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Secrets in the Shallows
A deadly storm is brewing over the sleepy little town of Wattsville, Maine. Mystery and intrigue creep into the village like a fetid fog blown by an ill wind. The untimely deaths of two young men shake the quiet peace of the small community, and threaten to destroy the life of a revered religious leader. The spirits of those slain cry out for justice from their graves, while restless ghosts walk the hallways and grounds of the old monastery; silent victims of the horrors that took place by the pond.
Faith, forensics, and falsehood mix together to thicken the plot of this elaborate murder mystery. The twists and turns of the case will lead the team into the darkest heart of evil, and the mind of a serial killer.
Follow the determined team of investigators, as they pit science and religion in a battle for the truth. Haunted by ghosts and stalked by a killer, will the team become victims themselves, or will they discover the ‘Secrets in the Shallows’?
Faith, forensics, and falsehood mix together to thicken the plot of this elaborate murder mystery. The twists and turns of the case will lead the team into the darkest heart of evil, and the mind of a serial killer.
Follow the determined team of investigators, as they pit science and religion in a battle for the truth. Haunted by ghosts and stalked by a killer, will the team become victims themselves, or will they discover the ‘Secrets in the Shallows’?
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2013
12 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 25, 2016
Secrets in the Shallows
IF you wish to be lost in a captivating murder mystery with characters that will come alive in your mind; IF you enjoy twists and turns that will lead you where you do not suspect; and IF you are ready for a page-turner that will keep you up in the wee hours of the morning; then I would like to invite you to discover the 'Secrets in the Shallows.'
IF you wish to be lost in a captivating murder mystery with characters that will come alive in your mind; IF you enjoy twists and turns that will lead you where you do not suspect; and IF you are ready for a page-turner that will keep you up in the wee hours of the morning; then I would like to invite you to discover the 'Secrets in the Shallows.'
July 2, 2013
Overall, a good set up to a murder mystery. You get a lot of development in the mystery, a few things I'm holding onto as "clues" for future reference, and there are a few plot elements set up (the ghosts for example) that seem like they are intended to be developed later in the series. I'm not sure how I feel about it being a series though. At the end, it feels more like an unfinished book, like there's not enough going for an entire series.
As an attorney, I have a few issues with the legal process in the book - some of it is just not that realistic. I also had an issue with the fact that the book is set in a small lobstering town but they have a helicopter and a dive team (with special warm-water circulating wetsuits for cold dives) on hand for a missing persons case less than 48 hours old, and a huge horde of reporters shows up before an autopsy even confirms a murder. I feel like the author could have done a little bit better research before writing. The name of the nearest large town is repeatedly misspelled. There is no "Banger, Maine", it is "Bangor, Maine". Also, the idea that a small-town District Attorney (even as the head D.A.) could afford a 3 carat, princess-cut, quality diamond is a stretch. I went on a well-known custom jewelry site that sells loose diamonds and priced a low-quality 3 carat princess-cut diamond and it came to over $35,000 for the diamond alone, no ring to put it in.
That being said, the author is really great at painting a picture of the town and the scenery. You really get a sense of where you are and either the calm or eeriness in the air. And, the plot moves along fairly well. BUT...
Character dialogue is a little bit mechanical. People refer to each other by name far too often for regular conversation, especially when there are only two people in the room, and couples use "baby" and "sweetheart" way too much. Also there are some very unfortunate editing errors, such as using "bald-point pen" and "balled point pen" instead of "ballpoint pen", using "into" and "upon" where it clearly should have said "in to" and "up on", and putting question marks at the end of dialogue sentences that were not questions. I would have overlooked one or two of these as typos, but it was the same errors consistently throughout the book.
