The Secret They Kept (boxed series) by J. S. Ellis ~ 5⭐

Genre: Domestic Thriller ~ Release Date: March 5, 2024

REVIEWS: I read all of these and reviewed them when they originally were published. They are being released in a boxed set and I’m posting these reviews together for your convenience. I know you’ll want to binge read them! They are available for pre-order today.

THE SECRET THEY KEPT: WOW! J.S. Ellis knocked it out of the park with The Secrets They Kept. It is my favorite book of hers so far. I totally enjoyed this story and happily went along with the ride. I didn’t know where this book was headed. There were a few characters throughout the book that raised my suspicions but, I couldn’t put a solid finger on any of them.

Emily moves into her first house and finds out the woman of the couple who used to live there came up missing. Emily’s boyfriend goes missing and the Jones’ across the street had a son that went missing too. That is a lot in between two houses! Who is involved? It has to be someone close by. Right or maybe not. You’ll have to read this on your own too see if you can figure out who the culprit is.

If you love a good mystery, this is your book. At first, it didn’t seem like a mystery but, I loved the characters and the story was engaging. The mystery built throughout the story. It kind of sneaks up on you. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I wouldn’t mind another story about Emily in a new home with a new mystery. Maybe a new man? Probably just my wishful thinking. I never want a good book to end.

SECRETS AND LIES: Secrets and Lies by J.S. Ellis is the second book of The Secret They Kept series with The Secret The Kept being the title of the first book. I can’t help but think there is going to be at least one more book in this series. I felt like Secrets and Lies left me with a lot of unanswered questions. The first book brought overwhelming success hence book two and here’s hoping for a book three!

I really think you should read The Secret They Kept before you read Secrets and Lies. You won’t be sorry. I think you can read book two as a stand alone but, the background and introduction to the characters in book one will lend more richness to the story. I think you would lose a lot if you read book two first and then go back to book one. So, enhance your reading experience and read these books in order.

The characters in these books are a little quirky. They may not be the kind of people in your group of friends but, their beauty and open lives will pull you in. Emily is the main character and is a lot like some of us. I don’t think she sees herself as beautiful and doesn’t always go the extra mile to take care of herself and her home. She was not always like this but, the things that happen in the first book and now the second one have changed who she is as a person. She is drawn to Lucien who is a stunningly beautiful man. Nobody compares. His coloring, clothes and the way he carries himself make him a stand out in any crowd. Emily is also interested in a detective that is prominent in the story. You have to read these books to understand how all of this fits. It’s quite interesting.

I have become a fan of J.S. Ellis. She writes great Psychological Suspense. I rarely know what is going to happen. She weaves such a good story and has characters that just draw you in that you really don’t realize what you are reading. You think you are reading a normal fiction book until the first twist comes your way. Then you just jump right in and fly along because you can’t wait to see what happens.

If you love Suspense, Psychological Suspense, murders that have gone unsolved, A love story or two or three along the way, domestic fiction, you name it, you’ll love this new series by J.S. Ellis.

THE SECRET WE KEEP: The Secrets We Keep by J.S. Ellis is book three of a trilogy. Book one is The Secret They Kept and book two is Secrets and Lies. I’ve enjoyed all the books that I have read by this author. She always keeps me interested in her stories.

The characters in this series start out as somewhat normal. As normal as most of us are. Emily is the main character and I really liked her a lot. She gets involved with a circle of friends that don’t really seem to be her type. They are all interesting and from my point of view are a little far out. They are models and photographers. Emily is a freelance graphic artist and works from home. It leaves her available at odd hours and she gets entangled with these odd friends. Lucien is the beautiful boy across the street. I say boy because he is younger than Emily. There is an attraction that I don’t think Emily even understands. I will say that the is a full cast of characters and some of them I really liked. As with most books, I think you’ll find some you don’t.

You really want to read all three books. I think if you pick up book two or three, you will have a hard time figuring out what is going on. I remember having a short time of putting it all together with book two. I did with this book also. I had to remember who everyone was and how they tie together. I think that now all three books are released it would be a good idea to acquire them all and binge read them. Keeps everything fresh. I found it a little hard to remember all the details at the beginning and it wasn’t an easy entrance into each book. I was able to work it all out, it just took me a bit.

Overall, if you like quirky characters, a good mystery and a mystery that actually changes over time, I think you will like these books. They are geared to a little younger reader than me but, it doesn’t throw us older folks out of the park either. There is something for everyone! Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copies of all three books from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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SYNOPSIS:

Emily Clarke thought her dreams were coming true. Her business was thriving and she was moving into a beautiful new house. Yet this dream quickly morphed into a nightmare.

Rocks being thrown at her windows.
Haunting messages written on glass.
Items mysteriously disappearing.

Emily’s nerves are on edge, which is only made worse by the man across the street constantly screaming at his wife. By befriending their son, Lucien, she learns a dark truth about the street she now calls home. Lucien has a brother who went missing ten years ago, as did the last occupant of Emily’s house.

Emily wants to believe these ominous events are past history until her ex-boyfriend vanishes without a trace. Now, she’s convinced she is a pawn in someone’s twisted game.

Can she uncover who is behind these disappearances before becoming their next victim?

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