FAVORITE QUOTE:
“A person’s character—your character—is defined by what you do or don’t do, say or don’t say, and write or don’t write. Choose wiser in the future.” The words pinched, but she appreciated his intent behind them.“
A classic whodunit takes an enigmatic turn in the novel Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill. The story captured me with a humorous opening set in the circus of nineteenth-century Cincinnati. How could I not feel a connection with the heroine novelist stuck in her reality nightmare? Lydia Peyton was a kindred spirit I bonded with before chapter one ended. Enter the dashing, resistant detective hero Abraham Hall, and the literary mix proved impossible to put down.
The witty banter, the slow-burn romance from enemies to lovers, and the captivating mystery were all highlights I savored. What set this story apart was the unexpected gravity of the hidden motivations driving the plot. While discovering who committed the crimes pushed the narrative forward, the spiritual subtext didn’t shy away from deeper questions of ethics. When crafting a story, what obligations must a writer fulfill to society at large? How impactful can words be in shaping criminal minds?
With themes revolving around the complex nature of mercy and grace, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the very human response of casting stones at others’ sins, this book is far more than a simple historical romance with a touch of mystery. I found it to be refreshing in its unprecedented approach and quite intriguing for its unpredictable nature. This one I highly recommend for your TBR.
Click on the book cover for the synopsis and purchase link.
About the Author
Crystal Caudill is a tea-drinking, book-hoarding, history nerd. Her award-winning stories are ripe with history, danger, love, and hope. When not writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her husband and boys, caregiving for loved ones, hiding in a book, drinking copious amounts of hot tea, or connecting with readers. You can connect with her at http://www.crystalcaudill.com or by joining her newsletter crew at bitly.com/CaudillNews.
Devoted Steps 