The Secret Witness by Victor Methos. Usually enjoy Mr Methos books, this one not so much. Story was a slow burn with unnecessary descriptive brutality. Solomon and Grey were likeable but not inspiring characters.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I won’t rehash the plot of this book as there are so many thousands of reviews already. ‘The Secret Witness’ is the first book of Victor Methos’ that I’ve read. I did feel a bit confused in the first bit of the book, almost like I’d been dropped into a storyline part way through. Like maybe the main characters of Elizabeth Gray and Solomon Shepard had been in previous books and this was a continuation of their storyline. I was also a bit confused with the character of Solomon. He states that his former jobs include a social worker in prison and obviously a prosecutor, it he also refers to a lot of psychology stuff including writing a book about killers, so then I thought maybe he also had a psychology degree? I don’t know, either he’s very old and had a few jobs or he’s an intellectual that thrives on learning. I didn’t like the sub-plot with his neighbour, I thought it didn’t add to the overal storyline and the conclusion of it was dreadful.
Anyway, overall this was a ok read. I didn’t love it but nor did I dislike it. Sometimes it felt like a legal procedural and other times it didn’t. 3 stars from me.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles. I really not the opportunity!

I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

The storyline is excellent and the characters are interesting and well described.
Thank you to victor Methos, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book

Thanks to Victor and NetGalley for allowing me to read Secret Witness before the publication date.

Set in Utah, this is a slow burning story in which Sheriff Gray investigates a double murder with a similar m.o. to a series of murders years earlier. The killer communicated with the authorities under the name of The Reaper.

Are the latest murders also the work of The Reaper or is this a copycat killer?

She asks Soloman Shepherd, a former prosecutor, to help the investigation. Since being attacked by an appellant, Soloman has become a recluse and Billie is keen to help him venture out again as well as valuing his insight into the case.

This is a tale in which prosecutors are more interested in furthering their own interests and defence counsel will go to any lengths to protect their reputation, regardless of the consequences.
It raises questions about morals and ethics.

This is one of the best books I've read in quite awhile. It checks all the boxes: well-written, realistic dialog, riveting plot, and diabolically wicked killer. I'm genuinely surprised I haven't read Mr. Methos' books before, since I read voraciously and almost always within this genre. I can guarantee, though, that it certainly won't be the last book of his I'll read!

* Sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review. *

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Thomas & Mercer and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Strong writing, well developed characters, a quick read full of suspense, thrills, twists and action.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Net Galley for providing a copy of The Secret Witness.
The serial murderer known only as the Reaper emerges after an eight-year absence, and local sheriff Billie Gray approaches Solomon Shepard, a former prosecutor who resembles a hermit. Many people are certain that the original murderer is back in the game after a recent run of killings that are eerily identical to those of the Reaper himself. In an effort to identify the culprit and put the matter to rest, Solomon is persuaded to return to the world of the Reaper.

Although the tale is captivating and exciting, I do have some issues. There weren't many things that irritated me. Both Billi Grey and Solomon Shepherd are likeable characters, but towards the book's end, Grey seemed to be a supporting one while Solomon's storyline developed.

Though somewhat sluggish and a little nonsensical, this book is by far the most riveting thriller I've ever read. As a crime enthusiast, I've read and watched everything there is to know about serial murderers like Ted Bundy or The Nightstalker (Richard Ramirez), and this lived up to the hype. Nevertheless, there were certain items that didn't exactly match me.

The book is wonderful, despite a few faults I have with it. The writing is excellent, and the segments are manageable. This book took me one sitting to finish. I've only read this one book by Victor Methos, but I'd like to read more of his writings.

The Grave Singer, the second book in the Shepheard & Gray series, is slated for release on May 16, 2023, and we can't wait as this is the first book in the series.

Not sure whether it’s the characters or the plot that carry this story since both are very strong as the author has another hit on his hands. Serial killer stories abound, but the main characters in this story make it work and make you keep reading.

The Secret Witness is another excellent crime/legal thriller from this author.
People are being viciously murdered in Toele County seemingly by the same Killer from years ago known as ‘The Reaper’ Sheriff Elizabeth Gray (Billie) leads the investigation and asks for the help of former prosecutor Solomon Shepard.
Solomon is now almost agoraphobic and prone to panic attacks after he was assaulted badly during a court case that ended his career and almost paralysed him.When Billie asks for his help he very reluctantly agrees. So starts a fascinating investigation and then a memorable court case with the suspect.
With lots of twists and turns this page turning story keeps the reader in suspense and invested in the outcome, it is well written and at times jaw dropping .
Solomon and Billie are wonderful characters surrounded by a cast of others good and bad but with surprising depth.a throughly enjoyable book that I highly recommend
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly

Good book! This book had suspense, intrigue, murder, serial killers and a few whodone it! There were a few crazy twists too! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I will definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher ! sharing this book with me!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the copy of The Secret Witness. As soon as I finished this book I went to see what other books I could buy from this author because this was an amazing book. The writing made me not want to put this book down until I turned the last page. I loved Billie and Solomon’s relationship. I also loved how Solomon looked out for Kelly and tried to help her mom. If you love twisty stories, this is the book for you. I won’t give any spoilers but there was a LOT going on. If you don't love twists, the writing and the characters are enough to make this book a must read!