As an attorney, I have a few issues with the legal process in the book - some of it is just not that realistic. I also had an issue with the fact that the book is set in a small lobstering town but they have a helicopter and a dive team (with special warm-water circulating wetsuits for cold dives) on hand for a missing persons case less than 48 hours old, and a huge horde of reporters shows up before an autopsy even confirms a murder. I feel like the author could have done a little bit better research before writing. The name of the nearest large town is repeatedly misspelled. There is no "Banger, Maine", it is "Bangor, Maine". Also, the idea that a small-town District Attorney (even as the head D.A.) could afford a 3 carat, princess-cut, quality diamond is a stretch. I went on a well-known custom jewelry site that sells loose diamonds and priced a low-quality 3 carat princess-cut diamond and it came to over $35,000 for the diamond alone, no ring to put it in.
That being said, the author is really great at painting a picture of the town and the scenery. You really get a sense of where you are and either the calm or eeriness in the air. And, the plot moves along fairly well. BUT...
Character dialogue is a little bit mechanical. People refer to each other by name far too often for regular conversation, especially when there are only two people in the room, and couples use "baby" and "sweetheart" way too much. Also there are some very unfortunate editing errors, such as using "bald-point pen" and "balled point pen" instead of "ballpoint pen", using "into" and "upon" where it clearly should have said "in to" and "up on", and putting question marks at the end of dialogue sentences that were not questions. I would have overlooked one or two of these as typos, but it was the same errors consistently throughout the book.
June 8, 2014
This a page turner. This book had me from the first page. This book is very well written to the point you feel the story come alive between the pages. You fall in love with the characters and feel their sorrow and pain. You will also laugh at loud. So be prepared to clear your schedule for a wonderful book you will not want to put down. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent storyline. Loved It!!!
June 14, 2013
The story takes place in Maine, in the woods near the ocean. Our authors paint a detailed picture of the landscape and put you into the scene. There is a boy named Timmy who is being punished by Mother Superior and an old monastery. Winter is coming quick and it appears there is another in their midst. A mysterious nun with a battle axe.
All of a sudden a person is killed, Timmy goes missing and the story shifts into high gear.
“The Monastery Murders – Book 1 – Secrets in the Shallows” is not the type of book I usually read. But I decided months ago to write reviews. So, the time was right to expand my horizons. And expand them I did. This was the perfect book for me to break into murder mysteries. ”Secrets in the Shallows” is skillfully written to keep the reader off balance. Try as you may, you won’t be able to guess what happens next. The story keeps you guessing all the way through.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Secrets in the Shallows”. Our author’s, through their descriptive writing and storytelling skills brings the reader along for a suspenseful and entertaining ride. I strongly recommend this book for anyone out for a sitting on the edge of your seat read.
All of a sudden a person is killed, Timmy goes missing and the story shifts into high gear.
“The Monastery Murders – Book 1 – Secrets in the Shallows” is not the type of book I usually read. But I decided months ago to write reviews. So, the time was right to expand my horizons. And expand them I did. This was the perfect book for me to break into murder mysteries. ”Secrets in the Shallows” is skillfully written to keep the reader off balance. Try as you may, you won’t be able to guess what happens next. The story keeps you guessing all the way through.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Secrets in the Shallows”. Our author’s, through their descriptive writing and storytelling skills brings the reader along for a suspenseful and entertaining ride. I strongly recommend this book for anyone out for a sitting on the edge of your seat read.
November 1, 2013
The Secrets In The Shallows is one of those books that I absolutely loved and must share with the world. The book is written by Karen Vance Hammond and Kimberly Brouillette and it starts out with a thrilling murder that you find out later is unsolved along the time another murder and subsequent investigation begins.
Even though you know who the murderer is you really don't know. The murderer wears a nuns habit but is it really a nun or someone posing as one? Could the murderer be male or female? What is the motive behind it all in the first place? The villain in this is brilliant and has the police looking in the wrong direction. The book ends on a complete cliffhanger and the authors simply cannot release the next one soon enough.
I did have some issues like another reviewer in the dialog in terms of all the Sweetheart's and Baby's. I found it to be a bit cloying. However, that is my own reflection of tastes and would be something that would drive me up the wall.
