Buried Secrets by TJ Brearton- Book Review

I will admit that I read semi-self published books with different eyes. This title is published by Bookouture, which seems to be a self submit publishing company that will help publish books. I write this because I found this to be a fun book for a semi-self published book, but if it were a major publishing company, I would pass on this like crazy.

This is really two stories. Story one is about a couple who while digging in their backyard find pieces of bones. What they realize is the bones are human and there is a piece of paper with a code on it.

The second story is about an inmate who is hired to do a job, while in jail. If he does the job without questions, he will be released, go back to his daughters, and his debt forgiven. He is driven to Upstate NY and dropped off in front of the couple's house and he is to unload a package, but must search the house for the package.

Things are going well until the wife returns. What will happen to all of their lives as the two stories intersect? What about the people who hired the criminal? How will they come into play?

This book starts with a great premise. We know the two lives will intersect. We know the job will involve the couple. We are expecting this. The problem begins as the story starts to unravel a bit. When a third party is added into the soup, it gets a little crazy at times. There are also odd interactions with the police that don't make much sense.

The book is advertised as having tons of twists and turns, but I would disagree with that statement. It is pretty straightforward and not very surprising. Characters will make some odd choices, which maybe are the twists, but it isn't a thriller.

I gave this one 3 stars, but that is with recognizing this is semi self published. I would say pass if it was a major printing. At the time of this writing, it is $.99 on Amazon.

I want to thank Netgalley for the advanced copy. I received it in exchange for an honest review.