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Detective Arla Baker #2
The Keeper of Secrets
A teenage girl disappears on the streets of London. Soon, her parents get a note.
Ask Detective Arla Baker where the missing girl is. Then a dead body appears in the local park.
Someone knows a lot about Detective Inspector Arla Baker. They know her hidden past.
They know where she lives. They know about her lost sister, Nicole.
Every move Arla makes to catch this killer is anticipated. It's as if he knows what she'll do next...
Pressure is mounting on Arla. Not least because the missing girl happens to be the American Ambassador's daughter.
But why is the killer so obsessed with Arla? More than his victims, it is Arla he wants to have in his sights...
As the net closes around her, Arla zooms in on the social circle of London's upper class, and their dirty secrets.
Secrets some will kill to keep.
Another teenage girl is killed inside the same park, and the same message is left on the body.
Ask Arla Baker what happened.
For Arla, it's not a police case any more. It's a fight for survival.
Ask Detective Arla Baker where the missing girl is. Then a dead body appears in the local park.
Someone knows a lot about Detective Inspector Arla Baker. They know her hidden past.
They know where she lives. They know about her lost sister, Nicole.
Every move Arla makes to catch this killer is anticipated. It's as if he knows what she'll do next...
Pressure is mounting on Arla. Not least because the missing girl happens to be the American Ambassador's daughter.
But why is the killer so obsessed with Arla? More than his victims, it is Arla he wants to have in his sights...
As the net closes around her, Arla zooms in on the social circle of London's upper class, and their dirty secrets.
Secrets some will kill to keep.
Another teenage girl is killed inside the same park, and the same message is left on the body.
Ask Arla Baker what happened.
For Arla, it's not a police case any more. It's a fight for survival.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2018
2239 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 9, 2019
I started reading this book with the hope of it being just as good as the the first was and i can say it was,Arla is back trying to come to terms of her sisters death and those that abused Nicole and then killed her.The Keeper of Secrets had me hooked from the first page the author draws you in and you go on the same journey as they do.A young girl goes missing but she is not just a young girl she is an American Diplomats daughter.The case is going to be a tough one as they have no clues or evidence and the top brass are breathing down the teams knecks.Then things turn personal for Arla and she is being taunted by someone who knows her secrets.I can highly recommend this book 5*
March 4, 2023
I didn’t enjoy the first Arla Baker book, but this one was very good - enough to make me want to read the third.
February 2, 2020
What a good book. This storyline had me stumped until near the end. I will look for more books by this author.
May 21, 2020
"Continues to impress"
Another competent thriller with a strong story line. Maybe a trifle cliched, maybe book 3 might recover the promise of the first book.
Another competent thriller with a strong story line. Maybe a trifle cliched, maybe book 3 might recover the promise of the first book.
March 6, 2020
If you want a book that you can't put down, then this is the one for you. This crime story in well written and full of twists and turns from start to finish. Arla Baker is coming to terms with the death of her sister Nicole who was murdered. Arla has been given a new high profile case of the disappearance of a diplomats daughter Maddy. The case starts to become personal when Baker receives notes linking her to the killer. I really enjoyed this book and would recommended to anyone who like a good crime thriller.
December 5, 2018
The basic premise of this book is good, someone trying to destroy Detective Inspector Arla Baker, and they don't care who they hurt in the process.
However, for me there were too many negative points to make this a great read: firstly there were too many typos and general mistakes, secondly, there were references which I assume were back to the first book, however as I haven't read that book, I am not sure if they were and if that was the case, they weren't explained in this book, leaving me confused; finally I found the way that Arla reacts to the various messages to her to be rather unconvincing, surely someone who has risen to the post of DI in the police would be tough and practical, I got rather fed up with her constantly 'feeling as though she had been kicked in the gut' or similar, when she finds a piece of jewellery, or a photograph.
On a brighter note, I thought that the revelation of the identity of her tormentor was a genuine surprise, and I didn't see that coming. So overall, a good story, but could really do with some serious editing to make it into an equally good read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.
However, for me there were too many negative points to make this a great read: firstly there were too many typos and general mistakes, secondly, there were references which I assume were back to the first book, however as I haven't read that book, I am not sure if they were and if that was the case, they weren't explained in this book, leaving me confused; finally I found the way that Arla reacts to the various messages to her to be rather unconvincing, surely someone who has risen to the post of DI in the police would be tough and practical, I got rather fed up with her constantly 'feeling as though she had been kicked in the gut' or similar, when she finds a piece of jewellery, or a photograph.
