Book picks similar to
Secrets and Malice by Ken Langwell


first-reads
giveaways
suspense-thriller
crime-dramas-mystery-suspense

Kill Girl


Jill M. Beene - 2016
    “A fun, captivating read…” -Amazon review. Elayna Miller kills people for a living, but only when they really deserve it... Once one of the CIA’s most talented agents, Elayna Miller struck off on her own for moral reasons. Now surrounded by a like-minded team, she selects her cases carefully and only kills those who really have it coming. KILL GIRL is the first novel in the Elayna Miller series. If you enjoy fast-paced, intelligent storytelling with well-rounded, complex characters, you’ll love Kill Girl. “Reminds me of Janet Evanovich and her awesome Stephanie Plum books, except Elayna Miller is an even more interesting character...”- Amazon review. “What a great book, kept me on the edge of my seat...” -Amazon review. When her latest case leads Elayna Miller to Mexico, it also takes her in an unexpected direction, toward her past. In the aftermath, Elayna has to confront the fact that no one she loves is as safe as she has believed, and her team will never be the same again. A fast-paced, engaging book with tons of action! You’ll be rooting for Elayna Miller… Join the scores of other readers who have fallen in love with Elayna Miller, and grab your copy of KILL GIRL today!

The Angry Woman Suite


Lee Fullbright - 2012
    Raised in a crumbling New England mansion by four women with personalities as split as a cracked mirror, young Francis Grayson has an obsessive need to fix them all. There's his mother, distant and beautiful Magdalene; his disfigured, suffocating Aunt Stella; his odious grandmother; and the bane of his existence, his abusive and delusional Aunt Lothian. For years, Francis plays a tricky game of duck and cover with the women, turning to music to stay sane. He finds a friend and mentor in Aidan Madsen, schoolmaster, local Revolutionary War historian, musician and keeper of the Grayson women's darkest secrets. In a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three different people-Aidan, Francis and Francis'stepdaughter, Elyse-adding layers of eloquent complexity to a story as powerful as it is troubling. While Francis realizes his dream of forming his own big band in the 1940s, his success is tempered by the inner monster of his childhood, one that roars to life when he marries Elyse's mother. Elyse becomes her stepfather's favorite target, and her bitterness becomes entwined with a desire to know the real Francis Grayson. For Aidan's part, his involvement with the Grayson family only deepens, and secrets carried for a lifetime begin to coalesce as he seeks to enlighten Francis-and subsequently Elyse-of why the events of so many years ago matter now. The ugliness of deceit. betrayal and resentment permeates the narrative, yet there are shining moments of hope, especially in the relationship between Elyse and her grandfather. Ultimately, as more of the past filters into the present, the question becomes: What is the truth, and whose version of the truth is correct? Fullbright never untangles this conundrum, and it only adds to the richness of this exemplary novel. A superb debut that exposes the consequences of the choices we make and legacy's sometimes excruciating embrace.

Travess Blood


Quinn Larson - 2017
    It is a story of good versus evil--of two brothers who are mortal enemies--but its main characters do not fit typical hero-villain molds. Clint Travess, Sheriff of Trenton County: a man dedicated to the law but plagued by guilt, and tormented by desire for another man's wife. Troy Travess, his brother: an ex-convict possessed by hate and a vow of revenge against the lawman who sent him to prison, but capable of loving the memory of a girl--and the son she left him. Matt Gustafson, wealthy rancher: a man who has nothing in common with Troy--except a vow to see Clint Travess dead. Ann Stuart Gustafson, Matt's wife: a woman who has everything she ever wanted, and would gladly trade it all for the man she loves. Mark Travess, Troy's son: a child caught in the middle of a deadly war between the two men who share his Travess blood. Will good triumph over evil in the end? Perhaps. But not without pain. Not without suffering. Not without the shedding of Travess blood. Click "Look inside" for a preview of this unusual western novel.

