Well-written and twisted. So what keeps it from becoming a five star book for me? Though I enjoyed the storyline, I had a hard time keeping track of the large cast of characters and had to look back, especially after picking the book up again after taking a break. I do really like Robyn Carter, and would love more details about her life and to get to know her a little better. The glimpses of her personal life and relationship with her late husband's daughter Amélie were some of my favorite parts of the book, along with the glimpses into the mind of the murderer. I'm a study in opposites! Very much looking forward to the continuation of this series.

Victims are starting to pile up. Though it seems they didn't know each other, they have at least one thing in common: some kind of debt to be paid. They're each found clutching a receipt that teases it was time to pay up... and they did, with their lives. They've left behind broken family members and a tense public, thanks to a determined reporter who's somehow come across details about the case.

Pressured at work, by the media, and by herself, Robyn and her co-workers race to put together a puzzle that seems to refuse to be solved. Will she figure out how the pieces fit together before more die? This killer strikes quickly, leaving them little time between murders to try to figure out his next step. The man the fearful media and public is calling the Lichfield Leopard seems to travel through shadows to come out of nowhere.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

The second thriller from Carol Wyer is just as chilling as the previous book in the Robyn Carter series. A series of unexpected deaths and murders seem unrelated apart from a note left with each victim. She needs to solve the case or discover who else might be in danger and why.

I love lead detectives who veer a little from the expected path to get the results they want- and also have a great interest in their team. She employs her cousin, a private detective to get the information she's not allowed to investigate! He was a great character along with his wife and loved their stay at the spa.

I enjoy books set in local settings where I recognise places and can picture exactly where they are. My dad was born in Lichfield- so I was thinking of him whilst I was reading this book. Sometimes you just wish you could pass a book on as he would have loved this one.

It is fast paced and you feel as though you are part of the investigation, maybe not helping much as you seem to be second guessing and veering down the wrong path. I love books where you keep guessing. I am so pleased to have found another thriller series that I can eagerly await the next case.

After having thoroughly enjoyed Little Girl Lost back in January, I couldn't wait for the second book in the DI Robyn Carter series so when it became available on Netgalley, I hit that "request" button like my life depended on it. Okay, yes, slight exaggeration but still ... excited and also very impatient.

As is always the case with a second instalment, you wonder if it will be as good as the first one was but I'm happy to say that Carol Wyer has hit another home-run with this one.

I won't divulge too much about the plot. As it is, I feel the blurb already gives away too much information. When the body of a murder victim is found with a receipt saying "all debts paid", I was immediately intrigued. But when a second victim is found with the same receipt, both Robyn and the reader are sucked into a fabulously disturbing case. This case clearly involves a killer on a mission and he won't stop until he's finished.

Secrets of the Dead is another great addition to the DI Robyn Carter series. Not only do I really enjoy the interactions in the team and their diversity, but this is the second case that completely drew me in from the start. This killer displays a whole other level of creepy crazy, which becomes increasingly obvious from his own chapters. What I also like, and slightly hate, is that the author lets you get familiar with a character before having them murdered. Their death just hits you that little bit harder and makes you want to yell out nooooo, why would you do that?!

Gripping and engrossing, this series is quickly becoming another firm favourite for me and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next one to find out about, what I'm sure will be, yet another fascinating case Robyn and her team will be working on.

**** ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ****

Warning: I am not a robot! I have feelings, thoughts, likes and dislikes and this review is based on that. You should read the book to form your own opinion/thoughts. Read on!

Rating: 3.75 Slow Stars!

The cover, creepy enough to make me want to read it.

The story, Robyn Carter is a detective who relies on her instinct to solve mysteries. There are a few murders that are related and she works hard to solve them and find the killer. Maybe the first 35% of the book was a bit slow, sometimes the author changed POVs and it took me about two paragraphs to know in which mind we were. Then I know this was written in England’s English, so there were a few slangs that I didn’t get right away and had to read again to get the meaning. A lot of characters were introduced and I am torn with this, sometimes all of the characters are important and you can’t see the story without all of them and sometimes a few characters are just fillers and sometimes like in this case, we didn’t need all those characters but at the same time they helped keep the mystery so you wouldn’t figure out right away who the killer was, as it took me awhile. Though sometimes I didn’t remember which character Robyn was talking to and had to see where we had met him/her.

