Reviews for Loretta Marion's Books

“Modern and historic mysteries collide in Marion’s bittersweet storytelling.” —Kirkus Reviews

“[A] gripping sequel to 2018’s House of Ashes…Marion seamlessly weaves the multiple story threads together. Fans of tales of regional intrigue will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly

“Marion’s strong second installment in this series (after House of Ashes) will draw in readers with a penchant for mysteries with a supernatural twist and great characters cast in a fascinating setting.” —Library Journal

“I absolutely loved this book! I started it and just couldn’t put it down! Marion’s characters are interesting and she has a way of making you feel that you live in this small Cape Cod Village and these people are your neighbors. I loved the back story…she did a fabulous job of bringing it all together in a very believable and realistic way! I finished the book wanting to know what happens next in the lives of these characters. Please keep this series going!” NetGalley Review

“Storm of Secrets is the 2nd in the Haunted Bluffs Mystery series by Loretta Marion and I thoroughly enjoyed it…Storm of Secrets kept me entranced with it difficult to put down when I had to. With excellent characters, plenty of twists and an unexpected conclusion, it was definitely a captivating thriller. Highly recommended.” Goodreads Review

“I loved this book!!! Set in Cape Cod, the author does a wonderful job describing the quaint town and characters. The descriptions are so vivid you can easily see the town in your mind.  The characters’ details are so intricate you will think you grew up with them or they’re your next door neighbors. You become immediately invested in all of their escapades. In addition to all the meaty great characters, are the story’s  circumstances. I was completely absorbed in the story’s plot from the get go. It focuses on this small New England community that came together to address the town’s needs and also some mysteries that coincidentally happen in the aftermath of a hurricane. It’s very engaging and authentic! I found it hard to put down because I had my theories about what would happen next and needed to know.” NetGalley Review

“Setting – Cape Cod, MA USA. Add some paranormal, excellent characters, a horrific Atlantic storm, smooth, delightful writing, and the reader is swept into a great story. Loretta Marion’s Storm of Secrets (A Haunted Bluffs Mystery #2) provides this kind story…The author’s first book, House of Ashes, is followed by book 2, Storm of Secrets. Both of which, I have completely enjoyed.” Goodreads Review

“This is the second book in the Haunted Bluffs Mystery series. I have not read the first book but will go back and do so based on this book… I loved the writing style and unwinding and uniting the various stories slowly. The author builds memorable characters that quickly pull you into their story.” Goodreads Review

“I really, really enjoyed this book. All the twists and suspense from the beginning keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I liked how the author intertwines each character and the trail of mystery. Really great story.” NetGalley Review

“[Storm of Secrets]…grab(s) a hold of you practically from the very beginning, and doesn’t let you go until you close the book after you’ve read the last word, and the actual story is one that will stay with you long after you’ve read the end of the book! …Marion does an amazing job at grabbing hold of all the different people and intertwining their lives into such a complicated tapestry woven together. I honestly can’t wait to see what else Ms. Marion has to offer us! She is now on my One-Click  and Auto Buy lists!” Goodreads Review

“Storm of Secrets by Loretta Marion is a wonderful book full of how secrets wreck our lives and those of our loved ones…I am giving it five stars. If you like paranormal mysteries, then this is the story for you.” Baroness’ Book Trove

“This book was fast paced. Hard to put down. It flowed well and it was very well written. It caught hold of me and had me hooked from the start. I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.” NetGalley Review

“Ever since reading and loving the first book in this series, House of Ashes, I have anxiously waited for the return to Whale Rock…and I was definitely not disappointed. Storm of Secrets is an excellent suspenseful book that I had a hard time putting down. The author knows just how to intertwine the characters and all of the mysterious events to keep the reader in constant suspense.  I loved the New England setting, the different characters, the gripping secrets and the interesting plot…I highly recommend this book.” NetGalley Review

 “A gripping and entertaining book, poignant and well written. The cast of characters is well written and interesting, the plot is well crafted and keeps you hooked till the end…once you’re hooked you won’t put it down. The mystery is solid and the paranormal element enrich it. I look forward to other books in this series. Highly recommended.” NetGalley Review

