I am so excited to share about Written in Secret, the latest book by author Crystal Caudill. Years ago, Crystal and I were both speakers at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. At the time, I’m pretty sure she didn’t have any published books yet. And now look at her! She’s a Christy Award-winning author. How cool is that?
I haven’t yet read her Christy book, but what a treat it was to get to read this book. I loved it, and I’m sure you’ll love it, too. Keep reading to learn more.
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Written in Secret
Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1
Author: Crystal Caudill
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop
Also Available
My Review
Though I grew up reading Nancy Drew books, and I love a good Hallmark mystery movie, I never read mystery stories nowadays. But I loved the idea of a historical mystery and suspense story. The concept of an author’s fictional story being turned into real life was an intriguing idea that didn’t disappoint.
What I didn’t expect in a mystery book was humor. From the opening scene of two young women rescuing a three-legged goat from a circus, I knew this was going to be a fun read. It also didn’t take long to figure out this was a romance as well.
I love reading books about authors. As an author myself, I like reading about the behind the scenes life of other authors. In this case, Lydia Pelton is a bestselling crime author writing under a pseudonym. When a serial killer brings to life the murders in her books, Lydia finds herself the primary suspect being pursued by handsome police detective Abraham Hall.
Though I suspected who the murderer was, I wasn’t prepared for all the twists and turns that caught me by surprise time and time again.
Another aspect of Written in Secret that I didn’t expect was the faith storyline. Lydia and Abraham each have their own faith struggles, and they’re deep issues.
Generally in a review you provide the positive and the negative but in this case, I honestly can’t think of any negatives. The only possible exception might be the gruesomeness of the murders, but that was what Lydia was struggling with. It’s definitely not a whitewashed simplistic story, so though I’m not a fan of gore, it makes its point in the story. And it wasn’t explicit.
Written in Secret is an excellent reading choice for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mystery and suspense, or romance. It’s sure to keep you spellboand from beginning to end.
Comment below and let me know if you’ve read this book or if you plan to read it. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
About the Author
Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Let's chat! What are your thoughts?