her past career choices, and the love that she had to let go. The mistakes she made haunted her to the core. As I continued to read, though, her interaction with the villagers and her budding friendship with Tripp began to smooth her rough edges. Of course, the most important bond in this story is the one she has with Meeka. Love that dog! I need a Westie now. I absolutely adore the organic, slow building connection Jayne makes with Tripp. Nothing forced about it.
The mystery in this tale is brilliantly paced and captivating. There are so many characters in this story as she meets the people who live and work in Whispering Pines, but not once does it feel overwhelming and every character was extremely well developed. I’m in awe of McGuire’s talents. I’ve already purchased the second book in the series so I had to write my review before I devour each book and they all start blending together.
Highly recommend to all fans of mystery and paranormal stories! Well done, McGuire!
When I first began reading Family Secrets I thought Jayne was an incredibly rigid, almost monotone, voice in the story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this protagonist, and I’ll admit…I was afraid I wasn’t going to enjoy her story. In the end, that’s one of the things that made it so enjoyable; Jayne’s story arc.
She was uptight in the beginning–understandably so–because of her family dynamic, her past career choices, and the love that she had to let go. The mistakes she made haunted her to the core. As I continued to read, though, her interaction with the villagers and her budding friendship with Tripp began to smooth her rough edges. Of course, the most important bond in this story is the one she has with Meeka. Love that dog! I need a Westie now. I absolutely adore the organic, slow building connection Jayne makes with Tripp. Nothing forced about it.
The mystery in this tale is brilliantly paced and captivating. There are so many characters in this story as she meets the people who live and work in Whispering Pines, but not once does it feel overwhelming and every character was extremely well developed. I’m in awe of McGuire’s talents. I’ve already purchased the second book in the series so I had to write my review before I devour each book and they all start blending together.
Highly recommend to all fans of mystery and paranormal stories! Well done, McGuire!
June 8, 2017
LOVED this story! I avoid most fantasy, witchcraft, paranormal, etc., but this is written more for understanding than for a thrill of the occult and witchy things! It's not 'over the top' witchcraft, but looking at Wiccan as a religious belief. I fell in love with McGuire's writing through her novellas in the Lei Crime Series KW, and she's brilliantly captured the 'feel' of the northern part of Wisconson. Having spent a summer's week just outside of Madison, her descriptions almost had me scratching the mosquito bites I remember. Awesome character development, excellent cultural and small-town depictions... Looking forward to another story about Jayne, Meeka and Whispering Pines. Highly recommend this one!
February 3, 2019
Six months after resigning from her detective position, Jayne finds herself tasked with the job of packing up her recently deceased grandmother’s home and getting it ready for potential buyers. Shortly after arriving at her grandmother’s home, her K-9 discovers the corpse of a young woman near the house.
This book covers the unofficial investigation Jayne embarks on to discover the culprit responsible for the young lady’s death. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her grandmother and some of the village’s respected leaders. Whispering Pines is a secluded lakeside village frequented by tourists and inhabited by wiccans, carnies, and fortune tellers. The locals protect each other. Tourists are welcomed to visit, but discouraged from lingering too long.
This book covers the unofficial investigation Jayne embarks on to discover the culprit responsible for the young lady’s death. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her grandmother and some of the village’s respected leaders. Whispering Pines is a secluded lakeside village frequented by tourists and inhabited by wiccans, carnies, and fortune tellers. The locals protect each other. Tourists are welcomed to visit, but discouraged from lingering too long.
March 11, 2022
I got the 3-book box set, but I'm going to put a review for each book as I finish them. I really enjoyed this clever mystery. The setting of the small wiccan town in the woods was perfect. I loved how the wiccan traditions were woven into the storyline with respect, and there was also just a hint of the possibility that some of the residents of Whispering Pines had some real powers. The main character was likeable, and the set up for this series is great. I'm looking forward to reading more of these books to see what happens next.
June 27, 2017
Family Secrets was my first book by Shawn McGuire, but it will not be my last. I absolutely loved this book, so much so, I placed it on my favorite books of 2017 list. The author created an amazing cast of characters, each one well developed. My favorite character , outside of the main protagonist Jayne , is Morgan.
The murder happens rather quickly, and the story begins drawing you in immediately. There are plenty of suspects. But the actual murderer and its explanation, you will never see coming.
I've only just finished this book, and I'm already anxiously awaiting the next one! I just can't wait to see what is in store for our friends in Whispering Pines!
The murder happens rather quickly, and the story begins drawing you in immediately. There are plenty of suspects. But the actual murderer and its explanation, you will never see coming.
I've only just finished this book, and I'm already anxiously awaiting the next one! I just can't wait to see what is in store for our friends in Whispering Pines!
April 12, 2018
Whispering Pines appears to be a family friendly and safe place, but appearances can be deceiving. Jayne O'Shea is the new Sheriff and she is finding that there are a lot of secrets in this town. Janye believes that her grandmother was murdered and is seeking the truth. Well-written and enjoyable story!
I received an advance reader copy of this book.
I received an advance reader copy of this book.
August 26, 2020
This mystery series is super well done. I love the details and vibes we get from the town. I love the side love story going on. And we get a little mystery and a little murder. It’s been really fun. I’m on book 3 and have already downloaded 4-6! I’m excited to continue this and actually hope someday they’ll make this into a tv series. I’d love to see the detail this book offers come to life.
September 16, 2021
Quaint, quirky and a little bit more
This is a very different cozy mystery. The setting is a quaint town with a little bit of bizarre. I felt that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jayne is likeable and also a bit on the quirky side. There was enough to keep my interest and I still have some unanswered questions - which makes me curious about book 2.
This is a very different cozy mystery. The setting is a quaint town with a little bit of bizarre. I felt that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jayne is likeable and also a bit on the quirky side. There was enough to keep my interest and I still have some unanswered questions - which makes me curious about book 2.
June 12, 2024
4.5 stars! My only regret is not reading this in October. It would be the perfect spooky season read. I enjoyed the characters. Meeka reminded me of my little dog (except better trained) and I loved the witchy aspect of the book. It was just the right amount of spooky, mystery, drama, and (almost) romance.
June 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I kept changing my mind on who I thought the killer was; I like that I wasn't able to guess it right away. I really liked how there wasn't too much on the main characters past. I'll definitely be reading the next book!
May 20, 2018
What a great book. Different. Wiccan religion. Small woodsy town. Female cop as well as other strong female roles. Plenty of mystery and possible romance in the next episode. I enjoy reading this kind of fantasy . Looking forward to the next book!
January 19, 2024
Compelling from the Beginning
I understand other reviews now, I want to live in Whispering Pines. It was very well described but not overly done. It wasn’t your typical cozy mystery either and I loved that. There was plenty of changes and guessing. I found it so captivating.
I understand other reviews now, I want to live in Whispering Pines. It was very well described but not overly done. It wasn’t your typical cozy mystery either and I loved that. There was plenty of changes and guessing. I found it so captivating.
May 14, 2019
Excellent mystery. Deep descriptions and the characters are all very well etched out. Engaging read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews