Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz

December 1st, 2015 Kimberly Review 59 Comments

1st Dec
Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz
Secret Sisters
by Jayne Ann Krentz
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameHalf a Flame

Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves. They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother's hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn't be bothering them anymore...ever. Still their lives would never be the same. Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother's mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered. Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts...and wants. Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack's brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth....

SUSPENSE yummy alpha ROMANCE MURDERMYSTERY thriller

Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz is a suspenseful murder mystery thriller served with a side dish of romance. It is the perfect read to snuggle up with by the fire on a cold winter day. Krentz takes us into the lives of Madeline and Daphne two friends who share a secret that is over eighteen years old. It’s a secret they may just get them killed.

Five reasons to grab Secret Sisters and snuggle

  • Jayne Ann Krentz weaves a suspenseful tale with plenty of twists, suspects and red herrings to keep the reader caught up in the world she creates. The story begins eighteen years ago when a man attempts to harm Madeline in the most horrific way imaginable. The girls left and never returned. Four people carry the secrets from that night and now two are dead.
  • Madeline’s grandmother has recently passed and she is now the head of their hotel empire. When she suspects foul play in the death of their caretaker she brings in her hotel security specialist and former FBI Agent Jake Rayner. She and Jake have a volatile relationship creating an interesting dynamic. Beneath their business dealings, you can feel the chemistry shimmering. There is a grace abou Madeline making her appear strong and confident but if you look closely enough her cold reserve, masks her frailty. Daphne and Madeline have not seen each other since that night, and the past two years have been some of the darkest for Daphne. While she and Abe were not the focus, I love that Krentz gave us her story. Seeing these friends reunite lightened the story.
  • Jack Rayner, security specialist, profiler and protector struggles when it comes to Madeline. He feels an overwhelming need to protect her, but has self-imposed rules regarding business and relationships. His former fiancé and business partner betrayed him leaving him guarded. Jack comes off initially as hard, and maybe a little aloof, but Krentz slowly peeled back his layers revealing a complex, sensitive hero. When Jack realizes Madeline and Daphne are in trouble he brings in his brother Abe. Abe is quiet, but I adored the attentions he gave Daphne.
  • Krentz always spins a good mystery and Secret Sisters delivered as she weaved the events from the past into the current threat. Villains and those in power created an interesting suspect list as Jack, Madeline, Daphne and Abe begin to piece things together. We cross paths with a sociopath and those eager for power and wealth creating suspense and ah-ha moments. All of the threads, clues and questions are answers as Krentz notches up the danger before wrapping the story and romance up in a carefully constructed bow.
  • The romantic aspect in Secret Sisters was served as a side dish but provided character growth, and tender moments. It also served to increase the suspense as they faced danger. I was delighted that Krentz gave us not one but two romances. While the second is not as developed she still managed to give me the warm and fuzzies.

Secret Sisters delivered suspense in this standalone thriller with a dash of romance to delight. Fleshed out characters and colorful suspects will keep you reading into the wee hours.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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59 Responses to “Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz”

  2. Lorna

    This author has been around for ever but I don’t think I have ever read her. This sounds like it was a good mystery and I also loved that she gave them both a romance!

  4. Kathryn

    Have seen good and not so good reviews for this one, however I generally enjoy her romantic suspense and you’ve pretty much convinced me that I mustn’t give this one a miss. Looking forward to it now.

  5. Mary Kirkland

    I’ve read several of her other books but not this one. Not really into mysteries so I might pass on this one though.

    I just noticed the falling snow flakes on your page and thought it was so cute!

  6. Kathy

    I’ve seen several mixed pre-release reviews, so it’s nice to see you enjoyed it. I’ll admit that it has me going back and forth with the pre-order one-click. Do I or don’t I? I’m still on the fence with this one.

  7. Katherine

    Yes please! Really you had me at “old abandoned hotel” but the rest sounds pretty good too! Plus I’ve loved her last 2 books.

  8. Aurian

    I love JAK! I can’t wait to read this one myself, and it is on its way I think. Tell me, any mention of Arcane in this one?

  9. Heidi

    I like the sound of this one, and plus, I think it is great when the romance is done as the side dish instead of the main. I have been meaning to try this author, I just need more time to read.

  12. Candace

    This sounds good! I love a good mystery. I tend to prefer the lighter (cozy) mysteries but a thriller now and then is good. Glad you enjoyed!

  14. kindlemom1

    I love that even though it is a side (where it should be) that there is still romance in this. For whatever reason and I hate to admit it, but I love having at least a little romance in all my reads now. Maybe it is the older me coming out or the hopeless romantic, either way, there you have it.

  15. Tracy Terry

    Oh I do enjoy stories of friendship like this. Thanks for a great review, I’m hoping our library will have a copy of this in stock.

  18. Laurel-Rain Snow

    In the past couple of years, I have been drawn once again to this author. Especially to her romantic suspense. I like your description: “The romantic aspect in Secret Sisters was served as a side dish but provided character growth, and tender moments.”

    My favorite kind of side dish in a mystery! Thanks….

  19. Angela

    I almost accepted this one for review but I didn’t have room for it in my schedule, now I’m wishing I would have accepted it. Every time I stop by, I’m adding another book to my Amazon cart!

  20. Debbie Haupt

    Great review Kim, I’ve always loved JAK’s romantic suspense and this one sounds a bit like psycho do do do do. Thanks!

  22. Jenny

    It just so happens that it’s a very cold winter day here today (and wet, boo!) so this sounds like it would be perfect:) You know how much I love romance Kim, so I’m super excited that we get two romances in this one, even if they’re not the focal points of the story:)

  23. Bookworm Brandee

    I’ve yet to read Krentz, Kimberly, but I really like the sound of this one. The mystery sounds really well done and I like that the romance is the ‘side dish’ yet serves to develop the characters. Another one for my tbr pile. 🙂

  24. Lexxie

    I’ve had this on my ‘might-read’ shelf for a while, Kim, and your review persuaded me that I should definitely pick up Secret Sisters!
    I love mysteries, and this one sounds like it’s really well done!

  25. Lekeisha

    I came across this one a couple of weeks ago, and immediately wanted to read it. The reviewer also loved it, so I may as well add it to my TBR now. Something about these type of suspenseful stories that grab your attention. Great review!