Book Club Buzz: "Written in Secret" by Crystal Caudill
Announcements
I have another book giveaway for April through Book Funnel. Use the link in the blog post for this episode to claim these free reads.
The limited-edition covers for book two of The Bounty Brothers series, Uncharted Trials, are now available for pre-order. We are also bringing back a second printing of the limited-edition cover for book one, Unwavering Faith, in case you missed it. Limited-edition covers will no longer be available after Uncharted Trials releases in June so, head over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to order your copies today. Your pre-orders help fund the publication of the next novel in The Bounty Brothers series, so thank you!
That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s discussion of Crystal Caudill’s newest book, Written in Secret.
Episode Notes
Are you looking for your next page-turner that combines romance, mystery, and faith? In our latest podcast episode, we dive into Crystal Caudill's "Written in Secret," the first book in her new series set in Cincinnati. This compelling story follows Lydia Pelton, an author who writes crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin to bring justice to criminals who escaped legal consequences.
The Story
"Written in Secret" introduces us to Lydia Pelton, a woman who refuses to stay silent about injustice. She crafts crime novels based on real cases where the guilty were set free, writing her own version of justice. But when a serial killer begins recreating the deaths from her books, Lydia finds herself blamed for the murders sweeping Cincinnati.
Officer Abraham Halls' only lead is Lydia's fiction, forcing him to work with the woman the city has dubbed the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his initial misgivings, Abraham realizes he needs her help to catch the murderer. Their unexpected attraction complicates an already complex investigation as they race to solve the mystery and protect both the citizens of Cincinnati and their own hearts.
Memorable Moments
Our book club particularly enjoyed the hilarious opening scene where Lydia and friends are caught trying to rescue a three-legged goat from the circus. Dressed as clowns (which happens to terrify one of the officers), Lydia gets stuck under a tent flap and accidentally trips an officer who's chasing another criminal. The scene escalates with a monkey getting tangled in her hair and face paint giving her hives!
The contrast between Lydia's proper upbringing (her father is a prominent figure in Cincinnati society) and her adventurous spirit creates many amusing situations. In one particularly funny scene at the police station, Lydia attempts to flirt with Abraham by channeling one of her fictional characters, resulting in an awkward but endearing exchange.
The Mystery
We praised Crystal's ability to keep readers guessing about the killer's identity throughout the novel. With multiple suspects including:
A money-hungry publisher
An obsessed editor
A reporter who mysteriously appears at every crime scene
The revelation of the killer comes as a genuine surprise, with one of us mentioning they didn't figure it out until the very end.
Themes and Character Growth
A major theme in the book is Lydia's struggle with the ethics of her writing. Both her father and Abraham challenge her approach, questioning whether she has the right to determine guilt and punishment in her novels. As the story progresses, Lydia begins to question if her words have been used inappropriately and whether she bears some responsibility for inspiring the killer.
Our Ratings
The book club rated different aspects of the novel on their signature coffee-themed scale:
Romance level: Espresso (present but not overwhelming)
Drama level: Latte (quite high with city-wide protests and family tensions)
Mystery level: Moca de Latte (complex and engaging)
Suspense level: Latte to Mocha (depending on personal comparison to other thrillers)
Inspirational level: Mocha (meaningful spiritual elements with good advice from characters)
Overall rating: Three Lassos (our highest rating), making this an excellent read that delivers exactly what fans expect from Crystal Caudill.
Series Connection
An interesting tidbit shared during the discussion is that "Written in Secret" ties into Caudill's "Counterfeit" series, but is set chronologically earlier. Mrs. Hawkins, a strict maid who appears in this book, is also featured in "Counterfeit Love," connecting the two series.
Tune in next week for our exclusive interview with Crystal Caudill, where she'll discuss this new series and reveal when readers can expect the next two books!
