Editorial Content for The Deepest of Secrets: A Rockton Novel

Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton novels have been popular with mystery fans for many reasons. The setting: a very remote and wild area of the Yukon. The concept: a town where people needing to hide or escape from violence go for a two-year period. The characters: Detective Casey Duncan; Sheriff Eric Dalton; Mathias, the butcher; Isabel, who runs the bar and brothel; and many more townspeople whom we have come to know over the course of the series.

While most of these books can be read as stand-alone pieces, that is not so much the case with THE DEEPEST OF SECRETS as it is the final installment. So this is perfect timing for those who would like to read a new mystery series. You can start at the beginning with CITY OF THE LOST and immediately read each subsequent novel. There's something satisfying about not having to wait a year or more to read the next book in a series.

"Longtime fans of Armstrong and these books are hoping that there will be a spinoff series about Rockton featuring some of the same characters. It would be so difficult to bid adieu to them and the mysteries in which they have been involved."

One of the most important rules about Rockton's existence is that the real identities and secrets of the inhabitants, and their reasons for coming there, are hidden from everyone in town. Even Eric only knows what the council --- those who funded and run the town from afar --- is willing to tell him. Rockton was created for victims of violence and individuals being investigated for their political beliefs. But the council grew greedy. The founders were replaced by people who wanted more profit from the town, and they began admitting those who had committed white-collar crimes. Lately, Casey and Eric have been convinced that the council is also sending those running from violent crimes, including serial killers and abusers.

When a sign is posted in the town square "outing" the tragic and violent past of a member of Rockton’s police force, Casey and Eric are determined to find out who is responsible for this betrayal of secrets. They wonder if the council is behind this revelation; rumor has it that Rockton will be shut down. Will the tumult that ensues make that ultimate aim easier to accomplish?

An attempted murder quickly follows, and then an actual murder occurs. While the council directs that these crimes not be investigated, Eric and Casey follow their moral code and try to find out who the perpetrator is. Although there might not be any punishment because of the circumstances surrounding the town's closing, they want that person to know that he or she did not get away anonymously with their actions. But while there are several possibilities, ultimately Casey fears that she has figured it out too late.

Armstrong provides an introduction that gives a summary of important information for those who haven't read the previous books or would like to refresh their memory. She is cryptic about whether or not this is really the end of Casey, Eric, their friends and the whole Rockton concept. She tweeted, "THE DEEPEST OF SECRETS came out this week! This is book 7 in my Rockton series. Is it the last? Maybe. Kinda. It's complicated.⁠ But if you waited to binge the completed series, this is the time to jump in."

Longtime fans of Armstrong and these books are hoping that there will be a spinoff series about Rockton featuring some of the same characters. It would be so difficult to bid adieu to them and the mysteries in which they have been involved.