Book Review: “Living Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate)” by S F Baumgartner

An Electrifying Race Against Time

I was unquestionably engrossed as soon as I stepped into the intriguing world of “Living Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate)” by S F Baumgartner. I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book, which will be released on September 29. Trust me when I say that readers will be in for a treat!

It is nothing short of thrilling to follow Lily Tso’s journey from her modest life as a hotel guest service officer to an unforeseen mission that could decide the future of the entire nation. A narrative complexity that’s hard to find these days is provided by the revelation of her heritage and the tangled web of politics, espionage, and emotions interlaced in her path.

Baumgartner excels at bringing together varied people with complex backstories in addition to creating fast-paced thrillers. Readers receive a detailed glimpse at the protagonists’ struggles as the story progresses, which makes us care deeply about them. The combination of FBI agents, wealthy young businesspeople, and a growing bioterror danger keeps the stakes high throughout.

The novel actually transports you on an emotional roller coaster ride equivalent to Secretariat’s illustrious races, to paraphrase another review. Baumgartner’s skill in managing numerous perspectives merits special note, even though the book is teeming with suspense and fast-paced action. Baumgartner excels at the difficult task of switching between various points of view without losing the reader’s attention. I never felt disoriented or overwhelmed, which is a tribute to the author’s careful planning and concise storytelling.

This story’s religious overtones add another lovely element to it. In the middle of all the action, the subtly explored decrease in religious orders offers readers a chance to pause and contemplate.

You’ll find “Living Secrets” to be a fitting sequel if, like me, you enjoyed reading “Buried Secrets,” the predecessor to this series. This novel is an incredible delight because of the consistency in character development and the original plot.

But first, a word of warning: Get ready for a long reading session. “Living Secrets” is one of those uncommon books you’d like to read cover to cover. You’ll be left wanting more as the cliffhanger ending draws near. Baumgartner, we can’t wait to see what happens next!

A tutorial in thriller writing can be found in “Living Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate)“. S F Baumgartner demonstrates once more why she is a major player in the thriller genre. Look no farther if you’re looking for a novel that combines compelling storytelling with unrelenting suspense!

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About the Mirror Estate Series

The Mirror Estate series is a loosely connected Christian thriller, weaving an intriguing overarching plot that revolves around a notorious criminal mastermind. This central character has struck a perplexing deal with the government to reside on the Mirror Estate grounds, and in exchange, she offers assistance in capturing other most wanted criminals. Readers are left to grapple with the tantalizing question: What could she possibly gain by cooperating with the authorities?

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner, a lover of thriller, mystery, and suspense genres, is the author of the gripping Mirror Estate series. When not writing or reading, she enjoys binge-watching TV crime shows and spending time with her cat. A graduate of the University of Hawaii and the University of Cincinnati, Baumgartner is excited to share her stories with readers who appreciate captivating narratives. Discover the world of Mirror Estate and prepare to be enthralled by her compelling storytelling. –This text refers to the paperback edition.