Dirty Little Secrets

Liliana Hart

Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5(4 Ratings)
Left wheat earsApple BooksRight wheat ears
3 Months Free TrialArrow right
Clock71 Min Reading Time
MicrophoneAudio Version Available
cover backgroundDirty Little Secrets

About this book

In the sleepy town of Bloody Mary, Virginia, J.J. Graves knows death intimately. As both the local mortician and county coroner, she's seen her share of corpses. But when a series of gruesome murders rocks the community, J.J. and her best friend, Detective Jack Lawson, find themselves hunting a killer with a taste for secrets.

As bodies pile up, a celebrated mystery writer arrives, eager to document the Bloody Mary Serial Killer for his next chilling novel. His presence stirs more than just J.J.'s suspicions; a dangerous attraction threatens to cloud her judgment and jeopardize her reputation.

With the clock ticking, J.J. and Jack uncover a web of shocking secrets that link each victim. But J.J. is harboring a secret of her own, one that makes her the perfect target in a deadly game. Now, she must confront her past to stop a killer before she becomes the next victim.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • The Weight of Hidden Truths

    Secrets Unveiled: The book revolves around the exposure of hidden truths and their impact on a small town. Each victim in the story possesses a shocking secret, which contributes to the suspenseful mystery. The narrative explores how these concealed aspects of people's lives can lead to unexpected and dangerous consequences, ultimately revealing the dark underbelly of the seemingly tranquil community of Bloody Mary. The unveiling of secrets propels the plot forward, driving the investigation and creating a sense of unease and anticipation as the truth gradually emerges.

  • Terror in a Tight-Knit Town

    Small-Town Murders: The narrative is set in the small town of Bloody Mary, Virginia, where a series of grisly murders disrupts the peace. The close-knit nature of the community amplifies the impact of these crimes, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion among the residents. The setting plays a crucial role in the story, as the limited number of inhabitants means that everyone is a potential suspect, and the investigation becomes deeply personal for the protagonists. The small-town backdrop enhances the sense of claustrophobia and intensifies the drama as the mystery unfolds.

  • Death and Deception

    The Coroner's Perspective: J.J. Graves, the protagonist, is the town's coroner and funeral director, giving her a unique perspective on death and the secrets it can conceal. Her profession places her at the center of the investigation, allowing her to examine the victims and uncover clues that might otherwise be missed. J.J.'s expertise and knowledge of the deceased provide valuable insights into their lives and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Her role as coroner adds a layer of authenticity to the story, as she navigates the complex world of forensic investigation and uncovers the truth behind the murders.

  • Unbreakable Bonds

    The Power of Friendship: The bond between J.J. and Detective Jack Lawson is a central theme in the book. As best friends, they share a close and supportive relationship that helps them navigate the challenges of the murder investigation. Their partnership is built on trust and mutual respect, allowing them to work effectively together to solve the case. The friendship between J.J. and Jack provides emotional depth to the story, offering moments of levity and warmth amidst the darkness of the crimes. Their strong connection serves as a source of strength and resilience as they confront danger and uncover the truth.

  • Echoes of Yesterday

    Unraveling the Past: The investigation into the murders unearths connections to J.J.'s own past, threatening to expose secrets that could shatter her life. As she delves deeper into the case, J.J. discovers that she is harboring secrets of her own, which puts her in danger. The blurring lines between J.J.'s personal life and the murder investigation adds a layer of complexity to the story, forcing her to confront her demons and make difficult choices. The unraveling of the past creates a sense of urgency and heightens the stakes as J.J. races to uncover the truth before it destroys her.

  • Seeking Closure

    Justice and Redemption: The ultimate goal of J.J. and Jack is to bring the killer to justice and restore peace to the town of Bloody Mary. Their pursuit of justice is driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect their community from further harm. As they close in on the killer, they must confront the dark motives behind the crimes and ensure that the guilty are held accountable for their actions. The theme of redemption emerges as the characters grapple with their own flaws and mistakes, seeking to find forgiveness and healing in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Chapter Recap

CHAPTER ONEJ.J. Graves, a fourth-generation mortician in the quaint town of Bloody Mary, Virginia, laments her career. Liliana Hart paints a picture of a woman burdened by her family's legacy. J.J. reflects on the loneliness of her profession and the social stigma it carries, a far cry from her aspirations of
Read MoreArrow right

About The Author

Liliana Hart

Main Quotes

"People like you and me, Jack, we're so careful to let anyone close, but when we do it's for life. Marriage will be like that when we're ready."

"Everyone has secrets. But not all secrets should be kept."

"In my experience, men were a hell of a lot easier to get along with than women — they judged you to your face and they were generally up-front about their intentions."

"“At five o'clock in the morning? Who died?”"

"I know. But I figure after one look at you in that dress, he'll drop dead of a heart attack.” “That would be the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me."

