The Deepest of Secrets: A Rockton Novel

The Rockton series has been mesmerizing, with a setting that is creepy and intriguing at the same time. It seems to be like a penal colony, with some of the world’s worst offenders sent to the same place, but no one knows what their crimes were back in civilization. That is, no one knows until book seven was released and the secrets start being revealed. The law of the community is Eric Dalton, a man who has never really lived anywhere except Rockton, and his lover Detective Casey Duncan, a criminal herself who was sent there for a murder. Since there are a lot of unsavory characters there, she fits right in and is a good detective. Combining mystery, police procedural and some outright unbelievable fiction, this book was entertaining, but it did not engage me as quickly or as much as the previous six did. Once the secrets started being exposed, I had some ho-hum moments, mostly because I think I expected them to be more outrageous than they were. What captured my attention the most was the fact that a killer, perhaps even a serial killer, was stalking the residents of Rockton. The characters are the same ones from previous books, with some additional details added about some of them. My favorite character is still Will Anders, a man who takes responsibility for his actions and continues to show character in the face of some uphill battles with the townspeople and their opinions about him. Like a deadly game of “Gossip” this book continues to reveal secrets as the lawmen discover bodies. It becomes like a game…will everyone die or will all of the secrets be revealed? There are no huge twists, but there are a few surprises along the way. This was a good read, entertaining and mind-blowing at times as I tried to wrap my head around man’s inhumanity to man. Fans of the series will not want to miss this book and fans of the author who are just beginning the series can read them out of order. In fact, enough background is given to read this book as a standalone, but I think the books are really best when the series is read in order. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

4.25 stars--THE DEEPEST OF SECRETS is the seventh and final (?) instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s contemporary, adult ROCKTON mystery, thriller, suspense series focusing on the fictional town of Rockton, in the Yukon. SOME BACKGROUND: Rockton Yukon does not exist on any map, and the residents all have a questionable past, fake names and false histories. Most were once considered to be white collar crimes but with increasing regularity, hardened criminals have somehow paid their way into Rockton, seeking sanctuary against future prosecution, a safe place for two years before seeking asylum somewhere else. Built in the 1950s, Rockton is a refuge for people in trouble but a refuge run by a ‘council’ with the ultimate control, moving Rockton from a commune into a for-profit institution. Entirely off-grid, with no modern amenities, Rockton’s secrets are about to be exposed. NOTE: If you are new to the series, the author offers up an introductory chapter focusing on the history of Rockton, and the key residents who have made a name for themselves throughout the series including Detective Casey Butler and her partner Eric Dalton.. Told from first person perspective (Detective Casey Duncan Butler) THE DEEPEST OF SECRETS focuses on the search for a killer who is targeting the residents of Rockton, Yukon, taking aim at the people in charge. Someone has uncovered the truth, the backgrounds and crimes, about several residents of Rockton, and in this, the remaining people have taken it upon themselves to ferret out the person responsible, targeting the ‘guilty’ before any chance at redemption. The once tepid relationships between the residents is threatened when betrayal reveals a murderer among them, someone who they believe has not paid for their crime but as a number of residents find themselves the victim of a potential killer, the council steps in to shut down a town that doesn’t exist. As Casey, and her partner/ common-law husband Sheriff Erin Dalton begin an investigation, people begin disappearing, and the number of suspects grows with every clue. THE DEEPEST OF SECRETS is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, murder and obsession, distrust and uncertainty, innocence and guilt. Kelley Armstrong pulls the reader into an intriguing, twisted and haunting tale of what if? Or how? A though provoking series wherein if you were able to disappear without a trace, would you? Could you? Without any thoughts about who or what you left behind. The premise is detailed, intense, dramatic and original; the characters are spirited, edgy and often tragic. THE DEEPEST OF SECRETS is open ended, the main characters are considering their next step, outside of Rockton Yukon.

Wow!! What a way to end a series. I’m just gonna say I love this series and I’m sad to see it go but this last story was absolutely amazing. Eric pretty much took a backseat to Casey most of the book. Lots of crazy suspenseful action going on from beginning to end. Today is truly going down in the books as our most ridiculous wilderness pursuit ever. These characters have worked there way into my heart story after story and I’m going to miss them like crazy. I also know that whatever this author comes up with next. I’m So There!!