Deadly Secrets [Paperback]

Leeann Burke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2008

PHILIPPE LAFRANCE is a well known reclusive writer whose life is suddenly thrown upside down. The grandfather he never knew existed dies. Throughout his own investigation, Philippe learns that his family has kept secrets from him, deep, ugly secrets. A killer is murdering the men in his family. First his father then his grandfather have succumbed at the hands of another. This murderer is trying his utmost to keep secrets buried. Bereft, Roxanne St-Clair is left to manage a restaurant when the only person who ever mattered to her, her foster parent and mentor, is murdered. She puts her life on hold to find his killer and bring him to justice. Thrown together by circumstance and a mutual goal, Philippe and Roxanne fight their attraction and team up to find the killer, bring him to justice and unearth the truth. To stay alive, they must keep one step ahead of the assassin in order to prevent him from killing his next target, Philippe. Will they succeed in bringing to justice this killer before Philippe becomes his next victim? Will they be able to deal with the truth behind all the secrets?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Burke pens a first-class novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the end with its many plot twists. Not only is the mystery aspect of this story well-written, the romance is equally interesting. If all this isn't enough to make you want to buy this read, Burke and the publisher are donating proceeds to the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Brava!" --~ Romantic Times

About the Author

Leeann Burke currently lives in Ottawa, Canada where she is currently working on more books. When she's not writing, she's reading, running, and enjoying life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Lachesis Publishing (December 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897370695
• ISBN-13: 978-1897370698
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,853,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I can't remember a time when I didn't have characters living in my head. It wasn't until the age of 12 that I realized not everyone hears characters talking to them. That's about the time I put pen to paper and created their stories. I finished my first and only short story within weeks. I kept on writing through high school, university and my first few jobs. To this day I still have a pen and paper handy.

I have completed 10 manuscripts. After 22 years of writing I got "the call". The owner of LBF Books called to let me know she wanted to purchase DEADLY SECRETS. I can't express what it feels like to finally see my publication dream come true.

I currently live in Ottawa Canada and I'm working on DEADLY DESIRES as sequel to DEADLY SECRETS and plotting more books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deadly are the secrets!, December 21, 2008

By 

Jeanne Lee "Jeanne" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Deadly Secrets (Paperback)

Deadly are the secrets Roxanne and Phillipe uncover. This is a well written, well paced romantic story that will keep you turning page after page unti there are no more to turn. I read it in one day. It is that good. The pleasure to read this book was only enhanced by the fact the proceeds are going to a good cause...breast cancer research. I look forward to Ms Burke's next book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intoxicating., February 5, 2009

By 

Detra Fitch "Always hunting good books." (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deadly Secrets (Paperback)

The story opens at the funeral of George Lafrance. Roxanne St.Clair had been in several foster homes and on the street before George found her huddling behind his restaurant, Rock Heaven, ten years ago. George immediately took her under his wing. Roxanne thought she knew all about George until a couple of days before the funeral. That is when she learned of a grandson, Philippe.

Philippe Lafrance never knew he had a grandfather until George's lawyer called him to come for the will's reading. All his mother, Angela Lebeau, would say is that he died young due to a heart attack. Philippe knew that he looked a lot like his father and had the same deadly allergic reaction to nuts, but nothing else. The more Philippe learns about George, the more he wishes he had known his grandfather.

The police show up at Rock Heaven after the last mourner leaves. Roxanne and Philippe are shocked to learn George had been murdered. Someone had slipped nuts into something he ate, causing the death. Roxanne and Philippe also learn that George had hired a private investigator a year ago, who was still digging up information on the death of his son (Philippe's father). The pair team up and head to Shawinigan for answers. It looks as though someone had gotten away with one, perhaps two, murders. And if Roxanne and Philippe do not quit asking dangerous questions, they could be next.

***** Buckle up and keep your hands inside the cart at all times because this story will take you on a wild roller coaster ride. Full of twists, loops, and unexpected turns, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the genres of mysteries and/or romantic suspense. Both main characters are extremely well developed. Each has a past that neither wishes to share, but slowly open up as the story progresses. As in reality, the couple must meet and interview several people. Some of these become secondary characters and are almost as well developed as the main ones. Leeann Burke has written an intoxicating story that you will not easily put down. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An xcellent romantic amateur sleuth novel, January 25, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deadly Secrets (Paperback)

On the same day of the funeral of George Lafrance, the police inform his ward Roxanne St-Claire that someone murdered him. As Father Joe conducts the ceremony, Roxanne notices a young man at the funeral whose looks makes him most likely her beloved late foster father's grandson whom she never met.

Renowned reclusive author Philippe Lafrance is in shock not so much from the death of his grandfather, but from never knowing he had been alive. He understands why his matriarchal family hid his grandfather and other secrets he has recently learned from him in order to keep him safe. Philippe knows someone murdered his father and his grandfather; he is probably next on the list having shown up at the funeral announcing his heritage to this unknown predator. When he and Roxanne meet at the funeral, each is stunned by their attraction for the other. However, both recognize the need to ignore their desire as catching a killer comes first; for him it is a matter of preservation while for her it is in honor of her cherished mentoring foster parent.

The key to this excellent romantic amateur sleuth novel is that the fully developed lead characters never lose sight of what is critical: finding the culprit before he or she makes their attempt to kill Philippe; the romance takes a necessary back seat to the suspense. The support cast is solid as Philippe and Roxanne investigate each suspect to fathom who the killer is. Fans will appreciate Leann Burke strong thriller as the identity of the killer is in plain sight yet almost impossible to pick out of the usual suspects.

Harriet Klausner