This book follows the investigation of a serial killer. The main investigators have their own histories with facing brutal killers, and that's what led them to a career at pursuing killers. So it is interesting to see how their previous experience connects with the current investigations their teams are doing. Overall it is an interesting book that kept me captivated from beginning to end, trying to figure out who the killer was and why.

This was the first book I have read by Jessica R. Patch but won’t be the last. The psychological thriller is filled with action that kept me turning the pages. I was certain who the killer was but boy was I wrong. I love a book that keeps me guessing. I highly recommend this book. Thank you NetGallery for the ARC.

My Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

The opening chapters of this novel set it up to be at least a 4-star read. A teenage woman struggling to outrun her killer only to become a grown woman hunting the same man years later? YES PLEASE.

But the more I read? The more I struggled between giving it 2 stars, and giving it 3 stars. To begin with the heavy religious influnce of this one just... killed it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm religious myself, and so I found Asa's struggles relatable. Athough in his shoes if I had to give up cursing, I don't know that I could manage. And that was one of the things about this novel that just felt off. Even when dealing with the worst of the worst, it was rare to see anyone from the team curse, which honestly? Was weird. But above any beyond that it was the constant mention of God and these characters praying to God that started the downward spiral for me. Again. I am religious. But this felt a little too forced.

Another GLARING problem I had with this one is while reading it I felt like I had either:

Read about these characters before (especially when Fiona describes a killer with a very specific MO that I KNOW I have read before, but when I looked I've NOT read anything else by this author, nor does this book appear to part of a series).

OR

Had missed huge chunks of a story altogether. We are told about Asa and Fiona's marriage (or more specifically how it ended), we are told about his new relationship with Amanda and how it came about. We are told about the case they just closed, but this appears to be the only novel this author has written about these characters (if I'm wrong please let me know)!

While I absolutely loved the concept of a killer who stages their kills as nursery rhymes (and their reasoning behind who they killed), in my opinion, the story just wasn't strong enough to pull it off in the way it could have been.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

WOW!! Her Darkest Secret does not disappoint. It’s a high-octane thriller as captivating as Criminal Minds. Jessica R. Patch sweeps us into the dark world of Rhyme, a serial killer like no other. The romance elements develop organically and had me rooting for Fiona and Asa from the start. Every team member is solid, and I cannot wait to read their individual stories. Her Darkest Secret left me awed and wanting more!

This book was an interesting, twisted tale with some very likable characters that I couldn't help but root for and some evil nasty characters. I loved the dry sense of humor that some characters had and one agent made for some comedic releief in this heavy tale. I am very intrigued about Violet and am excited for her story in the next book. There were some graphic scenes, as would be expected in a thriller, but it was more focused on the thought process behind it all. This did make for the story to be told more than action unfolding, but there was some action too. The overall theme was shown well and with realistically flawed characters to make a lasting impression on the reader.

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

Her Darkest Secret was entertaining and interesting with twists and turns. I did not realize that it was a Christian book until I started to read it. It was engaging and had a unique story. There was a bit of over explaining/detailing, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. I would definitely read more from Jessica Patch.

Enthralling Story
Twists at every turn…you won’t see the ending coming. This is such an intense journey, that I am speechless. It will keep you engaged and guessing from start to finish.
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

3.5 stars
As this is labeled Christian fiction & written by a Christian author I thought I'd list a few warnings. Granted these are very real issues, but some may offend gentle readers -
1) Talk about sexual orientation (a character is confused about his)
2) Quite a bit of graphic violence
3) Alot of mention of alcohol drinking by the characters
4) extramarital affairs (no graphic details)
5) Crimes perpetrated against minors (no graphic details)
6) Love triangle (they don't bother me, but some do not like them)

I love Jessica Patch's suspense fiction and based on plot and characterization alone, I would have rated this much higher. Her Darkest Secret is a taut, suspenseful page-turner with a very brilliant plot and a great twist at the conclusion. The characters were super admirable, courageous, and oftentimes very humorous in spite of their chilling professions in the FBI’s Strange Crimes Unit.

However, I felt as though I was inundated with so many sin-filled and controversial issues in one book—almost as though I'd watched a day's worth of news! lol Except drugs...thank goodness no drug crimes were mentioned! I appreciate the fact that the author includes a strong spiritual thread throughout and redemption for several of the characters.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from HARLEQUIN - Romance via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review.*

A gripping and entertaining romantic thriller. The author delivers a well plotted story with an interesting MC.
There's a lot of twists and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance for the copy of Her Darkest Secret. I really liked the serial killer story because it was different and inventive. As far as the other parts of the story, it felt like I had been dumped into the middle of a series because there was so much backstory that I didn’t know. The writing was hard to connect with because I kept getting snippets of the backstory but not enough to understand the relationships. I kept being thrown by certain phrases and sentences that I had to read many times to try to understand what they meant. I read a lot, so it wasn’t my lack of vocabulary! The religion in the book was heavy-handed and clumsy. This book was not for me.

What an outstanding book! It deserves more than 5 stars! Finding the killer's identity was suspenseful, but the character situations and interactions was what made it so fascinating! Reading it was like drinking a chocolate milkshake on a hot summer day! The cold was kind of shocking, while each sip was perfectly satisfying and delightful! This was the first book I have read by this author and now I am eager to read more! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this fantastic book!

Well, this sounded like everything I could have ever wanted.

I really liked Fiona. She's smart and determined and it was easy to root for her, especially after everything that happened to her in the past. Asa is gruff and protective and it makes a lot of sense why. I enjoyed the team (especially Violet) and I'm quite eager that her book is next.

Plot wise, it was mostly good. I loved the serial killer aspect of everything and while it was dense with information at times, the tension and slow build up really kept me guessing.

My main complaint with this story is that I didn't know it was Christian fiction. It was pitched through HQN and was never mentioned that it was religion based. Annnnnd, there is a load of religion in this story, it's not just casually mentioned. There are characters talking about their pastors, their faith, men's/youth groups, and quoting scripture to each other. Now, if that's your thing, great, but it's not mine. And if I would have seen that aspect if it, I would have not requested it.

Overall, it was a great story with a great plot, but for me, the embedding of the Christian values took a lot away.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

When I agreed to read and review an arc for Her Darkest Secret I didn't realize it was a Christian novel. There were a few times while reading that I questioned the use of childish swear words and why it kept talking about God, then realized this is a Christian book.


About The Book 📚
Title: Her Darkest Secret

Author: Jessica R. Patch

Publication Date: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Harlequin

Suggested Reader Age: 13+

Genre: Christian, Mystery & Thriller, Romance
› Special Agent Fiona Kelly worked with the Strange Crimes Unit for eight years then transferred two years ago to the Chicago division. She became involved in crime after escaping the "Nursery Rhyme Killer". Her younger sister and two other girls were murdered by "Rhyme". Fiona has tremendous survivor's guilt, but also shame for the secret she's never told. Rhyme chooses his victims based on their secrets and then stages their death, matching the nursery rhyme to their dark secrets.

Pastor Mark Shetland and his wife Valerie killed and staged to the nursery rhyme "Johnny Shall Have a New Bonnet". Robert Williams killed, posed to the rhyme "Georgie Porgie". Alan Minton killed and staged "When I Was a Little Boy I Lived by Myself". Maria Windell killed and staged "There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe".

Fiona's ex-husband, Asa, is also working on the case. He too escaped from a murderer who killed his family when he was a child. Asa has a new relationship, but the chemistry between him and Fiona is undeniable. Fiona and Asa work with a team, including Asa's new girlfriend, to try and find Rhyme before he kills someone else.

› I use the CAWPILE method to rate books.
0-3 Really bad
4-6 Mediocre
7-9 Really good
10 Outstanding

› Characters: 5
I wanted more backstory, character development and diversity.

› Atmosphere: 4
Not enough description, world-building. Lacked emotion.

