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The Secret Obituary Writer
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if obituaries told the truth? The people of a small town in Montana don’t have to wonder because they have Lizzy Langston, the secret obituary writer for the local newspaper. With information she receives at an anonymous email address, she produces mostly humorous, sometimes poignant, but always truthful obituaries that magically appear between sections A and B of the morning paper.
When several cryptic emails question the official details of a man’s death, Lizzy elicits the help of handsome detective Jackson Clark. Together, they travel halfway around the world to search for answers . . . and maybe even find love along the way.
With mystery, romance, and a hefty helping of humor, The Secret Obituary Writer will keep you entertained until the very last page.
When several cryptic emails question the official details of a man’s death, Lizzy elicits the help of handsome detective Jackson Clark. Together, they travel halfway around the world to search for answers . . . and maybe even find love along the way.
With mystery, romance, and a hefty helping of humor, The Secret Obituary Writer will keep you entertained until the very last page.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2020
288 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 6, 2021
Quick read. Fast paced. Great little story.
June 24, 2016
My friend told me that I needed to write more reviews. So, here goes. This book has a crazy title and I'm not sure how many books are about obituaries. Yet, it was a fun book to read. I laughed out loud several times.
February 15, 2018
I loved this book! So unique and clever with a wonderful romance, mystery, and plenty of humor! And The Secret Obituary Writer is also clean and free of lurid sex scenes or foul language. Amy Martinsen weaves a thoroughly enjoyable tale unlike any other I have read. I was drawn at once into the story and had a hard time putting it down. I love that Lizzy and Detective Jackson Clark travel across the globe looking for answers to the mystery that presents itself. Ms. Martinsen kept me turning pages to the very end. I am eagerly anticipating her next book. May I also add that her first book, Changing Worlds, is also a great page-turner! I remember reading it even while I cooked dinner because I could not put it down.
June 10, 2016
If you're looking for humor, romance, and some clever plot twists--without the trash-- check out Amy Martinsen's The Secret Obituary Writer, full of small-town charm and fun! Hanging out with Lizzy Langston is a riot as she encounters the best and the funniest of her Cutlip townsfolk alongside handsome and enigmatic Jackson Clark. With some surprisingly heartrending moments, the story even takes us overseas to solve a decades-old mystery about a member of the Cutlip community. Most poignant though is the interwoven theme that our life experiences make us who we are--and to embrace it!
June 18, 2016
A light hearted romance that touches on some painful subjects. How do people deal with the loss of love, the loss of life, how important our secrets are and to what extent we will go to keep them from others? The characters are likable and many of their backstories are touching. They will make you laugh, and if you're a tender heart like me, they might make you cry. This was a fun summer read.
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April 11, 2025This book had moments of wisdom, some humor, and a touch of romance. I enjoyed it.
The obituaries are often humorous and sometimes brutally honest, but always interesting. While the romance evolves quite quickly, it's rather sweet.
I saw this one recommended as a light and funny read, and for the most part, that's what it was though there were serious moments and even references to the holocaust.
The obituaries are often humorous and sometimes brutally honest, but always interesting. While the romance evolves quite quickly, it's rather sweet.
I saw this one recommended as a light and funny read, and for the most part, that's what it was though there were serious moments and even references to the holocaust.
February 8, 2017
Cute chick flick, but what made it delightful was the creative obituaries detailing hilarious facts not usually shared.
July 28, 2020
In this time of electronic news, printed newspapers are struggling to stay alive. But Mr. Jonas had a secret weapon – Elizabeth Ann Langston, Lizzy to her friends. Their business relationship began when Lizzy was twelve years old and wanted an iPod. So, she began working delivering papers on her bicycle. A chance visit with the neighborhood “scary old lady” led to an unusual friendship. When this elder citizen died, Lizzy wrote a special obituary to set the record straight about her friend. This was the beginning of the Secret Obituary Writer.
This is an absolutely delightful book. It is so funny and entertaining that I read it straight through without stopping except for bouts of laughter. I loved the characters. I loved reading about the small-town relationships and the secret lives of the citizens. Of course, there is the beginning of a sweet romance and a mysterious background for one of the characters that added greatly to the story. Great work, Amy Martinsen!
This book was furnished by the author. I am voluntarily giving my review.
This is an absolutely delightful book. It is so funny and entertaining that I read it straight through without stopping except for bouts of laughter. I loved the characters. I loved reading about the small-town relationships and the secret lives of the citizens. Of course, there is the beginning of a sweet romance and a mysterious background for one of the characters that added greatly to the story. Great work, Amy Martinsen!
