This was okay for me. I've read better books by this author. It was pretty much a given who the girl in the pool was killed by. That was a no brainier. The reason why was bigger.

I just kept telling myself all along while reading this, that you can see right through this. At the end when Jim takes Becca to the restaurant, he knows the answers he's going to get. It's like he's hoping for something else.

And then all these lies and stuff, like I said, the author has written way much better books. The whole thing just didn't sit right with me.

Thanks to Alibi Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first 3 books in this series ages ago and enjoyed them immensely. I was surprised to find Killing Secrets on NetGalley. When you've not read a book by a particular author in a while but remember their name and most of the characters, you know you've found a good author to read.

What I liked: First, let me say that I somehow missed book 4, Love Kills but I didn't feel I missed anything by reading Killing Secrets first. (I will go back and read it though). 

I like the main character, Nan Vining. She's a cop but not the top of the chain and she has no mysterious crime fighting ability. She's a single Mom, with a somewhat rebellious teenage daughter, Emily, and she's in a good stable relationship. You know, like an everyday person. 

This is listed as a mystery and the plot follows the murder/suicide of a teacher and student. To me, personally, the blurb sound more exciting than the book. I don't mean that in a bad way but to me, the relationships between the characters was more meaningful and important; most especially the relationship between Nan and her daughter.

Ms Emley, didn't leave you a trail of bread crumbs either. I didn't figure out the bad guy until right before the end. It was not obvious and there were several red herrings with a lot of misdirection. 

What I didn't like: I felt the first third of Killing Secrets moved somewhat slowly. The author was setting up multiple plot lines and characters. Once I was past the first third, the book moved much more quickly and held my attention until I lost track of time.

If you like a good mystery/thriller, this series is for you. It has strong, independent characters with interesting back stories. I hope the next in the series isn't 5 years down the road!!

Here is a complete listing of the Nan Vining Mystery Series.

Recommended!!!!

This was my second by this author and I'm hooked! She puts the "Oh no, look out" into suspense. I just knew who the murderer was, I know I knew. Wrong. The author put so much emphasis and just kept returning back to this character. I should have known better. Ha!! It's always the least one you suspect.

I found this book very riveting. I just could not put it down. There were so many things going on and I was like how the heck do all these pieces fit? Well, they fit and they fit very well. Kudos to Dianne Emley, you now have a favorite #1 fan.

Thanks Random House/ Alibi and Net Galley for allowing me the free entertainment in exchange for an honest review. I definitely recommend this one!