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Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery #6
Turning Secrets
Keeping secrets is a very bad idea.
Former teenage runaway and new single mother Nadia Armstrong moves to Kingston to turn her life around. But six months after she rents a low-end apartment, her body is found on a concrete slab at an isolated construction site.
Major Crimes begins piecing together her last days, uncertain if this is a case of suicide or murder. To make matters more difficult, a member of the team is leaking information to reporter Marci Stokes, putting Staff Sergeant Rouleau in a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Officer Kala Stonechild’s niece, Dawn, is secretly corresponding with her father, who’s out on early parole. Dawn’s friend Vanessa is also keeping a dangerous secret — her relationship with an older man named Leo, who preys on young girls. And it’s not long before he has Dawn in his sights.
Former teenage runaway and new single mother Nadia Armstrong moves to Kingston to turn her life around. But six months after she rents a low-end apartment, her body is found on a concrete slab at an isolated construction site.
Major Crimes begins piecing together her last days, uncertain if this is a case of suicide or murder. To make matters more difficult, a member of the team is leaking information to reporter Marci Stokes, putting Staff Sergeant Rouleau in a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Officer Kala Stonechild’s niece, Dawn, is secretly corresponding with her father, who’s out on early parole. Dawn’s friend Vanessa is also keeping a dangerous secret — her relationship with an older man named Leo, who preys on young girls. And it’s not long before he has Dawn in his sights.
408 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2019
About the author
Brenda Chapman
38 books343 followersI'm an Ottawa author with 18 published novels in the mystery genre, both adult and YA. I am currently writing two adult mystery series: The Stonechild and Rouleau police procedurals from Dundurn include Cold Mourning (2014), which was shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award for crime novel of the year, Butterfly Kills, Tumbled Graves, Shallow End and Bleeding Darkness. Turning Secrets, 6th in the series, will be released spring 2019.
The Anna Sweet mysteries are novellas from Grass Roots Press for adult literacy or those wanting a quick read. My Sister's Keeper and No Trace were both shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis award and The Hard Fall and No Trace were shortlisted for the Golden Oak award.
Previous published fiction includes: the Jennifer Bannon mysteries for ages 10+, a full length adult murder mystery In Winter's Grip (Dundurn 2010), and a Rapid Reads mystery The Second Wife (Orca 2011), which was shortlisted for a Golden Oak award. Second Chances, a YA novel for ages 13+ was released by Dundurn in September 2012.
The Anna Sweet mysteries are novellas from Grass Roots Press for adult literacy or those wanting a quick read. My Sister's Keeper and No Trace were both shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis award and The Hard Fall and No Trace were shortlisted for the Golden Oak award.
Previous published fiction includes: the Jennifer Bannon mysteries for ages 10+, a full length adult murder mystery In Winter's Grip (Dundurn 2010), and a Rapid Reads mystery The Second Wife (Orca 2011), which was shortlisted for a Golden Oak award. Second Chances, a YA novel for ages 13+ was released by Dundurn in September 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 9, 2019
This is book 6 in the Stonechild and Rouleau series, and though I normally recommend starting from the beginning, this read can firmly stands on its own.
Brenda Chapman continues to deliver a thrilling police procedural that will keep you glued to the pages!
A single mother is found dead at a construction site and everyone assumes she jumped to her death. But what if there was more to it? Was someone else involved in her death?
Detective Kala Stonechild is raising her 15 year old niece Dawn. Trying her hardest to balance work with the unexpected and challenging responsibilities of raising a teenager.
When one of Dawn’s friends gets tangled-up with a new boyfriend, Dawn is drawn into a situation that may be more dangerous than anyone could have imagined!
A fabulous addition to an already solid series. I’ve been enjoying this series for years now. Brenda Chapman gives such clarity and depth to her characters, I feel like I get to know each one a bit more with every book! I love the strength of Kala and her relationship with her team...especially Gundersund!
Already looking forward to the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn Publishing and Brenda Chapman for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Brenda Chapman continues to deliver a thrilling police procedural that will keep you glued to the pages!
A single mother is found dead at a construction site and everyone assumes she jumped to her death. But what if there was more to it? Was someone else involved in her death?
Detective Kala Stonechild is raising her 15 year old niece Dawn. Trying her hardest to balance work with the unexpected and challenging responsibilities of raising a teenager.
When one of Dawn’s friends gets tangled-up with a new boyfriend, Dawn is drawn into a situation that may be more dangerous than anyone could have imagined!
A fabulous addition to an already solid series. I’ve been enjoying this series for years now. Brenda Chapman gives such clarity and depth to her characters, I feel like I get to know each one a bit more with every book! I love the strength of Kala and her relationship with her team...especially Gundersund!
Already looking forward to the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn Publishing and Brenda Chapman for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2019
Favourite thing # 9: when you’re wrapped up in a book you can’t put down but you’re afraid to read the next page. Love that. And it pretty much sums up how I spent the last quarter of the latest instalment in the Stonechild & Rouleau series.
It all begins with the death of Nadia Armstrong. When her body is found at a construction site, it appears to be suicide. But Kala Stonechild from the KIngston PD has one of those niggly feelings she’s learned to trust. She & colleague Paul Gundersund begin to dig into the young woman’s life, unaware they’re lifting the lid off a huge can of worms *.
( * my apologies to worms everywhere….you’re lovely little things compared to some of the bottom feeders in this story)
It seems Nadia had a few secrets. And she’s not alone. Kala’s niece Dawn has struck up a relationship with Fisher, her long absent father. She knows how her aunt feels about the ex-con so she keeps it to herself, unaware that Fisher has secrets too.
But the gold medal for keeping shtum has to go to Vanessa, one of Dawn’s school mates. Her private life is truly the stuff of nightmares & unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before Dawn will be dragged into the whole mess.
Add in some internal strife at the police station & you’ve got a great, twisty read full of intrigue & suspense. Faithful fans in particular are in for a few surprises as there are some shifts in relationships among the returning cast. These characters have been so well developed over the course of the series that they’ve become “real” people. So it was no surprise I still cheered on my favourites while booing those I’ve come to loathe (side-eyes Fiona). But I was caught off guard by events surrounding 2 of the regular characters. Seems I may have to rethink one & say good-bye to another.
Some crimes have motives as old as time & shine a light on societal views & biases. Others are more topical, fueled by current issues surrounding social media. It can be a wonderful tool but sadly it can also be used to manipulate the vulnerable & one of the story lines feels all too real.
The author does a great job of keeping all the plot lines moving which results in a pacy read that holds your attention. Along the way there are some sly red herrings in the form of suitably creepy candidates for ”bad guy”. By the end, it’s clear there are some changes in store for Jacques, Kala & their colleagues down at that station. Can’t wait for book #7.
4.5 stars
It all begins with the death of Nadia Armstrong. When her body is found at a construction site, it appears to be suicide. But Kala Stonechild from the KIngston PD has one of those niggly feelings she’s learned to trust. She & colleague Paul Gundersund begin to dig into the young woman’s life, unaware they’re lifting the lid off a huge can of worms *.
( * my apologies to worms everywhere….you’re lovely little things compared to some of the bottom feeders in this story)
It seems Nadia had a few secrets. And she’s not alone. Kala’s niece Dawn has struck up a relationship with Fisher, her long absent father. She knows how her aunt feels about the ex-con so she keeps it to herself, unaware that Fisher has secrets too.
But the gold medal for keeping shtum has to go to Vanessa, one of Dawn’s school mates. Her private life is truly the stuff of nightmares & unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before Dawn will be dragged into the whole mess.
Add in some internal strife at the police station & you’ve got a great, twisty read full of intrigue & suspense. Faithful fans in particular are in for a few surprises as there are some shifts in relationships among the returning cast. These characters have been so well developed over the course of the series that they’ve become “real” people. So it was no surprise I still cheered on my favourites while booing those I’ve come to loathe (side-eyes Fiona). But I was caught off guard by events surrounding 2 of the regular characters. Seems I may have to rethink one & say good-bye to another.
Some crimes have motives as old as time & shine a light on societal views & biases. Others are more topical, fueled by current issues surrounding social media. It can be a wonderful tool but sadly it can also be used to manipulate the vulnerable & one of the story lines feels all too real.
