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Coroner's Daughter #2
Secret Remains
A cold case murder, a grisly discovery, and a viper's nest of resentment, betrayal, and dirty secrets converge in this mystery perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs and Jayne Ann Krentz.
It's been 12 years since Sandi Parkman went missing after being dropped off at home by her schoolmate, Nick Larson, now the Sheriff of Freeport, Michigan. When a construction crew unearths Sandi's bones--along with Nick's letterman jacket and one of his hairs--Nick becomes suspect number one in the murder.
Dr. Emily Hartford, the daughter of Freeport's medical examiner, is called in to investigate, but the case is about to get personal. Nick was Emily's high school love, and now she has to either clear his name--or contend that he's the killer. As she delves into the case, a host of other suspects emerge: a coterie of Nick's jock friends from high school; Sandi's sister, Tiffany, now a dancer at a local strip club; and James VanDerMuellen, a trust funder who's recently returned to Freeport.
As the autumn skies darken over Freeport and the holiday season looms, Emily must sift through more than Sandi's brittle bones to solve the case. Can she exonerate Nick--and rekindle their long-smoldering romance? The race is on to find the truth.
It's been 12 years since Sandi Parkman went missing after being dropped off at home by her schoolmate, Nick Larson, now the Sheriff of Freeport, Michigan. When a construction crew unearths Sandi's bones--along with Nick's letterman jacket and one of his hairs--Nick becomes suspect number one in the murder.
Dr. Emily Hartford, the daughter of Freeport's medical examiner, is called in to investigate, but the case is about to get personal. Nick was Emily's high school love, and now she has to either clear his name--or contend that he's the killer. As she delves into the case, a host of other suspects emerge: a coterie of Nick's jock friends from high school; Sandi's sister, Tiffany, now a dancer at a local strip club; and James VanDerMuellen, a trust funder who's recently returned to Freeport.
As the autumn skies darken over Freeport and the holiday season looms, Emily must sift through more than Sandi's brittle bones to solve the case. Can she exonerate Nick--and rekindle their long-smoldering romance? The race is on to find the truth.
330 pages, Hardcover
Published January 7, 2020
175 people are currently reading
3776 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
10 books693 followersJennifer Dornbush is a screenwriter, author, international speaker and forensic specialist. As she says, “I grew up around death.”
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer was raised in it. As the daughter of a small town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top-selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter. The first book in the series, The Coroner, released in 2018. The second in the series, Secret Remains, released January 2020. She is developing the series for TV.
She wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018). She has developed a TV crime drama series with Echo Lake and Hoplite Entertainment. Also she adapted a popular YA novel to script and sold a children’s show.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.
And she has a great sense of gallows humor.
Website: www.jenniferdornbush.com
Facebook: Jennifer Graeser Dornbush
Twitter: @JGDornbush
Instagram: @JGDornbush
Newsletter & Blog Sign up: www.jenniferdornbush.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
June 3, 2022
A construction crew uncovers a skeleton while moving dirt. Dr. Emily Hartford has been asked to take over her late father's job and act as coroner. With no identification on the body, Emily asks for the help of a Forensic Anthropologist. Sheriff Nick Larsen believes he knows the identity of the body. Nick remembers Sandi Parkman, a girl he went to high school with. There were a lot of rumors about Sandi and a sex tape. Nick talked to her about it; and was one of the last people to see Sandi before she suddenly disappeared. When police uncover Nick's letterman jacket at the grave site, he becomes the number one suspect in Sandi's death. It's up to Emily to find out what really happened to Sandi.
I read the first book in this series last month and it ended with a cliffhanger. I decided to give the second book a try. The mystery was well-plotted with lots of twists and turns. There were a lot of suspects to sort through. As new information came forward, I changed my mind about the identity of the killer several times. As with the last book, the weakness in the story was Emily. She is very judgmental and overreacted to everything. Over and over again she would ask Nick if he killed Sandi. How many times does he have to deny it? She drove me crazy to the point where I was shouting at the book. Nancy Drew has run better investigations than this woman. I know after reading the book reviews that my opinion is in the minority. I just don't get all of the great reviews. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
I read the first book in this series last month and it ended with a cliffhanger. I decided to give the second book a try. The mystery was well-plotted with lots of twists and turns. There were a lot of suspects to sort through. As new information came forward, I changed my mind about the identity of the killer several times. As with the last book, the weakness in the story was Emily. She is very judgmental and overreacted to everything. Over and over again she would ask Nick if he killed Sandi. How many times does he have to deny it? She drove me crazy to the point where I was shouting at the book. Nancy Drew has run better investigations than this woman. I know after reading the book reviews that my opinion is in the minority. I just don't get all of the great reviews. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
February 11, 2020
This book was a major disappointment for me. I was expecting a mystery thriller and I got a sophomoric romance. Too many longing glances, too many unexpected shoulder rubs, and no throbbing (throbbing not allowed). This was really on the level of Jr. High School. The plot was obvious from the beginning and none of the adults acted as if they had a brain in their collective heads. Only for those who like amateurish romances.
January 9, 2020
Twelve years ago, teenager Sandi Parkman went missing and has never been heard of since. Today her remains were uncovered by a construction crew.
Sheriff Nick Larson was the last to see her alive ..as far as he knows. But his high school jacket and a few of his hairs are also found with Sandi.
Dr. Emily Hartford is called in to investigate, but the case is about to get real personal ...Nick and Emily were high school sweethearts.
Now her job is to either clear his name of murder or find him guilty of same murder. It helps that there are plenty of suspects she needs to take a look at.
Book Blurb: Emily must sift through more than Sandi's brittle bones to solve the case. Can she exonerate Nick--and rekindle their long-smoldering romance? The race is on to find the truth.
SECRET REMAINS is an amateur sleuth mystery, well written with an engaging plot and unforgettable characters. There were a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes until the unpredictable ending.
Many thanks to the author /Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily. opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Sheriff Nick Larson was the last to see her alive ..as far as he knows. But his high school jacket and a few of his hairs are also found with Sandi.
Dr. Emily Hartford is called in to investigate, but the case is about to get real personal ...Nick and Emily were high school sweethearts.
Now her job is to either clear his name of murder or find him guilty of same murder. It helps that there are plenty of suspects she needs to take a look at.
Book Blurb: Emily must sift through more than Sandi's brittle bones to solve the case. Can she exonerate Nick--and rekindle their long-smoldering romance? The race is on to find the truth.
SECRET REMAINS is an amateur sleuth mystery, well written with an engaging plot and unforgettable characters. There were a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes until the unpredictable ending.
Many thanks to the author /Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily. opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 24, 2021
I like this so far but in the first book she mentions her sister Anna. Then in this one she finds out about a sister Anna she never heard of before? Continuity issues for sure
August 25, 2021
Great read. I highly recommend.
Ms. Dornbush keeps a quick pace in this mystery novel that takes one grizzly discovery to unravel a decade of lies and coverups. The brilliant Doctor Emily Hartford has her hands full, but does not disappoint, in this small town tale that will reveal more than expected about the lives of it's former high school standouts. These characters will all leave you doubting and second guessing motives until the final chapters. A very satisfying read.
Ms. Dornbush keeps a quick pace in this mystery novel that takes one grizzly discovery to unravel a decade of lies and coverups. The brilliant Doctor Emily Hartford has her hands full, but does not disappoint, in this small town tale that will reveal more than expected about the lives of it's former high school standouts. These characters will all leave you doubting and second guessing motives until the final chapters. A very satisfying read.
June 16, 2025
This is a Crime Mystery, and this is the second book in A Coroner's Daughter Mystery series. In this book we follow Dr. Emily who is acting as the Coroner in the small town she grow up in because her father just passed away of a heart attack. In this book there is bones that is really old found, and they have to figured out who's bones they are and who killed the person. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book, and I loved the characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
January 19, 2020
Am I the only one who didn't love this book? It was very predictable. You can figure out the killer early on. Also, the characters act like people in their 40's half the time, not their late 20's. The main character is supposed to be a smart, driven person & yet she act very hastily & in my opinion stupidly sometimes. Also, small plot point but who in the world would drive an electric car in severe Michigan weather? Driving to Chicago? It just bugged me.
March 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book because Emily Hartford is such a great character. I liked her very much in this and the previous book. In this one, she has to solve an old murder case in order to clear the man she cares about from suspicion. Aside from the great characters, this one has a fast-paced, engrossing storyline. I'm really looking forward to more of this series.
January 14, 2020
The second book for this character takes an interesting turn when old bones are discovered and Emily is once again pressed into service as coroner while needing to make many life decisions and discover who the mysterious woman is that her father left part of his estate to. This book picks up exactly where the first leaves off so it is like reading an extended novel. I liked that unique aspect quite a bit. The characters are very interesting and I think will develop into excellent ones to follow if the series continues. The plot was very intriguing, interesting and entertaining. It definitely picks up and starts moving better once Emily gets a handle on what she wants rather than treading water about her future.