“This is the second book in the series. Very well written and enjoyable…Kept me reading to see what would happen next. Has very well thought out characters. Great Read.” NetGalley Review

“Storm of Secrets is a very well written suspense.  I am usually a fan of paranormal books but I have to say I enjoyed this book. If you enjoy a good mystery I recommend this book.” Goodreads Review

“I seriously could not put it down. The characters and town were very endearing. The plot moved methodically and quickly. The backstory was so poignant, it brought more than one tear to my eye. What I love about this book is that it is suspenseful, but I don’t find myself wanting to just figure out the mystery as is common for most mysteries that I read. Instead, I find myself pulled into the characters’ lives as they attempt to unravel the whereabouts of the missing toddler and the ‘whodunit’ of the dead body. When the book concluded, I was sad to say goodbye to the characters, especially those in the backstory. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and look forward to my next visit with Cassie and friends!” NetGalley Review

“I enjoyed this book very much. This is the first book I’ve read by Loretta Marion and I’d read more by her…Moving from present to past back and forth. The author does a great job with the switches. The story has a lot happening to keep you interested…It’s well worth the read and has some surprises.”  Goodreads Review

“Cassie is back in the second Haunted Bluffs mystery. I loved watching Cassie try to figure out the messages from her deceased grandparents as much as any other element of the story…This was a suspenseful, well-written mystery and I hope Cassie, her family, and friends will be back for many more.” —The Book’s the Thing

“A second book in the Haunted Bluffs mystery series, this book caught my eye with the cover. My first book by the author Loretta Marion, the story had an old world charm in its writing…Different timelines added a complex layer to this sweet mystery. The spirits and their messages thrilled me…A good book, I would say.”  NetGalley Review

“It truly is a Storm of Secrets..With a total of two crimes and three family secrets, this book will appeal to both women’s fiction and mystery readers…I enjoyed it a great deal for the excellent characterizations of the main protagonists.” —Diane Reviews Books

“I love books that have old family secrets, that always draws me right into the story… and am looking for the first book in this series.”  Goodreads Review

 “Storm of Secrets is the 2^nd book in the Haunted Bluffs series. I enjoyed this book and the first book in the series. The series involves ghosts, but they are not a dominant factor outside of the messages they send to the protagonist. The story is set in a seaside town and it takes place during a powerful storm. It is exciting because there is the drama of the storm and its destruction, a murder, and a missing child. There is a second plotline that runs through the book about a child that was taken from his mother many years earlier. All of the plotlines come together nicely at the end. The historical pieces lead to revelations about the present. Recommended.” NetGally Review 

“First my admiration for this cover! It’s truly gorgeous. I have read the first in series and was thrilled to receive this next in series for review…In this 2nd in the Haunted Bluffs Mystery, this reader was entranced from the beginning…This is an excellent suspenseful read. I loved the setting, the characters and the mystery surrounding the main character. I look forward to further books in this series.” Goodreads Review

“Storm of Secrets by Loretta Marion is a delightfully charming cozy mystery with a slight supernatural element. Although this newest release is the second installment in A Haunted Bluffs Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend book one, House of Ashes, as well… Storm of Secrets is a captivating mystery with a unique storyline and likable characters… A wonderful addition to A Haunted Bluffs Mystery series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.” NetGalley Review

“This was an enjoyable Gothic cozy with all the right elements for a breezy summer read.” NetGalley Review

“Many likable characters and suspense keeps you reading.” NetGalley Review

“An enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed the messages from the spirits.” NetGalley Review

“Storm of Secrets was a good read. I couldn’t put it down, and the twists were really good.” NetGalley Review

“Suspenseful and thrilling. Good suspenseful read.” NetGalley Review

“I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.” Goodreads Review

“Storm of Secrets is a good mystery with some interesting characters.” NetGalley Review

“Enjoyable…a fine cast of well-rounded characters and some intriguing whiffs of ghostly presences.” —Publishers Weekly

“House of Ashes was a smart, well-written mystery that you will get lost in…Great characters, fascinating location and dark family secrets are a perfect way to spend an afternoon.” —Moonlight Rendezvous Reviews

“…a gripping thriller that took you to every aspect of trying to figure out what was really going on  and what was going to happen next! This was such an amazing book and I can’t wait to see what else is released from this author!” NetGalley Review

“It’s been a while since I’ve been so completely awestruck after the first chapter alone! Read it and you’ll quickly understand why it will be so hard to put down afterwards.” —That’s What She’s Reading Reviews

“There are some days I want to read a suspense filled book and this one did the trick…I had a hard time putting this book down each night…We give this 5 paws ups for keeping us in suspense for the whole book!” —Storey Book Reviews

 “House of Ashes…will keep you guessing. This was the first book I’d read by Loretta Marion, but it will not be the last.”—The Book’s the Thing Reviews

“Loretta Marion’s House of Ashes offers a layered, suspenseful plot, a cast of engaging characters, and a sympathetic heroine dealing with forces both earthly and supernatural. —Rosie Genova, bestselling author of the Italian Kitchen Mysteries

“This is only her second book (and I enjoyed her first); but Marion knows her way around a clever murder-mystery…I really enjoyed this atmospheric tale, the town’s characters, the family secrets unraveling and the historic chapters. I look forward to her next book.”—Lynda Rego, Bristol Phoenix

“House of Ashes is a haunting, atmospheric tale rich with compelling characters and a compelling mystery.  So mesmerizing and immersive it’s simply impossible to put down. Mysterious and entertaining, an absolute page turner.”—New York Times bestseller M.J. Rose, author of Tiffany Blues

“A brooding, old mansion on windswept Cape Cod, ghosts haunting its halls, a long-ago curse that has plagued a family for generations, a hint of possession in the air and mysterious young couple that shows up out of the blue at, oddly, just the right time? Yes, please. In House of Ashes, Loretta Marion has woven a tale of mystery, suspense and family lore that will keep readers guessing until the very end.“—Wendy Webb, bestselling and award-winning author of The End of Temperance Dare 

“House of Ashes is steeped in the melancholy of the Cape Cod bluffs where it’s set, with ancient family curses, nameless children lost at sea, tragic lovers, and windswept old mansions that keep their secrets close. Through it all Loretta Marion laces a powerful sensory magic—from the scent of sugar burning in a long-ago fire that hovers just outside modern-day perception to the power of visual art to bridge the gap between the living and the dead—that makes this haunting story linger long past the final page.”  —Heather Young, author of The Lost Girls

“Loretta Marion’s House of Ashes, provides non-stop thrills and chills, along with gorgeous and haunting atmosphere, endearing characters, and rich history. For those of us who love Cape Cod and its history, its homes, its people – and for everyone else, who once they get to know Marion’s Battersea Bluffs, will love the Cape as we do – House of Ashes is a page-turner, and a genuine pleasure to read. I look forward to many more installments in the Haunted Bluff series from this talented writer.” Nina Sankovitch, author of Tolstoy and the Purple Chair and The Lowells of Massachusetts

“House of Ashes had many elements; romance, heartbreak, mystery, paranormal happenings and intrigue. Marion was able to blend all those elements together into a wonderfully spellbinding book.” —Goodreads Reviewer

“This was a great read! It kept my interest all the way through. Best fiction book I’ve read in a while. Congrats to the Author.” Goodreads Reviewer

“I loved this book, the brooding atmosphere, the old house, ghostly murmurings and the Cape Cod setting held me spellbound.” —Librarian & NetGalley Reviewer

“Loved it! Absolutely loved this book and I did not want it to end! Loretta Marion’s House of Ashes, A Haunted Bluffs Mystery, is an enthralling mystery. Once I began reading this book, I could hardly stop for a moment to complete some other tasks I had begun. The female protagonist, Cassie or Cassandra, if she was in some kind of trouble, is living in an old Victorian house built by her ancestors. Of course, there is more to that story, but one must read this novel to discover to what I am referring…” Goodreads Reviewer

