EasterBlack-owned or founded brands at TargetGroceryClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBabyHomeFurnitureKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSports & OutdoorsBeautyPersonal CareHealthPetsHousehold EssentialsArts, Crafts & SewingSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesLuggageGift IdeasGift CardsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsTarget Finds#TargetStyleTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores

Written in Secret (Book 1) - by Crystal Caudill (Paperback)

Written in Secret (Book 1) - by  Crystal Caudill (Paperback) - 1 of 1
$15.19 sale price when purchased online
$16.99 list price
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • "What a cracking start to a new series!
  • Author(s): Crystal Caudill
  • 328 Pages
  • Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian

Description



About the Book



"What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too"--



Book Synopsis



"What a cracking start to a new series! I always enjoy sneaking a peek behind the curtain of a writer's life, and this tale of authorly misadventure between the Killer Queen of Romance and an upright police detective has something for everyone. Definitely worth diving into!"
--Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

"Danger, mystery, hidden identities, villains, heroes, and gallantry! Everything you would expect in a dime novel, but better!"
--Erica Vetsch, author of the Of Cloaks & Daggers series



Review Quotes




A pure delight! With a masterful artistic flair, Caudill seamlessly weaves faith and romance into a heart-pounding mystery. The witty and often humorous banter between the characters in Written in Secret lends a perfect balance to the riveting suspense. A must-read for anyone who enjoys a beautifully crafted romance with a deep faith and thrilling plot.--Stephenia H. McGee, Faith, Hope, and Love Reader's Choice Award-winning author (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

A rambunctious heroine and a stalwart, determined hero--my favorite combination! Toss in danger and loads of humor--not to mention a breath-stealing romance--and what do you have? Written in Secret, a fantastic new story by Crystal Caudill. This tale will leave you with a serious book hangover, making it hard to decide which character you miss most. For me, it's definitely the swoon-worthy police officer, Abraham Hall. Truly an entertaining read!--Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of the Blackfriars Lane series (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

An adventure novel with romance, depth, and intrigue! Fans of Michelle Griep and Erica Vetsch will delight in Crystal Caudill's newest release, which features a detective and a novelist. What reader doesn't dream of books coming to life? They do in this story--only it leads to disaster! Caudill moves the plot along quickly with great tension and suspense, while also weaving in a dramatic spiritual shift for the heroine.--Joanna Davidson Politano, award-winning author of The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Crystal Caudill continues to put a fresh spin on the Gilded Age with this brilliant first book in her new historical romantic suspense series. Written in Secret delights from beginning to end with a dashing policeman hero, a plucky dime-novel-author heroine, and a mysterious vigilante villain. The layered and amiable characters come alive under Caudill's skilled pen, and her engaging writing voice and clever plotting kept me solidly immersed in the story. This is another entertaining winner from Caudill, with meaningful, practical faith applications too. A must-read in every way!--Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Crystal Caudill has done it again! This enemies-to-lovers historical has it all--an endearing heroine, a protective officer, humor, second-chance romance, intrigue, mystery, and redemption! Readers will be kept guessing, and will be eager for the next book after devouring this fantastic debut to Caudill's aptly named series, The Art of Love and Danger.--Grace Hitchcock, speaker and award-winning author of To Catch a Coronet (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Crystal Caudill's Written in Secret is a twisty mystery that manages to be both a delightful caper and a serious exploration of justice and our responsibility to those around us.--Janyre Tromp, best-selling author of Darkness Calls the Tiger (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Danger, mystery, hidden identities, villains, heroes, and gallantry! Everything you would expect in a dime novel, but better! Written in Secret is a rollicking, fast-paced mystery with characters that pop off the page. The wit and intelligence of both the hero and heroine had me rooting for them from the first chapter!--Erica Vetsch, author of the Of Cloaks & Daggers series (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)

What a cracking start to a new series! I always enjoy sneaking a peek behind the curtain of a writer's life, and this tale of authorly misadventure between the Killer Queen of Romance and an upright police detective has something for everyone. Definitely worth diving into!--Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series (9/11/2024 12:00:00 AM)
Dimensions (Overall): 8.47 Inches (H) x 5.6 Inches (W) x .86 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Sub-Genre: Christian
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Number of Pages: 328
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Theme: Suspense, Romance
Format: Paperback
Author: Crystal Caudill
Language: English
Street Date: March 11, 2025
TCIN: 94246700
UPC: 9780825449079
Item Number (DPCI): 247-44-5271
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.86 inches length x 5.6 inches width x 8.47 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

5.0 out of 5 stars with 2 reviews
100% would recommend
2 recommendations

Great Historical Romance

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Carolyn - 2 months ago
The Art of Love and Danger series is off to an impressive start with this delightful, entertaining mystery set in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1880. The rather unique storyline, which grabbed my attention immediately and kept me invested for the entirety of the story, features light laugh-out-loud moments and witty banter combined with serious, sometimes dangerous, ones and a villain who I never suspected! The diverse, engaging cast of characters is headlined by Lydia Pelton, the high-spirited dime novelist heroine, and Abraham Hall, the dedicated, determined police officer hero. It was fun and touching to watch their slow building enemies-to-lovers romance develop. I appreciate the relevant spiritual truths that are seamlessly woven into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this Gilded Age adventure story and highly recommend it! I received of copy of this book through JustRead Tours with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Did you find this review helpful?

All words have power.

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Betti - 2 months ago
Our words have power, no matter if they are meant to be fictional or not. Lydia Pelton is a dime novelist writing romances as well as crime novels. In 1880, writing romances as a woman was acceptable but crime stories should only be written by men. And thus E.A Dupin was born. Only problem - fictional Billy Poe has become the sword to her pen. Law enforcement is scrambling to find the perpetrator and the identity of the author. What could possibly go wrong?? For Lydia, writing has become her purpose in life. She thought she was bringing justice where the justice system had failed. But why should her plan for justice be better than God’s? How would she accomplish anything good in the world if not as a writer? A mystery with plenty of intrigue and a little romance, this early copy was received through Kregel Publications and JustReads tours. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Did you find this review helpful?

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member Services

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyOpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy