I was unaware that this was the second book to this series, but I didn’t feel as though I was lost picking it up as a stand alone to read.

I felt like the pacing was perfect, it was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. Like most police officers, the MFC had multiple cases open while also helping the FBI with a case that was all to close to home for her.

I thought that the FMC was a badass. She was a good cop, did her job to the best of her ability but also spoke her mind. I liked the banter between her and her partner. There was a bit of sexual tension but it was acted on in the book, which I appreciated.

I think this is a fun series that I look forward to reading more of. The book ended on a cliffhanger, which isn’t always my favorite, but in this case, it keeps me excited for watch comes next for Margot and her dear old dad.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me early access to this book. This review is my honest thoughts.

After reading the first book in the series I could not wait to read the next. While I did enjoy this book I wished it had more to do with Ed Finch. Maybe more cases could have been solved. Throwing Margot's life into more chaos.

Margot Phelan is San Francisco Police Detective who is trying to move on with her life, one thing that is hard for Margot. With her father Ed Finch in prison because he is a serial killer, Margot cannot get far enough away from him. With a telephone call from his lawyer Ed Finch wants a conversation with is daughter. Maybe to torment her or tell her where the bodies are hidden. Guilt ridden because he is her father, Margot agrees to meet with him. Back and forth they go, with Ed thinking Margot and the FBI will do anything for him so they can close another cold case. While this is happening Margot has two other cases she is dealing with. A sniper is killing people at random. Since this is close to the Christmas holiday there is extra care taken with this case. Then a women was found dead with her face beaten so badly that more stress was added to Margot. On top of all of this she must keep meeting with her therapist so she can stay on the job. What is a girl to do?

I really like the character of Margot/Meghan. She has come so long in trying to get her life on track since her fathers crimes, her mother's suicide and her brother's total breakdown. She is strong in many ways and also someone who needs a lot of TLC. Her job is everything to her and doesn't know who she is without it. The cat and mouse game her father plays with her weighs on her. How can she not help these families of the women he killed find closure. Yet the sight of Ed makes her sick.

As I said before I wanted Ed and his crimes to be center stage. Throwing in the sniper and the hooker's murder made me a bit confused. Yet it still kept me wanting more and I kept reading. I kept asking will there be more from Ed, and will Margot keep going to see him and help the FBI?

This was a quick read that made me want more. I am very happy to know there will be a third book in the series. With the ending the way it was I am glad to know more questions will be answered. So thank you Kate Wiley for a well written and suspenseful book. Great characters and interesting topics. Will Wes Margot's work partner become more to her? Can she keep helping the FBI which means seeing Ed more? Thank you NetGalley and Storm for the ARC. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Margot is back and in a bind, having to talk to her father to assist the FBI. Also investigating the murder of a prostitue. Soon the city is under fire from a sniper and she is at the thick of it. Emotionally wrought and physically exhausted can she keep it all up to close the cases piling up. I went straight into this after the first one and I’m glad I did as the characters were fresh and new in my mind. I really enjoyed this and I look forward to reading more in this series. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley @sierradeanauthor and @stormbooks_co for allowing me to read this arc! I enjoyed every moment of it.

~ His willing to talk… But only to her.

This book had so many twists and turns that caught me off guard. Every page of this book my hands were clenching the pages just dying to know how it was going to end.

Firstly, I would like to prefaces and say that this book is apart of a series, and while it is the first book I personally read it is the second book in the series. Although, I did love every moment, I did struggle a little to find a connection to the characters and the story line. I was just sucked into needing to know how it was going to end. I am unsure if I will go back and read the first book, maybe one day but it isn’t high on my priority list.

I did give the story 3.5 stars, simply because while I might not been utterly caught up in the world. The writing was so easy to read, and I was dying to know how it was going to end.

There is a lot going on in Her Fathers Secret. I think it's book 2 or 3 in a series and although it didn't matter and it was okay as a standalone I felt like I was missing key parts of the story. Will I read the next book? I don't know, as although it was a good read, easy to pick up, easy to get into, it wasn't the best detective story out there.

I like the protagonist, hate the antagonist and had to get to the end and find out the who done its.

Detective Margot Phalen's father is a serial killer - a fact not unrelated to her decision to follow a career in law enforcement. Margot has always made a point of rejecting her father, refusing as an adult to meet him in person.

But now, when a young girl's body is dragged out of a lake, it becomes all too clear that this case is going to be one that is personal for her. Because one of the things that emerges from the water involves a direct link to Margot's childhood.

And to her dismay, it seems her father may be one of the few people who has the answers that she needs. The problem is, the only person he is willing to talk to is Margot herself...

This is a compelling follow up to the first book in the series, and an opportunity to get to know an interesting fictional character in greater depth. It gets 3.5 stars.

The book is good, a quick read, especially if you're into detective mysteries with some drama. Even as a standalone, it's pretty entertaining, and I'd definitely recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!