“Could not put this book down! Very well written atmospheric mystery with a ghostly touch. Good character development and great setting description. I highly recommend this book!” Barnes & Noble Reviewer

“HOUSE OF ASHES is a wonderful cozy mystery, set in a glorious scenic location, that strongly tugged at my heartstrings. I found myself involved with the characters–past and present–from the beginning. It was simple to care about them, which is one of the hallmarks of good fiction.” Goodreads Reviewer

“This is the perfect mystery for a cold winters day . I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. A house by the sea in a small coastal village with mysterious happenings, a rumored ghost, a good mystery and strong characters with well crafted writing made this the perfect read for a afternoon of escape.” Goodreads Reviewer

“I really liked this book, it was entertaining and engaging. I was hooked since the first pages and couldn’t put it down. I love the characters and atmosphere, dark and atmospheric. The characters were well developed and interesting. A very good and enjoyable read. Recommended!” Goodreads Reviewer

“From the book’s haunting cover design to the intriguing synopsis, I was instantly captivated and could not wait to delve into this one. Now after having spent an enchanting adventure along the Cape, I cannot wait to see where this series takes me next!” Goodreads Reviewer

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has all the elements that make for a good story. It has romance, mystery and the setting is a huge Victorian house in cape cod that is rumored to be haunted. It is such a believable tale which is sometimes not always found when reading about houses that supposedly have ghosts. The author did a great job combining all the elements together. I highly recommend this book.” Goodreads Reviewer

“House of Ashes is a MUST read! I could not put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed L. Marion’s characters and how she developed each one as she intertwined their lives to come together on this beautiful, majestic home on Cape Cod’s Coast. Marion chose each character with such precision to heighten the reader’s enthusiasm as they crossed the path of Cassandra Mitchell…young painter, owner of her great grandparents home. The suspense…the mystery…the paranormal….kept my interest until the very last page!” Amazon Reviewer

“Thoroughly enjoyed this haunted mystery. From the introduction of the ancestor’s story to the movement to present day, the pace of each clue pulls the reader in and draws them forward. Whale Rock becomes the village you want to move to. The growth of the the main character, Cassie, from destitute divorcée to confident artist, lends realistic life to the supernatural forces that haunt her home. The characters were so charming and interesting, can’t wait for the next installment.” Barnes & Noble Reviewer

“Great read! The story goes from the present to the past and back again. I loved the history told in the book. The characters really come alive in a dramatic fashion. You can feel the presence of the ancestors thru out the book. You have to read on and not put the book down because you have to know what will happen next. The family curse brings such a great element to the story. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Just know it’s a real page turner and you will not be disappointed.” Goodreads Reviewer

“I can still smell the burnt sugar! Who doesn’t love a great ghost story?Marion is so adept at moving from past to present, that I was drawn into this intricately woven tale immediately. Beware: putting this book down is hard to do! The characters are very well written and her descriptions of the Cape are spot on. I’m a big fan of Loretta Marion and can’t wait to read what she has in store for us next.” Amazon Reviewer

“There are several elements to this story, both in the past and present, and they will keep you guessing. I enjoyed the slightly darker feel of this mystery – almost gothic, but not quite. This was the first book I’d read by Loretta Marion, but it will not be the last.” Goodreads Reviewer

“House Of Ashes was a quick and enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.” —Goodreads Reviewer

“Loved this book! The story pulled me in right from the start, I couldn’t put it down. The history of the house and Cassie’s devotion to her home and ancestors was heartwarming…the town felt like a town you would visit in Cape Cod over and over each year.” Amazon Reviewer

“An excellent mystery. Being an avid mystery/detective book reader, I found Ms. Marion’s book House of Ashes to be an excellent read. My attention was caught within the first few pages. Also a frequent Cape visitor, I found her descriptions of Whale Rock to be an extremely accurate and believable representation of Cape Cod’s small towns. I love the threads she has woven to create follow-on novels. I can only hope she follows up with her next book soon. She has definitely made her mark as a top mystery writer. Keep writing Ms. Marion and soon!” Amazon Reviewer

“A gentle mystery which kept me guessing until the end. Not a suspenseful story but an engrossing untying of knots and secrets to the final revelation. I thoroughly enjoyed it, from the setting to the characters and all the romance and angst in between.” —Goodreads Reviewer

“Wow, Amazing!! Loretta Marion Has Delivered Once Again! An intriguing and mysterious story with rich history and detailed characters, “House of Ashes” will not disappoint. Loretta Marion has given an even more textured story to weave the reader into the atmosphere on her newest book. And most wonderful of all, the hinted promise of more to come in this series. This is an absolute recommendation for an afternoon escape. Enjoy!”

