The Secrets We Keep

Detective Nate Fisher must go back to the Amish community he left behind and confront his past to help the woman he once loved in this dual-POV mystery, perfect for fans of Linda Castillo.

Back to active duty after an administrative leave of absence for the use of deadly force, the last thing Detective Nathan Fisher wants to do is return to the conservative Amish community he left behind, but when his father passes, he has no choice. Hoping to clear his head and perhaps mend fences with his family, he returns to his small Mississippi hometown despite not being welcome. What was supposed to be a quick visit turns into a prolonged stay when his former love pleads for his help. 

Rachel Hostetler’s world is turned upside down when she finds her brother’s body hanging in her family’s barn. Rachel is sure her brother Albie did not kill himself, but neither her father nor the police are willing to listen. When she spots Nate, her ex, now a detective in Oklahoma, back in Cedar Creek, she knows he is the answer to her problem and begs him to intercede.

As Nate and Rachel come to terms with their shared history, despite knowing nothing can come of the longing they have for each other, the pair must look into Albie’s death as suspects stack up. The truth is out there, but can they find it before Nate has to return to his real life and face the shooting that has him so desperately searching for peace?

My Review:

An intriguing new mystery series set in Amish country. Love that the story is set in a unique Mississippi Amish community, a nice break from typical Pennsylvania/Indiana/Ohio Amish fiction. And the shunned ex-Amish hero returning to his roots for a personal matter adds all kinds of complicated layers to the story.

Nate and Rachel have a history — they once planned to spend the rest of their lives together until he left the community. His return to Cedar Creek seems providential to Rachel who desperately needs Nate’s help proving that her brother did not commit suicide. A detective on leave, his Amish ex-flame…what could go wrong?

Loved the emotional intricacies in all the relationships in this gritty mystery. Very edgy and angsty and the investigation proves heartbreaking right up to the jaw dropping conclusion. Readers looking for a very toned down Katie Burkholder experience (Linda Castillo) might find this new series by Amy Lillard a good fit.

Of Note: There is a signifiant amount of mild expletives throughout the story, something I wasn’t expecting since I’ve read a number of Amy Lillard’s Amish romances.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Greg D. Barnett.

My thanks to Brilliance Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.