January 7, 2021
I wasn't as thrilled with SECRET REMAINS as I was THE CORONER. Emily, who came across as fairly mature and level-headed in the first book traded that in for a smug judge-jury-and-executioner role this time. Is there a statute of limitations on the bad choices people make while in high school? Evidently not, especially in the cancel culture climate of today. Should Nick (and others) have done more to help Sandi when he was in high school? Most definitely! Is it always possible to help those who need help the most? No, and that's unfortunate. I get the point the author tried to make here, but I think she could have conveyed it differently.
June 1, 2020
I am loving this new author I have discovered. This is the second book in the series. Very well written and a great cast of characters. It will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
I am hoping that there will be many more books to the series.
I am hoping that there will be many more books to the series.
December 30, 2019
Fast paced mystery thriller.
"Societies get the criminals they deserve"
Dr Emily Hartford is devastated when her father dies of a heart attack. They have just started bonding again. On the same day as his funeral, bones are discovered when excavation starts for a new housing development and she is called in to help. Together with her childhood friend Nick Larson, who is the county sheriff, they have to figure out who was buried here and what happened to this person. What secrets are buried in this little town and who can you trust in the end?
It was 1 of those books I loved but also felt irritated with at times. It was a very fast read and I couldn't put it down but certain things felt rushed. She finds out Nick was involved with what was called a pack and immediately after her best friend phones her to tell her she found out her husband was part of the pact. She also meets up several times with Dr Payton, who was called in to help identify the body, and even invites him to meet her half sister but she always refers to him as Dr Payton. That just didn't make sense.
All in all it was a very good read and I'm maybe over critical.
You can also see that the author is very knowledgeable when it comes to forensics.
A definite 3.5 ⭐ rounded to a 4.
Thank you to #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"Societies get the criminals they deserve"
Dr Emily Hartford is devastated when her father dies of a heart attack. They have just started bonding again. On the same day as his funeral, bones are discovered when excavation starts for a new housing development and she is called in to help. Together with her childhood friend Nick Larson, who is the county sheriff, they have to figure out who was buried here and what happened to this person. What secrets are buried in this little town and who can you trust in the end?
It was 1 of those books I loved but also felt irritated with at times. It was a very fast read and I couldn't put it down but certain things felt rushed. She finds out Nick was involved with what was called a pack and immediately after her best friend phones her to tell her she found out her husband was part of the pact. She also meets up several times with Dr Payton, who was called in to help identify the body, and even invites him to meet her half sister but she always refers to him as Dr Payton. That just didn't make sense.
All in all it was a very good read and I'm maybe over critical.
You can also see that the author is very knowledgeable when it comes to forensics.
A definite 3.5 ⭐ rounded to a 4.
Thank you to #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 6, 2019
Secret Remains by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is the 2nd book in the Coroner's Daughter Mystery series, and my first book by this author. Wow, this book had me hooked from page one. I look forward to going back and reading book one, The Coroner. Dr. Emily Hartford returned to Freeport, Michigan when her father had a heart attack a few weeks ago. When a construction crew digs up a skeleton, Emily is asked to be the coroner on the case. Nick Larson, the sheriff of Freeport, and long time friend of Emily becomes a suspect. Nick drove the victim home after school the day she disappeared 12 years ago. Emily is determined to find the truth, while making hard decisions for her future. This book is a very good mystery. I enjoyed the plot, cast of characters and this author’s writing. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. This book is highly recommended
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.
January 14, 2020
The second book for this character takes an interesting turn when old bones are discovered and Emily is once again pressed into service as coroner while needing to make many life decisions and discover who the mysterious woman is that her father left part of his estate to. This book picks up exactly where the first leaves off so it is like reading an extended novel. I liked that unique aspect quite a bit. The characters are very interesting and I think will develop into excellent ones to follow if the series continues. The plot was very intriguing, interesting and entertaining. It definitely picks up and starts moving better once Emily gets a handle on what she wants rather than treading water about her future.
January 26, 2020
A great roller-coaster ride of a book that had me excited from the first page to last. I knew not what I was getting into when I started this, but to be a coroner had been one of my wishes years ago. With much gusto, I started reading.
Emily had come home after being estranged from her father for 12 years, just to see her dad dying with a secret about her past on his lips. On the day of his funeral, bones had been found in a construction area which belonged to a girl who disappeared a decade ago. The sheriff was the last seen person, and Emily had to work hard to prove his innocence…or probably his guilt.