"You should do commercials, […] You're really good at selling the whole parenting thing. I'm pretty sure I went sterile after watching you for an hour."

"Some secrets should stay buried."

"Family isn’t about blood. It’s about who holds your hand when you need it most."

"Sometimes the only way to find out who you are is to figure out who you aren't."

"Secrets don't stay buried for long."

Who Should Read This Book

Fans of cozy mysteries

Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists

Those interested in books featuring coroners or morticians

Readers of small-town mysteries

Fans of authors like Janet Evanovich or Tricia Levenseller

People who enjoy a blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance

Book Summaries Like

Dirty Little Secrets
cover backgroundThe Midnight Feast

The Midnight Feast

Lucy Foley

Welcome to The Manor, a luxurious countryside retreat nestled in the idyllic Dorset countryside. As the first guests arrive for its grand opening weekend, they're seeking an escape from their everyday lives, a taste of tranquility and indulgence. But beneath the veneer of impeccable service and breathtaking views, a dark history simmers.

The village of Little Mollington harbors secrets, resentments that run generations deep. As a midnight feast approaches, ancient grudges bubble to the surface, and the carefully constructed facade of The Manor begins to crack. When a body is discovered, it becomes clear that someone is seeking revenge.

Trapped within the Manor's walls, the guests and staff are forced to confront their own hidden pasts and tangled connections. Is the killer among them, or is a reckoning long overdue finally at hand? In Lucy Foley's signature style, The Midnight Feast weaves a web of intrigue, suspicion, and shocking revelations, where no one is who they seem and everyone has something to hide. Prepare for a weekend where the pursuit of pleasure turns deadly.

cover backgroundGirl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)

Girl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)

Blake Pierce

In the dark and twisted world of serial killers, one woman's obsession might be the only thing standing between a predator and his next victim.

FBI Agent Ella Dark, 29, finally has a shot at her dream: joining the Behavioral Crimes Unit. Haunted by the unsolved murder of her own father, Ella harbors a secret—an encyclopedic knowledge of serial killers, meticulously gathered over years. Her brilliance gets her noticed, but can it overcome the skepticism of seasoned agents?

When bodies turn up in a baffling new case, Ella's expertise is put to the test. A ritualistic killer is on the loose, and the clock is ticking. But as Ella delves deeper into the killer's twisted mind, she's forced to confront her own demons. Can she trust her instincts, or will her past blind her to the present danger?

Thrust into the heart of a terrifying investigation, Ella must prove herself in a world dominated by veteran agents. But in a game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer, one wrong move could cost Ella everything. Will she rise to the challenge, or will she become the next victim?

cover backgroundThe Missing Half

The Missing Half

Ashley Flowers

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Two women haunted by their sisters’ unsolved disappearances band together in this captivating mystery from the author of All Good People Here and host of the #1 true crime podcast Crime Junkie . “Sharp, slick, and chilling, with a whiplash ending you’ll never see coming.”—Jeneva Rose, author of Home Is Where the Bodies Are Nicole “Nic” Monroe is in a rut. At twenty-four, she lives alone in a dinky apartment in her hometown of Mishawaka, Indiana, she’s just gotten a DWI, and she works the same dead-end job she’s been working since high school, a job she only has because her boss is a family friend and feels sorry for her. Everyone has felt sorry for her for the last seven years—since the day her older sister, Kasey, vanished without a trace. On the night Kasey went missing, her car was found over a hundred miles from home. The driver’s door was open and her purse was untouched in the seat next to it. The only real clue in her disappearance was Jules Connor, another young woman from the same area who disappeared in the same way, two weeks earlier. But with so little for the police to go on, both cases eventually went cold. Nic wants nothing more than to move on from her sister’s disappearance and the state it’s left her in. But then one day, Jules’s sister, Jenna Connor, walks into Nic’s life and offers her something she hasn’t felt in a long time: hope. What follows is a gripping tale of two sisters who will do anything to find their missing halves, even if it means destroying everything they’ve ever known.

cover backgroundFirst Lie Wins

First Lie Wins

Ashley Elston

Evie Porter seems to have it all: a picture-perfect life in the South, complete with a doting boyfriend, a charming house, and a close-knit group of friends. But Evie has a secret: Evie Porter isn't her real name.

Working for the enigmatic Mr. Smith, Evie adopts identities and infiltrates towns, each time with a new target. This time it's Ryan Sumner. But as she gets closer to Ryan, Evie begins to question her mission and envision a life beyond Mr. Smith's control.

Complicating matters further, the one thing she’s fought to protect—her true identity—is threatened when a woman bearing her real name arrives in town, seeking something Evie can't afford to lose. Now, Evie must outrun her past and secure her future, even as the stakes reach a fever pitch. After all, Evie has always loved a challenge...

FAQ