Title: Storm of Secrets by Loretta Marion
A Haunted Bluffs Mystery Series Book Two
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Contemporary, Supernatural (Ghosts), Mystery
Length: 312 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A deadly storm, a missing three-year-old child, a grisly murder, and the eerie presence of the spirits of the dead set the stage for the second mesmerizing installment of Loretta Marion’s paranormal suspense series.
A powerful storm descends upon Cape Cod’s Whale Rock at the peak of tourist season–and the weekend Cassandra Mitchell’s and Daniel Benjamin’s wedding is set to take place at The Bluffs, the magnificent Victorian mansion Cassie inherited from her family. In the wake of the storm’s destruction, three-year-old Lucas Kleister goes missing–and the body of small-time drug dealer Lee Chambers is found in a restaurant dumpster. Now, the WRPD are faced with a murder to solve, a missing child to find, and the aftermath of one of the worst storms in recent memory.
While aiding with the clean-up and helping the displaced, Cassie has been receiving cryptic messages from the spirits of her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell, the original residents of The Bluffs. At first, the messages are benign, but soon, they begin to point to something more sinister. As Cassie works to decipher their meaning, the specter of a mysterious local legend surfaces. The tale of Barnacle Boy–and what happened to him during another destructive storm decades earlier–will weave through the desperate search to find Lucas and the identity of the killer.
Review:
Storm of Secrets by Loretta Marion is a delightfully charming cozy mystery with a slight supernatural element. Although this newest release is the second installment in A Haunted Bluffs Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend book one, House of Ashes, as well.
With a storm bearing down on the coastal town of Whale Rock, Cassandra “Cassie” Mitchell and Daniel Benjamin decide to postpone their upcoming wedding. Just before the storm makes landfall, Cassie stumbles onto the body of Lee Chambers. After the storm, everyone’s attention is focused on finding missing three year old Lucas Kleister. Police Chief Brooks Kincaid believes visitor Christopher Savage might be involved the young boy’s disappearance but Cassie is not convinced.
Cassie is a bit of an amateur sleuth but both Daniel and Brooks would rather she not become involved in the cases. But between the information she uncovers on her own and details from her reporter friend, Laura Prince, her curiosity gets the best of her. Cassie genuinely likes Christopher and her instincts are telling her he is not involved. However, as the police investigation continues, the evidence is stacking up against him. But Cassie is a shrewd woman and she finally begins to piece together the disparate bits of information. Will she figure out what exactly happened to Lucas and who killed Wes?
Interspersed with events in the present are chapters that flash back to the past. Three siblings immigrate together from Italy at a young age following their parents’ deaths. As their lives go in different directions, they eventually become estranged. How do these long ago events figure into what is occurring in Whale Rock?
The various story arcs are quite intriguing but the sheer number of characters is initially quite confusing. However, as the story continues, it becomes easier to keep up with who’s who. The investigation into Lee’s death simmers in the background as most everyone’s attention is on locating young Lucas. The search for Lucas is heartbreaking and everyone remains hopeful he will be found unharmed. The story arc which takes place in the past is interesting but it does take a while to understand how those long ago events fit in with what is happening in the present day.
Despite a bit of a slow start, Storm of Secrets is a captivating mystery with a unique storyline and likable characters. In the aftermath of the storm, secrets are exposed which leads to unexpected discoveries and heartwarming healing. Cassie’s great-grandparents continue sending her hints that guide her to some startling revelations. Loretta Marion brings the novel to a rather low-key yet completely satisfying conclusion. A wonderful addition to A Haunted Bluffs Mystery series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.