4.5/5

This has quickly become a favorite new series for me.
I already can’t wait for book 3 to come. Margot is such an interesting main character. She really holds her own. Between her job as a detective and helping the FBI with her father’s case this book is nonstop and has such interesting cases.

Can’t wait to read book 3!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for an ARC in exchange for honest review

Name of Book: Her Father’s Secret
Series: Detective Margot Phalen Book #2
Author: Kate Wiley
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: June 22, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 322


Twenty years ago Ed Finch – America’s most notorious serial killer – used the Bay Area as his hunting ground.

Now, his daughter Margot Phalen is a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department.
Margo has spent her whole life trying to forget her past; she has and still suffers from the PTSD that occurred when she found out her father was a serial killer.
So far she has not been able to escape the terrible knowledge – will she ever escape it and live a “normal” life?

This was my second story by Kate Wiley – My first was "The Killer’s Daughter" Book #1 in this series. Although it was on the dark side, a very intense read – it was very well done and I was looking forward to this the Second in this series!

This story really doesn’t reveal any new shocking secrets. The first story was dark not sure I wanted to read any really dark secrets. I do have concerns about Margot’s mental health. As her language has more profanity than I remember- I suppose it comes with the job.

Margo's father while at the maximum security prison makes a request to call Margo via his lawyer Rosenthal. When Rosenthal turns to phone to Ed, he asks –
“Did I ever tell you about the summer you turned eight?

Hmmm certainly setting the stage for Book #3 “The Killer Instinct”.

Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 22, 2024.

Another hit by Kate Wiley!
I was lucky enough to read this (as well as the first Margot Phalen Detective book) as an ARC. I can confidently say Kate Wiley has become on of my favourite authors with this series. I love the character of Margot. I really enjoy the storyline with her father. The twist at the end of one of the storylines in this book was great. I didn't see it coming. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Margot’s story reminds me a bit of the show Prodigal Son (which was canceled way too soon in my opinion!) There are so many stories about serial killers, which I love, but not nearly enough about the families that are left to deal with the aftermath of their actions. I think Margot navigates her life much like I would in that situation. Though she is a deeply damaged individual, she’s used it to her advantage. She’s a great cop, and that is in spite of her father, not because of him. It’s an interesting juxtaposition though, his father’s “relationship” with her. In his flashbacks, we see something emulating love for her. He talks about knowing she will do great things one day, and I almost wonder if his original plan was to mold her into a carbon copy of him. But when she visits him in prison, he toys with her like she’s just any other cop. It would be really interesting if we were to get a future story with some repressed memory of him trying to teach her what he does right before he gets caught. In any case, this is a great series and I’m excited to read the next book!

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

As an ARC reader, I had the privilege of diving into the pages of "Her Father's Secret" by Kae Wiley, and I must say, it was an intense and gripping read from start to finish.

The story follows Detective Margot Phalen, who has spent her life trying to escape the shadow of her father, a notorious serial killer. However, when she receives a message from him offering to share his darkest secret, Margot finds herself drawn back into the darkness she's been running from. The narrative kicks off with a chilling discovery – a body pulled from a lake, and Margot's own childhood toys tangled in the tragedy. From there, the tension only escalates as Margot delves deeper into her father's twisted mind, risking her own sanity to solve a haunting missing persons case.

Wiley masterfully builds suspense with each chapter, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Margot's harrowing journey. The psychological depth of the characters, particularly Margot herself, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Margot's internal struggle with her family's dark history and her own identity creates a compelling emotional arc that resonates throughout the story.

One of the strengths of "Her Father's Secret" lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Wiley skillfully plants clues and red herrings, leading to shocking twists and revelations that will leave readers breathless. The pacing is relentless, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency that makes it difficult to put the book down.

The atmospheric setting of California adds to the story's allure, with its dark secrets and haunting landscapes serving as the perfect backdrop for Margot's investigation. Wiley's vivid descriptions paint a picture that is both beautiful and sinister, adding depth to the story's atmosphere.

Overall, "Her Father's Secret" is a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers. With its pulse-pounding suspense, compelling characters, and shocking twists, it's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a riveting read that will leave them breathless.

The 2nd book in this excellent series and yet again Margots serial killer father holds all the cards, promising her he'll tell all about other victims if she's willing to visit him in prison. Told in dual timelines with well written police procedures and characterisations.As well as other cases to solve, Margot is following a case that begins in book 1 and runs through this book, and I'm sure to continue into book 3.
Love the partnership between Margot and fellow detective Wes. There is definitely something simmering between them.We find out more about Margot through her chats with her therapist, who, for some reason, I don't trust!!
The whole book is so well written that you feel your part of the action, and the ending has definitely left me wanting more.Really hope it's not long before book 3 is here.
Highly recommended.Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

I want to like this book, as I love the premise of the story. However, much of the book focused on Margot solving crimes, which is expected given her role as a detective. There were numerous crimes involved and very little about Ed Finch, her father who is also known as the Classified Killer, or any shocking new revelations. I found myself disappointed by this.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the eARC.

