Book Review: Written in Secret
Today, I’m participating in a book review tour for Written in Secret, a Christian mystery and suspense romance novel by Crystal Caudill. It is Book 1 of The Art of Love and Danger series from Kregel Publications.
Disclosure: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the publisher as part of JustRead publicity tours. All views expressed are my own. This post includes Amazon affiliate links.
My Review
Have you ever read a dime novel? I don’t know that I ever have. For sure, not one that costs a dime! I wonder if any have been digitized? Hang on while I do a quick search… A-ha! They have! Check out Nickels and Dimes. Hmm… I think I need to dig into that a bit. Just for research purposes, you understand.
The heroine of Written in Secret is a novelist in the 1880s. She writes wholesome romance dime novels under her own name and secretly writes murder mysteries under a pseudonym. That’s all well and good because while “society” might not approve, her own conscience is satisfied that the mysteries are also wholesome. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees and that’s where the plot thickens.
I appreciated the Christian integrity of the main characters in this story and the growth of the heroine in particular. There were some downright hilarious moments and a classic whodunnit plot that kept me guessing. I liked the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the writing and publishing process 150 years ago–handwritten manuscripts, can you imagine?
If you enjoy classic mysteries with a romantic subplot, check it out.
From the Publisher
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too.
About the Author
Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
4 Comments
Rita Wray
Thank you for the review, Sounds like a good book.
Crystal Caudill
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Nancy
I love historical books.
Jcp
Sounds wonderful