The romance, there is no romance, only grief.

Characters, in my opinion too many, but they somehow helped the story.

Overall, did I like the book? Yes, though, it took me a while to finish it. Would I recommend the book? Yes, the suspense is good.

This review is written with thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my copy of Secrets Of The Dead.
When the manager of Bromley Hall, a local hotel and spa is found dead, Detective Inspector Robyn Carter's colleague tells her the death is a tragic accident. Although she has her reservations, Robyn is told that the case is closed and she must focus on her own case. Three victims have been murdered, and with each murder, a note has been left saying "All debts paid". As Robyn and her team struggle to find leads, they are led to Bromley Hall. Is there a connection between the manager's death and the murders? Can Robyn catch the perpetrator the press are calling the Lichfield Leopard before he claims any more lives?
I was so pleased when I heard that Robyn Carter was returning in Secrets Of The Dead, having enjoyed my first introduction to her in Little Girl Lost. Everything I loved about Robyn in the first instalment of the series could be seen in spades in this novel: her resourcefulness, her tendency to follow her instinct and her compassion. I also enjoyed the flashback sections to her relationship with Davies, as this helped me to get under her skin and sympathise with her loss. In Secrets Of The Dead, the reader also learns more about Robyn's colleagues, particularly Mitz, Anna and Shearer, and I felt that the strong team dynamic made me root for Robyn's team as they tried to catch the killer.
As with Little Girl Lost, I thought I had this case solved about half way through, but I should have known better! Although there are not quite as many twists as in Little Girl Lost, I loved every single one. Wyer plants several clues as the novel progresses, but it was not until the killer is identified that I realised how significant they were. I am kicking myself, but I am in awe of Wyer's meticulous plotting.
Secrets Of The Dead is set in the winter months, and Wyer's descriptions of the cold, wet and windy weather create an atmosphere which builds the tension around Bromley Hall and gives it an air of mystery, which kept me intrigued throughout the novel.
The second instalment in the Robyn Carter series did not disappoint and I will be waiting with baited breath for the next one!

An ingenious plot which kept me guessing and reading compulsively to discover the outcome. There were plenty of twists and it was very enjoyable reading. Carol Wyer's DI Robyn Carter is an interesting heroine with a tragic past, maverick tendencies and a strong sense of intuition. I look forward to reading the next instalment of her crime-solving adventures.

A big 5 stars for this one.

Detective Robyn Carter is back. She's run off her feet as always but when an acquaintance mentions her reservations about a seemingly straight forward sudden death at a local spa she's keen to investigate. But in doing so she steps on the toes of one of her colleagues and is warned off. But then three brutal but very staged murders occur close by and evidence seems to link back to the very same spa. Robyn is in a race against time to stop more murders but this murderer has a very specific plan and has no intention of stopping...

I had my reservations about the first Robyn Carter novel. Even as a big fan of these type of thrillers I found it a bit close to the edge and certain elements of the plot didn't ring true. But this installment blew away any small doubts. This is a fast paced enthralling novel. The action keeps coming but not at the cost of character development. Robyn Carter is a great character in that she's very human (no over the top heroics or giant leaps of logic here) and rather than people the conduit to every piece of the story she's more of a central focus - she's the main character but the supporting cast are important and thankfully really well characterised. They're not just there to bolster her.

And honest to goodness page turner from start to finish. Can't wait for part three!

I received a copy from Netgalley for an unbiased review.

Really liked this as it flowed well and kept the suspense up about the killer and who would be next. The characters all blended well together and I would like to read the next book in this series. A good page turner as I really got into the story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of Secrets of the Dead in return for an honest review. This is the second book in the Robyn Carter series by Carol Wyer and thankfully despite my misgivings this really dead live up to my expectations. I was hooked right from the start and it kept me guessing all the way through and it was a fantastic follow on from The Little Girl Lost. Can't wait for the next book.

Having enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to getting stuck into this one. I found myself enjoying this story even more than the first book. This can be read as a standalone, but I would always suggest reading the books in order as you will gain valuable insight into the backgrounds of the characters who feature in them all.

Once again the author brings us a well written story which had me second guessing myself throughout. At first glance the case seems to be one which can't be solved. But by digging deeper, Detective Robyn Carter unearths the clues she needs to figure it all out. I did have my own ideas while reading about what was going to happen, but as always I was proved wrong on more than one occasion.