The author does a great job of keeping all the plot lines moving which results in a pacy read that holds your attention. Along the way there are some sly red herrings in the form of suitably creepy candidates for ”bad guy”. By the end, it’s clear there are some changes in store for Jacques, Kala & their colleagues down at that station. Can’t wait for book #7.
4.5 stars
September 20, 2023
“Most jumpers aim to land on their head since it’s the best way to ensure a fatal end. This girl took a flat dive.”
Something about the apparent suicide of a teenage runaway and new single mother at an isolated construction site just isn’t passing Kala Stonechild’s sniff test. As she begins the process of putting together the timeline of her final days in order to come to a final determination as to whether her death was murder or suicide, Stonechild finds herself pitted against the misogyny of her colleagues, the uncertainty of a team member leaking vital investigative information to the media, loan sharking and extortion, financial corruption and human trafficking. And to put the first layer of icing on a very nasty cake, Stonechild’s niece, Dawn, (against the wishes and advice of her mother and her aunt) is surreptitiously meeting with her father, out on early parole and living rough in the woods near Stonechild’s home. The final layer comes when Dawn’s friend, Vanessa, finds herself in an inescapable relationship with an older man, in fact a pimp and human trafficker, who has set his sights on Dawn as his next victim.
The quality and credibility of the development of her characters’ individual story lines and how those stories mesh so seamlessly with the sixth in a series of brilliant, gripping police procedurals is, in a word, awesome. I’m definitely looking forward to what I fear may be the final book in the series, CLOSING TIME. That said, hope springs eternal! Kudos to a skilled Canadian author who definitely deserves space on the shelves of mystery, suspense thriller and police procedural fans.
Paul Weiss
Something about the apparent suicide of a teenage runaway and new single mother at an isolated construction site just isn’t passing Kala Stonechild’s sniff test. As she begins the process of putting together the timeline of her final days in order to come to a final determination as to whether her death was murder or suicide, Stonechild finds herself pitted against the misogyny of her colleagues, the uncertainty of a team member leaking vital investigative information to the media, loan sharking and extortion, financial corruption and human trafficking. And to put the first layer of icing on a very nasty cake, Stonechild’s niece, Dawn, (against the wishes and advice of her mother and her aunt) is surreptitiously meeting with her father, out on early parole and living rough in the woods near Stonechild’s home. The final layer comes when Dawn’s friend, Vanessa, finds herself in an inescapable relationship with an older man, in fact a pimp and human trafficker, who has set his sights on Dawn as his next victim.
The quality and credibility of the development of her characters’ individual story lines and how those stories mesh so seamlessly with the sixth in a series of brilliant, gripping police procedurals is, in a word, awesome. I’m definitely looking forward to what I fear may be the final book in the series, CLOSING TIME. That said, hope springs eternal! Kudos to a skilled Canadian author who definitely deserves space on the shelves of mystery, suspense thriller and police procedural fans.
Paul Weiss
December 7, 2018
Turning Secrets: a Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery #6, was a solid 4 stars.
Turning Secrets centers around the mystery and death of a woman named Nadia Armstrong- a troubled young woman who had a history of drug abuse and prostitution. Those that knew her though, stated to the police that Nadia had been desperately trying to turn her life around, she had a young son that she loved and wanted to clean up for. What exactly had Nadia been involved in that resulted in her death?
While the mystery of Nadia’s death keeps the members of Major Crimes busy, they have other problems to deal with as well-the most important dealing with Stonechild’s niece Dawn and her friend Vanessa. Vanessa, a high school student, has been seeing a much older man named Leo. Vanessa loves dating an older man, however, when it becomes apparent that Leo is a dangerous individual, Vanessa is in way over her head and manages in involve Dawn in her mess.
Though I haven’t read the previous books, I got to know the main characters and their lives pretty quickly. Turning Secrets was an enjoyable mystery and I look forward to reading the previous books in this series. I’d recommend this to readers that enjoy crime/mystery books. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Turning Secrets centers around the mystery and death of a woman named Nadia Armstrong- a troubled young woman who had a history of drug abuse and prostitution. Those that knew her though, stated to the police that Nadia had been desperately trying to turn her life around, she had a young son that she loved and wanted to clean up for. What exactly had Nadia been involved in that resulted in her death?
While the mystery of Nadia’s death keeps the members of Major Crimes busy, they have other problems to deal with as well-the most important dealing with Stonechild’s niece Dawn and her friend Vanessa. Vanessa, a high school student, has been seeing a much older man named Leo. Vanessa loves dating an older man, however, when it becomes apparent that Leo is a dangerous individual, Vanessa is in way over her head and manages in involve Dawn in her mess.
Though I haven’t read the previous books, I got to know the main characters and their lives pretty quickly. Turning Secrets was an enjoyable mystery and I look forward to reading the previous books in this series. I’d recommend this to readers that enjoy crime/mystery books. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2019
Turning Secrets is the most recent installment (Book Six) in the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series by author Brendan Chapman. It is nothing short of an incredible read, with a plausible plot, well-developed characters, and detailed settings that cleverly reflect the tone.
Those familiar with the series will most certainly recognize many of the characters. MC Officer Kala Stonechild and colleagues return to solve a crime, this time called upon to investigate the death of a young mother, Nadia Armstrong. At first blush, it appears Armstrong has taken her own life by leaping from the sixth floor of a construction site. Closer examination, however, reveals injuries inconsistent with a fall, and the entire Kingston Major Crimes team soon becomes convinced that what looks like a suicide is actually a murder. The closer the team gets to solving the case, the more dangerous it becomes, and the race to the finish is one that is full of suspense and unexpected revelations.
Chapman opens with alternating chapters written in third person, each initially focusing upon a different narrative. For those unfamiliar with the series, it can be a bit overwhelming, as nearly twenty characters are introduced in just the first twenty or so pages. As seemingly unrelated scenes play out, however, the characters settle in, and the reader is drawn into a variety of story lines that eventually collide. At the heart is the recurring theme of unscrupulous men who prey upon vulnerable women. Casualties of domestic abuse, human trafficking and prostitution are all painted with gentle and forgiving brush strokes that elicit both sympathy and empathy from the reader. Chapman brings to life these characters in a way that guides the reader to fully invest and be moved by the circumstances. One can’t help but feel the desperation of the single mother, the troubled teen or the wayward father, as they are brought together like interlocking puzzle pieces until finally the larger picture is revealed.
The final genius of the book is in Chapman’s ability to create settings that brilliantly reflect the tenor of each scene. The security of Stonechild’s home is supported by the soothing descriptions of the water and Canadian wilderness surrounding it. The stark nature of an apartment building adds to the tragedy of the victim who lived there. The chaos and filth of a house reinforces the brutality of the man who calls it home. This pattern is one that, once recognized, adds to a fuller appreciation of the novel.
Overall, this was a wonderful read that can be equally enjoyed by those who follow the series and those who are new to it. It stands alone, though background knowledge provided in previous installments will add depth and continuity to the experience. I am grateful to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC for review. I am already looking forward to the next book!
Those familiar with the series will most certainly recognize many of the characters. MC Officer Kala Stonechild and colleagues return to solve a crime, this time called upon to investigate the death of a young mother, Nadia Armstrong. At first blush, it appears Armstrong has taken her own life by leaping from the sixth floor of a construction site. Closer examination, however, reveals injuries inconsistent with a fall, and the entire Kingston Major Crimes team soon becomes convinced that what looks like a suicide is actually a murder. The closer the team gets to solving the case, the more dangerous it becomes, and the race to the finish is one that is full of suspense and unexpected revelations.
Chapman opens with alternating chapters written in third person, each initially focusing upon a different narrative. For those unfamiliar with the series, it can be a bit overwhelming, as nearly twenty characters are introduced in just the first twenty or so pages. As seemingly unrelated scenes play out, however, the characters settle in, and the reader is drawn into a variety of story lines that eventually collide. At the heart is the recurring theme of unscrupulous men who prey upon vulnerable women. Casualties of domestic abuse, human trafficking and prostitution are all painted with gentle and forgiving brush strokes that elicit both sympathy and empathy from the reader. Chapman brings to life these characters in a way that guides the reader to fully invest and be moved by the circumstances. One can’t help but feel the desperation of the single mother, the troubled teen or the wayward father, as they are brought together like interlocking puzzle pieces until finally the larger picture is revealed.
The final genius of the book is in Chapman’s ability to create settings that brilliantly reflect the tenor of each scene. The security of Stonechild’s home is supported by the soothing descriptions of the water and Canadian wilderness surrounding it. The stark nature of an apartment building adds to the tragedy of the victim who lived there. The chaos and filth of a house reinforces the brutality of the man who calls it home. This pattern is one that, once recognized, adds to a fuller appreciation of the novel.
Overall, this was a wonderful read that can be equally enjoyed by those who follow the series and those who are new to it. It stands alone, though background knowledge provided in previous installments will add depth and continuity to the experience. I am grateful to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC for review. I am already looking forward to the next book!
January 19, 2019
Usually secrets are bad to keep. Nadia's body is found, is it suicide or a homicide? The ploice will find out about her dark past.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy. I will certainly read the rest from this series.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy. I will certainly read the rest from this series.
May 19, 2019
Turning Secrets is the 6th book in the
'Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery' series but it was my first and the fact that I finished reading it in a matter of 2 days (which is very quick for my speed level lol), and my 5* rating speak volumes for the book.
This book deals with two plots running alongside each other. One is the death of a young, single mother, Nadia Armstrong whose body is found on the ground of a hotel construction site. Initially it is ruled as a suicide but as the team of Major Crimes with its lead investigator Kala Stonechild go underway with the investigation, it begins to look like the apparent suicide could actually be murder. As the team get together to solve the case, they have to weave their way through a lot of roadblocks as solving it will bring a lot of skeletons out of the closet of everyone who is remotely connected to Nadia. The second plot deals with Kala's niece Dawn, who is now living with her. Unknown to Kala, Dawn is in contact with her estranged father Fisher, who is out on parole and at the same time Dawn becomes a target of Leo, one of Dawn's friends Vanessa's boyfriend who has sinister motives when it comes to young girls like Dawn and Vanessa. Although each chapter inititally focuses on a different narrative related to a separate character, the author smoothly manages to connect and bring all these separate threads and plots together to a very believable and satisfying conclusion.
A very intelligent and thrilling police procedural with well developed characters and setting. This 6th installment was the first time I heard about this series but after reading it, I can say I am a fan and have gone ahead and downloaded the first five books in the series since I am now interested to know the back story of all the recurring characters in the book. Superb and highly recommended!
My thanks to NetGalley, Dundurn Press and the author for providing me with an e-ARC of the book.
'Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery' series but it was my first and the fact that I finished reading it in a matter of 2 days (which is very quick for my speed level lol), and my 5* rating speak volumes for the book.
This book deals with two plots running alongside each other. One is the death of a young, single mother, Nadia Armstrong whose body is found on the ground of a hotel construction site. Initially it is ruled as a suicide but as the team of Major Crimes with its lead investigator Kala Stonechild go underway with the investigation, it begins to look like the apparent suicide could actually be murder. As the team get together to solve the case, they have to weave their way through a lot of roadblocks as solving it will bring a lot of skeletons out of the closet of everyone who is remotely connected to Nadia. The second plot deals with Kala's niece Dawn, who is now living with her. Unknown to Kala, Dawn is in contact with her estranged father Fisher, who is out on parole and at the same time Dawn becomes a target of Leo, one of Dawn's friends Vanessa's boyfriend who has sinister motives when it comes to young girls like Dawn and Vanessa. Although each chapter inititally focuses on a different narrative related to a separate character, the author smoothly manages to connect and bring all these separate threads and plots together to a very believable and satisfying conclusion.
A very intelligent and thrilling police procedural with well developed characters and setting. This 6th installment was the first time I heard about this series but after reading it, I can say I am a fan and have gone ahead and downloaded the first five books in the series since I am now interested to know the back story of all the recurring characters in the book. Superb and highly recommended!
My thanks to NetGalley, Dundurn Press and the author for providing me with an e-ARC of the book.
June 6, 2019
I started reading Turning Secrets this morning and found myself reading constantly throughout much of the day. What a compelling story.
A young woman, new to Kingston, Ontario, has been found dead at the base of a hotel being built in the city. What initially appears to be a cut and dried suicide may in fact be something else. Kala Stonechild and her fellow officers are involved in this investigation which slowly widens in scope.
Meanwhile Kala’s niece Dawn continues with her adjustment to life and school and her new friend. Through this friend, Emily, she has more contact with Emily’s best friends Vanessa and Chelsea. Vanessa, whose parents are involved in a bitter divorce, has been spending a lot of time with a mysterious “older man” she met online. Dawn wonders why no one else sees the changes in Vanessa that she sees.
There are other changes in the city including a new acting police chief which brings Rouleau back to leading cases with his Major Crimes team. And there are so many secrets. Some of them may be innocent but some may be deadly.
This is now my favorite episode of this series which I have enjoyed from the start. It is well written, with characters that continue to develop and compelling plots. I recommend Turning Secrets and the entire Stonechild and Rouleau series.
A copy of this book was provided by Dundurn Press through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A young woman, new to Kingston, Ontario, has been found dead at the base of a hotel being built in the city. What initially appears to be a cut and dried suicide may in fact be something else. Kala Stonechild and her fellow officers are involved in this investigation which slowly widens in scope.
Meanwhile Kala’s niece Dawn continues with her adjustment to life and school and her new friend. Through this friend, Emily, she has more contact with Emily’s best friends Vanessa and Chelsea. Vanessa, whose parents are involved in a bitter divorce, has been spending a lot of time with a mysterious “older man” she met online. Dawn wonders why no one else sees the changes in Vanessa that she sees.
There are other changes in the city including a new acting police chief which brings Rouleau back to leading cases with his Major Crimes team. And there are so many secrets. Some of them may be innocent but some may be deadly.
This is now my favorite episode of this series which I have enjoyed from the start. It is well written, with characters that continue to develop and compelling plots. I recommend Turning Secrets and the entire Stonechild and Rouleau series.
A copy of this book was provided by Dundurn Press through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2019
Brenda Chapman made me break one of my reading rules. Rule #356 - when you find a series that you enjoy, you spread them out over time, use them for a reading slump, or when the next book comes out. I read all six of the books back to back. And now I have the biggest hangover. Please, Ms. Chapman, write quickly!
December 19, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The interesting storyline kept me turning the pages of Turning Secrets. I wanted to learn why the ill-fated young mother left her infant with a neighbor and met with foul play. Unfortunately, only a superficial explanation was revealed by book’s end. Choppy passages, abrupt transitions, and problems with syntax disrupted the enjoyment of reading this book. Characters and places were underdeveloped. I so wanted to like the protagonist of the story, but was not informed enough about her to get to know her. At times characters were referred to by their first names and at other times by their last names, contributing to an impersonalized storytelling style. In the acknowledgements, the author alludes to praise for the community that inspired the setting for her novel, but apart from a couple of references to the lovely sky, her discussions about the setting for her story were bland and could have been about any old town where fir trees grow—not much was distinctive or descriptive. At one point, the author mentioned that the setting was a university town, but omitted reference to why that was important to her story or its characters. What started with promise, limped along, and ended without much depth. Unless the reader is invested in this detective series, time would be better spent reading another crime story or mystery.
The interesting storyline kept me turning the pages of Turning Secrets. I wanted to learn why the ill-fated young mother left her infant with a neighbor and met with foul play. Unfortunately, only a superficial explanation was revealed by book’s end. Choppy passages, abrupt transitions, and problems with syntax disrupted the enjoyment of reading this book. Characters and places were underdeveloped. I so wanted to like the protagonist of the story, but was not informed enough about her to get to know her. At times characters were referred to by their first names and at other times by their last names, contributing to an impersonalized storytelling style. In the acknowledgements, the author alludes to praise for the community that inspired the setting for her novel, but apart from a couple of references to the lovely sky, her discussions about the setting for her story were bland and could have been about any old town where fir trees grow—not much was distinctive or descriptive. At one point, the author mentioned that the setting was a university town, but omitted reference to why that was important to her story or its characters. What started with promise, limped along, and ended without much depth. Unless the reader is invested in this detective series, time would be better spent reading another crime story or mystery.
