3.5 stars rather than 4.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this review copy. This review is based on my reading this book and is my honest feedback on the story.

I have identified Steve as an author whose books I will look forward to. This is my first Steve Hadden book as I sift through new books and new authors to uncover new ones. I have a tremendous love for thrillers and this book is right up there with the best.

The story ticks off many key elements from Nazis, Hitler, American Presidents, the Oval office, conspiracy theories and a protagonist who delivers alongside a true American patriot.

The story starts off innocuously with a discovery of a sunken strongbox by Amelia whose company or family's company is in the business of oil exploration and deep sea drilling. Amelia a former Air force veteran has a strong affinity with historical artefacts and keeps an eye out for them. She shares the discovery with a close family member and inadvertently paints a target on the backs of her entire family. People around her start dying and a noose starts to tighten with ties at the highest levels. Grudgingly accepting that she is in deep water and way above her ability she asks for help and in comes Ike Rossi, a PI who has worked for her friends and who has his own immense baggage both historical and family that seem to limit and dictate his actions. Together the duo try to unravel the complicated knot and this forms the rest of the story.
The story has some shades of Archangel by Robert Harris and some other stories that I have read but has a fresh take which makes it an interesting reading.
My primary complaint was the initial quarter of the book that had so many references to the first book of the series that I almost put off this volume because I was feeling disconnected and in the dark. This part could put off readers who have not read the previous adventure. Once that part is over the rest of the story moves at a steady pace and the reader enjoys the journey. ( I for one have procured the first volume while reading this story).

This could have been a 5 star read for me but Steve you've earned a fan. :)

Recommended.

Ike Rossi, a determined investigator haunted by his parents' unsolved murders, teams up with Amelia Garcia, a former Air Force drone pilot with a troubled past, to uncover a deadly secret hidden in the deep sea. When Amelia's discovery of a strongbox off the Virginia coast leads to the deaths of those she loves, the duo, aided by a WWII codebreaker, uncovers a shocking truth that threatens to destroy Amelia's life, rewrite history, and plunge the United States into chaos. "The Secret That Killed You" is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on edge until its jaw-dropping conclusion.

I was hooked from the first few chapters. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, there was another curveball. It’s an easy-to-follow story that had me reading it quickly. I could not wait to get home and find out what happened next!
Thank you NetGalley, Steve Hadden and Mahogany Row Press for the ARC. #TheSecretThatKilledYouIkeRossiBook2 #NetGalley

Loved this excellent thriller from a new to me author! The plot twist was twisting and the entire story was captivating! If you're a thriller reader this is a must read.

Something was off to me. I can't be sure if it is because this is the 'book 2' and I haven't read book 1, or simply because Hadden's writing was not for me.
I did enjoy the suspenseful ambience at first, but then something was constantly pulling me out of the story, failing to keep my focus.
Other readers might enjoy this book better.

I wasn’t a fan, but that doesn’t mean someone else might not love it. I found it too long, dragging in parts and the military aspect didn’t capture my attention.

It was well written just not for me

Steve Hadden's "The Secret That Killed You" grips readers from the first page with its suspenseful plot and complex characters. Set against the backdrop of a small, tightly knit community in Maine, Hadden weaves a tale of intrigue and betrayal. The protagonist's quest for truth about a decades-old mystery unravels a web of secrets that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. Hadden's skillful prose builds tension steadily, keeping readers on edge until the satisfying conclusion. His ability to blend atmospheric storytelling with authentic emotion makes "The Secret That Killed You" a standout thriller. Fans of suspense will appreciate Hadden's knack for crafting compelling narratives that delve deep into human nature while delivering twists that surprise and satisfy.
Thank you for an ARC copy from Netgalley.

Amelia Garcia is an former Air Force pilot who has been recently honorably discharged. Now she is working for her family’s oil business as a ROV. During an underwater expedition she discovers a mysterious box with a Nazi symbol engraved on the top. When Amelia reaches out to her uncle to find answers about this mysterious box he soon ends up murdered in his home. What does the box contain that is worth murdering for? Amelia needs to uncover what secrets lie within the box and she knows just the person that can help, Ike Rossi.
Ike Rossi is still reeling from his parent’s deaths when he was younger and recent losses. He sees a connection with Amelia within her loss and grief, and vows to help her find answers that he was not allowed. Soon they both realize that they have a modern equivalent to Pandora’s Box and must protect it until they find out who it was meant for. Could there be a connection to Hitler, to Amelia or will more die before they can break the code?
Overall rating 3/5
Starting off with an fascinating concept the beginning seemed to be redundant on Rossi’s past and making a connection with Amelia. I was hopeful that the intensity that the story line deserved would pick up while reading the car chasing scene. However, I felt that the more interesting and high intensity parts were briefly skipped over and led back into more self reflecting of the characters. I would have loved to have been in those daring situations a bit longer and less down time.
*Thank you to Steve Hadden, Netgalley and Mahogany Row Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book was a gripping and anxiety induced wild ride. It had me biting my nails from start to finish. Its thrilling, twisty, utterly addictive with characters.

Great character development in this book. I was hooked once I started reading! It was fast paced and a fantastic thriller.

Wowwww! What a suspenseful book! I love a good book that keeps you up late because there’s no way you could put it down. The characters were so fun to follow, and the plot was great.

Really good story that keeps you guessing the whole time. I really liked the characters and how they banded together to solve this mystery.

thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book!

Not much to say other than I wasn’t really hooked! The characters were a bit of a bore in my opinion.. I DIDNT really connect with what was happening.. but that’s totally ok because someone else can truly love what was happening in this one.