Book picks similar to
Stratagem by Christina Hagmann


young-adult
mystery-thriller-horror-paranormal
suspense
nopety-nopes

Her Family Secret


Melissa Wiesner - 2021
    Now the truth about why Jasper abandoned her as a child will be buried forever. Escaping to the secluded beach house she’s inherited, June hopes to spend time bonding with her two little daughters, away from her hectic job and failing marriage.On the wild shores of the Pacific Northwest, her father’s hideaway leaves June breathless. But it’s his oil paintings decorating every wall that surprise her most. How could someone paint other people so beautifully, but reject those closest to him? And why is every drawer in her father’s workshop locked? June hopes her new neighbor—her father’s apprentice Caleb—will provide the answers. But Caleb won’t talk about the past.Then, hidden in her father’s workshop, June discovers a box of newspaper clippings that reveal the shocking reason why her father left years ago—and uncovers Caleb’s own devastating secret…When her old life comes calling, June has an impossible decision to make. Unsure what’s best for her girls, and if she can trust Caleb, will digging deeper into her father’s dark past heal or destroy her precious family?An absolutely heartbreaking and emotional page-turner about the incredible strength of family bonds, how we can hurt those closest to us, and the healing power of love. Fans of Diane Chamberlain, Kerry Lonsdale and Kerry Fisher will devour this powerful read from award-winning author Melissa Wiesner.

Tell Me Lies


Carola Lovering - 2018
    The wrong one. The one you couldn’t let go of. The one you’ll never forget.Lucy Albright is far from her Long Island upbringing when she arrives on the campus of her small California college, and happy to be hundreds of miles from her mother, whom she’s never forgiven for an act of betrayal in her early teen years. Quickly grasping at her fresh start, Lucy embraces college life and all it has to offer—new friends, wild parties, stimulating classes. And then she meets Stephen DeMarco. Charming. Attractive. Complicated. Devastating. Confident and cocksure, Stephen sees something in Lucy that no one else has, and she’s quickly seduced by this vision of herself, and the sense of possibility that his attention brings her. Meanwhile, Stephen is determined to forget an incident buried in his past that, if exposed, could ruin him, and his single-minded drive for success extends to winning, and keeping, Lucy’s heart. Alternating between Lucy’s and Stephen’s voices, Tell Me Lies follows their connection through college and post-college life in New York City. Deep down, Lucy knows she has to acknowledge the truth about Stephen. But before she can free herself from this addicting entanglement, she must confront and heal her relationship with her mother—or risk losing herself in a delusion about what it truly means to love. With the psychological insight and biting wit of Luckiest Girl Alive, and the yearning ambitions and desires of Sweetbitter, this keenly intelligent and staggeringly resonant novel chronicles the exhilaration and dilemmas of young adulthood, and the difficulty of letting go, even when you know you should.

the HIDDEN series: New Adult Romance Mystery Set


Kristin Coley
    When she learns the whereabouts of a missing boy her decision to go after him leads her to a gorgeous ally. As they push deeper into the mystery surrounding the boy's disappearance they uncover a nest of deadly secrets that leaves Addie wondering if she'll survive to graduate. This contains both of the Hidden novels - Hidden Truths and Hidden Lies.Hidden LiesIt's been over a year since Addie Michaels and Jake Kincaid met under less than ideal circumstances. They both think life has settled down as Addie enters her second year of college, but when you have a gift for knowing the truth - things don't stay quiet for long.Missing girls on campus have them investigating once again as Addie discounts the idea they are runaways. They discover a more sinister plot is in play and when it strikes a little too close to home they have to trust friends, both old and new, to save them."Hidden Truths is one of those YA Hidden Treasure reads.""This is a story that had me hooked.""Stop what you're doing and read this!" "Intriguing and original with a good deal of suspense and mystery!"

Someone Else's Child


Alison Ragsdale - 2022
    I took you in my arms, your little hands in tight fists, and I knew I was going to do everything in my power to be the mother you needed and deserved…When Catriona loses her baby girl at birth, it shatters her. But like a light in the darkness, Catriona is given the chance to adopt beautiful baby April, and now she cannot imagine life without her.The family’s picture-perfect home is filled every day with April’s warm giggles and joyful games. But when her daughter is just eight years old, Catriona gets the call that she has been silently dreading. April’s birth mother, Lauren, would like to meet her.Lauren breezes into their home and April just sparkles around her. Their matching turquoise eyes and chestnut hair feels like a knife to Catriona’s heart. Lauren appears to have her life back on track, with a good job and a new house in an upscale neighbourhood. Pushing to spend more and more time with April, one day Lauren says the unthinkable: April belongs with me.Who can truly give the little girl the love and family she deserves? Catriona is sure Lauren is keeping secrets. Catriona only wants what is best for her darling daughter, but does that really mean she has to let her go forever?A totally unforgettable, emotional, and beautiful novel that will break your heart into a million pieces and put it back together again. Powerful and ultimately uplifting, fans of Kate Hewitt, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will be captivated.

Cedric's Ecstasy


E.C. Land - 2021
    . . and I want her.CedricShe was bleeding out behind a dumpster and somehow, for some reason, fate must’ve wanted me to find her before it was too late. Even though blood was covering her face, I could see past the grime, see the beauty lying underneath. I didn’t know anything about Arwen, but one thing I did know is what was done to her was unacceptable.I did the only thing I could. I took her to Finley and told her we’d have no choice but protect her. I think Finley knew back then something was different about Arwen and the way I looked at her, but none of us had any clue what was coming our way.We had no idea about the war coming, or that our own would be hurt while keeping Arwen safe.We didn’t have a clue, and I sure as fuck didn’t have any idea how hard I’d fall for her.