February 21, 2021
As I may have mentioned, this is one of the few series I've kept up with and I enjoyed Book #6 just as much as the others although the ending seemed a little rushed to me. Kala Stonechild has really grown as a character and I've become quite fond of her. It doesn't hurt that she's Canadian! Turning Secrets contained a few story threads for us to follow and the pages flew by whenever I picked it up. Brenda Chapman writes in a tight, cohesive manner that I find very easy to read. I recommend the whole series but imagine this book could stand on its own. Looking forward to reading #7.
July 30, 2019
Another enjoyable mystery in this consistently good series
November 9, 2018
5 stars
Paul Gundersund, Kala Stonechild and Staff Sergeant Jacques Rouleau are back in this new entry into the Stonechild and Rouleau series.
Gundersund, Kala and Rouleau respond to a possible suicide. The victim is a young woman in her early twenties. It looks as though she jumped – or was pushed? – from a building under construction at a site. The autopsy shows that she had a baby in the past year. A woman comes into the station to report a neighbor missing. The woman’s name is Nadia Armstrong. She has an eight-month old baby which the neighbor is babysitting. She was happy and looking forward to her life. She doted on her baby.
The Kingston police have a murder on their hands. Not a good time to have someone in the department leaking information to the press.
At the same time, Kala’s niece Dawn has contacted her father who is now out on parole. She is keeping this a secret from both Kala and her own mother who is currently doing time in jail. They do not want her to have anything to do with the man who abandoned her when Dawn was just a baby. One of Dawn’s classmates named Vanessa is in serious trouble. She is “dating” a man who abuses her and sells her to other men. He now has his eye on Dawn.
The interviews begin. First they notify the family of Nadia’s demise and canvass the area around Nadia’s home and the construction site where she was found. They interview her co-workers and acquaintances.
When Vanessa disappears, the police add the search for her to their caseload. She seems to have gone missing without a trace. Then Dawn goes missing as well. With astute police work, Stonechild and her partner learn where the girls are being kept. They race to the premises.
This book is extremely well written and plotted. Events follow one another in a logical and clear manner. I like Kala, Gundersund, Rouleau and the rest of the gang. Woodhouse might be redeemable; the jury is still out on him. I really appreciate the little snippets when Ms. Chapman describes the Canadian countryside, weather and people. I have traveled in Canada quite a bit, and have fallen in love with the country and its people. I absolutely adore Brenda Chapman’s books and will continue to read them as long as she continues to write.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dundurn for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Paul Gundersund, Kala Stonechild and Staff Sergeant Jacques Rouleau are back in this new entry into the Stonechild and Rouleau series.
Gundersund, Kala and Rouleau respond to a possible suicide. The victim is a young woman in her early twenties. It looks as though she jumped – or was pushed? – from a building under construction at a site. The autopsy shows that she had a baby in the past year. A woman comes into the station to report a neighbor missing. The woman’s name is Nadia Armstrong. She has an eight-month old baby which the neighbor is babysitting. She was happy and looking forward to her life. She doted on her baby.
The Kingston police have a murder on their hands. Not a good time to have someone in the department leaking information to the press.
At the same time, Kala’s niece Dawn has contacted her father who is now out on parole. She is keeping this a secret from both Kala and her own mother who is currently doing time in jail. They do not want her to have anything to do with the man who abandoned her when Dawn was just a baby. One of Dawn’s classmates named Vanessa is in serious trouble. She is “dating” a man who abuses her and sells her to other men. He now has his eye on Dawn.
The interviews begin. First they notify the family of Nadia’s demise and canvass the area around Nadia’s home and the construction site where she was found. They interview her co-workers and acquaintances.
When Vanessa disappears, the police add the search for her to their caseload. She seems to have gone missing without a trace. Then Dawn goes missing as well. With astute police work, Stonechild and her partner learn where the girls are being kept. They race to the premises.
This book is extremely well written and plotted. Events follow one another in a logical and clear manner. I like Kala, Gundersund, Rouleau and the rest of the gang. Woodhouse might be redeemable; the jury is still out on him. I really appreciate the little snippets when Ms. Chapman describes the Canadian countryside, weather and people. I have traveled in Canada quite a bit, and have fallen in love with the country and its people. I absolutely adore Brenda Chapman’s books and will continue to read them as long as she continues to write.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dundurn for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
March 11, 2019
Having not read the previous books in the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series (I am sooo bad at requesting mid-series books. Someone really needs to stop me from doing this) I was a little wary about diving into Turning Secrets. Obviously I knew nothing about the characters, their backgrounds and relationships or the writer herself but the synopsis for this book had me so completely intrigued that going in blind didn’t matter one bit to me. I needed to read this book!
Even without reading the previous books in the series, I enjoyed Turning Secrets so much! Brenda Chapman has written such a dark, gritty and compelling story that I felt I had no choice but to be wholly pulled in to the mystery. Chapman also managed to work around the one issue I tend to have when reading a detective thriller, especially one where I come in part way through a series: boredom! Between the characters, the mystery and the pacing I never once found myself rushing to finish. Not once. No wandering eye, no skimming pages…just sheer, thrilling enjoyment.
While Chapman wrote this book in such a way that it can be read as a standalone, and I was able to effectively read it without seeming to miss too much, I think that it would be beneficial to follow the entire series. Also, it is just a great read so why wouldn’t you want to read all the books in this series?
With amazing character development, quick pacing and a plot that just keeps giving Turning Secrets is a detective thriller that will leave you wanting more.
Bonus: Canadian author. Can we just have a moment to appreciate a great Canadian writer because we Canucks do NOT always get the recognition that (I feel) is deserved.
4.5 rounded to 5 stars for this one. Though I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I was able to follow along without reading the earlier books, I do feel that the information dump early in the book could have been a little less overwhelming had I had previous character knowledge. I fully believe, that this would be a 5 star read had I read the earlier books so this is just me picking at my own foolishness for not finding this series earlier.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest opinion.
Even without reading the previous books in the series, I enjoyed Turning Secrets so much! Brenda Chapman has written such a dark, gritty and compelling story that I felt I had no choice but to be wholly pulled in to the mystery. Chapman also managed to work around the one issue I tend to have when reading a detective thriller, especially one where I come in part way through a series: boredom! Between the characters, the mystery and the pacing I never once found myself rushing to finish. Not once. No wandering eye, no skimming pages…just sheer, thrilling enjoyment.
While Chapman wrote this book in such a way that it can be read as a standalone, and I was able to effectively read it without seeming to miss too much, I think that it would be beneficial to follow the entire series. Also, it is just a great read so why wouldn’t you want to read all the books in this series?
With amazing character development, quick pacing and a plot that just keeps giving Turning Secrets is a detective thriller that will leave you wanting more.
Bonus: Canadian author. Can we just have a moment to appreciate a great Canadian writer because we Canucks do NOT always get the recognition that (I feel) is deserved.
4.5 rounded to 5 stars for this one. Though I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I was able to follow along without reading the earlier books, I do feel that the information dump early in the book could have been a little less overwhelming had I had previous character knowledge. I fully believe, that this would be a 5 star read had I read the earlier books so this is just me picking at my own foolishness for not finding this series earlier.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest opinion.
March 23, 2019
The body of a young single mother lying face down on a concrete slab at a secluded construction site.
That is where the story starts.
What starts off looking like a suicide might have something more to it.
Office Kala Stonechild can feel it in her bones.
As she follows any and all leads, it starts looking more like a murder by the minute.
But not just a murder. This goes much farther….and higher. Way above anyone’s pay grade.
Sexual exploitation, Teenage prostitution, Human Trafficking…. The case slowly unfolds through lines that cannot be crossed.
As Stonechild struggles with pulling proofs out of dead ends, her world comes crashing down around her.
Dawn, Kala’s fifteen year old niece has been kidnapped. And if the kidnapping is related to Kala’s case, as is most likely
Then Dawn is in grave danger.
Can Kala win in her race against time to save Dawn and countless other young girls brutally shoved into darkness.
Brenda Chapman has got a precise grasp on teenage psychology and has managed to put it into words that hit home. It is painful to see how the desire to look unbreakable leads to so many broken teenagers.
Through the dynamics between Dawn and her friends Emily, Vanessa and Chelsea, the author explores the delicate issues of teenage and how they can go out of hand without any warning.
From Emily’s predisposition to self-harm to Chelsea’s attempts to make herself a reflection of her friends to Vanessa’s desperate search for escapism and belonging through an older man who exploits her. Brenda Chapman crafts a minutely detailed picture of the teenage mind.
Kala and Dawn’s interactions were beautiful. Two people with walls built around them from years of hurt, trying to reach out to each other the best they can.
‘Turning Secrets’ is a story that is dark. Yiu bet it is. But it has hope too. Hope of a better tomorrow. I would gladly call it a book worth reading.
[This is a part of my original review on my blog 'Trails of Tales']
That is where the story starts.
What starts off looking like a suicide might have something more to it.
Office Kala Stonechild can feel it in her bones.
As she follows any and all leads, it starts looking more like a murder by the minute.
But not just a murder. This goes much farther….and higher. Way above anyone’s pay grade.
Sexual exploitation, Teenage prostitution, Human Trafficking…. The case slowly unfolds through lines that cannot be crossed.
As Stonechild struggles with pulling proofs out of dead ends, her world comes crashing down around her.
Dawn, Kala’s fifteen year old niece has been kidnapped. And if the kidnapping is related to Kala’s case, as is most likely
Then Dawn is in grave danger.
Can Kala win in her race against time to save Dawn and countless other young girls brutally shoved into darkness.
Brenda Chapman has got a precise grasp on teenage psychology and has managed to put it into words that hit home. It is painful to see how the desire to look unbreakable leads to so many broken teenagers.
Through the dynamics between Dawn and her friends Emily, Vanessa and Chelsea, the author explores the delicate issues of teenage and how they can go out of hand without any warning.
From Emily’s predisposition to self-harm to Chelsea’s attempts to make herself a reflection of her friends to Vanessa’s desperate search for escapism and belonging through an older man who exploits her. Brenda Chapman crafts a minutely detailed picture of the teenage mind.
Kala and Dawn’s interactions were beautiful. Two people with walls built around them from years of hurt, trying to reach out to each other the best they can.
‘Turning Secrets’ is a story that is dark. Yiu bet it is. But it has hope too. Hope of a better tomorrow. I would gladly call it a book worth reading.
[This is a part of my original review on my blog 'Trails of Tales']
September 25, 2020
This book is #6 of 7 in the Stonechild and Roleau series. Kala Stonechild is a detective on the Major Crimes team in Kingston, Canada and the central character of the book. All the other characters and their subplots radiate out from her like spokes on a wheel. The book opens with the team being called in when the body of a young mother is found at the base of an apartment building under construction. The first question for the team to answer is whether it was suicide or murder.
Kala’s niece Dawn (whose mother is in prison) lives with her. Dawn’s birth father was just released from prison and he travels to Kingston to try to secretly (without Kala’s knowledge) rebuild his relationship with Dawn. Dawn is friends at school with a group of girls, one of who is taking part in some illegal activities and is trying to involve Dawn. Kala has a romance going with one of her fellow detectives, Gundersund, who says he is getting a divorce, but whose wife, Fiona, has reappeared in his life. Kala’s detective partner, Roleau, is having a romantic relationship with Marci Stokes, a local crime reporter who is being fed inside information about the case by another detective on their team.
I like this series. The books in the series are halfway between detective mysteries and relationship novels. The characters are appealing enough to identify with and flawed enough to be real. The plot is complex enough to be interesting without losing the reader. Four and a half stars out of five.
Kala’s niece Dawn (whose mother is in prison) lives with her. Dawn’s birth father was just released from prison and he travels to Kingston to try to secretly (without Kala’s knowledge) rebuild his relationship with Dawn. Dawn is friends at school with a group of girls, one of who is taking part in some illegal activities and is trying to involve Dawn. Kala has a romance going with one of her fellow detectives, Gundersund, who says he is getting a divorce, but whose wife, Fiona, has reappeared in his life. Kala’s detective partner, Roleau, is having a romantic relationship with Marci Stokes, a local crime reporter who is being fed inside information about the case by another detective on their team.
I like this series. The books in the series are halfway between detective mysteries and relationship novels. The characters are appealing enough to identify with and flawed enough to be real. The plot is complex enough to be interesting without losing the reader. Four and a half stars out of five.
November 4, 2018
Turning Secrets by author Brenda Chapman is a gripping suspenseful book with awesome character developments and a thick plot. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great novel.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Turning Secrets in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Turning Secrets in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2019
I loved this book, it’s the first book I’ve ever read by Brenda Chapman. I know it’s a series, but didn’t find that out until after I had started reading! Wow, it’s a book that’s hard to put down, keeps you on your toes!
February 8, 2024
Solid entry in the series. Sad there is only one left!
November 25, 2018
Turning Secrets tells a gritty tale of the seedy side of modern times. Pulling no punches the author sweeps you along in the quest for justice for a siingle mum whose little child is left an orphan after her apparent suicide..We are treated to many twists and turns as we try to find out what happened to Nadia. With the stong character of Zala the detective whose own life and family form an engaging sub plot along with a little romance to lighten the mood, this book has many ingredients to keep you enthralled. Having not read any of the previous books in the series I will definitely be adding them to my wishlist.
September 3, 2020
I love this series :)
December 26, 2018
Another Fascinating Murder Mystery by Brenda Chapman
This is the second novel in this series by Brenda Chapman that I have read. These stories are based in Kingston, (Ontario, Canada) and surrounding areas. They are always well plotted and well written.
This novel revolves around young women who go missing. One is found dead near a construction site in a manner that poses the question: was her death a suicide or a homicide? As the plot unfolds it becomes clear that it was homicide. But why? It appears that she was selling sexual services to some unknown men. Police detective Stonechild's daughter Dawn has a school friend Vanessa who goes missing. She is mixed up with some questionable characters and Dawn herself may be at risk. Can the police crack the case before harm befalls her and others. Who is responsible?
It has a surprise ending when the "Who" is unveiled.
I received a prepublication ARC from NetGalley.
This is the second novel in this series by Brenda Chapman that I have read. These stories are based in Kingston, (Ontario, Canada) and surrounding areas. They are always well plotted and well written.
This novel revolves around young women who go missing. One is found dead near a construction site in a manner that poses the question: was her death a suicide or a homicide? As the plot unfolds it becomes clear that it was homicide. But why? It appears that she was selling sexual services to some unknown men. Police detective Stonechild's daughter Dawn has a school friend Vanessa who goes missing. She is mixed up with some questionable characters and Dawn herself may be at risk. Can the police crack the case before harm befalls her and others. Who is responsible?
It has a surprise ending when the "Who" is unveiled.
I received a prepublication ARC from NetGalley.
August 18, 2019
This was a great “who done it” novel.
When a case comes across det stonechild of a possible suicide of a young mother; stonechild has suspicions that this case may not be so open and shut. As the team delves deeper into the case it gets more complicated. Seedy motels, sex for money and the disappearance of stonechilds niece she is taking care of and her neices friend. I will definitely be reading more from this Canadian author!
When a case comes across det stonechild of a possible suicide of a young mother; stonechild has suspicions that this case may not be so open and shut. As the team delves deeper into the case it gets more complicated. Seedy motels, sex for money and the disappearance of stonechilds niece she is taking care of and her neices friend. I will definitely be reading more from this Canadian author!
January 19, 2019
Rated 3.75 of 5 stars
Brenda Chapman is a superb suspense writer that knows how to masterfully weave multiple story lines into one cohesive novel. I found the sixth book in the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series to be executed well from a writing standpoint. There was a constant ebb and flow of suspense. While there were some glaring and distracting issues with formatting (major need for symbols separating a change in the storyline), I worked quickly through the novel and stayed pretty entertained throughout.
Chapman breathes life into her story through sweeping descriptions of the atmosphere (the sun, sky, greenery, etc.) and it takes the reader into the character’s domain. We felt the grittiness of the cities underbelly all the way to the beauty of a house on the water. As readers, we’ll find a yearning to feel a closeness to the characters that are supposed to be the main characters. I felt a connection to Fisher (a paroled Dad wanting to forget his sullied past and rekindle his relationship with his daughter). I wanted Fisher’s redemption and it carried me through his scenes in hopes that I’d get an emotional payoff.
Chapman also throws many characters into the story very early and it had my head spinning trying to figure out what I missed. So for readers that aren’t familiar with the series, you may find yourself overwhelmed within the first 30 pages. Although we learn more about the character’s pasts as the book progresses, it may be too little too late for readers that want to be gripped hard and early in a suspense book. I would have liked to have had a prologue with Nadia’s demise as a precursor, so that we wouldn’t have had to wait for over half the novel for ironclad clues. Luckily, Chapman had other storylines to steal the readers interest as the case of Nadia’s death is slowly investigated.
As a reader of police procedurals, I found that some police activities may have been overlooked for the sake of the story and came across as far-fetched (i.e. 3 men in the woods, one gets away seconds before police arrive yet no one goes after him nor does the main character send someone after him when backup arrives OR police calls in a witness, gives him a weak case and subsequently must let him go with all the knowledge they have OR a suspect tells a reporter the truth of his story but not the police OR someone waking from a coma to give pretty detailed info only to die seconds later). Also, while I love dogs, the author didn’t explain thoroughly enough if Taiku, the protagonist’s dog, was a tracker dog in this novel and therefore, seemed far fetch that he could find people by name with a simple word command, no sniffing required. So while you must suspend your logical mind sometimes in the story, you still find the suspense gripping enough to continue on. This book is recommended for readers who do not mind underage rape, human trafficking but enjoy a police series with multiple layers.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended
*Special thanks to Netgalley and Dundurn for sending the ebook to review.
Full Review on www.ragingbookreviews.wordpress.com
Brenda Chapman is a superb suspense writer that knows how to masterfully weave multiple story lines into one cohesive novel. I found the sixth book in the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series to be executed well from a writing standpoint. There was a constant ebb and flow of suspense. While there were some glaring and distracting issues with formatting (major need for symbols separating a change in the storyline), I worked quickly through the novel and stayed pretty entertained throughout.
Chapman breathes life into her story through sweeping descriptions of the atmosphere (the sun, sky, greenery, etc.) and it takes the reader into the character’s domain. We felt the grittiness of the cities underbelly all the way to the beauty of a house on the water. As readers, we’ll find a yearning to feel a closeness to the characters that are supposed to be the main characters. I felt a connection to Fisher (a paroled Dad wanting to forget his sullied past and rekindle his relationship with his daughter). I wanted Fisher’s redemption and it carried me through his scenes in hopes that I’d get an emotional payoff.
Chapman also throws many characters into the story very early and it had my head spinning trying to figure out what I missed. So for readers that aren’t familiar with the series, you may find yourself overwhelmed within the first 30 pages. Although we learn more about the character’s pasts as the book progresses, it may be too little too late for readers that want to be gripped hard and early in a suspense book. I would have liked to have had a prologue with Nadia’s demise as a precursor, so that we wouldn’t have had to wait for over half the novel for ironclad clues. Luckily, Chapman had other storylines to steal the readers interest as the case of Nadia’s death is slowly investigated.
As a reader of police procedurals, I found that some police activities may have been overlooked for the sake of the story and came across as far-fetched (i.e. 3 men in the woods, one gets away seconds before police arrive yet no one goes after him nor does the main character send someone after him when backup arrives OR police calls in a witness, gives him a weak case and subsequently must let him go with all the knowledge they have OR a suspect tells a reporter the truth of his story but not the police OR someone waking from a coma to give pretty detailed info only to die seconds later). Also, while I love dogs, the author didn’t explain thoroughly enough if Taiku, the protagonist’s dog, was a tracker dog in this novel and therefore, seemed far fetch that he could find people by name with a simple word command, no sniffing required. So while you must suspend your logical mind sometimes in the story, you still find the suspense gripping enough to continue on. This book is recommended for readers who do not mind underage rape, human trafficking but enjoy a police series with multiple layers.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended
*Special thanks to Netgalley and Dundurn for sending the ebook to review.
Full Review on www.ragingbookreviews.wordpress.com
June 1, 2019
Full Disclosure, I have not read any other books in this series. That being said Turning Secrets by Brenda Chapman could be a stand-alone book. But for me, I had a hard time getting involved with the characters and even the book itself.
Nadia is a young single mother found dead at a construction site. Everyone assumes its suicide, that she jumped to her death. The Kingston police believe there is foul play, possibly murder. As they dig deeper into Nadia’s background, they discover drugs and prostitution. But who’s leaking information about the case? And who could be this older man Vanessa is dating?
This suspicious death is taking up much of Detective Kala Stonechild’s time. But its’ also taking away time she wants to have with her teenage niece, Dawn, who she is raising while her mother is away in prison. Kala is doing the best she can, trying to balance work and raising a teenager. When one of Dawn’s friends get involved with a new boyfriend, she is drawn into a situation that could be more dangerous than anyone could have imagined. Can the police crack the case or will the same threats follow Dawn and others?
As the case progresses, more disturbing elements come to light. What I found interesting about this book is how the author ties social issues that are often in the news — from drug abuse, prostitution and even high crime rates — by making them more personal with the characters.
When it comes to Chapman’s writing I did have some issues with it. The transitions between chapters were extremely choppy. I had difficulty with where I was in the book and who was talking. While her writing is simple and clean, the flow made this less than enjoyable to read.
I will say one aspect that I really didn’t like was the amount of characters to keep up with. That also goes with the many POVs that changed throughout the chapters, it was hard to know which ones to become invested in. That being said, I haven’t read the other books in this series, so I think there could have been more character building in the earlier books.
Although Turning Secrets by Brenda Chapman moved a bit slow for my taste, it did hold my interest for the most part. I guess it is a typical good cop/bad cop plot, but the story never really wowed me and it left me wanting more. I would recommend checking out the five other books before reading this one, but it does still stand on it’s own. All things considered, Turning Secrets is a decent crime drama with a thought-provoking case. This book will be published on June 4!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn Publishing and Brenda Chapman for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review here: https://bit.ly/2W2EEmE
Nadia is a young single mother found dead at a construction site. Everyone assumes its suicide, that she jumped to her death. The Kingston police believe there is foul play, possibly murder. As they dig deeper into Nadia’s background, they discover drugs and prostitution. But who’s leaking information about the case? And who could be this older man Vanessa is dating?
This suspicious death is taking up much of Detective Kala Stonechild’s time. But its’ also taking away time she wants to have with her teenage niece, Dawn, who she is raising while her mother is away in prison. Kala is doing the best she can, trying to balance work and raising a teenager. When one of Dawn’s friends get involved with a new boyfriend, she is drawn into a situation that could be more dangerous than anyone could have imagined. Can the police crack the case or will the same threats follow Dawn and others?
As the case progresses, more disturbing elements come to light. What I found interesting about this book is how the author ties social issues that are often in the news — from drug abuse, prostitution and even high crime rates — by making them more personal with the characters.
When it comes to Chapman’s writing I did have some issues with it. The transitions between chapters were extremely choppy. I had difficulty with where I was in the book and who was talking. While her writing is simple and clean, the flow made this less than enjoyable to read.
I will say one aspect that I really didn’t like was the amount of characters to keep up with. That also goes with the many POVs that changed throughout the chapters, it was hard to know which ones to become invested in. That being said, I haven’t read the other books in this series, so I think there could have been more character building in the earlier books.
Although Turning Secrets by Brenda Chapman moved a bit slow for my taste, it did hold my interest for the most part. I guess it is a typical good cop/bad cop plot, but the story never really wowed me and it left me wanting more. I would recommend checking out the five other books before reading this one, but it does still stand on it’s own. All things considered, Turning Secrets is a decent crime drama with a thought-provoking case. This book will be published on June 4!
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn Publishing and Brenda Chapman for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review here: https://bit.ly/2W2EEmE
December 2, 2018
Turning Secrets by Brenda Chapman is the fifth book in this series. I am Not personally familiar with the series and did find that this novel can stand alone without having read the prior novels. There may be some small character related details that one may miss perhaps, but by and large the novel stands on its own.
Turning Secrets is set in Canada, and it follows Kala Stonechild, a police officer with a complicated history. Kala once ran with a very troubled crowd and has had to overcome a lot to end up in the station in life that she now enjoys. Kala is guardian to Dawn Cook, a quiet teenager who’s parents have both made mistakes and are not a presence in Dawn’s life. Dawn’s mother is serving time for armed robbery, and Dawn’s father is out on probation and is struggling to make ends meet. Dawn’s father, Fisher, has secretly been in touch with Dawn.
Kala’s unit starts investigating the violent death of an unidentified woman who’s body is found on a construction site. The woman is subsequently identified as Nadia, a young mother, who left her baby with a neighbor to enjoy a night out. It is soon discovered that Nadia was a young woman who lived a life full of secrets, and she isn’t the only one.