This book was furnished by the author. I am voluntarily giving my review.
March 14, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if obituaries told the truth? The people of a small town in Montana don’t have to wonder because they have Lizzy Langston, the secret obituary writer for the local newspaper. With information she receives at an anonymous email address, she produces mostly humorous, sometimes poignant, but always truthful obituaries that magically appear between sections A and B of the morning paper.
When several cryptic emails question the official details of a man’s death, Lizzy elicits the help of handsome detective Jackson Clark. Together, they travel halfway around the world to search for answers . . . and maybe even find love along the way.
MY TAKE
This is a charming and humorous Christian tale that has a touch of suspense. It's heartwarming and touching as we follow Lizzy and Jackson in search of the truth about one man's death.
4 1/2 stars
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if obituaries told the truth? The people of a small town in Montana don’t have to wonder because they have Lizzy Langston, the secret obituary writer for the local newspaper. With information she receives at an anonymous email address, she produces mostly humorous, sometimes poignant, but always truthful obituaries that magically appear between sections A and B of the morning paper.
When several cryptic emails question the official details of a man’s death, Lizzy elicits the help of handsome detective Jackson Clark. Together, they travel halfway around the world to search for answers . . . and maybe even find love along the way.
MY TAKE
This is a charming and humorous Christian tale that has a touch of suspense. It's heartwarming and touching as we follow Lizzy and Jackson in search of the truth about one man's death.
4 1/2 stars
September 19, 2018
Super light read that I read on my flight home.
Positives: cute premise: the girl is a secret obit writer. People email her extra information about the deceased life, and eventually she writes a longer, note in-depth obit than what was in the newspaper. The romance is sweet, and I smiled a lot while reading it.
Negatives: it was cute enough that I wanted more. The characters were very two-dimensional and I wasn’t invested in them. I had to suspend reality a fair amount, as things happened a little to easily, in a way that was not really plausible. Of course, we’re reading a story, and if it was normal, it wouldn’t have happened, but sometimes I rolled my eyes and said, “yeah right.”
So, a great fluff book, but if you want something that does more than skim the surface, this isn’t the one for you.
Positives: cute premise: the girl is a secret obit writer. People email her extra information about the deceased life, and eventually she writes a longer, note in-depth obit than what was in the newspaper. The romance is sweet, and I smiled a lot while reading it.
Negatives: it was cute enough that I wanted more. The characters were very two-dimensional and I wasn’t invested in them. I had to suspend reality a fair amount, as things happened a little to easily, in a way that was not really plausible. Of course, we’re reading a story, and if it was normal, it wouldn’t have happened, but sometimes I rolled my eyes and said, “yeah right.”
So, a great fluff book, but if you want something that does more than skim the surface, this isn’t the one for you.
March 23, 2021
Sweet ztory
As an obituary writer myself (although not a secret one) I was intrigued by the title, and my curiosity was rewarded with a delightful story. I have believed that obits should tell the story of a person's life and impact on those around them. I've written my own obit & am working to change the parts in my life that I am unsatisfied with. I recommend to everybody to do this, for as long as you're alive you have a chance to do better. In the Secret Obituary Writer, we meet Lizzy the writer and Jackson the detective. Together they solve a mystery surrounding the death of a farmer. They also discover a secret about one lady that dates back 70 years, to Nazi Germany. A well written book, and I look forward to reading book two.
As an obituary writer myself (although not a secret one) I was intrigued by the title, and my curiosity was rewarded with a delightful story. I have believed that obits should tell the story of a person's life and impact on those around them. I've written my own obit & am working to change the parts in my life that I am unsatisfied with. I recommend to everybody to do this, for as long as you're alive you have a chance to do better. In the Secret Obituary Writer, we meet Lizzy the writer and Jackson the detective. Together they solve a mystery surrounding the death of a farmer. They also discover a secret about one lady that dates back 70 years, to Nazi Germany. A well written book, and I look forward to reading book two.
May 6, 2025
This book was short and an easy read. I appreciated the fact that there were no f-bombs in the book.
However, some things just didn't seem logical, for instance Lizzie's keeping her job secret from her best friend. Moreover, in a small town, people would recognize your vehicle and gossip about it being in certain places at certain times.
I wondered about the author's choice of the name she gave a Latter Day Saints man who left Utah for Montana and was a spy for Starbucks although he claimed to be an IRS auditor. Why did she name him Darwin Strayhorn?