On a brighter note, I thought that the revelation of the identity of her tormentor was a genuine surprise, and I didn't see that coming. So overall, a good story, but could really do with some serious editing to make it into an equally good read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.
December 30, 2018
Such an exciting read! I just didn't work it out at all, despite suspecting almost everyone at one time or another ...
DI Arla Baker is put in charge of a new case despite a connection being implicated. As evidence begins to mount up and the team feel they are getting the runaround, pressure on Arla increases to get a result and keep this high profile case hidden from the press. As it becomes obvious that there is a definite link to Arla, can she keep it together long enough to work it out?
This is a rollercoaster ride of a read. Every time I thought I had a grip on it and knew what was going on, something else would happen and it would all whirl around again in my mind. I certainly feel as if my mental faculties have had a really good work out with this novel .. and when things became clear I was completely shocked. Never saw it coming and certainly didn't suspect THAT! Wow! Arla Baker, come back - and soon!
My thanks to the author for my arc, which I chose to read of my own volition. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
DI Arla Baker is put in charge of a new case despite a connection being implicated. As evidence begins to mount up and the team feel they are getting the runaround, pressure on Arla increases to get a result and keep this high profile case hidden from the press. As it becomes obvious that there is a definite link to Arla, can she keep it together long enough to work it out?
This is a rollercoaster ride of a read. Every time I thought I had a grip on it and knew what was going on, something else would happen and it would all whirl around again in my mind. I certainly feel as if my mental faculties have had a really good work out with this novel .. and when things became clear I was completely shocked. Never saw it coming and certainly didn't suspect THAT! Wow! Arla Baker, come back - and soon!
My thanks to the author for my arc, which I chose to read of my own volition. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
July 10, 2019
Same sort of story line as the first regarding Arla's sister can't understand why the son of her sister felt the need to kill and haunt Arla when she knew nothing about him .
And keep feeling sick ect when anything concerning her sister came about not very professional .
And keep feeling sick ect when anything concerning her sister came about not very professional .
September 21, 2020
Someone is playing mind games with DCI Arla Baker, breaking into her flat, sending her items that suggest they know her secrets. Worst of all, they undermine her by claiming she knows what happened to the missing teenager of an American diplomat.
No wonder Arla’s bosses are concerned. Their concern turns into their worst fears when the missing girl turns up dead.
While there’s nothing new about a killer targeting a police officer during a murder investigation, I like it when things get personal. It ramps up the stakes and the author deftly handles Arla’s fight to maintain her sanity, stay in charge of the murder investigation and find out who’s tormenting her as she slowly unravels. With glimpses into the killer’s mind, both sides of the story run alongside each other and interweave, adding to the suspense and tension, which increases when another victim is found in the same park.
With strong characters, plenty of emotion, tension and action, the story takes you on a gripping ride to an exciting and satisfying climax that ties up all the loose ends. While I had to suspend my disbelief a little at times, the final twist was neatly handled and revealed, setting up an exciting climax that kept me turning the pages.
As this is the second story in the series, I’m not sure how much of the backstory I missed from the first book, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. Another author to add to my list and a book I would heartily recommend.
No wonder Arla’s bosses are concerned. Their concern turns into their worst fears when the missing girl turns up dead.
While there’s nothing new about a killer targeting a police officer during a murder investigation, I like it when things get personal. It ramps up the stakes and the author deftly handles Arla’s fight to maintain her sanity, stay in charge of the murder investigation and find out who’s tormenting her as she slowly unravels. With glimpses into the killer’s mind, both sides of the story run alongside each other and interweave, adding to the suspense and tension, which increases when another victim is found in the same park.
With strong characters, plenty of emotion, tension and action, the story takes you on a gripping ride to an exciting and satisfying climax that ties up all the loose ends. While I had to suspend my disbelief a little at times, the final twist was neatly handled and revealed, setting up an exciting climax that kept me turning the pages.
As this is the second story in the series, I’m not sure how much of the backstory I missed from the first book, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. Another author to add to my list and a book I would heartily recommend.
Read
May 15, 2020A teenage girl disappears on the streets of London. Soon, her parents get a note.
Ask Detective Arla Baker where the missing girl is. Then a dead body appears in the local park.
Someone knows a lot about Detective Inspector Arla Baker. They know her hidden past.
They know where she lives. They know about her lost sister, Nicole.
Every move Arla makes to catch this killer is anticipated. It's as if he knows what she'll do next...
