Review of A Secret Lies in New Orleans

[Kibet Hillary]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Secret Lies in New Orleans" by Ron Wallace.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Due to a long-standing feud, John William Wallace was arrested in 1916, and his pursuers followed him to the state penitentiary. Following a skirmish where some prisoners died, his family received his body the same year and laid him to rest in the family cemetery. Years later, John’s son, William Matthew Wallace, gets a notification of a painting addressed to his grandfather in 1930. John William was a believer in hard physical labor as a form of income, not painting. How will William Matthew, a former U.S. Marshal, and his son Mickey handle this new revelation? What happened to John William?

Authored by Ron Wallace, A Secret Lies in New Orleans is a crime and mystery book that goes back in time to uncover a mystery that leads to a new one in the present. The powerful forces of darkness that Mickey’s grandfather battled with are more powerful and covert. Mickey and his friend since childhood, Brant Bluesoldier, are at the forefront of the investigations. From the first chapter, there is a conspicuous sign the tale will be more than just battling evil, settling scores, and fighting. It is about enjoying the moments we have with those we love and the big difference they make amid chaos.

Many events stirred the silent waters bit by bit until tumultuous waves emerged. A man has mercy on his adversary, only to live to regret it. Two friends, beaten in a fair poker game, unintentionally kill an innocent, aged man. These singular scenes and many others combine to generate an absorbing story. Often, it was difficult to foresee the consequences of these actions. The inclusion of a mini-treasure hunt that developed from the mumbling of a semi-conscious character added to the thrill of the story. Will he recover? Was he telling the truth? Apart from the brilliant, likable characters, there is plenty of action to keep action aficionados entertained down to the concluding page.

Like a skilled builder, Ron Wallace demonstrates that, although anyone will feel safe and continue to live in a house built on a solid foundation, what will initially capture one's interest is the nature of the superstructure. As a result, the plot was excellently developed, and the reader understands the genesis of the primary conflict. The narration was even more absorbing, as the first person was primarily employed, and there was a shift back and forth in time. Ultimately, it is a reminder that victory does not always mean getting everything we want.

Among the many aspects of the book that I enjoyed were the little cliffhangers at the end. Most of the loose ends were expertly tied, but the few left untied left so much to the imagination and could provide sufficient grounds for a sequel. I disliked nothing about the book. Owing to the believable characters, the solid plot, and the excellent narration, I rate A Secret Lies in New Orleans four out of four stars. The book will appeal to ardent readers of crime and mystery.

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A Secret Lies in New Orleans
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[Amy Luman]

These are the kinds of books that I like. I’m not usually a fan of this time period, but your review makes it sound very interesting. I am fond of novels that leave little details unfinished so that there might be a continuation.

[Wren Michaels]

Sounds like a mysterious and fast-paced read. Great review

[NetMassimo]

A mystery that spans many years with ramifications that are revealed through twists and turns seems intriguing. Thank you for your great review!