Dawn has been befriended by another girl in school named Emily. Emily is friends with 2 other girls named Chelsea and Vanessa. Emily has taken Dawn under her wing, although Chelsea and Vanessa do not approve of Dawn. Vanessa is a vulnerable young woman who’s parents are going through an ugly divorce, and Vanessa has recently found companionship in the form of an older boyfriend who her friends only know as Leo. Vanessa keeps Leo a complete secret from her friends and family. Dawn begins to notice that Vanessa seems withdrawn. It isn’t long before Vanessa’s issues are given a violent jolt into the serious when Vanessa suddenly disappears. Meanwhile,Kala and her unit start to draw parallels between Nadia’s death and Vanessa’s disappearance. Things become even more serious when Dawn is suddenly abducted. With two girls now missing and one young mother in the morgue, Kala’s team must act quickly to find who is behind these abductions.
The story takes us on a journey to examine the dark underbelly of society where sex is a traded commodity, and vulnerable women are exploited and sold into sex rings. It is a relatively fast paced thriller that handles the subject matter well. The characters are believable. The storyline is resolved by the end of the book with no cliffhangers. Overall, a solid novel. Copy provided by NetGalley.
Turning Secrets is set in Canada, and it follows Kala Stonechild, a police officer with a complicated history. Kala once ran with a very troubled crowd and has had to overcome a lot to end up in the station in life that she now enjoys. Kala is guardian to Dawn Cook, a quiet teenager who’s parents have both made mistakes and are not a presence in Dawn’s life. Dawn’s mother is serving time for armed robbery, and Dawn’s father is out on probation and is struggling to make ends meet. Dawn’s father, Fisher, has secretly been in touch with Dawn.
Kala’s unit starts investigating the violent death of an unidentified woman who’s body is found on a construction site. The woman is subsequently identified as Nadia, a young mother, who left her baby with a neighbor to enjoy a night out. It is soon discovered that Nadia was a young woman who lived a life full of secrets, and she isn’t the only one.
Dawn has been befriended by another girl in school named Emily. Emily is friends with 2 other girls named Chelsea and Vanessa. Emily has taken Dawn under her wing, although Chelsea and Vanessa do not approve of Dawn. Vanessa is a vulnerable young woman who’s parents are going through an ugly divorce, and Vanessa has recently found companionship in the form of an older boyfriend who her friends only know as Leo. Vanessa keeps Leo a complete secret from her friends and family. Dawn begins to notice that Vanessa seems withdrawn. It isn’t long before Vanessa’s issues are given a violent jolt into the serious when Vanessa suddenly disappears. Meanwhile,Kala and her unit start to draw parallels between Nadia’s death and Vanessa’s disappearance. Things become even more serious when Dawn is suddenly abducted. With two girls now missing and one young mother in the morgue, Kala’s team must act quickly to find who is behind these abductions.
The story takes us on a journey to examine the dark underbelly of society where sex is a traded commodity, and vulnerable women are exploited and sold into sex rings. It is a relatively fast paced thriller that handles the subject matter well. The characters are believable. The storyline is resolved by the end of the book with no cliffhangers. Overall, a solid novel. Copy provided by NetGalley.
September 9, 2019
When the lifeless body of a young woman is found at the foot of a Kingston tower currently under construction, the case appears to be open and shut. Not surprising, then, that opioids and alcohol were found in the victim’s body. But did she jump, or was she pushed?
The investigation wends its way back through the victim’s final days. She is identified as Nadia Armstrong, a single mother living in a squalid apartment, in debt to others and who’d been selling her body to get by, she had plenty of motives to end her life. But Kingston police detective Kala Stonechild wants to know more about Nadia, and bit by bit she peals back the layers of Nadia’s all-too-brief and squalid life. What Kala finds goes far beyond the clichéd tale of a luckless victim of life’s vicissitudes to reveal a network of deceit, greed and corruption.
A nuanced tale, this outing finds Kala also attempting to come to grips with her personal relationship with fellow officer Paul Gundersund, who’s estranged wife still hovers on the edge of the picture. And Kala’s loyalty to her superior officer, Jacques Rouleau, is tested when she learns that confidential details of the case are being leaked to the press, and she fears that reporter Marci Stokes may be taking advantage of her personal relationship with Rouleau.
Adding to these challenges, and unknown to her, Kala’s niece Dawn has fallen into an uneasy friendship with some girls at her high school; but one of them harbours a secret than endangers them all. And did I mention that Dawn’s ex-con father, Fisher Dumont, has shown up in town and wants to see his daughter?
Intricate and disturbing, Turning Secrets is nevertheless very much a chronicle of how everyday people can be caught up in the crossfire of the dark underbelly of society. The result is a satisfying story that never sacrifices honesty to achieve an easy end. Yet another fine novel from this talented and insightful author.
Note: fans of Stonechild and Rouleau will also be interested in Closing Time, Chapman’s final entry in the series, which will appear in 2020.
_______
An earlier version of this review was previously published on the Ottawa Review of Books.
Jim Napier is a professional crime-fiction reviewer based in Canada. Since 2005 his book reviews and author interviews have been featured in several Canadian newspapers and on multiple websites. His crime novel Legacy was published in April of 2017, and the next in the series, Ridley’s War, is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2020.
The investigation wends its way back through the victim’s final days. She is identified as Nadia Armstrong, a single mother living in a squalid apartment, in debt to others and who’d been selling her body to get by, she had plenty of motives to end her life. But Kingston police detective Kala Stonechild wants to know more about Nadia, and bit by bit she peals back the layers of Nadia’s all-too-brief and squalid life. What Kala finds goes far beyond the clichéd tale of a luckless victim of life’s vicissitudes to reveal a network of deceit, greed and corruption.
A nuanced tale, this outing finds Kala also attempting to come to grips with her personal relationship with fellow officer Paul Gundersund, who’s estranged wife still hovers on the edge of the picture. And Kala’s loyalty to her superior officer, Jacques Rouleau, is tested when she learns that confidential details of the case are being leaked to the press, and she fears that reporter Marci Stokes may be taking advantage of her personal relationship with Rouleau.
Adding to these challenges, and unknown to her, Kala’s niece Dawn has fallen into an uneasy friendship with some girls at her high school; but one of them harbours a secret than endangers them all. And did I mention that Dawn’s ex-con father, Fisher Dumont, has shown up in town and wants to see his daughter?
Intricate and disturbing, Turning Secrets is nevertheless very much a chronicle of how everyday people can be caught up in the crossfire of the dark underbelly of society. The result is a satisfying story that never sacrifices honesty to achieve an easy end. Yet another fine novel from this talented and insightful author.
Note: fans of Stonechild and Rouleau will also be interested in Closing Time, Chapman’s final entry in the series, which will appear in 2020.
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An earlier version of this review was previously published on the Ottawa Review of Books.
Jim Napier is a professional crime-fiction reviewer based in Canada. Since 2005 his book reviews and author interviews have been featured in several Canadian newspapers and on multiple websites. His crime novel Legacy was published in April of 2017, and the next in the series, Ridley’s War, is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2020.
April 20, 2021
I must confess that Police Procedural Novels were not my genre of choice, emphasizing process over creating rich characters and developing a robust plot. However, after reading Brenda Chapman’s masterpiece; “Turning Secrets”, my misgivings have been assuaged.
It all begins innocuously enough with a brief chapter that seems (but appearances can deceive) to simply introduce us to a hapless small time criminal, Fisher, trying to escape the reprisal of a criminal a little further up the food chain. A peek, if you will, at the squalid underbelly of society, a realistic portrayal of the outcome of bad life decisions, small time crime and its milieu.
The story is so well crafted and characters so well drawn that we begin to empathize with them even to the extent that we experience their fear, despair, suspicion and rage.
The female protagonist, Officer Kala Stonechild, is a tough and capable cop with a past of her own that helps her understand many of the people she must routinely deal with.
This convoluted mystery begins with the discovery of the body of Nadia Armstrong who’s recently become a single mother. Was it suicide, accidental overdose or murder? Like the proverbial loose thread the more you pull the more the case unravels.