My first book by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, and a secret thrill gripped from the very first chapter. The entire town though friendly seemed to be enveloped in secrets. The pack had its own rules. I love a book with secrets. Each page turned brought a new reveal until Emily got to investigating.
Jennifer’s writing had me in a thrall, come on, who doesn’t get excited by dead body and bones? OK… Just me probably. This had me in glee when twists too were enmeshed in the investigation. I would have liked more of investigation and less of her personal life. But that’s small town county for you. And of course, the author ended it brilliantly with an expectedly unexpected ending.
Overall, a delightful read over breakfast where I was at peace after reading a few cutesy books. This got me right there – in my thriller-y heart.
Emily had come home after being estranged from her father for 12 years, just to see her dad dying with a secret about her past on his lips. On the day of his funeral, bones had been found in a construction area which belonged to a girl who disappeared a decade ago. The sheriff was the last seen person, and Emily had to work hard to prove his innocence…or probably his guilt.
My first book by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush, and a secret thrill gripped from the very first chapter. The entire town though friendly seemed to be enveloped in secrets. The pack had its own rules. I love a book with secrets. Each page turned brought a new reveal until Emily got to investigating.
Jennifer’s writing had me in a thrall, come on, who doesn’t get excited by dead body and bones? OK… Just me probably. This had me in glee when twists too were enmeshed in the investigation. I would have liked more of investigation and less of her personal life. But that’s small town county for you. And of course, the author ended it brilliantly with an expectedly unexpected ending.
Overall, a delightful read over breakfast where I was at peace after reading a few cutesy books. This got me right there – in my thriller-y heart.
May 18, 2020
At first I didn't know this book was apart of a series, but I'll tell ya I have no desire to ever read any of these books again.. & I didn't care that I was "missing" anything from book #1. This book just didn't do it for me..
It's pretty much a romance with an unsolved murder thrown in, not even a mystery though.. it's pretty much known who the killer is.
It's just unbelievable too. Here's this girl Emily she has this amazing Doctor fiancee, I mean why leave him? but she does? Kinda leads him on though..
Then has another top Doctor pretty much stalking her & she leads him on too.. btw he's so shady!!!! Idk how she didn't see that
But of course there's a third love interest.. the high school sweetheart who she is in love with on the DL. Who just happens to be the sheriff of the small town she's from..
It's just too much! 🤦
She has dudes chasing her.. amazing job opportunities being thrown at her that people work their whole careers & don't get offered but I mean it's a book so why not right?! Being realistic goes out the window
Delia was prob my fave character. I think just because her career was interesting & I wanted all her baked goods. Even she didn't see love interest #2 was sketch..
It's pretty much a romance with an unsolved murder thrown in, not even a mystery though.. it's pretty much known who the killer is.
It's just unbelievable too. Here's this girl Emily she has this amazing Doctor fiancee, I mean why leave him? but she does? Kinda leads him on though..
Then has another top Doctor pretty much stalking her & she leads him on too.. btw he's so shady!!!! Idk how she didn't see that
But of course there's a third love interest.. the high school sweetheart who she is in love with on the DL. Who just happens to be the sheriff of the small town she's from..
It's just too much! 🤦
She has dudes chasing her.. amazing job opportunities being thrown at her that people work their whole careers & don't get offered but I mean it's a book so why not right?! Being realistic goes out the window
Delia was prob my fave character. I think just because her career was interesting & I wanted all her baked goods. Even she didn't see love interest #2 was sketch..
June 15, 2021
After what I thought was a strong first outing, this book slipped quite a bit for me. Where the previous book maintained a strong connection to the mystery while also exploring the heroine’s personal life, this book really focused more on the romantic tangle than on the case. I get that this genre has evolved to have more romance than older mysteries, but the switch form romance on the side to mystery serving as the background plot threw me.
I also noticed early in the book that the author seemed to lose track of continuity and established facts from the previous book. The details were somewhat minor, but really stood out since the opening of this title resolved the cliffhanger from the other book. I was also not thrilled that the heroine never did her “job” as an ME in this book. Considering the importance placed on this role in the first book and the beginning of this one, it felt off to not see her in that role.
Overall, it was a decent book. It wasn’t as good as the first, but that happens a lot with series development. I feel like if the romantic entanglements were stretched over multiple books to drive the personal life behind the professional one then the story would have had more meat and been more compelling.
