Title: The Secret Heir
Author: C.J. TOCA
Publisher: Saddle Ridge Publications LLC
Genre: Thriller, Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Language: English
Paperback: 282 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8986899602
eBook ISBN: 979-8986899619
Item Weight: 14.7 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.64 x 9 inches
Explore Authors page – Where to buy
Review:
When Brazilian journalist, Stefania DiMaggio, is handed a thumb drive that was found on the body of a deceased catholic priest, Stefania and her allies find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that spans multiple agencies and destinations in C.J. Toca’s The Secret Heir.
The story begins with the heroine Stefania, and her partner, Thomas Houghton, being held by two lowlifes in New Jersey. The story takes off when Stefania receives a call from her cousin regarding a victim found in the remains of an airplane crash, a Catholic Priest, Charles Smith.
With the Vatican denying the existence of this catholic priest, and any evidence washed away, save the thumb drive within the attache that was handcuffed to the victim’s body, Stefania is driven to solve the mystery of this rather peculiar puzzle. From there, the story introduces us to the gentlemanly, dry-witted, Thomas Houghton, the wealthy Duke of Radcliffe and a member of the House of Lords.
With the help of Thomas’ ally, Harry Foster, an Australian investigator, Stefania is set down a path that would lead her into life-threatening situations, a conspiracy with several twists and turns, and most importantly, a rekindled romance with the Duke of Radcliffe.
As someone who isn’t overly fond of mystery-thrillers, The Secret Heir does a wonderful job of holding my attention with all of its moving pieces and characters within this tangled web. It also does a fantastic job of keeping the mystery understandable to the readers. The characters feel alive, whether by recounting past experiences and adventures, stopping to eat and sleep, revealing certain fears, or descriptions of the different types of clothing suitable for the locations the characters visit throughout their journey. Speaking of locations, the author does a great job at setting each location with the right amount of description, allowing readers to visualize the scenery without the narration getting too verbose.
The relationships between Stefania, Thomas, the SVR Director, and Svetlana Greschenko, are also a highlight, as I’ve found myself enjoying the romantic moments and general conversations between Stefania and Thomas. The banter and combative back and forth between Greschenko and Stefania was also interesting and realistic.
There is significant religious background and lore throughout The Secret Heir that doesn’t feel out of place, especially since these are important plot details that enrich the story. At times, the book may refer to a past adventure that may leave readers confused as if this was a sequel but this book is a standalone at the time of this review. I wouldn’t let that deter me from reading the book. I imagine there’s more to come from the author. For fans of mystery-thriller, action, and romance, The Secret Heir is a very worthy and enjoyable read and earns a recommendation from me. ★★★★★ – Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)