Jessica Coltrane doesn’t believe ghost or anything that deals with the paranormal activity exist. She never understood how anyone believed houses were haunted or a ghost returned and spoke. Spirits didn’t come back once a person was dead, they were dead. She is on assignment to investigate claimed spirits. Her boss needs her to spend two nights in the house to prove the people wrong. She has been employed with Hoax Busters Investigators going on four years and is tired of the crappy assignments she continues to receive. The job consists of investigating claim fraud and misrepresentation. After this one is over, she is really considering seeking a better job. At least she is nothing like C.J. Dowling, who makes a living investigating supposed ghosts. He is a meticulous man, and it shows in his work. C.J. is a paranormal investigator who works with Spiritual Realm; a company that specializes in casting out the spirits that still cling to this life. Three days ago he was called to check on a home reporting spiritual activity. When he learns that Jessica is on assignment in the same house, fireworks explode. He doesn’t wish to be in the same room with her. Jessica would much rather be on her vacation then anywhere near C. J. As they finally give in and work together, a passion forms between them that’s hard to break, especially when the spirits still cling to the house.

Secrets of the Dead is a fast moving read with splendid dialogue that kept me glued to the pages. I was spellbound the way Jessica and C. J. try to cope being under the same roof. At times their sayings are priceless. It was almost like actually seeing their expressions jump out at the reader. Their frustrations are definitely convincing. Some of the moments had humor to them making the read even more enjoyable. I love the part where C. J. mentions about getting off scaring her. Kudos to Shiela Stewart for the way she sketches this couple and gives them a powerful voice. The chemistry they emit is awesome. I liked the way she incorporates the spirits into the story. I could read this story over and over and never grow tired of it. Intriguing, intense and downright satisfying, this paranormal will not disappoint.

Reviewed by: Linda L.