written in secret | book review + giveaway

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about the book

In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history.

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.

publisher: kregel publications

release date: march 11, 2025

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review

corruption is rampant in 1880s cincinnati. dime novelist lydia pelton, under the pseudonym e.a. dupin, has found a way to right some wrongs... except the deaths in her books are becoming murders in real life. officer abraham hall wants to solve this string of murders, and dupin is his only suspect. when lydia's identity is revealed, can he look past the betrayal to allow her help on the case?

i definitely enjoyed the premise of written in secret. what's an author to do when fiction becomes reality? lydia is in quite a pickle—and has some reckoning to do with her idea of justice, as well as the role she plays in it—and abraham is not afraid to call her out. i had fun (despite the violence and murder) seeing the dynamic between lydia and abraham evolve throughout the story, especially as the suspense of the mystery creates some nice tension.

written in secret is a great blend of historical details, mystery and suspense, sweet romance, and inspirational faith. it's an easy one to recommend to interested readers.

i received a complimentary copy from the author. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.
 
 
considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong themes of God, forgiveness, and justice
—content: murder, corruption, violence

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.

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.

tour schedule

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