“Great mystery! I love books about old houses and possibly a haunting. This one had an element of romance too.  It kept me engaged and guessing until the end.”  —NetGalley Reviewer

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story had plenty of great characters, twists and turns and vivid descriptions of the setting. I read Ms. Marion’s first book and enjoyed it. This one did not disappoint! In fact, I have recommended it to many of my reader friends.” Amazon Reviewer

“Having read and loved “The Fool’s Truth, I just knew I had to read another great book by Loretta Marion. This was smart and riveting with a well-drawn cast of characters. It was an emotional, suspenseful and tangled scenario with a plot filled with twists. Combine all that and the ability to make you believe that you are in a real town on Cape Cod. “House of Ashes” is simply a book you can’t put down!” Amazon Reviewer

“HOUSE OF ASHES is a mystery by L. Marion that anyone would love to spend time with…I couldn’t put it down. I loved the location picturing a charming little town on Cape Cod where folks watch out for each other. Loved the complexity of the characters and had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. A captivating and intriguing mystery. Another good read by Marion.” Amazon Reviewer

“Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book. I took it on vacation to read and was done in a couple days (unfortunately) because it was so great! Being from New England, I could totally picture this house on the bluffs and the Cape Cod town that Loretta Marion described. The characters were extremely well developed, (which I think is crucial in a book, especially a series) and the plot had so many creative twists. I was completely enveloped in the mystery and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I highly recommend reading this thrilling mystery.” Amazon Reviewer

“From the first page to the last I enjoyed House of Ashes. The plot had many twists and turns and I did not even have any idea it would end the way it did. Cannot wait for the next book. Loved that it took place on Cape Cod with characters truly representative of the Cape!” Amazon Reviewer

“I found “House Of Ashes” to be an intriguing mystery, with clues and red herrings every time you turn the page. I also found the relationships between the main characters warm and realistic, which further enhanced the story. This book has a lot to recommend it, it holds the interest of the reader all the way through…A worthy read!”

“A very intriguing read…kept my interest all the way through.” —NetGalley Reviewer

“I was anxious to read another tale by Loretta Marion and this one didn’t disappoint. I have to admit that I got very little sleep for several days as I just couldn’t set it aside at bedtime. Loretta painted a detailed vision with an intriguing setting, familiar characters and just enough mystery to keep me swiftly turning pages. I felt very comfortable spending time in Whale Rock and am now anxious to go back with the next in this series!” Amazon Reviewer

“Catchy story that kept me awake in a wish to see what will happen on the next page…. in short it was a wild ride while trying to figure out what happened with the missing people. I enjoyed reading it and it wont be my last book by this author.” Goodreads Reviewer

“I read this book in it’s entirety one rainy weekend. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the images of the old New England harbor town similar to the one I live in. I grew up in a two hundred + year old house with my own haunting stories.” Amazon Reviewer

“An intriguing mystery with a clever plot and enjoyable characters…a unique mystery  that I truly enjoyed and highly recommend to fans of the genre.” —NetGalley Reviewer

“Playful characters, suspense, mystery and ghosts, what more could you want in a fun read! I loved How Loretta Marion could describe a fictional location with such reality! The house, town and personalities of the people perfectly matched my memories on the Cape during summer and its stark transition in the fall. Looking forward to see what Marion comes up with next!” Amazon Reviewer

“Loretta Marion’s House of Ashes drew me into the story right from the beginning. This is one of those books you hate to have end because you feel like you are saying goodbye to newly-made friends. There are plenty of complex plot twists and clues to keep the reader guessing about the story’s outcome until the final pages of the book, and a touch of the supernatural literally adds a degree of warm spice to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this page-turner of a book and eagerly look forward to Marion’s next novel.” —Goodreads Reviewer

