Thank you Netgalley for this ARC audio of Walker's newest novel. This is my first novel by Boo Walker and I did enjoy it, though I did struggle with it at times. It took a while for me to get used to his writing style but as the story progressed, I enjoyed it more. It read sort of like a cozy/sort of like a thriller and the combination was intriguing. I can rarely figure out who done it, and the same goes for this story. There were so many characters that could have been the murderer, and the author kept this reader guessing until the very end. Overall a great plot and story line.

Boo Walker and Peggy Shainberg deliver a gripping mystery in The Secrets of Good People, a novel that lives up to its title with a web of hidden truths and suspenseful twists. At the heart of the story is Detective Quentin Jones, tasked with unraveling a series of secrets that could lead to a killer’s identity. As he delves deeper, the layers of deception and intrigue keep both him and the reader on edge.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its intricate plotting. The secrets held by each character are unveiled in a way that keeps the tension high, making it difficult to predict where the story will lead next. The pacing is well-balanced, with each revelation adding to the mounting suspense. Walker and Shainberg craft complex, believable characters whose motivations and hidden agendas make them both compelling and suspicious, ensuring that the mystery remains engaging throughout.

The audiobook format adds another dimension to the experience, enhancing the tension and emotional depth of the story. A well-performed narration can make or break a mystery, and in this case, it only adds to the immersive quality of the novel.

Overall, The Secrets of Good People is a thoroughly enjoyable read (or listen) for mystery lovers. Its combination of secrets, compelling characters, and a determined detective makes for a thrilling and satisfying experience.

I received both the audio and eBook for this novel, and I enjoyed both versions. I seemed to get more into the story when I was reading vs when I was listening.
This wasn't a bad read, it's just that the story line as a whole was a bit slower than I am used to. The beginning hooked me, so I was hopeful, but it unfortunately fell flat in the middle.
I feel like if you enjoy slower paced mysteries, then you would like this one.

Thank you, NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing, for the opportunity to read and listen!

This book was just okay for me. I didn’t find the plot that interesting. The characters were that likable, and I honestly didn’t care too much about any of them. I thought the island setting was interesting. Felt like the ending was really rushed.

"The Secrets of Good People," co-authored by Boo Walker and Peggy Shainberg, transports readers to a secluded Floridian island in 1970, weaving a classic whodunit narrative. The story begins with newlyweds Catherine and Dr. Frank Overbrook relocating to this tranquil setting, only to have their peace shattered when Frank is discovered dead on the beach following a welcoming party. Detective Quentin Jones steps in to unravel the mystery, scrutinizing a diverse cast of island residents, each harboring their own secrets.

The novel's strength lies in its atmospheric depiction of the era and setting. The authors vividly capture the essence of a tight-knit community, where beneath the veneer of camaraderie, hidden motives simmer. This backdrop enhances the suspense, drawing readers into the complexities of island life.

Character development is notably robust. Catherine emerges as a sympathetic figure, navigating grief and suspicion in an unfamiliar environment. Miriam Arnett, another resident, is portrayed with depth, adding layers to the narrative. However, some characters, such as the blind sculptor Sylvie Nye and Detective Jones, are less compelling, with interactions that occasionally detract from the story's intensity.

The plot unfolds methodically, with the murder occurring early, setting the stage for a detailed investigation. While this deliberate pacing allows for in-depth character exploration, it may feel sluggish to readers seeking a fast-paced thriller. The inclusion of extensive backstories enriches the characters but occasionally stalls the forward momentum of the central mystery.

In conclusion, "The Secrets of Good People" offers a richly atmospheric and character-driven mystery that will appeal to fans of traditional whodunits. Despite its leisurely pace and occasional digressions, the novel provides an engaging exploration of human nature and the secrets that bind communities together. A solid four-star read for those who appreciate a slow-burning, intricate mystery.

The fast marriage at the beginning had me thinking this would be a fast moving mystery. Sadly it wasn't a thriller and doesn't have the reader on the edge of their seat. I was wondering when the hanger or excitement would happen instead I was bored.
I enjoyed learning about the neighbors/friends in the book as they had interesting ailments and issues. But man the detective was bland and I got tired of hearing him and his interrogations of everyone. Since he is in most of the story that was a problem and I was ready for the book to be over.

I listened to the Audiobook and the narrators did a great job and their voices fit the characters. They are the only reason I listened to the end.

I received an advanced reader copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

If you love a mystery that keeps you on your toes, Secrets of Good People is a must-read. Set on an isolated island near Florida, this locked-room mystery masterfully weaves suspense, deception, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its richly developed characters. Each person in the story has their own secrets, motives, and depth, making it impossible to trust anyone completely. Just when you think you’ve figured out who is responsible, a new clue or revelation flips everything on its head.

The island setting adds an eerie and atmospheric quality, enhancing the feeling of isolation and tension. The author does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the world.

Overall, Secrets of Good People is a thrilling and immersive read, perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries. With its unpredictable plot and well-crafted characters, it’s a book that mystery lovers won’t want to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

#netgalley #arc

I wanted to like this book but to be completely honest I really didn't enjoy it. I love a detective novel and have always been a fan of seeing hoe a mystery unfolds and the interview prospects and all the suspects but this book fell flat on everyday including the characters. They all felt so wooden and childlike. Catherine was a very niave and frustrating character and I hated how all the women where written to throw things and cry and have these outlandish tantrums like children and whenever anything went wrong they either batted there eyelashes or daid they would hurt themselves. It all read very 1950s instead of 1970 and far more what men think woman are like verses what they are the writing was very ameterish in my opinion and honestly very cringe. I found myself rolling my eyes at these twists and trust and this detective gave I hated him. He's one of our main characters and yet he is the worst cop I've ever seen he is bumbling and yelling and outrageously accusing everyone of things with no evidence maybe that's how it happend in 1970 I wasn't born at that time but let's say it was wouldn't you want to write your detective character with more smart and expertise. I also had a issue with the ages of everyone. All the characters read as if they where in there 50s or older you want me to believe the head cop is 28 years old and his teach from high school who is 5 years older and now blind is the love interest. Then there is catherine who is 38 and speaks and thinks as if she is 12. It was all really disjointed and the twists where boring and I felt myself just wanting it to end. These where bland characters with a watered down story that didn't add anything the entire time until the last 10 minutes and even then I could honestly care less. The mystery at the core of this was boring and lacked any real investigation. Honestly not for me.