Pressure is mounting on Arla. Not least because the missing girl happens to be the American Ambassador's daughter.
But why is the killer so obsessed with Arla? More than his victims, it is Arla he wants to have in his sights...
As the net closes around her, Arla zooms in on the social circle of London's upper class, and their dirty secrets.
Secrets some will kill to keep.
Another teenage girl is killed inside the same park, and the same message is left on the body.
Ask Arla Baker what happened.
For Arla, it's not a police case any more. It's a fight for survival.
Didn't read. Too much
Ask Detective Arla Baker where the missing girl is. Then a dead body appears in the local park.
Someone knows a lot about Detective Inspector Arla Baker. They know her hidden past.
They know where she lives. They know about her lost sister, Nicole.
Every move Arla makes to catch this killer is anticipated. It's as if he knows what she'll do next...
Pressure is mounting on Arla. Not least because the missing girl happens to be the American Ambassador's daughter.
But why is the killer so obsessed with Arla? More than his victims, it is Arla he wants to have in his sights...
As the net closes around her, Arla zooms in on the social circle of London's upper class, and their dirty secrets.
Secrets some will kill to keep.
Another teenage girl is killed inside the same park, and the same message is left on the body.
Ask Arla Baker what happened.
For Arla, it's not a police case any more. It's a fight for survival.
Didn't read. Too much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
Awesome! Another gripping winner!
He's done it again; Bose at his finest! Arla Baker is back and hopefully, here to stay! Arla, after viewing her lost sister's remains( concluding her case in The Lost Sister), heads back to London to track down another serial killer. This clever killer has thrown Arla's name right into the midst of the investigation, trying to implicate her involvement in the missing and then murdered young girls. So, not only does she have to prove she's not part of the crimes but to solve the case and capture this creepy killer. Of course, true to form, there's a twist we don't see coming but Arla is just too good and figures it all out! If you like strong female characters and plenty of twists and turns, then The Keeper of Secrets is a great book for you! It's also a sequel to The Lost Sister and hopefully a series of Arla Baker thrillers!
He's done it again; Bose at his finest! Arla Baker is back and hopefully, here to stay! Arla, after viewing her lost sister's remains( concluding her case in The Lost Sister), heads back to London to track down another serial killer. This clever killer has thrown Arla's name right into the midst of the investigation, trying to implicate her involvement in the missing and then murdered young girls. So, not only does she have to prove she's not part of the crimes but to solve the case and capture this creepy killer. Of course, true to form, there's a twist we don't see coming but Arla is just too good and figures it all out! If you like strong female characters and plenty of twists and turns, then The Keeper of Secrets is a great book for you! It's also a sequel to The Lost Sister and hopefully a series of Arla Baker thrillers!
July 16, 2025
4/5
Okay, this 2nd book was far better than the first. Although the beginning was still a little meh for me. And even though the ending was riveting with action. The reasons behind everything just didn't make enough sense to me. Like I get it, but I also don't get it. I guess they were just that evil from their upbringing, that it makes sense. I was kind of hoping for a more messed-up reason why they did everything lol. I also have an issue with Arla herself. Some of her reactions are a bit overly dramatic for someone who is supposed to be a bad ass detective. Also, I don't know if the writer meant for her to be unlikable, but I really don't find her likable. Kind of want to slap her around lol. But man the 2nd half of the book was written well and had lots of twists and turns. Onto the next book!
Okay, this 2nd book was far better than the first. Although the beginning was still a little meh for me. And even though the ending was riveting with action. The reasons behind everything just didn't make enough sense to me. Like I get it, but I also don't get it. I guess they were just that evil from their upbringing, that it makes sense. I was kind of hoping for a more messed-up reason why they did everything lol. I also have an issue with Arla herself. Some of her reactions are a bit overly dramatic for someone who is supposed to be a bad ass detective. Also, I don't know if the writer meant for her to be unlikable, but I really don't find her likable. Kind of want to slap her around lol. But man the 2nd half of the book was written well and had lots of twists and turns. Onto the next book!
October 25, 2018
Have read the 1st book and thought that was marginally better, a few discrepancies, i.e. Nicole has been found in this book, or more like her bones, and DNA did to make sure it's her, but who found her? and it seems how was she murdered perhaps that comes later. This one starts with an American Embassy diplomat's daughter who has been abducted and clues sent to DCI Arla Baker and implying she knows something. The story has been well put together but the other inconsistency is near the end DCI Baker gets taken off the case, and some poor soul is about to get booked for murder, and nothing is said to the contrary, I did feel that one or two explanations were in order, and some bits were left in the air which to me felt unfinished.
