A case brings Harper and Tolliver back to Texas, a case which seems to be linked to their past.

The fourth in the Harper Connelly books was a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Just finished book 4. Another satisfying read.

Harper is hired by a wealthy Texas family to learn the circumstances of the death of the family patriarch. The decision to hire Harper is for amusement at first, until Harper reveals the actual way the patriarch and his caretaker dies.

Harper and Tolliver are not related by blood at all and so they establish a monogamous relationship. This coupling is not embraced by their relatives. They also find out that Matthew (Tolliver's father and Harper's stepfather) is out of prison. The couple must decide if they can forgive and trust Matthew. The same Matthew who, along with Harper's drug-addicted mother, severely neglected their children.

Charlaine Harris succeeds in developing a compelling mystery that intermingles with several issues. I won't add more to avoid spoilers but be prepared for an emotionally complex ride.

Harper is one of the best characters I've read. Her gift is desired by people but in the end they despise her because they can't handle the truth. She is so relatable as a person who didn't come from the best background and isn't perfect and nice and happy all the time.

I hope this book isn't the last.

My thoughts...Let me start by saying if you have not read any books in the series, you need to go back and read Grave Sight. This series is different from the Sookie books. I would describe it as a mystery with a hint of paranormal. You may want to cover your eyes here, while I will not give away any Grave Secret spoilers, previous events may be disclosed.

Grave Secret picks right up where Ice Cold Grave left off. They start off on a usual job assignment that lands them in a graveyard. Where as the other books mentioned it, this last installment really got deep into Harper and Toliver's past. We learn the full extent of the abuse, neglect, and poverty they and their siblings lived through. Harper and Tolliver's quest to find their missing sister Cameron continues and they find themselves where it all began, their hometown. Charlaine Harris writes incredible strong characters. Harper shows tremendous growth in this book. She is much more dependent on herself, partially because Tolliver is unable to help her, and she changes for the better. I was satisfied at the end of the story with the characters situations and their relationships with each other.

The storyline in this book was OK. Although I was not on the edge of my seat, I was intrigued enough to keep reading. The ending came very quickly and left me shocked. It took a twist I was not expecting. The ending did feel a little abrupt and the current mystery wound up so conveniently. But overall, it was a great read and I am satisfied with the way the series ended. ( )

4th in the Harper Connelly series. Not to give away major plot points here: Harper and Tolliver on a case which ties back to their own childhood. This could be the end of the series because, as another reviewer said, there is resolution to several major plot lines.

It's the usual Charlaine Harris - tight, good story, good characters that you love, hate and care about but...... The second half of the book feels rushed. Almost as if Harris was thinking "I want this done so I can get back to my major money-maker (Sookie Stackhouse) but my contract requires four books so.." The ending is a surprise (and a bit of a shocker) but you don't feel *pulled* to it. It's more like the author is both pulling you and shoving you at the resolution. You enjoy the book, but you do end up feeling like there should be something else. ( )

This mystery, number four in the series was excellent. ( )