Ariel Martin is in Desert Valley teaching English, waiting for her baby to be born and trying to put her life back on track. She's pregnant, divorced and widowed. Two weeks after her husband filed for a divorce, Ariel discovered she was pregnant. Two weeks later, her ex-husband was killed in a one car crash. She discovered he was not only cheating on her, but running several insurance scams and involved in a few arson cases.

Ariel is waiting at school for Mia McKeller's brother to come for a parent conference when someone enters the school and takes a shot at Ariel in the hall. She locks herself in a room, the shoot takes another shot through the door and then tries to break it down. K-9 Officer Tristan McKeller arrives late for his appointment with Ariel, but just in time to chase off the shooter and rescue her. The next day someone tries to burn down Ariel's home with her inside. When drive-by shots are fired at Ariel, Tristan and his daughter Mia outside Tristan's home, things heat up to find this maniac. The scant bit of evidence that has been found leads to Ariel's ex-husband. But how can that be? Mitch Martin is supposed to be dead.

SECRETS AND LIES by Shirlee McCoy is a part of Harlequin's Rookie K-9 Series, written by various authors. The series is a continuing story, but Ms. McCoy brilliantly incorporates enough information from previous stories to help you understand the mysterious things happening in this small Arizona town. I've read several books in this series, and they all hold great continuity with the storyline. The characters are likable, strong and realistic. The plot takes several surprising turns, leading to a climactic outcome. SECRETS AND LIES is a story about second chances and forgiving yourself for mistakes in the past. We are not alone in our struggles; God is always with us and directing our path through life. Shirlee McCoy brings us another masterfully written, inspirational story. Grab a copy and start reading.