The Secrets of Good People by Boo Walker is a mystery that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Just when you think the mystery of who killed the doctor who recently moved to town, more twists come to light that must be solved that you didn’t even know were hidden in the neighbors pasts. This little small costal town in Florida where everyone knows everyone is far from what it appears. There are dark hidden skeletons in everyone’s closets and somehow they are all interwoven in the end.
The author does a great job of interlacing all these stories together and keeping you drawn into the overall plot line as well. I love how the author tells the stories of these “Good People” bad sides and the plot twists that come with it.

I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it as a good “who-done-it”.

When the new Doctor on a small Florida island is killed, everyone on the island becomes a suspect, including his new wife.
This book kept me captivated with who may have done it! I enjoyed that it changed perspectives including having a female and male narrator in the audio version. The characters were well-developed and with a handful of them, it was easy to keep straight who was who and what impact they made on the storyline. What I liked just as much as the book was the author's note that explained how this book came to be co-authored.

In 1970s Florida, the idyllic island life of newlyweds Catherine and Frank ends abruptly when Frank is murdered. The detective, Quentin, investigates a circle of suspicious neighbors, each harboring secrets, in a race to uncover the killer among them.

I loved this book. The characters are all well-developed and intriguing. In the claustrophobic setting, the story unfolds in an emotional and suspenseful way. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A Twisting Whodunit..
Murder strikes a Floridian paradise in this audio version twisting whodunit. As good friends and neighbours gather beachside, something heinous is afoot and a body on the beach the following morning brings Detective Quentin Jones to the scene. As the investigation progresses it soon becomes clear that suspects may well be numerous among this seemingly friendly group of people and, certainly, secrets will out. A solid mystery in traditional vein with a deftly drawn cast, a well imagined backdrop, a nicely paced plot and twists aplenty. The audio narrators do a marvellous job of bringing the whole story, the atmosphere and the characters to life. Engaging and compelling.

I was touched when I read the article about Peggy Shainberg written by her family. I am honored to have been able to read this novel by Boo Walker and Peggy Shainberg. He is the perfect author to turn her original manuscript and legacy into this wonderful novel.
I really enjoyed the plot and unique characters, especially Quentin Jones.
I loved this detective mystery with a bit of humor and the Florida setting. There were plenty of twists and surprises throughout! Great narrator too!!
The author’s tribute to Peggy at the end brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

this wasn’t the typical mystery/thriller I was expecting in the sense that I was not on the edge of my seat for much of the book. In fact, I was somewhat bored and indifferent to what was going on. There seemed to be a lot of fluff present in this story, and the “detective” of the story was the least interesting person of the story which definitely created a problem for me in terms of wanting to figure out the mystery. Eventually, I just wanted the story to end.

As for the audiobook, I did love the narrators. I thought they did a great job telling the story and using their voices to bring the characters to life. However, the story itself was just not up to mystery/thriller standards.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrillancePublishing for the book #TheSecretsOfGoodPeople by #BooWalker and #PeggyShainberg. Frank and Sylvia just moved to a tiny island in Florida right after they got married. But their first night there, Frank ends up murdered. Detective Jones is the person investigating the murder and has a list of suspects. Everyone seems to have secrets and he is determined to get to the bottom of them all. Did I mention that Sylvia and Det Jones knew each other previously and he still has aging feelings for her? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved all the drama.

I am giving this a 3.4 rating. It's not because I didn't like it, more so that a lot of it seemed unnecessary. I feel like this story would've been much more enjoyable with some more editing.
The thriller is set in the 1970s. We start off in Chicago and very early in make our way to a small island community in Florida. The FMC irked me a lot. I had to keep reminding myself that although the 1970s didn't seem that long ago, in the scheme of women's rights, it was eons ago. Frankly I wasn't impressed with how any of the female characters were written. I did enjoy the historical aspect of it and feel people who really seek out historical fiction would definitely appreciate this book. All in all, it was okay, but could've been better, had it been shorter.

Set in Naples, this great set of characters become involved over the murder of Frank, a doctor who just arrived. I really enjoyed this mystery, I thought the narrator did an OK job.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story felt especially close to my heart. Set in 1970s Florida, it mentions my hometown of Naples, Collier County, and other familiar surrounding areas. I’m so glad Boo Walker decided to finish the story that Peggy never got to.

I absolutely loved the cast of characters! The audio version was fantastic, with great narrators who really brought the story to life. The atmosphere was rich, and the plot was well-crafted—straight to the point from the start and keeping a steady pace throughout. The mystery, twists, and turns kept me hooked, and the ending was truly satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this book for my honest review.

This was a great afory fulled of intrique, mystery and some humour. The author brings us on a journey filled of secrets, new starts and a reminder that not is as perfect as it appears.

The plot keeps you amazed and entertained and the characters are relatable and raw which reminds us of their humanity.

The narration was professional and brought the story to life perfectly.