Even though you know who the murderer is you really don't know. The murderer wears a nuns habit but is it really a nun or someone posing as one? Could the murderer be male or female? What is the motive behind it all in the first place? The villain in this is brilliant and has the police looking in the wrong direction. The book ends on a complete cliffhanger and the authors simply cannot release the next one soon enough.
I did have some issues like another reviewer in the dialog in terms of all the Sweetheart's and Baby's. I found it to be a bit cloying. However, that is my own reflection of tastes and would be something that would drive me up the wall.
May 14, 2013
The prologue grabbed my immediate attention and from there on, I couldn't put the book down! This gripping murder mystery is a cleverly woven tapestry with all the right threads: ghosts, suspense, intrigue, romance, small-town characters that could have come straight out of a Norman Rockewll painting, and twists and turns that will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more! I absolutely cannot wait for Book 2 and you won't be able to either!
May 28, 2013
For those who love a good mystery this is the book for you. Well written; it keeps the reader turning the pages for the answer to who is responsible for the murders in this sleepy little village. With vivid descriptions and crisp dialogue you won’t be disappointed. Enhanced with romance, murder, madness, ghosts, and an insight to the mind of a serial killer keep you wanting more.
June 22, 2016
Secret in the Shallows has a great story line and plot. It is an easy read and there are moments of wondering what is going to happen next and to whom. I enjoyed reading the story and getting to know the characters. I did notice some of the dialogue was repetitious but other than that, Secret in the Shallows is worth buying and reading. You won't be sorry.
February 17, 2014
I love what I have read so far. I truly enjoy reading a book that is well written. I'm loving this story!!!
June 30, 2013
I adore mystery novels. I had heard about the book and was able to read the prologue. That sold me immediately and there was not a moment of hesitation in buying and tearing into this phenomenal novel. Think you have it figured out or even what may happen next? You don't. But you will never be so happy that there are two authors with such brilliance and knowledge of the human psyche. The book is not meant to trick you, but seize your attention as you are willingly led deeper into a story of fiction that seems so real. This book will absolutely scare you, but don't expect cheap thrills. This separates it from so many other horror/mystery novels. The authors respect the reader and the reader's intelligence. At no time is 'the call coming from inside the house'. The words are coming from the authors and truly enter and seamlessly play out in the theatre of your mind.
June 6, 2013
"Secrets" brings in so very much suspense that readers be hooked from the second page! The Authors provide a chilling array of characters, scenarios, plots and subplots, complete with a body count and unexpected turns that nobody sees coming! Don't miss this opportunity to get lost in a place where you'll never know what's coming next!!
June 14, 2013
Best paranormal book out there
June 28, 2013
wonderful imagery.i felt like i was there with the characters.enjoyed it a lot.
July 12, 2014
Too poorly written to even finish.
June 28, 2013
Great paranormal book,prologue is good.
January 21, 2020
This is a 5 star paranormal thrilling read. From the opening pages to the last, you are hooked. This is a well written amazing scary story. There is a ghost, a serial killer and a very creepy monastery. The monastery grounds and buildings are a character in and of itself. I know I would not want to go there for school or worship. But it truly is a main character in this book. The monastery breaths an uncanny malice. The book opens in the dark woods, from there you meet this wonderful tight nit community with some skeletons in their closets. You are thrown into the middle of a severe snow storm trying to find a missing boy. You can feel the cold seep into your skin as the police, search crews and family work thru out the night in blizzard conditions. You will feel the sadness, anger, evil and joy the characters are feeling. It will be like you are sitting right in that living room with the sheriff. Inside the deep dark creepy unforgiving woods. In the restaurant with the two love birds. At the autopsy lab with the medical staff. Walking the dark hallways, stairs and into the sanctuary of the monastery. Once you get started on this book you will not be able to put it down. I have already started on book #2 in this series, "Devil In The Details". I can't wait for book #3.