› Writing Style: 4
I love the sound the writing makes when you read it aloud. They have many sharp sounds, perfect for a suspenseful mystery. I didn't like the dialogue and the writing was repetitive.

› Plot: 4
Good beginning and middle but the end was anti-climatic.

› Intrigue: 4

› Logic: 3
What exactly is "fake sugar"? The timing of dialogue/actions didn't match up with how long particular tasks would take.

› Enjoyment: 5

Average 4.1/10

1.1-2.2 = ★
2.3-4.5 = ★★
4.6-6.9 = ★★★
7-8.9 = ★★★★
9-10 = ★★★★★

My Rating ★★

› Final Thoughts
• Her Darkest Secret is a suspenseful mystery about how the secrets we keep can come back to haunt us. I love the concept of a nursery rhyme killer but found the characters, plot and writing style lacking. A quick summer read.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.


*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*


See the best books I read in 2021 https://smittenforfiction.wordpress.com/2022/03/08/best-books-2021/

I finished this book a few days ago - and had to let everything settle so that I could write my review. I have NEVER gone on such an adventure as I did with this story. Her Darkest Secret is a Love Inspired Trade book that is written by Jessica R. Patch. This book is my absolutely favorite that she has written.

Fiona Kelly was kidnapped when she was a teenager. She got away from a serial killer that has now been named "The Nursery Rhyme Killer". The killer poses his victims in the tale of a nursery rhyme. I had not heard of some of the rhymes that she mentioned in her book - but I made sure to look them up after and her writing was right on target with them. Fiona has spent her entire law enforcement career trying to bring this guy down. It's ruined so many things for her -including her marriage to Asa Kodiak. Both worked for the Strange Crimes Unit - which investigate crimes that are ritualistic or have a religious undertone to them. Fiona has transferred to Chicago to start fresh. She keeps a secret deep down that noone knows.

The NRK strikes again - and Fiona heads back to Memphis to help the team. Asa is NOT happy to see her but knows that she is one of the best people to help on the case. They cannot seem to catch up with the NRK he has been staying 4 steps ahead of them the whole time. This book takes you deep into suspense and twisted games - but not without the reminder that God can redeem and heal.

I have been a huge fan of this author for several years. Each book keeps getting better then the previous. This one touches on subjects that some may struggle with. Such as divorce, having a few drinks, straying from faith. The author has done such a great job weaving in the reminder that God is always ready to enter our lives and turn our brokenness into something beautiful.

I enjoyed meeting the Strange Crimes Memphis Team. They are unique and well written characters. I can't wait to read the next one. I had NO idea who was behind all of this until the VERY end.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be a part of her street team - and providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

3.5 stars Her Darkest Secret is a Christian psychological thriller. FBI agent Fiona Kelly was once abducted by a serial killer that has not been caught yet. It appears he is active again and Fiona has made it her mission to catch him. She will have to work wit her ex-husband to make that happen.

For the most part, I did enjoy this one. I liked the characters and the mystery. There were a couple of twists in the end. It is a Christian book, but was not very heavy on the faith part. I thought there was a nice balance. However, did think it was a bit too long and convoluted. There were also way too many characters to keep straight. I'm not sure if this one was a part of a series. I felt like I walked into middle of a movie and tried to play catch up with the characters and their previous cases. I do recommend trying this one. I ended up listening to the audiobook and enjoyed it in that format.

Agent Fiona Kelly has a dark past, one that’s fueled her to find twisted killers. Her obsession to find The Nursery Rhyme Killer, a man who killed her sister but let her go twenty years earlier became her main focus at the expense of her marriage. When her husband, Asa, also an FBI Agent, asked for a divorce she pulled up stakes and transferred to Chicago. Her failed marriage is still a fresh hurt, one she intends to move on from, but a new killing has her returning back home to Memphis to investigate right alongside Asa, and his new girlfriend.