March 6, 2020
although more readable than the first in this series this book is hampered by discrepancies, inconsistencies and poor editing. An ambassador's daughter is abducted and a note to the parents points them in Arla Baker's direction. She is an unlikeable hot head with major issues. Now she is bedding her co-worker. Her much-ballyhooed skills are more attributable to her team than herself. and last I knew the British didn't read suspects Miranda warnings and when did the victim in the first story become Arla's long lost mother in the second? The plot isn't bad but isn't believable or logical and unfortunately Arla survives to star in another book.
February 18, 2020
All the books in this series have been fantastic reading, just started book five, but have trouble now keeping my eyes open as it’s way past my bedtime, can’t wait till tomorrow to continue book five, brilliant author.
All the books in this series have been fantastic reading, just started book five, but can’t keep my eyes open as its way past my bedtime, can’t wait till tomorrow to continue reading, This author is brilliant, plenty gritty storylines, can’t wait till I have finish this series and find more of her books.
All the books in this series have been fantastic reading, just started book five, but can’t keep my eyes open as its way past my bedtime, can’t wait till tomorrow to continue reading, This author is brilliant, plenty gritty storylines, can’t wait till I have finish this series and find more of her books.
May 17, 2020
Once again, ML Rose knocks this crime thriller out of the park! Halfway through the book I had a pretty good idea of who the killer was. However, with that being said, the author keeps you intrigued throughout the book and leaves enough suspense for you to keep reading through to the end. I did notice a few typos (apart from the UK spelling of certain words) but decided to still give the book five stars based on the author's success in the amount of suspense throughout the book and keeping me engaged.
October 17, 2018
It was okay .. kept me engaged
I really enjoyed the first book in the series which is why I picked up the second but there were a lot of discrepancies. I.e the names Imogen and Emma were switched through out the book for same person, Arla's height was 5''11 in some places and 5'9 in some between 2 books and few others like that, it kind of annoyed me tbh. Some of the other characters could've had a bit more background etc . I preferred the first book for sure
I really enjoyed the first book in the series which is why I picked up the second but there were a lot of discrepancies. I.e the names Imogen and Emma were switched through out the book for same person, Arla's height was 5''11 in some places and 5'9 in some between 2 books and few others like that, it kind of annoyed me tbh. Some of the other characters could've had a bit more background etc . I preferred the first book for sure
January 6, 2019
Excellent
What a great crime procedural. Arla Baker is a dynamic, if sometimes hard to like character. Her grit and determination drive the entire pace of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the well thought out plot (not easy to guess) and the authenticity each of the characters possesses. Will continue to read any other novels by this author. Hate the cliffhanger ending, but only because I want more!
What a great crime procedural. Arla Baker is a dynamic, if sometimes hard to like character. Her grit and determination drive the entire pace of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the well thought out plot (not easy to guess) and the authenticity each of the characters possesses. Will continue to read any other novels by this author. Hate the cliffhanger ending, but only because I want more!
January 11, 2019
Excellent
This is the second book in the series, and date I say that I enjoyed it more than The List Sister!. Ayla seems to be coming into her own, still argumentative but learning to vote her tongue a wee bit more. Hope that the bidding romance between her and Harry continues in book three!!. One small irritant which I am sure is nothing to do with the author, why on earth are some of the words printed in pink?? It is so annoying!!
This is the second book in the series, and date I say that I enjoyed it more than The List Sister!. Ayla seems to be coming into her own, still argumentative but learning to vote her tongue a wee bit more. Hope that the bidding romance between her and Harry continues in book three!!. One small irritant which I am sure is nothing to do with the author, why on earth are some of the words printed in pink?? It is so annoying!!
July 29, 2019
I enjoyed this second book in the series even more than the first one. At least it kept me reading whenever i could. This author is self-published and there are a few error's in the book, typo's or using the name of one of the other characters, but they are minor and really do not detract from the story. Without giving the story line away, just know that there are many twist and turns that keep you reading. Well done M.L. Rose.
March 3, 2020
Mysterious vibe throughout!
Secrets in a title draws me in with the anticipation of a good mystery. I was not disappointed, author, M. L. Rose’s
writing style alluded to the secrets creating a mysterious vibe throughout. Pages fly unfolding several storylines woven perfectly to the unexpected twisted end. A most mysterious, suspenseful thriller left me wanting to read more of the Detective Arla Baker Series. A great goodread!
