The Secret

by Michael Altieri

The reclusive life of former homicide detective Brenda Corrino has suddenly leaped from PTSD recovery to something much more interesting. Murder! Her ex-partner was investigating the bizarre murder of a college student when he inadvertently let his guard down and now, he remains comatose in a hospital. She investigates as she tries to come to terms with being raped and nearly murdered while working undercover two years earlier. While broadening her investigation, more former students from the same school are ending up dead. Brenda unearths the deep dark secret that the students have been hiding from her and everyone else outside their circle.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2019

Reviews

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reclusive life of former homicide detective Brenda Corrino has suddenly leaped from post-traumatic stress disorder recovery to something much more interesting. Murder! Her ex-partner was investigating the bizarre murder of a college student when he inadvertently let his guard down and now, he remains comatose in a hospital. She investigates as she tries to come to terms with being raped and nearly murdered while working undercover two years earlier. While broadening her investigation, more former students from the same school are ending up dead. When consoling a young widow left behind by the killer, Brenda unearths the deep dark secret that the students have been hiding from her and everyone else outside their circle.

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and this book is as good as the first (the DVD Killer).
An interesting, entertaining read.
The story line holds your interest throughout the entire book.
There are 2 mysteries entwined into this story; you think you will have it figured out til you get to the twist ending.
I love the protagonist and the story is an action-packed thrill read.
I highly recommend reading!

I received this book from authorsxp for free and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and this book is as good as the first (the DVD Killer). I love the protagonist and the story is an action-packed thrill.

I received this book from authorsxp for free and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Inferna Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting, breathtaking, page turning book. I started it one evening and got pulled away for a few days but when I picked it back up I could not put it down. Finished it that night. I like how the author moved forward from the first book but kept us in the loop with Brenda. I enjoy her character very much. I will continue reading this series.

[Jeannie Huie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story idea, but at times we were given too much information for that section of the plot. It got somewhat boring in the middle.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story in this book is very interesting. A mystery and a thriller for sure, but also several underlying stories about the people involved. The main character, Brenda Corrino, plays the dual role of victim and investigator who solves the crimes, yes multiple crimes. There is a lot of sex in this story, both as part of the crimes perpetrated and also by Brenda herself as she has a warm relationship with the local Medical Examiner, Darren Crowe.

Brenda is a brave woman, going in alone to try to expose a murderer who video records the heinous acts that he and his accomplice perpetrate. She volunteers to be one of his photography subjects not knowing how dangerous the situation would turn out to me. She is almost killed, but is saved by Darren and her partner Frank Gianni. The ordeal, however, has severely damaged her mentally as well as physically, and left Frank hospitalized in a coma. One of the stories in the book involves her dealing with this, including taking the bad man to trial and how this forces her to relive the nightmare she experience.

While Frank is out of commission, Brenda wants to follow up on a new murder case Frank started working on. Before long she finds herself investigating a string of murders, all with the same MO. This is the main story in the book and evolves into something that involves a group of high school friend who share a dark secret. It takes a lot of investigation by Brenda, with Darren's help, to start to get some answers, and there is a lot of detail about how she tracks down every lead until she finally comes up with an idea of how to trap the killer. But what a surprise ending there is!!!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received through AXPBooks.com with no obligation to review. I did not realize that it was the second book in a series until a little way into the book however you can read this story and appreciate it without having read the first one. I think the main character Brenda Corrino is a great example of a strong determined women who manages to move beyond the ghastly assault she survived. I look forward to the next book and plan to go back to read the first book I missed.

[Lmmh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the DVD Killer, and it shows the strength, resilience and determination of Brenda Corrino, who fought back and refused to allow the horrific assault she endured define her. This book kept me engaged and wanting more from this writer. Pick this book up if you enjoy mystery/crime books.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crime thriller filled with suspense and exciting action.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation of The DVD Killer that explores the effect of the previous books events on Brenda. I thought it Did a great job of balancing her PTSD along with a latent mystery from a group of high school students embroiled in a scandal.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The DVD Killer (which I have NOT yet read). It does however work as a standalone and although I now want to read The DVD Killer, not having read it does NOT take away from the story.
.
Old secrets, a comatose partner, a trial, an abuse victim trying to get back into life all come together in this police mystery.

I received a free copy of the book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.