October 20, 2015
I came across this book when I heard author Kimberly Brouillette as a guest on a paranormal radio show. I was intrigued with the story and knew I had to know more.
Something evil lurks in a small fishing village in Maine. Two young students have been murdered that attend a prestigious Catholic Monastery school. Seems all fingers point to a head nun who runs the school, but there is an underlying tone of something else being at play here- and it reeks of a ghostly suspect. The authors have your imagination running wild with assumptions of just who did this.
I have to say this novel had me going as I kept turning pages. The depictions of this small fishing town in Maine had me feeling as though I was transported there. The character development was wonderful as you really got to get inside the heads of the characters and know their personalities.
I’ll have to read book 2, ‘Devil in the Details’ to find out who our mystery murderer is.
Something evil lurks in a small fishing village in Maine. Two young students have been murdered that attend a prestigious Catholic Monastery school. Seems all fingers point to a head nun who runs the school, but there is an underlying tone of something else being at play here- and it reeks of a ghostly suspect. The authors have your imagination running wild with assumptions of just who did this.
I have to say this novel had me going as I kept turning pages. The depictions of this small fishing town in Maine had me feeling as though I was transported there. The character development was wonderful as you really got to get inside the heads of the characters and know their personalities.
I’ll have to read book 2, ‘Devil in the Details’ to find out who our mystery murderer is.
December 19, 2013
Secrets in the Shallows is the first in the Monastery Murders series by Karen Vance Hammond and Kimberly Brouillette. The small town of Wattsville, Maine, is shaken after 18-year-old Timmy Fields is found dead, floating in a pond next to St. Francis Monastery and School. He was last seen staying late at school as punishment for a dress code violation, and Mother Superior was the last one to see him alive.
Read more: http://catholicfiction.net/book-revie...
Read more: http://catholicfiction.net/book-revie...
May 8, 2016
The prologue got my attention and tuned me into this novel. There's mystery and crime including murders involving....a nun! Ok I say no more I don't want to spoil it. I appreciate this story for the narrative because it is strongly written. Her details and scenes set were brilliant that I felt I could see it right then and there. Some character voicing can be stronger. Will they find this serial killer at the monastery? I'll never tell. Not a "Sister Act" book lol
April 13, 2016
Very great time with reading this one
This story has you on the edge of your seat wondering who did the murder. Why. It is very easy to feel your living in the story. Love the suspense.
This story has you on the edge of your seat wondering who did the murder. Why. It is very easy to feel your living in the story. Love the suspense.
May 16, 2014
Per the Authors request this review may contain a spoiler... Timmy's life is taken away from him one day while leaving catholic school. While deputies are trying to solve his case they realize a 'suicide' from two years ago has the same feel to it. Mother Superior Mary Ellen takes the fall for the murders. The book ends with an after thought from the killer. I wish it had tied into the story better. There were a few spelling issues in the book, nothing major.
I know for a fact that a deputy is not going to light a candle and say a prayer when clearing a church. That tid bit bothered me, but not as much as all the radio traffic the deputies had. I know for a fact you would not give all the case information on the air. I wished the authors would have done those conversations as phone calls.
Overall it was a very detailed book. I enjoyed following the story along even when I wanted to scream at the characters! Hopefully there is a second book to tie up the loose ends. WaAR
I know for a fact that a deputy is not going to light a candle and say a prayer when clearing a church. That tid bit bothered me, but not as much as all the radio traffic the deputies had. I know for a fact you would not give all the case information on the air. I wished the authors would have done those conversations as phone calls.
Overall it was a very detailed book. I enjoyed following the story along even when I wanted to scream at the characters! Hopefully there is a second book to tie up the loose ends. WaAR
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2015
Was a very interesting and different read from my usual reads, there were a few times the switch between character's point of view was abit jarring but has lots of intrigue and mystery to keep you interested in wanting to know and read more. Overall was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews