Jessica R Patch takes you inside the mind of a serial killer but doesn’t leave you to wallow in darkness. Instead, Her Darkest Secret shines the light of Christ into that darkness to dispel evil and see how truth and justice ultimately triumph over sin and death. Heavy topics for a Christian romantic suspense novel? Yes, but written in a sensitive, yet realistic way that’s life—and faith—affirming. You won’t be able to stop reading this compelling story of love, regret and redemption.

Agent Fiona Kelly has dedicated the last 17 years of her life trying to track down the Nursery Rhyme Killer. As one of the serial killer's early victims who managed to escape, she has a stronger interest in the case than the average investigator. Plus, the killer has a special interest in her as well and he has never stopped tormenting her. This obsession has cost her a marriage already and never gives her a moment of peace.

Now, she is teamed up with her ex-husband FBI agent Asa Kodiak and his team after the killer's recent crime returns him to the spotlight.

This book had me guessing from beginning to end as the team worked their way through the clues and possible suspects. The criminal tension is made even more tense as Asa and Fiona find themselves in such close proximity after their marriage failed. This all mixes together to create a compelling story on several levels. I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book from the author with a request for an honest review.

Oh my. I have so many words! This book took me on such a ride. From disgust to pity to hope to despair, this story provoked emotions that I have not unearthed in a while. This story is about a serial killer, yes. It has a neat twist, yes. But it is the definition of a romantic thriller. It is not just a thriller with psychological twists. It’s a love story. And the story does not just unfold between people with each other. This love story oroginates between God and His people. The redemption in this story can give any reader a new hope in God, an assured trust in His plan. I loved reading this story. It does not take much to get me to read a book once it’s labeled a psychological thriller. This book was no exception to that! It had a perfect amount of movement and plot twists to suck me in for days at a time! It had personal details to remind me of my hometown, as the story is set in Memphis. Lastly, it had a powerful and redemptive tone. These people struggle with real issues, like we all do, but I love how God still gets the glory by the end of the book! I loved this book.

Jessica Patch is a psychological thriller mastermind! If you love "Criminal Minds" dialed up a few notches, you'll love this book!

Majorly creepy serial killer stuff? Yep! A little bit of romance? Uh-huh! Truly keeps you guessing right up until the end? Definitely! (I was seriously so surprised when it got to the big reveal!!!)

But it's so much more than that! I love the intertwining of redemption and forgiveness in a way that's not overbearing or inconsistent with the storyline. It leaves you with the warm, fuzzy feels after all of the terror the characters endure.

It was a little verbose and overly descriptive in the beginning, but just power through that bit for a minute because once you get into the story, you won't be able to put it down! The language is clean, the plot is gripping, and there's a touch of romance tucked in the story, too, so it's kind of the best of all my worlds when it comes to fiction novels!

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

FBI special agent Fiona Kelly from the Strange Crimes Unit is still dealing with the aftermath of her abduction and her sister’s murder by the serial killer known as the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Years later, Fiona’s obsession with capturing Rhyme has destroyed everything in her life, including her marriage. Now the killer has struck again, propelling her back into NRK’s sick world with more gruesome murders.

FBI special agent Asa Kodiak is not only thrust back into the serial killer’s mind that tore his marriage apart, but now he has to work with Fiona again to finally put a stop to NRK’s sick nursery rhyme murders.

Can Fiona and Asa set aside their differences and work together to stop Rhyme before he takes everything they love away from them?

Wow…just wow. Her Darkest Secret had me from page one and kept me reading. I loved the plot, characters, and vivid imagery used throughout the book.

This novel has it all: cleverly crafted plot twists, well-rounded characters that jump off the page and into our hearts, and vivid imagery with deep POV inserting you into the scene as if you were filming it. Her use of words and sentence structure is every writer’s dream.

The tension and conflict in this story were well placed. Just when you think they were safe, something else happens. This puts the reader right into the story, holding their breath.

The faith aspect is interwoven effectively without sounding preachy.

I give Her Darkest Secret five goose feathers. Be prepared to be up all night reading. Pull your covers close and keep the light on because this haunting psychological thriller will give you goosebumps!

**I received no compensation and the opinions in this review are my own.

Jessica Patch’s first full length novel is a prize in the psychological thriller genre. And a thriller it is! Her Darkest Secret is a spine-tingling suspense, a heart-pounding romance, and a story of joy-filled hope all in the same story. I found myself gripping the edges of my book as I read, turning pages to get to the next section. Patch introduces a fascinating cast of characters, many of them members of the Strange Crimes Unit. I enjoyed seeing them work together, each using their strengths to bring about the end to a serial killer who has plagued some of them for years. I wanted Fiona and Asa to solve the crime and find the hope and joy that is missing in their lives. I like that the reader gets to see several points of view, including the killer’s, in the novel. Patch’s storytelling kept me engaged from the first page to the last.

I found this book thoroughly entertaining and highly recommend it to readers who like a creepy factor in their romantic suspense.

I was given a copy by the author. All opinions stated are my own.

The Nursery Rhyme Killer has struck again! Fiona returns to the Memphis FBI office to help bring down this killer who abducted Fiona and her sister, killing her sister after Fiona got away years ago. Fiona and her ex-husband, the agent in charge, must work together along with the rest of the team to solve the killer's crimes before he manages to get what he really wants - Fiona.

Be prepared to stay on the edge of your seat! Even though parts of this book show some of the evil that exists in our world, the author also shows that faith in our Lord can help us see the light and joy only He can give. Those who have this faith can help others find their faith even in the midst of tracking down the evil doers.