Secrets in a title draws me in with the anticipation of a good mystery. I was not disappointed, author, M. L. Rose’s
writing style alluded to the secrets creating a mysterious vibe throughout. Pages fly unfolding several storylines woven perfectly to the unexpected twisted end. A most mysterious, suspenseful thriller left me wanting to read more of the Detective Arla Baker Series. A great goodread!
March 24, 2020
Who would want to hurt the DCI Baker so much. Some characters are well developed but the little flirtation between the two principal characters is so tentative as to almost be redundant. But it explains the affinity and the sensitivity between them. And perhaps Harry’s chestnut eyes. The bosses are always wrong, of course. We want to see the bad ones crucified, if possible with explanations. Will look for other books from this author, Keeper of secrets kept me enthralled and entertained.
April 2, 2020
ARLA HAS SO MANY PERSONAL PROBLEMS I WONDERED IF SHE WAS FIT TO HOLD ON TO HER JOB. THIS IS MY SECOND ARLA BAKER, I’VE READ AND I COULD’NT FIGURE OUT THE WHO DONE IT IN THIS ONE. I LIKE MOST OF THE DETECTIVE BOOKS SET IN ENGLAND. THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES ME CRAZY IS WHEN THEY ARE IN TROUBLE IS, THERE’S NO FREAKIN’ GUNS. I GUESS BEING SURROUNDED BY GUNS HAS A GOOD/BAD EFFECT ON YOU, I PREFER HAVING ONE, WHY IT’S THE AMERICAN WAY. LOL. ;D
June 4, 2020
I like this series quite a bit. Area Baker is a fun detective, although after just two books, some of the situations are already a bit repetitive. I’m not sure if that will get old after a few more books or whether it might develop into something a bit deeper in future installments. These books are self published, with typos in each one. It’s noticeable, but I was able to overlook those errors in favor of following the story. Looking forward to more...
July 17, 2023
Tense
This was a good read and got quite tense in places. Some books where the detective is in the centre of the story get a bit self indulgent but this manages mostly to avoid that, though there are a few passages which are a bit that way, hence the dropping of one star. The Arla Baker books need to move on a bit now, though.
I managed to guess the ending, or at least some of it, before it got there but was never 100% sure and continued to be carried along by the plot.
This was a good read and got quite tense in places. Some books where the detective is in the centre of the story get a bit self indulgent but this manages mostly to avoid that, though there are a few passages which are a bit that way, hence the dropping of one star. The Arla Baker books need to move on a bit now, though.
I managed to guess the ending, or at least some of it, before it got there but was never 100% sure and continued to be carried along by the plot.
March 6, 2020
Though this was a compelling enough story to keep me reading, it is in need of some serious editing, so much so that it really took away from the enjoyment of reading. A lot of words were oddly chosen, and though the setting was in England, aside from the police titles it felt as though it had been scrubbed of its “British-ness”.
March 7, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Annoyed I didn't realise it was a second episode in a series as I would have liked to read the prior book first. Very good read, disappointed that Imogen switched to Emma for a few chapters then came back as Imogen. But all in all a great read, I'll search out some more of this author's books
May 6, 2020
Great read plenty of twists and turns kept me hooked with a good ending twist. I do wonder with these authors they all appear to write about their main detective character whether male or female to all have suffered during their upbringing so they all carry baggage and trying to escape from their past. just an observation didn’t spoil the read though.
September 7, 2020
An unexpected twist
As an avid reader of mysteries, it isn't often that I am truly surprised and can't figure out "whodunit" but this one had me guessing right until the culprit was exposed in the narrative. Part family drama, part procedural, part workplace dynamics, all intriguing and making it hard to put down.
As an avid reader of mysteries, it isn't often that I am truly surprised and can't figure out "whodunit" but this one had me guessing right until the culprit was exposed in the narrative. Part family drama, part procedural, part workplace dynamics, all intriguing and making it hard to put down.
December 27, 2021
Given it 1 more star than the first one as the editing seems better. Still some silly mistakes like a ring changing fingers, name of Imogen changing to Emma and then back again, and the wrong name for Nottinghamshire Police (incidentally a similar name to what was used on Line of Duty)
Story was fantastic. Gripping, easy to follow and a twist I didn't see coming.
Story was fantastic. Gripping, easy to follow and a twist I didn't see coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews