Secret Lives

· Sourcebooks, Inc.
5.0
2 reviews
eBook
288
Pages
Eligible
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About this eBook

2023 EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE, SUE GRAFTON MEMORIAL AWARD * APPLE BOOK OF THE MONTH SELECTION

"A high energy foray into cryptocurrency and government corruption."—First Clue

"This light and lively series launch introduces 75-year-old Ethel Fiona Crestwater...an elderly Nancy Drew: sure of herself and her convictions, and ready to bend a few rules to achieve her goal of seeing justice done." —Publishers Weekly

For fans of unexpected-yet-badass female sleuths, meet former FBI agent-turned-boardinghouse landlady Ethel Fiona Crestwater. Her age affords her precious invisibility. She can outthink and outshoot most men—and women—half her age.

When someone murders one of her boarders, Ethel springs into action—much to the surprise of her double-first-cousin-twice-removed, Jesse, who has recently come to stay with her while he attends university. As he watches her photograph the crime scene, conceal evidence, and speed-dial the Secret Service Director, Jesse realizes that there's much more to Ethel than appearances suggest.

When Jesse is assaulted and the gym bag full of cash Ethel had hidden is stolen from the basement, the pair decides it's time to launch their own unofficial investigation. With no one to trust but each other, this unlikely duo learns that the only thing truly worth risking your life for is family.

Ratings and reviews

5.0
2 reviews
Nebula Castelino
12 October 2022
Secret Lives is a delightful, mysterious and entertaining read. Ethel Crestwater is a force to be reckoned with! I was drawn to this unique plot of Ethel running a boarding house for government agents, and the twists and turns keep you hooked till the end. Leave it to Mark de Castrique to deliver witty dialogue with cliff-hanger chapters that complement a fast-paced premise. The ending ties itself beautifully, making it memorable. Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC.
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Claudete Takahashi
9 November 2022
Secret Lives is the first book I've read that was written by Mark de Castrique and I was pleasantly surprised. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning, it has a great plot, the main character is a septuagenarian anyone would like to be, there's deceit and lies, but also there's gentleness and respect, and although a lot of details regarding locations and places are given, they are written in a pleasant way. It's an easy-read and 100% great entertainment!
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About the author

Mark de Castrique grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina where many of his novels are set. He's a veteran of the television and film production industry, has served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte teaching The American Mystery, and he's a frequent speaker and workshop leader. He and his wife, Linda, live in Charlotte, North Carolina. www.markdecastrique.com

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