I really enjoyed this book. While it is the 4th in a series, I didn’t need to have read the previous books for this one to be enjoyable (though now I want to read them). The plot wasn’t overly complicated but has layers to it that kept me guessing the whole time. The characters were likable, and it was easy to get invested in their relationships. After reading this book, I feel confident recommending this series to friends.

I liked this; I didn't love it. This was my first book by the author, and I went in with a blank slate. I enjoyed the dialogue, much of which was clever and funny. I just didn't get totally invested in the story - it didn't grab me. The number of characters and their relationships was a little confusing to me. I think the author writes well and tells a good story, but this one just didn't connect for me.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

City of Secrets is part of Margaret Nolan mystery series but could be read as a standalone fairly easy. When the CEO of a pet food company is murdered, Detective Nolan and her partner begin an investigation into a twisted mystery where nothing is as simple as it seems. Lies and secrets drive a well written mystery that is unpredictable and unexpected. The characters are likable and intelligent and the mystery will keep you guessing and leave you coming back for more. My voluntary, unbiased, and non mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

A man is found murdered in his luxury automobile in a seedier section of LA. Turns out he is Bruce Messane, the CEO of a successful pet food company that is about to be bought out in a mega million dollar deal. Detectives Margaret Nolan and Al Crawford have a mystery on their hands that deepens when Messane's former partner’s wife is kidnapped. Their inquiry uncovers possible financial discrepancies in Messane’s life as well as his penchant for dark sexual proclivities. And, is there a connection to the ever present drug trade in LA?

City of Secrets has a creative, complex, but solid story line, full of mystery, twists, some humor, and convivial repeating characters. It is a fast, engrossing read, with the chapters moving along at a good pace.


This is the fourth in the Detective Margaret Nolan series; I have read all of them.While this could be read as a standalone, I think I enjoyed it more knowing the histories of many of the characters. There are quite a few players and some of the backstories are not fully developed. That said, I recommend this book and series for fans of police procedurals and mysteries, particularly those featuring a strong, capable female protagonist.

In this fourth novel featuring LA Homicide Detective Margaret (Maggie) Nolan, the author manages to economically introduce a large cast from earlier stories in the series with new characters, and to create a complex and compelling mystery.

The story moves from the wealth of Holmby Hills to the deterioration of Culver City, as Maggie’s team and colleagues from other offices work to solve the murder of a wealthy manufacturer and the kidnapping of his former partner’s wife. Personal animosity and international drug cartels weave together as links between people and places start to coalesce.

While the crimes are horrible, the details are not horrific, and in fact, there is much compassion as well as clear thinking among Maggie and her team. As a bonus, for me, the characters also confront the existential issue of consorting with evil to exterminate greater evil. I now have the first book in the series, and am eager to read it.

This book is a great improvement over the last one. It is fast paced and engaging. I was able to read the whole book on a cross country plane flight. It involves the murder of a company owner whose business was about to be sold and the abduction of his former partner’s wife at the same time. It has interesting twists and turns throughout the book. Overall, a good read.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.

City of Secrets by PJ Tracy is fourth in the Margaret Nolan detective series. A murder of the CEO of a pet food company. Mags and her partner Al are assigned to the case. The banter between these two is awesome! The author brings the case bit by bit as if you are solving it along with the detectives. The romance between her and Remy adds another level to the story. Highly recommend this book. I kept the pages turning to see what happens! Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Addictive, fast-paced with a twist at every turn! Another excellent addition to the police procedural series by P.J. Tracy. Books in the series can be stand alone, which I enjoy. If you like female detectives, crime thrillers, and fantastic characters you'll love City of Secrets.

City of Secrets by P. J. Tracy is the fourth book in the LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan series, and while it didn’t blow me away, it was a solid summer poolside read. ☀️📚

Detective Nolan is called to a scene that appears to be a fatal car-jacking but quickly unfolds into a tangled web involving a multimillion-dollar company, an abduction, and a chilling underworld of sex and violence. As she delves deeper, Nolan encounters whispers of an “Angel of Death,” making this investigation one of her most complex yet.

What I appreciated about this book was its rich portrayal of LA and the multi-layered characters. However, some parts felt predictable, and the pacing was a bit uneven. Still, the intriguing premise and the twists kept me reading.

Overall, City of Secrets is a decent addition to the series and perfect for a leisurely summer read by the pool. 🌊🔍 #BookReview #CityOfSecrets #PJTracy #SummerRead #DetectiveNolan #CrimeThriller

City of Secrets by P.J. Tracy is the fourth in a series however, this is the first for me and it is written in a way you don't have to read the others to enjoy this stand-alone. The story is of a murder and then a related kidnapping, mixed with a romantic interest with the professionals investigating the crimes. The characters are likable and real. The story is entertaining and fairly believable with enough twists to keep you interested. I appreciate this ARC, thank you NetGalley, and the publishers for letting me read and give my review.

Another great book in this series. As always PJ takes the reader for a ride as the story plot deepens and takes on surprising twists. What starts as the murder of a Pet Food company CEO turns into a complicated series of different crimes and suspects that keeps the detectives on their toes.
Excellent character development and an awesome story plot make for a fantastic read. This book will keep you turning pages and guessing until the end.
This book is part of a series, but the reader can still enjoy this novel as a standalone.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Homicide detective Maggie Nolan and her partner are called in to investigate the murder of Bruce Messane, co-founder of Peppy Pet Foods. Does the pending sale of the company have anything to do with his murder? As Maggie investigates his business and life, secrets emerge. The kidnappings of his former partner/co-founder and wife raises more questions. A quick enjoyable read with twists .
#CityofSecrets #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

This is a twisty thriller filled with mystery and drama to keep you intrigued through the last page. This is part of a series, but this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read. I enjoyed this one and will look for more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Detective Margaret Nolan is with the Homicide Special Section in LA. She’s in a relationship with Remy, which isn’t allowed since they work in the same unit. It makes work and personal complicated. Nolan and her partner are on a case of the death of a wealthy man found in a seedy area. Nothing is what it seems as the more they uncover the more questions arise. The plot had me jumping to one suspect then another as more clues came to light. There are many people hiding secrets and the truth was unpredictable. It’s an easy read, an edgy Crime/Police Procedural series that I’ve read several of and look forward to more.
An Advance Reader Copy of “City of Secrets” Detective Margaret Nolan #4, by P. J. Tracy, St. Martin’s Publishing, publication 08/20/2024, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated in this review are all my own.
This is only the second book in this series that I've read and I really like the development of the characters.
I really enjoy the P.J. Tracy books.
Detective Nolan has her hands full with a rich dude murdered in a very sketchy part of town. So many crazy "coincidences" make this such a great read. Keepanyou on your toes trying to figure out how this all ties together.

I didn't realize when I started reading this that it was Book #4 in a series.. (Detective Margaret Nolan). Just as a heads up.

It's been a long time since I read a PJ Tracy, but it was not hard to fall into the current situation. I enjoyed the characters and plot twists. Nice fast paced read

I found the plot well paced and the story as a whole a page-turner. It managed to be realistic without being unduly violent and there is a fair amount of humor too. There were a couple of plot points I might quibble about - would audits etc really have missed what was going on at the pet food company? what was with that decision taken by one of the police officers at the end? - but overall, recommended.

“City of Secrets” by P.J. Tracy
Puzzle Pieces and How many Puzzles !?!
This story kept me turning the pages for one more chapter, again and again. What a tangle of unrelated events, or, maybe not so unrelated after all. If you like puzzles… I am thinking you too will love your time in this story. Happy Reading ! !

Margaret Nolan #4. When police detective Margaret Nolan and her partner are called to the scene of a man found shot in his car it appears to be a car-jacking gone wrong. However as they interview the victim's colleagues and family they begin to suspect there was a darker motive. When his former partner's wife is abducted the next day they are caught scrambling to uncover the motive and suspects quickly. This was the first narrative I have perused by this author. I found it to be a gritty police procedural with realistic seeming authentic depiction of contemporary LA and its violent underbelly of gangs and crime. Margaret Nolan was a strong female protagonist and the supporting cast of characters were well drawn. The plot was multi layered and kept me guessing with the tension increasing steadily as the story unfolded. If you enjoy a solid police thriller this would be a good choice. An engaging read.