Margot Phalen is an SFPD detective and the daughter of notorious serial killer Ed Finch. Ed has recently been transferred to San Quentin, and he's willing to talk about his crimes, including murders he hadn't previously been connected to ... but he'll only talk to Margot.

Margot should be a mess. She's dealing with all of the murdery dad drama + her already stressful job as a homicide detective + her lack of a personal life + an ongoing murder investigation of what appears to be a copycat of her creepy dad + some increasingly confusing feelings about her partner Wes + finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time alarmingly frequently. So... she is a mess, but she's also extremely competent and smart, and I love her.

I'm already dying to read book three in the series because holy cow there are some loose ends that need wrapping up!

I read this knowing there is a previous book in the series, but thankfully you don’t have to start with the first (however, I was so intrigued with this story, I will be reading the the first book). Her Fathers Secret was not a fast paced, action packed on every page book, but it was a solid, detailed, well written story from beginning to end. I found the characters relatable and real, and I wanted to know more about them as the book went on. I was invested in the storyline right away and couldn’t put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the authors writing style and will be looking for other books from her.

Margot is a detective in San Francisco trying to solve the never ending cases coming her way while simultaneously helping the FBI try to get a serial killer talking, when a sniper opens fire in the city. With the city on edge, Margot (and her colleagues) try to find the unknown gunman while continuing to work her other cases.

Even better than the first book, I was hooked from the start. The characters are interesting. The mysteries are compelling. I am completely invested in Margot. I love Wes as well. The scenes with Ed have me on the edge of my seat. I read it in one sitting and couldn't read fast enough. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series.

#📚ARC Book Review 📚

🔖Her Fathers Secret by Kate Wiley
Genre : General Fiction | Mystery, thriller
Pub date : 26th June 2024

Detective Margot Phalen, haunted by her father's legacy as a serial killer, receives a message from him. He offers to reveal his darkest secret, but only to her. As she prepares to confront him in his prison cell, Margot braces herself for the challenging journey ahead. The key to solving a notorious missing persons case in California lies within her father's mind, a place that terrifies her. However, she understands that going into his twisted psyche comes with the risk of him getting under her skin. Unraveling the missing girl's final moments will force Margot to question everything she believed about herself and confront her family's disturbing history.

📖: This book is apparently the second installment in a series, with the first book titled "The Killer's Daughter." I hadn't read the first book prior to reading this one, but the author provided a summary of the previous events, bringing me up to speed.

I was initially drawn to this book by its title and synopsis, expecting a thorough exploration of the character of the father, who is a serial killer. However, I was disappointed to discover that this aspect was not delved into extensively. The book did not reveal any significant revelations about Ed Finch, the classified Killer. Instead, the majority of the narrative focused on Margot, the daughter, and her endeavors in solving crimes, which is understandable given her role as a detective.

While I did enjoy the investigation and the overall police environment, there were numerous backstories and parallel investigations that made it challenging to keep track of the premise, names, and the progress of each investigation.

It was very slow paced and dragged a couple of times and lacked thrill or mystery.

Thank you NetGalley and storm publishing for a copy of this book

Rating: ⭐️ 6/10

I flew through the first installment in this series earlier this year so when I saw Her Father’s Secret was available I immediately started reading it. I would definitely recommend reading The Killer’s Daughter if you haven’t already. Not because you need to have read it in order to enjoy this one, but it will add so much more to your experience of Her Father’s Secret

Margot is the type of FMC that I just can’t get enough of. She feels tough, smart, capable - all the things we typically hope for in a FMC, but add in a significant amount of trauma, and flawed coping strategies. Margot has always felt very ‘real’ and after this second book she’s become even more well developed as a character for me.

Her Father’s Secret follows much of the same pattern as the first book, which I didn’t mind at all. I will say that I’m hoping there will be some more digging into Ed Finch and some more reveals around him in the third though as there’s only so many books you can do with the same format (I’m hoping we’re not just going to get the same reveal from him in every book). I am hopeful of the story developing further though as I feel like there were a few breadcrumbs dropped in this one which will hopefully turn into something in later books.

I think the best way to encapsulate my views on this book is to tell you that as soon as I finished it I went online to see if the third book has been confirmed. I am not usually a huge crime reader but I can already feel myself becoming addicted to this series!

Thank you so much to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this much enjoyed E-ARC

Detective Margot Phalen has changed her name to escape any association with her serial killer father. All his victims are not yet known, and he insists on seeing her to give snippets of information of other victims.
She is working hard on a sniper case, and her father, Ed Finch gives her some insight to the sniper.

This is the second book in this series, and Margot's character is being developed very well.
She is a complex character, because of her past, and finds it difficult to trust and have a romantic relationship.

Margot has good hunches, the gut feeling that a lot of investigators often have. Her non relationship with her father and brother are only due to duty. She is tasked by the FBI to get more information about the victims of Ed Finch's crimes, and she does so to give the families some closure.
It breaks her spirit, but her strength sees her through.

I recommend this series, sometimes gory, quite emotional and it is fast paced with excellent policing.

I am officially hooked on this series with a female lead.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book