I also noticed early in the book that the author seemed to lose track of continuity and established facts from the previous book. The details were somewhat minor, but really stood out since the opening of this title resolved the cliffhanger from the other book. I was also not thrilled that the heroine never did her “job” as an ME in this book. Considering the importance placed on this role in the first book and the beginning of this one, it felt off to not see her in that role.
Overall, it was a decent book. It wasn’t as good as the first, but that happens a lot with series development. I feel like if the romantic entanglements were stretched over multiple books to drive the personal life behind the professional one then the story would have had more meat and been more compelling.
March 6, 2021
Terrible. Time makes no sense in this book. She describes the same events and having taken place years apart, ages don't match up, and the last chapter somehow takes place on December 17th and Christmas Eve. The solution to the mystery is dumb, the "handsome, charming" men are basically just cardboard cutouts, and don't even get me started on how rudely she speaks about the murdered girl's mother. We get it, she's fat, no need to talk about her shoving cake "into her maw." I recommend this book to absolutely no one.
May 21, 2023
This book dragged on to long. Emily was so indecisive. I also did not like the fat shaming in this book.
July 2, 2024
Just terrible.
October 15, 2024
This is a book two of The Coroner series. This one starts out with an old skeleton found when a construction company starts excavating. Many of the characters have lots of changes happen in their lives in this book and I really enjoyed the two main characters and where their stories are headed. I am looking forward to continuing this series. I read this in audiobook and found the narrator to be wonderful.
June 24, 2023
Whipped through book 2 in no time, another good story as Dr Emily Hartford helps solve case two in her home town. Can’t wait for book three which comes out very soon
July 13, 2021
Kinda fun, kinda dumb. This book wasn’t as well plotted as the first, and the romance was poorly developed. But I’ll probably read the next one.
June 20, 2021
The second book in the Coroner's Daughter series and I am not sure if I liked it or not. I found all of the male characters in the story to be so infuriating they actually distracted me from the plot. Jerk #1, I know we broke up because I am too controlling but here at your father's funeral I am telling you I want to marry you and be with you forever. I guess we can have the kind of wedding you want. By the way I never told anyone we broke up so if you could just yes that would be great. Jerk #2, I have researched you and think you're amazing . Come do this job you're never thought of before so I can schmooze you to get access to your case files and trick you into doing all the work while we "co-publish" research. Jerk #3, we dated when we were 14 and I've never stopped thinking about you. I am going to use my authority to make you uncomfortable and whine that you want fall back into my arms. Also, I am definitely a viable suspect in this 15 year old murder, but I won't do anything to show I didn't do it and I am going to get pissy every time you think I should.
Very distracting. Short version of the plot, daddy dies and while Emily is trying to figure out what to do with his estate and practice and 15 year old missing person case becomes a murder case. And while every one is sad about it, no one really cares about it being solved. Also, group of sexually abusive boys grew up tp be men with no consequences. Rage inducing. Emily really needs to tell every one to back off and let her 1) do her job and 2) figure out HER life.
Very distracting. Short version of the plot, daddy dies and while Emily is trying to figure out what to do with his estate and practice and 15 year old missing person case becomes a murder case. And while every one is sad about it, no one really cares about it being solved. Also, group of sexually abusive boys grew up tp be men with no consequences. Rage inducing. Emily really needs to tell every one to back off and let her 1) do her job and 2) figure out HER life.
December 11, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a enticing who done it story that is focused on the drama's of high school and answers the questions of who is dating who? who is involved with who? Most importantly, who killed Sandi Parkman? Reading this book reminded me of how it was back in high school and how I am blessed that cases like this did not happen and never got to the extreme. Jealousy however, was the common factor in this story on the relationships between Sandi, Nick, Tiffany and James and with their jobs now, they are all informants of the case and in Nick's situation, he is now the Sheriff and because they found his Letterman's jacket and strands of his hair, he is suspect number one. But, like all murder mysteries I have read, just when you discovered the pattern and figured out who killed Sandi, the whole case takes a huge unexpected turn that no one saw coming. For this case, I think my heart completely stopped for a minute and then regained itself as I read on. I was left breathless when I finished the book and I know our readers will appreciate the intensity of this book as well.
We will consider adding this title to our Mystery collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This was a enticing who done it story that is focused on the drama's of high school and answers the questions of who is dating who? who is involved with who? Most importantly, who killed Sandi Parkman? Reading this book reminded me of how it was back in high school and how I am blessed that cases like this did not happen and never got to the extreme. Jealousy however, was the common factor in this story on the relationships between Sandi, Nick, Tiffany and James and with their jobs now, they are all informants of the case and in Nick's situation, he is now the Sheriff and because they found his Letterman's jacket and strands of his hair, he is suspect number one. But, like all murder mysteries I have read, just when you discovered the pattern and figured out who killed Sandi, the whole case takes a huge unexpected turn that no one saw coming. For this case, I think my heart completely stopped for a minute and then regained itself as I read on. I was left breathless when I finished the book and I know our readers will appreciate the intensity of this book as well.
We will consider adding this title to our Mystery collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
December 13, 2019
This book was just OK for me. It centers around Emily, whose father suddenly passes away, and she takes a break from her medical residency in Chicago to pick up her dad's coroner role in Michigan while she figures out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. I did not realize this was the 2nd book in a series, but though there were many references to the prior case, it read find as a standalone novel.
I found this story to be extremely predictable- the book doesn't tell you that it's Sandi's bones that have been found until you are a while in, but the synopsis spells that out from the get-go so I don't know what the point was around adding mystery there. I kept waiting for the big surprise but it never really came, and even when the story seemed to veer off in another direction, it felt like a diversion rather than an actual surprise. None of those diversions pulled me away from what it seemed like was happening, and what ended up to be true in the end.
The primary characters were somewhat likable when the author wanted them to be, but felt like she went out of her way to make sure the reader knew who they should empathize with and who they should not.
Overall, this was an OK book but will not surprise the standard mystery reader.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this story to be extremely predictable- the book doesn't tell you that it's Sandi's bones that have been found until you are a while in, but the synopsis spells that out from the get-go so I don't know what the point was around adding mystery there. I kept waiting for the big surprise but it never really came, and even when the story seemed to veer off in another direction, it felt like a diversion rather than an actual surprise. None of those diversions pulled me away from what it seemed like was happening, and what ended up to be true in the end.
The primary characters were somewhat likable when the author wanted them to be, but felt like she went out of her way to make sure the reader knew who they should empathize with and who they should not.
Overall, this was an OK book but will not surprise the standard mystery reader.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
I read the first book, and I did enjoy it enough to read the second. But, the second one ended up being worse than the first. Emily is so wishy washy it made me aggravated. She kept flip flopping on what she wanted, and made everything about her. As for this sister she never knew she had.. I could've sworn that in the first book she mentions having a sister named Anna, and when she looks back on memories she had with her father she mentions Anna a couple times. Which is why I was so confused upon that whole part of the plot of this book- her finding out she had a secret sister. As for the case that this book was based on, I found the way it was wrapped up very anticlimactic. It was pretty obvious who played parts in the murder. The only thing that kept it kind of interesting was the fact that Nick was tied into it. Another thing that annoyed me- that specialist they called in for the bones.. that relationship seemed so unnecessary. Honestly it made Emily's character look even worse than it did with just the love triangle between her brandon and nick. Oh well. I finished it, so I guess that meant it wasn't all too bad.
January 8, 2020
Secret Remains is the first of Jennifer Graeser Dornbush’s books that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. The second book in A Coroner Daughter’s Mystery series, Secret Remains was fast-paced with several twists and turns to keep me intrigued. The main character, Emily, is a smart and witty surgical resident dragged into small town Freeport’s crime solving world as their reluctant coroner. When a body is discovered, the past is uncovered revealing a mystery from many years prior that sheds doubts on local men as a possible murder. But when one of those men is close to Emily, she must weigh her duty as an unbiased party with her friendship in order to solve the crime.
Ms. Dornbush kept this story moving and the clues flowing. I thoroughly enjoyed Secret Remains and would highly recommend it.
Ms. Dornbush kept this story moving and the clues flowing. I thoroughly enjoyed Secret Remains and would highly recommend it.
December 4, 2019
I read book 1 in this series last year as an eARC. I rated it a 3 as I enjoyed it and thought the series had a lot of potential.
The author did not let me down (and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it)!!
Loved how the characters evolved from the first book ... loved the story line ... hooked from the beginning. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This is definitely a series I look forward to reading again and again.
Thank you #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the eARC.
The author did not let me down (and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it)!!
Loved how the characters evolved from the first book ... loved the story line ... hooked from the beginning. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This is definitely a series I look forward to reading again and again.
Thank you #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the eARC.
December 28, 2019
A well thought and gripping thriller that kept me on the edge till the end.
I liked the well crafted plot, the fleshed cast of characters and the solid mystery.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well crafted plot, the fleshed cast of characters and the solid mystery.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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