I was really intrigued by the premise of Her Darkest Secret. I like the idea of a former victim turning things around and becoming the hunter instead of the hunted. And the idea of being forced to work with your ex, a great situation to work out what went wrong and have a second chance to make it right. It all sounded great to me. However, I didn’t know Asa would have a girlfriend for more than half of the story a complication I’m not a fan of in a romance. I don’t like another woman in the mix with old feelings and attractions swirling about. Yes, the mystery was interesting and had me on edge, but the romance situation was less than desirable and a big distraction for me. I also feel the story could’ve been edited down, I ended up skimming quite a bit.

In this psychological thriller, FBI Agent Fiona Kelly with the Strange Case Unit returns to Memphis area to investigate the return of the Nursery Rhyme Killer, a serial killer with personal ties to Fiona. She'd been abducted by him as a teen and escaped. Unfortunately, her sister was not so lucky.

Fiona is teamed up with her ex-husband, Asa Kodiak, who is the head of the SC unit. They have lingering feelings for each other that come out in full force when Fiona returns. I really liked the relationship here between Fiona and Asa. It is clear there are still very strong feelings here and also many conflicts that need to be worked through. Asa is a bit of a bear of a man and has a short fuse, which made him a more attractively flawed character.

There's other members of the SCU involved as well. Of all of them, I found Violet to be the most interesting character and I was very please to read at the end of the book she will be getting her own story.

As the SCU investigates the latest Nursery Rhyme killing, old wound and secrets are uncovered. It turns out that Fiona has been holding on to a secret for many years that has impacted her ability to see this case clearly. If you've ever wondered what happens to people who experience unimaginable loss and misery, this books explains that by putting them in law enforcement.

Her Darkest Secret pulled me into the story quickly and had me reading during my free moments to find out the mystery of the NRK. However, I did find myself more interested in the personal lives of the SCU members more so than the serial murder case, which was interesting in itself, but I really liked the interactions between the team more than the quest for justice in this particular story. Their individual stories are just as tragic as the victims of the serial killers they are hunting.

I would also like to mention that there is religious/spiritual content to this story. I suppose this is natural when dealing with the sort of evil in this story -- especially where the characters are also victims of these sorts of crimes. It's natural to question the existence of God, good and evil under these circumstances. There were a few times I felt it was a bit preachy, although that is my personal opinion and your experience may vary. It is one aspect of the story that sticks with me, though.

Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience with Her Darkest Secret. It kept me reading and I'm definitely hooked on these characters. I did find there were many names of suspects and victims to keep straight and that took some effort and the ending wrapped up very quickly after a slow progression to the conclusion, but mostly I really liked this story and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

Wow! Her Darkest Secret by Jessica Patch is quite a ride! I was hooked from page one and literally raced through this story. I also quickly decided not to read it close to bedtime! Rhyme was one of the scariest characters I’ve ever read!

When a cold case killer resurfaces, FBI agents Fiona, her ex husband, Asa, and his team are put on the case. This case is very personal to Fiona because The Nursery Rhyme Killer killed her sister and Fiona is the only one who ever got away from him. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing the whole way through. There were so many twists and turns in this story and the ending totally shocked me! I enjoyed the rekindling of Fiona and Asa’s relationship and the light faith thread that was in the story.

I am really hoping we get more books with the different team members. Although I would be just as happy with a less scary villain!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 5 stars!

I really enjoyed this book. I can not wait to read more from Jessica. This was a great quick FBI Read.
I always love a good serial Killer story line.

Jessica Patch is a new-to-me author, but this book will not be the only one of hers I’ll read. I’m a romantic suspense junkie, and this one made my suspense-loving heart so happy. But I also enjoyed how the author inspired faith and hope into the story. So many Christian suspense books fall flat on the suspense side, but this one did not. There were plenty of twists and turns, and the final twist was not one I saw coming, either.

And for readers who aren’t keen on Christian books, the faith aspect isn’t heavy, and it’s not heavy-handed. I felt it was a good balance between the story and the genuine faith struggles without tipping toward the “preachy” side.