Love on Beach Avenue


Jennifer Probst - 2020
    Making dreams come true is her business at Sunshine Bridal, which she runs with her two sisters. When her best friend announces her engagement, Avery is thrilled to take charge of the giddy bride-to-be’s big day. Less thrilling? Her best friend's arrogant and demanding brother, who just so happens to be the man of honor.Carter Ross’s first instinct: call 911. He promised to always take care of his impulsive little sister, and he honors that vow. Even if it means taking over her wedding, where he is sure Avery will fail. At best, Avery is unpredictable. At worst, if she’s anything like the spitfire of a college girl he remembers, the main event could run wild.With Avery and Carter wrestling for control, tempers heat up. So does the spark of attraction they’re fighting with every kiss. As the wedding draws near, it’s time to reconcile a rocky past and make a decision that could change everyone’s lives. Because what they’re rebelling against looks a lot like love.

Famished


Meghan O'Flynn - 2016
    At least, it feels that way until a serial killer starts dicing up women from the shelter where she volunteers. Despite the ever-present tingling at the nape of her neck, Hannah manages to convince herself that the killings have nothing to do with her brutal past—until her boyfriend is murdered in the same ruthless manner as the others. It doesn’t help that the police think she might have done it. But the cops are right about one thing: Hannah is responsible. Because she knows who the killer is. Now she must face the fact that she brought a monster with her to Ash Park—and his appetite for blood is insatiable. Everyone's hungry for something. Some are more famished than others.

Liliana's Letter


Alina K. Field - 2015
    If only the young lady’s starchy hired companion would move out of the way. The MatchbreakerHired to launch an heiress’s society debut, seemingly straitlaced spinster Liliana Ashford’s future as a professional chaperone depends on the girl’s successful marriage. But Liliana had her own close encounter with a scoundrel years ago, and she won’t let her charge be forced into marriage to the same kind of rogue, no matter how hard the man’s widowed uncle tries to woo Liliana around to the match.Secrets and a Scandalous Murder A shadow from Liliana’s past appears bearing an unfortunate letter she wrote long ago, and then the earl is murdered, evoking the scandal of the season. While she scrambles to make a respectable match for her charge before her own past can be exposed, Grigsby sets about finding his nephew’s killer—and Liliana’s secrets.

Morgan Rice: 3 Beginnings (Turned, Arena One and A Quest of Heroes)


Morgan Rice - 2013
    Three bestselling novels, over 200,000 words of reading! In the #1 Bestseller TURNED (BOOK #1 OF THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS), 18 year old Caitlin Paine is uprooted and forced to attend a dangerous NYC high school, where she begins to change, overcome by a superhuman strength. She needs to find out who she really is, who her real father was. She is helped by Caleb, a mysterious and powerful vampire, and they are in peril as a forbidden love arises--a love between races that will force them to risk it all for each other... "TURNED is a book to rival TWILIGHT and THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, and one that will have you wanting to keep reading until the very last page! If you are into adventure, love and vampires this book is the one for you!" --vampirebooksite.com In the #1 Bestseller ARENA ONE, a post-apocalyptic, action-packed thriller, 17 year old Brooke, a survivor of the Great War, has her life change when her sister is kidnapped by the slaverunners. She must chase them into the city that was once New York, try to rescue her sister, and fight to the death in Arena One, the death stadium where there is only one rule: no one survives. Ever. "ARENA ONE was one of those books that you read late into the night until your eyes start to cross because you don't want to put it down….I would highly recommend ARENA ONE. “ --Dallas Examiner In the #1 Bestseller A QUEST OF HEROES, Thorgrin, a special 14 year old boy, the least loved of his father, learns he has powers he does not understand. An outsider, he must fight for acceptance as he strives to become a warrior, to join the King’s Legion, and as he falls in love with the king’s 16 year old daughter. Most of all, he must learn who he really is, and why his destiny is so important. “THE SORCERER’S RING has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos

Honeymoon for One


Chris Keniston - 2013
    Coaxed by a thrill seeking hunk she never expects to see again, she slowly sheds her good girl persona to have some well deserved fun. But unlike Vegas, what happens on the high seas doesn't always stay there.