The Liar's Daughter


Rona Halsall - 2021
    But you don’t have a sister… do you?You’ve never doubted your parents. You’ve loved them without question your whole life. But your stepmother is uncharacteristically speechless, and your father isn’t well enough to understand.So you get in your car.Turn the key in the ignition.Knowing everything behind you is a lie.Not knowing what lies ahead: the truth… or something far darker?A deliciously dark and twisty tale of deception, secrets and family ties, The Liar’s Daughter is perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, The Woman in the Window and The Family Upstairs.

No Place Like Home


Jane Renshaw - 2021
    They have left the rat race of the big city and moved into a gorgeous, custom-built house in the Scottish Highlands. Bram has already planted up a vegetable plot and is planning to create a wildflower meadow and keep chickens and goats.But then a dead crow appears on their washing line, their vegetables are weedkilled and someone shoots at Bertie, a gentle guide dog belonging to Kirsty’s mother.The police say it’s nothing to worry about, it’s just bored local teenagers hanging out in the woods. But Bram is sure that more sinister forces are at work, that these events may be connected to a terrible secret in Kirsty’s past.And he’s right. As the campaign against them escalates, the family is pulled down into a relentless spiral of terror and violence until the home they always dreamed of becomes a nightmare from which they may never escape.

The Millionaire's Wife


Shalini Boland - 2017
    That her greatest fear is about to come true. That it’s her turn next.Uncover a web of lies and deceit in this chilling, twisty suspense thriller.

Friends and Other Liars


Kaela Coble - 2018
    Nice to see you can show up for a person once he's dead. When Ruby St. James returns to her hometown, it is to the grave of her old friend Danny, a member of a group that was, ten years ago, Ruby's whole world. The crew made a pact back then: stay together, stay loyal, and stay honest. But that was before all of the lies. Because even friends keep secrets. They just don't stay secret for long.Now Danny has left behind a letter for each of them, issuing one final ultimatum: share your darkest betrayal to the group, or risk it coming out in a trap he has created. When past mistakes resurface, the lines of friendship blurb, and four old friends are left trying to understand what it means to lie to the ones you love best.

Verity


Colleen Hoover - 2018
    Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

Bad Boy Rebels 3


Jessica Sorensen - 2017
    It's making separating my real life with my undercover life complicated. Alexis: My name is Alexis and up until a day ago, I thought the worst thing that ever happened to me was catching Blaine and Masie kissing. Boy was I wrong. Like really, really wrong. Now my life is filled with crazy hackers, dirty lies, and three hot guys trying to protect me. And who knows what tomorrow will bring. Recommended reading age 18+

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder


Holly Jackson - 2019
    Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?

You Will Be Mine


Natasha Preston - 2018
    Partying is the perfect way to let loose from the stress of life and school, and Lylah hopes that hitting the dance floor with Chace, her best friend, will bring them closer together. She's been crushing on him since they met. If only he thought of her the same way...The girls are touching up their makeup and the guys are sliding on their coats when the doorbell rings. No one is there. An envelope sits on the doormat. It's an anonymous note addressed to their friend Sonny. A secret admirer? Maybe. They all laugh it off.Except Sonny never comes home. And a new note arrives:YOUR TURN

The Lee Callaway Series: Books 1-3


Thomas Fincham - 2019
    She had been stabbed multiple times. Her father, Paul, has blood stains on his shirt and his fingerprints are all over the murder weapon. Paul has no memory of what happened.Kyla’s mother, Sharon, was not at home when the murder occurred. She was having an affair with her yoga instructor. Private Investigator Lee Callawaywas also at the Gardener residence on the night of the murder. He had been following Sharon at the behest of his client, Paul.When all evidence points to Paul as the murderer, Callaway takes on the case to prove his innocence. As he searches for answers, he uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and deceit.  THE GONE SISTER How do you find someone who doesn’t exist? Isaiah Whitcomb is found dead in a parked car. Isaiah is a promising athlete and he also happens to be Detective Greg Holt’s nephew. It’s personal for Holt and he will stop at nothing to find who is behind his nephew’s murder.Private Investigator Lee Callaway is having a terrible day when Elle Pearson, a blind woman, appears at his door. Elle wants him to find her missing sister. The only problem is no one has seen or heard of her sister.How is Isaiah’s death linked to Elle’s missing sister? And who is the mysterious stranger looking to avenge a betrayal from years before?As Callaway gets closer to the truth he is faced with the biggest shock of his life. THE FALLING GIRL Would you kill to save someone you love? Dillon Scott is a beloved actor who is found dead in his home. Detective Dana Fisher is called in to investigate Scott’s death and what she discovers may change everything she knew about him.Private Investigator Lee Callaway is on the brink of closing his PI business when he gets a case that looks deceivingly simple, but is anything but.  When Callaway’s mentor and hero, Jimmy Keith, arrives in Milton, Callaway is beyond ecstatic.However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Jimmy is charged of a gruesome crime, leaving Callaway to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about the man. How can Callaway save Jimmy when all evidence points to him as the killer?

House of Earth and Blood


Sarah J. Maas - 2020
    When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love.