The Secrets of the Deadwoods by Ashley Brandt

Release: July 12, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing

Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon , B&N

Book One in The Secrets of the Deadwoods series!

Every town has its secrets, and Corinth is no exception.

When a local realtor turns up dead, Denali falls under suspicion as she was the last person to see the victim alive. Together with her telepathic cat, Da Vinci, these two amateur sleuths uncover the killer’s trail, leading them back to the haunted wood, known by the locals as the Deadwoods.

But when the murder suspect turns victim, the residents of Corinth are left with more questions than answers, not to mention more ghosts inhabiting the Deadwoods!

About the Author:

Ashley Brandt is a Paramedic and an author living in North Texas.

When she isn’t reading or writing, Ashley enjoys hiking, swimming and photography.

Ashley is a coffee addict and spends as much time at the bookstore as possible.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Secrets of the Deadwoods Review:

The standout element of the narrative, in my opinion, lies in the remarkable bond between Denali and Da Vinci. Their unique connection serves as a lifeline, steering Denali through eerie and gripping scenarios.

Within this brief yet engaging story, certain moments shine brightly. Meeting Dan Cumberland and encountering Eddie stand out in particular. Despite the brevity of the tale, the author masterfully weaves intricate connections between the characters, leaving readers pondering the depth of their relationships. Eddie, in particular, sent shivers down my spine, a testament to the author’s skill in portraying him. The story’s cliffhanger ending tantalizes readers with the promise of what’s to come in the next installment, especially concerning the Mendsters, which I eagerly anticipate.

If there’s one critique to offer, it’s that the brevity of the story necessitates swift plot developments. It leaves me yearning for the author to expand this into a full-fledged novel, allowing a deeper exploration of the history shared by Denali and Da Vinci, and how their extraordinary partnership evolved.

In sum, “The Secrets of the Deadwoods” holds the potential to unveil a captivating and suspenseful narrative, where secrets, lies, and murder lie beneath the veneer of a seemingly tranquil town.

In my opinion, the standout element of the narrative lies in the remarkable bond between Denali and Da Vinci. Their unique connection was the story’s highlight, with Da Vinci steering Denali through eerie and gripping scenarios.

Within this brief yet engaging story, certain moments shine brightly, and some of my favorites were when the duo saw Dan Cumberland and encountered Eddie. Despite the brevity of the tale, the author masterfully weaves intricate connections between the characters, leaving readers pondering the depth of their relationships. Eddie, in particular, sent shivers down my spine, a testament to the author’s skill in portraying him. The story’s cliffhanger ending entices readers with the promise of what’s to come in the next installment, especially concerning the Mendsters, which I eagerly anticipate.

If there’s one critique, as this is a short story, the pacing was too quick and left for numerous questions. It leaves me yearning for the author to expand this into a full-fledged novel, allowing a deeper exploration of the history shared by Denali and Da Vinci and how their extraordinary partnership evolved.

Overall, “The Secrets of the Deadwood” holds the potential to unveil a captivating and suspenseful narrative where secrets, lies, and murder lie beneath the veneer of a seemingly tranquil town.