I’ve mentioned before how lovely it’s been to see the earlier books of L.H. Stacey repackaged and reissued by Boldwood Books – and reaching a whole new (and particularly enthusiastic!) audience. Today (13th April) sees the publication of the next, Buried Secrets – previously published as The Keeper of Secrets – now available as an e-book, in paperback and audiobook, and with another striking new cover.
“A dark, addictive psychological thriller” – yes, that just about sums it up for me. Let’s take a closer look…
Should some secrets stay buried forever?
When Cassie Hunt learns that her beloved Aunt Aggie is dying, she rushes back home to be with her during her final days. For as long as Cassie can remember Aggie has spoken about the forgotten world that exists just below their feet, in the tunnels and catacombs of the mysterious Sand House.
But on her deathbed, Aggie reveals a terrible secret that she’s buried as deep as the tunnels beneath the old house, and when excavation work begins on the site, Cassie is the only one who can help keep the truth hidden.
With the return of an old university friend, Noah Flanagan, Cassie puts into action a plan to honour Aggie’s dying wish.
But it seems the deeper Noah and Cassie dig, the more shocking the secrets uncovered – and danger is never far away, both above and below the ground…
Perfect for fans of Valerie Keogh, Sue Watson and Jackie Kabler.
I read and thoroughly enjoyed this book back in 2019, and it’s a real pleasure to share again my original review…
I’m always drawn into a book by a well-written prologue – and this book most certainly has one, as you feel the fear of a shocking and life-changing childhood incident filled with menace, with family secrets uncovered and some very strong images that are revisited later in the book.
The book itself opens in Herculaneum, where Cassie is an archaeologist on a prestigious dig, engaged in uncovering some particularly poignant skeletal remains – sharing a flat with a friend, with a tomato plant and a visiting cat. But, as with all the author’s books, you know the first twist is never far away – a possible threat that becomes very real indeed, and an unexpected telephone call that takes her home to Doncaster. Aunt Aggie, who raised Cassie and her sister Lisa in the absence of their parents is seriously ill – and she has a long-held secret that needs Cassie’s intervention before it can reach resolution. Near the family home, there’s a dig in progress – the excavation of the tunnels of the Sand House, uncovering its magnificent statues, and Cassie needs to get involved while there’s still time.
This book is very strong in its portrayal of family relationships – both the close relationship between Cassie and her sister, and the great sadness of watching her beloved aunt losing her grip on life, treasuring every rare smile. And family ties drive the story too – the hidden personal stories of the past, uncovered alongside the treasures in the nearby tunnels.
There’s a real and convincing love story – one of those friends becoming lovers stories that I invariably enjoy, and I particularly liked the way it was developed. But there’s a wider cast too, and quite a number of individuals who could be a source of threat and danger – and the tension mounts inexorably as Cassie’s moment of discovery approaches, with an atmosphere of creeping menace and danger.
The story’s climax is particularly well handled – some really clever touches (no, I can’t tell you more – I’d ruin the book!) and plenty of twists and turns to throw you off the scent. The author certainly knows how to crank up the anticipation, and those closing scenes really do get the pages turning considerably more quickly.
The pacing of the story is just right, and the lighter moments in the developing relationship do balance those more disturbing moments. And if you’ve enjoyed the author’s earlier books, there’s plenty here that you’ll enjoy every bit as much – a compelling read that might just give you a few sleepless nights, a story full of excitement and tension, a well-developed romance, together with a large slice of intriguing local history.
If you’re as fascinated by the Sand House itself as I was, you might like to take a look at the website – although you’ll already be familiar with the statues and some of their history from reading the book, it certainly added an extra element to my enjoyment. Wishing you every success with the book Linda!
About the author
L. H. Stacey is the bestselling psychological suspense author of over seven novels. Alongside her writing she is a full-time sales director for an office furniture company and has been a nurse, an emergency first response instructor and a PADI Staff Instructor. She lives near Doncaster with her husband.
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