“Feels like a good English Mystery…I enjoy following a smart and likeable main character, and Cassie easily filled that role. The author’s ability to successfully weave the past with the present (and not dilute either story) added to the book’s enjoyment. I’m a bedtime reader, and I could always return to this book without losing track of the story line. I was comfortable with the supporting characters and appreciated the New England setting. I hope that we’ll see a Haunted Bluff’s Mystery sequel.” Amazon Reviewer

“Really enjoyed the storyline of this book. Of course, I always like stories of seacoast towns and Cape Cod in particular and this one has a little mystique. While putting a little taste of the paranormal here, the author added suspense without going over the top.”

“This book is hard to put down. Going back and forth from past to present and visualizing the different characters was fascinating. I could almost feel the aura of the spirits, smell the aromas, and see the beautiful cape area. Loretta’s descriptions are so vivid. Lots of surprises and mysterious happenings plus just a bit of romance. I was constantly wondering how it would all come together. Looking forward to the next book she writes.” Amazon Reviewer

“The book captivated me as I finished it in a mere matter of days- so much for reading it over winter break. Coming from the northeast, I really appreciate the vivid imagery of the book’s setting on Cape Cod. House of Ashes leaves you thinking about the characters and keeps you guessing at each twist and turn.” Amazon Reviewer

“Another great mystery by Loretta Marion. A must read!” Amazon Reviewer

“Recommended for any who enjoy a mystery, supernatural or paranormal qualities, thriller and suspense, and strong women sleuths.” Amazon Reviewer

“House Of Ashes is a well crafted story, with likable characters , a paranormal edge and the beautiful setting. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for all that enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense.” Amazon Reviewer

“A captivating novel with intrigue, deception, romance and yet it is heartwarming, too. The suspense created by the twists and turns kept me from putting the book down. I read it twice! This is definitely an author to follow and a must read.” Amazon Customer

“You’ll stay up late reading this one. Highly recommended.” Amazon Customer

“FANTASTIC Book. I am looking forward to reading the other books Loretta Marion wrote. Could not put this book down.” Amazon Customer

“I literally could not put this book down, and rearranged my entire day around finishing this book! I really loved it and it is very well written! It just brings you right in and you feel like you are there with the characters. Be prepared, you won’t want to stop reading once you start!” Goodreads Reader

“As someone who enjoys reading mysteries and exploring Maine, I gobbled up this book.” Amazon Customer

“I stayed up much later than I should have last night finishing The Fool’s Truth. Cord Richmond and her young daughter are on the run from a husband she fears. After turning to a childhood friend for help, and swapping her cat for a dog, she ends up stranded in rural Maine waiting, she thinks, for her car to be repaired. Lots of twists and turns along the way to the book’s action filled conclusion.” Goodreads Reader

“Love Loretta Marion ! Her characters come to life and her description of the environment make you feel that you are there. Can’t wait for her next book.” Amazon Reviewer

“An extremely enjoyable and fast paced read. This book grabbed my attention in the first chapter and held it throughout. The unexpected twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing until the very last page. Once you start reading the Fool’s Truth you will find it very hard to put down.” Amazon Customer

“It was a book I didn’t want to put down. I kept me up at night wanting to read just a little more… and more… until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Its one I will be recommending to friends and I look forward to reading more books my Loretta H Marion in the future. She is a superb story teller!” Goodreads Reader

“Loved It! The characters had so much depth, I felt like I really knew them all. I loved the formatting of the story the way it was told through the voice of each individual. The complexities of each individual made me want to pull for everyone involved. The pace of the story made me not want to put it down. I can’t wait to read more of her work.” Goodreads Reader

“This suspenseful, thoroughly engaging novel had me hooked from the first chapter.” Amazon Customer

“As the story unfolds and the plot thickens, it was impossible to put the book down. Two thumbs up to Loretta Marion for her first novel!” Amazon Customer