Things go from bad to worse for Stonechild amid an atmosphere of secrets. She doesn’t know who she can trust precipitated by corrupt politicians, department leaks, male chauvinist cops and bent bureaucrats that threaten to not only bury the investigation but also destroy its participants. The situation is exacerbated by elusive evidence, red herrings and rabbit holes. Stonechild can’t even be certain of her lover, Paul Gunderson, whose estranged wife, Fiona, has just moved back in.
This brilliantly written, suspense filled and multifaceted police procedural will bring you to the edge of your seat as you follow Stonechild’s teenage niece, Dawn and her adolescent trials and tribulations. Chapman adroitly builds tension and then just when you think it’s safe, it isn’t.
Brenda Chapman is brilliant at creating a sense of realism so powerful you will feel that you are witness to the events and processes of an actual police investigation. She truly is a master of her craft.
“Turning Secrets” challenged my preconception of police procedurals and has emerged triumphant. She has, without doubt, taken the genre to a new level.
It all begins innocuously enough with a brief chapter that seems (but appearances can deceive) to simply introduce us to a hapless small time criminal, Fisher, trying to escape the reprisal of a criminal a little further up the food chain. A peek, if you will, at the squalid underbelly of society, a realistic portrayal of the outcome of bad life decisions, small time crime and its milieu.
The story is so well crafted and characters so well drawn that we begin to empathize with them even to the extent that we experience their fear, despair, suspicion and rage.
The female protagonist, Officer Kala Stonechild, is a tough and capable cop with a past of her own that helps her understand many of the people she must routinely deal with.
This convoluted mystery begins with the discovery of the body of Nadia Armstrong who’s recently become a single mother. Was it suicide, accidental overdose or murder? Like the proverbial loose thread the more you pull the more the case unravels.
Things go from bad to worse for Stonechild amid an atmosphere of secrets. She doesn’t know who she can trust precipitated by corrupt politicians, department leaks, male chauvinist cops and bent bureaucrats that threaten to not only bury the investigation but also destroy its participants. The situation is exacerbated by elusive evidence, red herrings and rabbit holes. Stonechild can’t even be certain of her lover, Paul Gunderson, whose estranged wife, Fiona, has just moved back in.
This brilliantly written, suspense filled and multifaceted police procedural will bring you to the edge of your seat as you follow Stonechild’s teenage niece, Dawn and her adolescent trials and tribulations. Chapman adroitly builds tension and then just when you think it’s safe, it isn’t.
Brenda Chapman is brilliant at creating a sense of realism so powerful you will feel that you are witness to the events and processes of an actual police investigation. She truly is a master of her craft.
“Turning Secrets” challenged my preconception of police procedurals and has emerged triumphant. She has, without doubt, taken the genre to a new level.
May 29, 2019
Is it every a good idea to jump into a series at book six? Probably not. Turning Secrets by Brenda Chapman may be the exception to this rule. I requested the chance to read the book based on the summary on NetGalley but I don't think I realized at the time that it was book six in a series. Would I have requested it had I known? Probably not. And that would have been the loss of a fantastic book I didn't know I never read.
This book is fantastic. Even coming in six books in to the world of Kala Stonechild, it is fantastic. It can easily be read as a standalone, because Chapman has included enough explanation of what shaped Kala and her fellow police officers and her niece that nothing was confusing.
I thought I had the story figured out. Some of the clues seemed like predictable plot points in a mystery. I was prepared to be disappointed.
I did not have the story figured out. The seemingly predictable plot points were red herrings meant to throw the reader off. And I was not disappointed.
Reviewing mysteries is always had because I don't want to give up spoilers that might make someone wonder why they should read this good book when they already know X. So what I'll say is this...
- The plot (missing teenagers, crooked politicians, a dead girl with a sketchy background, a lead cop with a history) is excellent
- The setting (Kingston and Toronto in Ontario) is vivid and detailed and very easy to imagine even if you've never been any of those places
- Kala Stonechild, her niece Dawn, Dawn's father... they are all indigenous people and, from my very limited knowledge of indigenous stories, the representation is really good
- The plot twist and the surprise ending were perfectly executed... I thought I knew, I did not
And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to track down the earlier books in this series!
(I received a copy of Turning Secrets through NetGalley and Dundurn in exchange for an honest and original review. All thoughts are my own.)
This book is fantastic. Even coming in six books in to the world of Kala Stonechild, it is fantastic. It can easily be read as a standalone, because Chapman has included enough explanation of what shaped Kala and her fellow police officers and her niece that nothing was confusing.
I thought I had the story figured out. Some of the clues seemed like predictable plot points in a mystery. I was prepared to be disappointed.
I did not have the story figured out. The seemingly predictable plot points were red herrings meant to throw the reader off. And I was not disappointed.
Reviewing mysteries is always had because I don't want to give up spoilers that might make someone wonder why they should read this good book when they already know X. So what I'll say is this...
- The plot (missing teenagers, crooked politicians, a dead girl with a sketchy background, a lead cop with a history) is excellent
- The setting (Kingston and Toronto in Ontario) is vivid and detailed and very easy to imagine even if you've never been any of those places
- Kala Stonechild, her niece Dawn, Dawn's father... they are all indigenous people and, from my very limited knowledge of indigenous stories, the representation is really good
- The plot twist and the surprise ending were perfectly executed... I thought I knew, I did not
And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to track down the earlier books in this series!
(I received a copy of Turning Secrets through NetGalley and Dundurn in exchange for an honest and original review. All thoughts are my own.)
January 20, 2021
“Turning Secrets” the sixth book in the Stonechild and Rouleau” mystery series opens with an investigation into the death of Nadia Armstrong, a troubled single mother with a history of drug abuse and prostitution whose body is discovered at an isolated construction site. Heading up the Major Crimes unit Jacques Rouleau has the team search for clues uncertain whether this was a suicide or a murder, although making the job more difficult for Kala Stonechild and her team is the suspicion that one of them is leaking information to Whig Standard’s crime reporter Marci Stokes.
Woven into a well-developed and gripping murder-mystery is Kala’s niece Dawn’s meeting with her paroled father who’s running from money lenders as well as her school friend Vanessa’s boyfriend Leo who’s targeting her along with other teenage girls.
Set in Kingston Ontario intensity and suspense climb with an apartment owner who reduces rent for sexual favors, his brother’s previous criminal charge for stalking a young girl, Vanessa’s disappearance and Fisher Dumont’s attempt to save Dawn. Yet amid all the police protocol as they search for a killer, Brenda Chapman dampens the building tension with Rouleau’s relationship with Marci Stokes, Kala Stonechild’s with Paul Gundersund, a man struggling to get a divorce and even a softening of Office Woodhouse towards his fellow teammate Kala. Filled with mystery, secrets and lies the plot flows to an exciting and unexpected climax.
Among a host of compelling and complex characters breathing life into the story is Kala’s niece Dawn who’s a loner and hides her feelings; the outgoing, naïve and gullible Vanessa who suddenly becomes evasive and secretive; parolee Fisher Dumont struggling to change his ways who shows courage and love; and the condescending, self-righteous and self-serving Officer Woodhouse who shows a softer side to his personality.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Turning Secrets” and can’t wait to read the final book in this riveting series.
Woven into a well-developed and gripping murder-mystery is Kala’s niece Dawn’s meeting with her paroled father who’s running from money lenders as well as her school friend Vanessa’s boyfriend Leo who’s targeting her along with other teenage girls.
Set in Kingston Ontario intensity and suspense climb with an apartment owner who reduces rent for sexual favors, his brother’s previous criminal charge for stalking a young girl, Vanessa’s disappearance and Fisher Dumont’s attempt to save Dawn. Yet amid all the police protocol as they search for a killer, Brenda Chapman dampens the building tension with Rouleau’s relationship with Marci Stokes, Kala Stonechild’s with Paul Gundersund, a man struggling to get a divorce and even a softening of Office Woodhouse towards his fellow teammate Kala. Filled with mystery, secrets and lies the plot flows to an exciting and unexpected climax.
Among a host of compelling and complex characters breathing life into the story is Kala’s niece Dawn who’s a loner and hides her feelings; the outgoing, naïve and gullible Vanessa who suddenly becomes evasive and secretive; parolee Fisher Dumont struggling to change his ways who shows courage and love; and the condescending, self-righteous and self-serving Officer Woodhouse who shows a softer side to his personality.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Turning Secrets” and can’t wait to read the final book in this riveting series.
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