Katheryn's Secret

I recently picked this book up to read while visiting my mom. As I got into the story I was surprised to discover it was a Christian book. At the beginning I would have sworn the opposite was true. The way Linda Hall wove the struggle between the "way we were raised" and the way we choose was beautifully done. I consider myself a snob to good literature, and this was a very well written book; with plots, subplots and interweaving themes. The most beautifully revealed secret in this book was the truth of the gospel. Jesus came to set us free from rules and teach us to love. Thank you Linda.

This is a great fiction book that deals with so many true-life issues. Sharon is a mystery writer who is called back home after her aunt's death to go through the house and settle the estate. However, the estate cannot be completely settled until her brother, whom no one has heard from in 25 years, is found. Sharon also must deal with her estranged father, whose narrow religious views have turned her totally against religion. Sharon also plans to solve a probable murder (which her aunt had vaguely referred to--was she serious or making it up?) that is more than fifty years old while she is there. Take these elements, add old friends whose religous views make Sharon uncomfortable, a family scandal long since covered up, a haunted house, a "crazy" housekeeper, and a prodigal daughter, and you have a great novel! I recommend this book for any mystery fan, secular or Christian, and for anyone who has ever felt constrained by "rules" of the Christian faith.

Linda Hall has done it again! This book is sure to be a best seller! Katheryn's Secret is a weaving of suspence and intrigue. Right when you think you're on the right trail, she throws in another twist. Anyone who loves a great mystery will love this book. It's a tale about family secrets, the effects of a legalistic, religeous upbringing and how God can work through the misguided mistakes of family. It's about love, lost love and love rekindled. Linda shows us--without being preachy--the difference of being religeous and having the love of God in our hearts, where we learn to love others. Her characters are real and well developed, as is the plot. By the time you finish this story, you may find that you identified with one or two of her characters and hopefully--learn from their mistakes.

This book is a must-read for mystery fans, for people who enjoy multi-layered stories and even for anyone who has had faith, lost faith or is looking for faith. Linda Hall really know how to build a story and to keep the suspense high. Add to that the fact that she does her research and writes with real honesty and this book is a winner. This is one to buy, not just to borrow.