Another great read from the author, and I can't wait to see what she brings us next. Huge thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

This is book two in the series and, usual series rules apply. The main story is self-contained in this book so it can be read as a stand alone, but to get the very best from character development, back story etc, you would be better reading book one, Little Girl Lost, first.
The plot for this book is just as intriguing as that in book one but a whole lot less convoluted. That's not to say it is inferior in any way, shape of form, more that it was much easier for me to follow without having too many unanswered questions parked in my head for later. It made for a whole better read for me as I do have concentration issues sometimes. That said, it is just as meaty as it should be and the crimes depicted within, just as deliciously evil.
So, Robyn's opinion of a so-called suicide differs from the powers that be. Being a bit of a maverick, she carries on investigating on the sly until she gets caught and in trouble. Meanwhile, she has a proper case to solve; the deaths of a bar manager and a young mother. Both found with strange notes. Debts to the tune of £250,000.00 marked as paid. What are they paying for? Are they the only two or do more people owe? And, more importantly, who is collecting?
Well, this book hit the ground running right from page one and grabbed me from the off; not letting go until the very last page. There were just the right number of twists and turns, about faces and dead ends, red herrings and subtle clues to keep me interested throughout the story. It also helps that I love Robyn as a character. She is everything I need from a lead detective without all the stereotypes you often get in this genre of book. Yes, she has her past, her hangups, but she has weathered that storm on the whole well, and it all speaks for the woman she is in the now. I am also pleased to see the return of her PI cousin, Ross, and his wife who do a bit of investigation on the side for Robyn.
The story as told had me rapt throughout. As things start to come together, as the snippets of the truth started to get uncovered, as thing basically started making sense, I sat back and thought how clever it all is. This author sure knows how to spin a good yarn! Pacing was also perfect as it followed both the story and the characters' involvement very well. It also left a little wriggle room for the poor reader as there were a few respite moments which allowed me to reflect and regroup before off we went again. I do have to admit to realising the who a bit before the reveal but it didn't really spoil my enjoyment too much.
All in all, a cracking follow up to what was for me a great series opener. Can't wait for book three!

My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

3.5 stars
Once again this is a second book that doesn't live up to the author's debut. It's good but much slower paced and a tad boring in parts.

Secrets of the Dead is a well-written murder mystery that will keep you up (reading) at night, and will keep you captivated until the very end. The characters are memorable and well-developed and the plot is intriguing and fast-paced. By the end I fancied myself a not too shabby detective myself.

Full review on my blog: http://heathertooreal.blogspot.com/ up on 5/27 12:00 EST

Secrets of the dead by Carol Wyer.
3 murders. Are they connected?
Detective Robyn Carter and her team are on the case. But they can't find a link between the victims. The press are calling him the leopard for his stealth speed and brutality. Can Robyn stop the most twisted killer of her career before its too late.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Although I didn't like the killer and what he did. So gruesome. He was sick and twisted. But I just couldn't put it down I had to keep reading on. I wanted Robyn to get Him I really liked Robyn. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5* for sure. Netgalley and bookouture.

Three murders two that are undeniably linked as both victims were holding an invoice for payments due to the amount of £250,000. Both invoices are marked as payment received. The third somehow links in but Detective Robyn Carter needs to figure out how.
This was a fantastic book. It flowed easily and there were so many plot twists....many that I just didn't see coming!
There are a few perspectives to this story, Robyn who is a really likeable charachter and you really feel you get to know her as the plot develops. Then there is her cousin and Private Detective who is lending a hand to figure out what is really going on in the plush hotel that seems to link everything and then there's the killer. Fantasticly crazy and yet not at all over the top. This was a great read.

Secrets of the Dead is another gripping thriller from Carol Wyer.

There have been three murders and once again we join Detective Robyn Carter as she recognises the signs of a serial killer. Joined by her faithful team it's a race against time before the killer strikes again.

I read this book in a couple of days and I was gripped from the start. From page one you are instantly transported to the scene. The writing is compelling and it's a definite page turner.

This is the second book in the DI Robyn Carter series and I can't wait for the next instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Carol Wyer for the chance to review.

