The Truth Behind the Mask by W L Brooks is the fourth book in The McKay series. It tells the story of Alexandra McKay (Alex) owner of a bed-and-breakfast, and Jacob Keller (Jake) a private investigator. They couldn’t stand to be in the same space with each other. However, when a close family member and friend went missing, they had no choice but to work together in locating her.
At the start I felt discombobulated, as I felt I was dropped in the middle of an ongoing story. It was at this point I realised that this was the fourth book in the series. Nevertheless, I continued reading and in no time I connected the dots. I ended up having a good time with this story.
The gist of the story is the sudden disappearance of Alexandra’s sister, Fletcher, who also is a friend of Jake. Alex and her sister are not on good terms, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to find her, even if it meant she had to work with her enemy. I was curious to see how this association would play out and boy oh boy did sparks fly. Beneath the sheets and in the field they ignited the pages.
The story provided the perfect blend of romance and suspense. I enjoyed watching them progress from enemies to lovers. The journey was not without its challenges. Alex, despite her tough persona, struggled with abandonment issues and feared surrendering her heart. Then there were issues of communication and interference by well-intentioned but nosy family members.
I found the search for Fletcher intriguing. The clues she left behind when possible, though cryptic, aided with the search. Alex and Jake encountered challenges, some of which place them in dangerous situations.
The story did not provide details of Fletcher’s feelings throughout her ordeal. Neither did it provide specifics as it relates to the villains mindset throughout the story. I believe these details would increase the intensity and excitement of the story.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, The Truth Behind the Mask was a good read and fairly easy to follow despite it being the fourth book in the series. Fans of the genre should consider adding it to their reading list.
| Story Evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Plot | |
| Characters | |
| World Building | |
| Writing Style | |
| Pacing | |
| Cover | |
| Enjoyment | |
| Ending | |
| Overall: |  |
EXCERPT
“Just stick to the plan,” she hissed.
“I will if you will. Shit!”
She got to the first landing. “What now?”
“Neighborhood security. Damn it all to hell.”
“Show your PI license.” She cocked her head to the side. Was someone up here?
“I know that, princess, but I’m going to have to cut off communication so we don’t get arrested. Get out of the house! Good evening, officers…”
Static filled her ears, and she slipped the earpiece out. There was no way she wasn’t going up to the second landing. Jacob would have to get over it. The wood under her feet groaned; she cringed. She glanced up the last few steps. Nothing. She tiptoed into the hall; it looked like some creepy maze. Wonderful.
She walked with her back to the wall until she came upon the only room with light shining under the door. Putting her ear against the cool wood, she tried to make out any movement; again nothing. Dr. Drake didn’t have any pets or girlfriends, so what in the hell was going on? She took off her goggles and hooked them onto her belt; she didn’t want the light to make her hesitate. She took a deep breath, put one hand on the knob, the other on the door, and pushed it open…
About W.L. Brooks
W.L. Brooks was born with an active imagination. When characters come into her mind, she has to give them a life- a chance to tell their stories. With a coffee cup in her hand and a cat by her side, she spends her days letting the ideas flow onto paper. A voracious reader, she draws her inspiration from mystery, romance, suspense and a dash of the paranormal. A native of Virginia Beach, she is currently living in Western North Carolina. Pick up her latest novel, Unearthing the Past – available now!
- Phantasma by Kaylie Smith - April 14, 2025
- Her Last Cry: Pamela Fagan Hutchins - April 7, 2025
- Hitting It: Kathy Lyons - April 4, 2025
Good to hear that The Truth Behind the Mask was a good and easy read for you. Great review.
Thanks, I am glad I was able to follow, despite the rocky start.
The Truth Behind The Mask sounds like a good read. I get the impression it would be better to read the series in order though.
Yes it would help.
Whoops, I’ve accidentally grabbed a book from the middle of a series. Glad there was enough background so you could get up to speed and enjoy this one. I think it is fun that they started out hostile, but have to work together and then fall in love.
Yes, I had a ball watching them navigate from enemies to working partners to becoming a couple.
I might be frustrated with this one, I find it hard to jump into an established series, you are more patient than I am 😉
? It worked in the end so I am happy I stuck it out.
Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope. This sounds pretty good.
Yes it was a good one.
The cover alone gives me the creeps! Glad you enjoyed even if it was the middle of the series.
The cover was one of the reasons why I chose to read it.
I am glad that this book worked out for you despite feeling a bit lost at the beginning. I do like the sound of it.
Yes, I am glad I held on.
I think I would love this book and series.
I do believe you would.