I had trouble putting this book down so I finished it in just 2 days. I received a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading thrillers/suspenseful mysteries with a bit of romance. I am looking forward to more of these stories.

Author Jessica R. Patch has seriously upped her game with the first book in her latest series, Strange Crimes Unit, South Division. Most readers might want to avoiding reading Her Darkest Secret right before bedtime or when home alone at night. This intense novel is more than a little creepy and could create nightmares for those who are sensitive.

Don’t get me wrong, this is NOT a graphic or gruesome story. BUT the idea of a stalker/killer who leaves nursery rhymes and a goose feather with his victims is definitely not normal. On the surface Her Darkest Secret is what the title says – dark, but as we Christians know, darkness is overcome by the light. This story is all about how that light overcomes the darkness.

A second chance romance plays a minor role in this awesome tale of forgiveness and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and can’t wait for the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author through Netgalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

Edge of your seat, but warning: do not read at bedtime. Powerful story of shining light in the darkeness and bringing hope. An interesting cast of characters keep you guessing the identity of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. But I’m saying no more, because spoilers.

This book is spell binding. It keeps you totally in suspense! Definitely a psychological thriller. The twists and turns keep you guessing. So that you never know where the fascinating story line takes you next. Which makes it such an exciting read. I highly recommend you getting and reading this book. You won't regret it.

Buckle up and hold on for the adrenaline filled ride that is Jessica Patch's newest book. Her Darkest Secret is being marketed as a psychological thriller and that is a perfect description for it. I was feeling Criminal Minds type vibes throughout the book as the Strange Crimes Unit is on the hunt for a serial killer that has returned. The hero and heroine, Fiona and Asa, both have close personal connections to the Nursery Rhyme Killer which adds to their motivation to solve this case. This book is not lacking in creepiness and nail biting suspense. Be prepared to become so invested in the story that you won't want to put it down and an ending you won't see coming!! At least I sure didn't!!

One thing I feel like readers should know going in is that there are some descriptions of some abuses against children in the story. The author handles them well and they have all happened in the past so are described in past tense. I am not usually one to warn people about things in books, but I felt like this is such a sensitive topic that readers need to be aware. The book truly shows the depravity in the world and the secret lives people can lead. However, the faith thread is strong in the book which was encouraging. It was refreshing to see these characters who face the worst this world has to offer on a daily basis by tracking down killers see their need for faith in Jesus who offers hope and a light in the darkness.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I loved this story! I loved Asa and Fiona, and all of the characters. I especially loved that it took place in my hometown! I could not put it down! Great psychological thriller with a message of hope! Definitely a MUST READ!!!

WOW! What a ride this book is! Patch packed quite a punch in this psychological thriller. The book is about a serial killer who is obsessed with the heroine Fiona. She is with a special task force dedicated to solving strange crimes. Her ex husband, Asa has his hands full trying to solve the case and protect his heart as well..

This book is action packed and I couldn't put it down. I just knew I knew who the bad guy was, but I did not. There are twists and turns that make this book the ride that it is. All the characters in the book are intriguing and the setting is in Memphis. My hometown so I knew this was gonna be a fascinating story. And it was. I look forward to more books in the series.

*I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

"Her Darkest Secret" captured my attention from the first page and I couldn't put it down. This well-written book will keep you guessing until the end. It's a wonderful story of emerging from darkness and God's goodness.

I couldn’t breathe! This was an amazing thriller that I couldn’t put down! The creep factor and the high intensity was there as well as a beautiful story of redemption woven throughout the story!

This is an incredible story with a gripping storyline that will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout the novel as you wait to see what Rhyme will do next. I read this book in just a few days, and if I had the time, I would have read it in one sitting. Jessica Patch offers an intriguing story yet intertwines such beauty in it with the thread of Jesus and his love for us. This story not only tells of a serial killer, but more importantly, it also tells of a Savior whose blood blots out every stain and who calls us to live a life that truly matters. This book is excellent, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great read with a great message.

Her Darkest Secret is a very well written psychological thriller. I have read all of this author’s books and this is by far the best one yet. Awesome plot and character dynamics. You do not want to miss this book. My thanks to the author and Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

WARNING: Do not start reading before going to bed as you won't be able to stop! Jessica R. Patch has outdone herself!!! This story is simply AMAZING!! It is so riveting I struggled to put it down! Had to do some "sneak-reading"! "Yes, I am busy with dinner . . . Uhm sort-off just have to finish this chapter"😉 We meet Asa, Fiona and the rest of their specialized team. Loved the interplay between the teammembers. Asa and Fiona each had a particular painfull past to heal from and had to learn the hard way, true peace is only found in God. I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed this book!! I have a new favourite author!

Thank you Harlequin and Netgalley for my ARC copy... The following is my honest review of the book...

What a book....I stayed up late to finish it...
Not my usual reading but I have had classes in Criminal Psychology and one class taught by the FBI on Criminal Psychology so I thought that this might be worth the read...
It takes special people to do FBI BSU so I really liked the characters back stories....
Loved the plot twists....
Didn't see the end coming..I thought one thing and bam left turn and voila.....

Definitely worth the read....

this is a revetting story to the end. fiona and asa used to be married but she could not let go of the need to catch the person who killed her sister and friends but let her go years ago now he is back and killing again. Fiona comes back to town and has to work with asa and the gang she used to work with to find the killer. this is apage turning story that i could not put down till the end. the author brings you into the world of the people who think they have a right to take a life if it brings them to what they want or in their minds right a wrong . i was given a copy of the book by net galley but this is an honest review very good