I really enjoyed reading the first book of this series, Little Girl Lost, earlier this year and I have been keeping an eye out for the sequel ever since. I admit it wasn't love at first sight, but I've grown to like Robyn Parker and the way she isn't afraid to step on a few toes to get things done. In Secrets Of The Dead her detective skills are tested again with another difficult case. It's another serial killer thriller and I think I enjoyed it even better than the first; this book definitely doesn't suffer from the so-called 'weak-sequel-syndrome'. Secrets Of The Dead starts out strong and stays that way until the very end. The writing style is enjoyable, the pace is fast and the many many plot twists will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I actually thought I had it all figured out a few times during the story, but it ended up being a false alarm every single time. The sign of a well executed plot twist if you ask me! The serial killer is an interesting one and I particularly liked the fact that you are able to take a peak inside his head in the chapters that are told from his POV. They added to the whole suspense of the story without slowing down the pace and only increased my curiosity about the identity of the killer. I don't want to give away too much of the plot to avoid spoilers, but if you are looking for a well written psychological thriller packed with misleading plot twists and an intriguing case Secrets Of The Dead is calling your name.

‘Secrets of the Dead’ is the second novel in the Detective Robyn Carter crime thriller series set in rural Staffordshire, with all locations set within a few miles of where I live. This time the focus is on a series of chilling murders that appear to be linked and the local Lichfield press is already dubbing the murderer as The Lichfield Leopard, a pseudonym that really appeals to the elusive perpetrator. Yes he is stealthy, brutal and merciless. The name suits him very well.
Robyn is soon on the chase, raring to capture the prolific killer, setting her team the task of trying to find a link between the victims. As the investigation uncovers evidence and information, time is running out and the public are terrified that a mass murderer is able to wreak havoc without any trouble at all, avoiding capture every time. It seems the timetable has been set and the perpetrator is on a mad dash to achieve his target.
Secrets, revenge and a demented mind drive the killer forward in this terrific novel, filled with a host of eclectic characters at every crime location. The storytelling is fast paced, the chapters short, all adding to the drama of the unsolved case. Robyn will not be beaten and at last the pieces of the jigsaw begin to fall into place. She must trust her instincts in order to solve the crimes and take her prize in this, the most challenging case of her career. The tension is ramped up in the most terrifying chase scenes and I couldn’t turn over the pages fast enough. I really admire the character Robyn. She is fragile, yet tough; driven in her mission to serve the public, whatever the risk. Her team are loyal and hardworking. I really hope that this is representative of our police force; dedicated, talented and unwavering.
I would like to thank NetGalley and publisher Bookouture for my copy of this novel, sent to me in return for an honest review. This is a really good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a 4.5* review from me.

A few months ago, I read and enjoyed Little Girl Lost, the first book in a new series by Carol Wyer. This author's first crime novel was impressive and I couldn't believe she had never written mysteries before. I devoured it as quickly as I could and I was left wanting for more.

When I saw the second book on Netgalley, I requested it immediately. And Carol Wyer didn't disappoint this time either: Secrets of the Dead was an equally addictive and thrilling crime procedural, featuring a brave and likable detective called Robyn Carter. I love that she's willing to ignore her boss and continue investigating something that she isn't supposed to when her instinct tells her that she's onto something. I wouldn't like her otherwise, and unlike other detectives, I think Robyn always knows what she's doing. And she might be broken, but she isn't rude or particularly cold.

Secrets of the Dead was fast-paced and engaging and it didn't take me long to read. The first death and the following murders were confusing, but it all started making sense after a while when the whole "invoice" thing that had me so intrigued was finally explained. I also appreciated the addition of Robyn's cousin and his wife and I'd love to see more of them in the next installments.

Still, I think Secrets of the Dead was quite different from its predecessor and I want to share my thoughts as to why. Little Girl Lost was a police procedural, sure, but it read like a proper psychological thriller. One of the main characters wasn't the detective and we got to know her pretty well. The focus was on the lives of these characters and what was happening to them. This time, though, Robyn and the investigation were the main focus (along with various chapters from the murderer's point of view), so it wasn't the same. And believe me, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy this book, because you all know I'm a big fan of police procedurals, but I think I missed a bit of the psychological aspect of Little Girl Lost and I was eagerly expecting something similar to it.

Anyway, besides that detail, I must say this series is becoming one of my favorites and I'd love to find out a bit more about Robyn and her personal life. Hopefully soon!