Customer Reviews

Deadly Secrets

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I've been waiting for this book to be released! Fantastic, author-debut romance. Dialogue sets an evenly-paced novel, interwoven with action and suspense. Reads quickly from page one to the end. Philippe and Roxanne are well-developed characters, with nice chemistry.

Loved how romance between Roxanne and Philippe developed--gave me a very warm feeling. Murder mystery kept me on my toes! I enjoyed the investigative questions and answers that occurred throughout novel, making the characters come alive for me, and the eventual knowledge of "who had done it" a surprise. One of the things I liked about Roxanne that stuck in my mind was her ability to know ingredients in a dish by taste and smell as well, and yes, this does have something to do with story. Of course, Philippe's talents as an author came in handy too. The letter at end of novel from Ms. Burke to readers touched me deeply. It explained author's personal reasons for donating percentage of royalties to breast cancer research. It is a great joy to me to be able to read this wonderful novel.