Can't Love You More


Sabrina Quinn - 2014
    The two of them had a special bond that only grew deeper the older they became. The love that was once considered one of a kind was shattered graduation night, resulting in Braelyn leaving her small hometown for the big city. She now has a secret of her own to shield. A year in Chicago altered her life more than she ever thought imaginable. Braelyn moves back to Indiana in desperation to find the happy, free-spirited girl she left behind, but she isn't sure that is possible. Braelyn’s new downstairs neighbor, Gabe, is quickly becoming her new best friend. Though jaded from his own past back in Georgia, he is on a mission to help her out of the deep depression that has consumed her over the past year. Can Gabe help Braelyn find herself? Will Aiden's confession change the past, or will it ruin her forever?

Flame Kissed


Annie Anderson - 2015
    I'm on the run, plagued by visions of death, and forced to rely on the man who killed my husband. Yeah, my life is just peachy. But when the truth shakes out, I find that maybe Rhys didn't ruin my life those many years ago. Maybe he saved it. Now, it's my turn to save us both.

A Family Affair


Mary Campisi - 2006
    Her father has another family which includes a mistress and a daughter. Determined to uncover the truth behind her father's secret life, Christine heads to Magdalena, prepared to hate the people who have caused her to question everything she thought she knew about her father. But what she finds is a woman who understands her, a half sister who cherishes her, and a man who could love her if she'll let him. The longer she's around them, the more she questions which family is the real one. . . Attention Book Clubs! Included on my website is a Book Club Discussion Guide for A Family Affair. This story is filled with moral ambiguity, difficult choices, and second chances--all great topics for conversation and contemplation. Truth in Lies Series: Book One: A Family Affair Book Two: A Family Affair: Spring Book Three: A Family Affair: Summer Book Four: A Family Affair: Fall Book Five: A Family Affair: Christmas Book Six: A Family Affair: Winter (TBA) Book Seven: A Family Affair: The Promise (TBA)

Crispy Critters


Theo Cage - 2014
    So they hatch a wicked plot to clean up not only their street, but the entire city. Of course, Cyn Bathgate, a clever Phoenix homicide detective who is investigating arsons, has other plans. A thriller Novella by Theo Cage and first in an upcoming series.

The Rage


Richard Murray - 2019
    They have a hunger, a burning desire to taste of the flesh of others and their bite carries an infection, a virus that will send those who are bitten, crazy. Those infected lose everything that makes them human, leaving them with just an urge for violence, for lust, for hunger and an unquenchable rage! In the city of Leeds, Sarah, a young nurse, sees first-hand, the effects of this infection as it sweeps through the city, filling the emergency room with injured people. Unable to do more than bandage their wounds and send them home, she doesn’t realise how bad things are about to become. Not far away, Jack, finds himself thrust into the role of leader as his tower block is quarantined by the military when martial law descends on the city. With little food and a community in terror, he has to hold things together and find a way to survive as the city dies around him. This is the first book of a new series that begins as the world ends.

The Practice House


Laura McNeal - 2017
    Aldine’s sister converts and moves to America to marry, and Aldine follows, hoping to find the life she’s meant to lead and the person she’s meant to love.In New York, Aldine answers an ad soliciting a teacher for a one-room schoolhouse in a place she can’t possibly imagine: drought-stricken Kansas. She arrives as farms on the Great Plains have begun to fail and schools are going bankrupt, unable to pay or house new teachers. With no money and too much pride to turn back, she lives uneasily with the family of Ansel Price—the charming, optimistic man who placed the ad—and his family responds to her with kind curiosity, suspicion, and, most dangerously, love. Just as she’s settling into her strange new life, a storm forces unspoken thoughts to the surface that will forever alter the course of their lives.Laura McNeal’s novel is a sweeping and timeless love story about leaving—and finding—home.

When Never Comes


Barbara Davis - 2018
    For a while, she found a safe haven in her marriage to bestselling crime novelist Stephen Ludlow—until his car skidded into Echo Bay. But Stephen’s wasn’t the only body pulled from the icy waters that night. When details about a mysterious violet-eyed blonde become public, a media circus ensues, and Christy-Lynn runs again.Desperate for answers, she’s shattered to learn that Stephen and his mistress had a child—a little girl named Iris, who now lives in poverty with her ailing great-grandmother. The thought of Iris abandoned to the foster care system—as Christy-Lynn once was—is unbearable. But she’s spent her whole life running—determined never to be hurt again. Will she finally stand still long enough to open herself up to forgiveness and love?