Would a detective and his very close friend really be that interested in obituaries from a small town and be willing to spend that much time helping Lizzie to solve her mystery?
However, some things just didn't seem logical, for instance Lizzie's keeping her job secret from her best friend. Moreover, in a small town, people would recognize your vehicle and gossip about it being in certain places at certain times.
I wondered about the author's choice of the name she gave a Latter Day Saints man who left Utah for Montana and was a spy for Starbucks although he claimed to be an IRS auditor. Why did she name him Darwin Strayhorn?
Would a detective and his very close friend really be that interested in obituaries from a small town and be willing to spend that much time helping Lizzie to solve her mystery?
April 9, 2021
3.5 stars.
Cute rom-com style book about a college student who writes more enhanced and detailed obituaries for her local paper under a secret identity. The obituaries are requests from friends and family of the deceased who want to give the reader more insight into their loved ones life.
The obituaries were the most interesting part of the novel. They were charming, heartwarming and funny.
There is a romance along the way and a bit of a mystery ad they find that one of the deaths leaves a few people with questions.
The mystery is funny and the romance cheesy-but still a fun light-hearted read that I enjoyed.
Cute rom-com style book about a college student who writes more enhanced and detailed obituaries for her local paper under a secret identity. The obituaries are requests from friends and family of the deceased who want to give the reader more insight into their loved ones life.
The obituaries were the most interesting part of the novel. They were charming, heartwarming and funny.
There is a romance along the way and a bit of a mystery ad they find that one of the deaths leaves a few people with questions.
The mystery is funny and the romance cheesy-but still a fun light-hearted read that I enjoyed.
December 28, 2025
Extra special Life Stories
Some of the After Life stories were to just add some explanation for behaviors. Some were apologetic. Some serious. Most humorous.
These small stories , short chapters, within the larger story have delightful characters. The historical element in this was emotional! It is both sad and wonderful. I thank God for people like Hans who were able to accomplish what was necessary. His words, ... I Choose to Live Not Hate .... still brings healing to painful circumstances.
I truly loved reading this. It's very entertaining, not morbid at all. I look forward to the next episode.
Some of the After Life stories were to just add some explanation for behaviors. Some were apologetic. Some serious. Most humorous.
These small stories , short chapters, within the larger story have delightful characters. The historical element in this was emotional! It is both sad and wonderful. I thank God for people like Hans who were able to accomplish what was necessary. His words, ... I Choose to Live Not Hate .... still brings healing to painful circumstances.
I truly loved reading this. It's very entertaining, not morbid at all. I look forward to the next episode.
January 30, 2022
I suspect many people read obituaries and feel unsatisfied at the sanitized information provided to tell the reader about someone's life. So curiosity made me want to read this book. And I am so glad I did! It had many delightful, informative, and fascinating examples of obits interspersed with sweet romance and mystery. Great characters kept the story flowing along with vivid descriptions of people and places. Upbeat and original story that was over too soon! Glad to know there is a second book waiting to be read! Sweet and well written.
February 6, 2025
This was a cute book that I found on Kindle Unlimited. Reading all the unusual obituaries made for a fun read. Though some of the characters in the obituaries were a little spiteful at times, I understood it was supposed to be lighthearted and fun, so it was fine. The Amazon categories didn't indicate this as Christian Fiction, so it was great to discover so many light Christian elements to the story. There was a mystery whodunit element that was fun too. All-in-all, it was a fun read. For those looking for something light and quick, I recommend.
September 19, 2019
Cute, funny, and even a little suspenseful! Great book about a girl who writes additional obituaries about some of the people in her town who pass away, but obituaries that are about the person's secrets. While trying to figure out what some of the email messages she gets mean about an obituary she wrote, she connects with a handsome detective to help her solve the mystery.
Fun, sweet, clean, and a quick read.
Fun, sweet, clean, and a quick read.
September 26, 2023
Hilarious Secrets and Questionable Death
The secrets are some of the strange things we hide from one another that are not scandalous, but embarrassing if we were there when it was shared. The whole small town gets a good laugh and the family gets to know that the town remembers the person in a happy revelation. I got this book on a discount author introduction sight which is a great way to find new authors to love!
The secrets are some of the strange things we hide from one another that are not scandalous, but embarrassing if we were there when it was shared. The whole small town gets a good laugh and the family gets to know that the town remembers the person in a happy revelation. I got this book on a discount author introduction sight which is a great way to find new authors to love!
February 4, 2024
The Secret Obituary Writer caught my attention a long time ago, but I finally took the time to read it. It is the first book I have read by Amy Martinsen.
The Secret Obituary Writer has one of the most unique storylines I have ever read. I don't want to give out many details because this is the type of story you need to experience for yourself. The story is a mix of humor, a dash of romance, a minor mystery, and some poignant moments.
Overall, a lighthearted story that is a quick read, and will make you look at Zumba in a new light 😂.
The Secret Obituary Writer has one of the most unique storylines I have ever read. I don't want to give out many details because this is the type of story you need to experience for yourself. The story is a mix of humor, a dash of romance, a minor mystery, and some poignant moments.
Overall, a lighthearted story that is a quick read, and will make you look at Zumba in a new light 😂.
April 30, 2020
This is a piece of romantic fluff, part of a genre that I keep hoping will evolve into something more substantive, but doesn't. So my opinion shouldn't count if this is your cup of tea. This is a Christian romance at heart, which means it's delightfully clean and moral, and the "secret obituary writer" angle is fresh. If this is the stuff you like, then you'll like this.
May 4, 2020
Happiness and being secretive hasn’t always been compatible. In this book, Lizzie makes sure that it is. Characters come alive with their real lives and romances after they are dead. We even find out about their little “ crazy “ things we never thought we would want to know about. Good clean fun. Could not put it dow.
August 25, 2020
This is a fantastic first book. It has a very original idea which attracted me instantly. It also has a good range of characters from quirky to caring, throw in some truely good romantic moments and a good puzzle to solve and it all adds up to a book that made me laugh so much. It’s just wonderful. Being totally clean makes it perfect.
January 17, 2024
Zumba 😅
This book was off to a slow start for me. It picked up speed when Lizzie had to turn in a report to the police. Jackson, the detective on the call was taken with Lizzie and a sweet romance started. But the clincher in the story follows Gladys. I think you will like this story if you stick with it.
This book was off to a slow start for me. It picked up speed when Lizzie had to turn in a report to the police. Jackson, the detective on the call was taken with Lizzie and a sweet romance started. But the clincher in the story follows Gladys. I think you will like this story if you stick with it.
April 20, 2024
Enjoyable, fun, great read!
I so enjoyed this book, as I do all of Amy Martinsen’s books. The characters are real and believable - people I would enjoy getting to know. I love the clean, faith-filled (but not preachy) message. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I so enjoyed this book, as I do all of Amy Martinsen’s books. The characters are real and believable - people I would enjoy getting to know. I love the clean, faith-filled (but not preachy) message. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
March 2, 2025
You will enjoy this book so much!
If you like laughing out loud and sweet romance, you will absolutely love this book! My husband was tickled that I laughed so much.
This is an easy read and a wonderful book. You will really miss a wonderful experience if you skip this book. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author!
If you like laughing out loud and sweet romance, you will absolutely love this book! My husband was tickled that I laughed so much.
This is an easy read and a wonderful book. You will really miss a wonderful experience if you skip this book. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author!
April 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this story, both the concept and the execution.
It's a bit sweet romance, a bit cozy mystery, and a bit heart-tugging drama. Oh, the romance was instant attraction, but slow growing.
I loved the characters. They were charming and quick-witted. They shared a great sense of humor.
It's a bit sweet romance, a bit cozy mystery, and a bit heart-tugging drama. Oh, the romance was instant attraction, but slow growing.
I loved the characters. They were charming and quick-witted. They shared a great sense of humor.
March 7, 2018
I read this for my book club. Everyone in my book club really enjoyed it, but it was not to my taste. However, if you like a book that combines Christian romance, a cozy mystery, obituary humor, and the Holocaust (all in under 200 pages) this might be a book for you.
June 9, 2021
Review
I loved the whole story. I laughed out loud quite a few time. Gladys's story broke my heart. My dad's grandparents immigrated from Germany. So her story really touched my heart.
I loved the whole story. I laughed out loud quite a few time. Gladys's story broke my heart. My dad's grandparents immigrated from Germany. So her story really touched my heart.
February 15, 2024
A truly entertaining story.
The characters are interesting and the storyline hold your interest. It so different that you really want to keep reading. I am looking forward the the second book to see how the characters are doing.
The characters are interesting and the storyline hold your interest. It so different that you really want to keep reading. I am looking forward the the second book to see how the characters are doing.
April 5, 2024
Such a cute story and storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read in one day. The premise is one I have never heard of, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I was not disappointed at all. Ready for Book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read in one day. The premise is one I have never heard of, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I was not disappointed at all. Ready for Book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews