About the Book
Book: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5)
Author: S.F. Baumgartner
Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller
Release date: May 13, 2025
In a world of secrets and shadows, a priest, two accountants, and an elite task force must protect what’s hidden or risk it all.
Fr. Phil, a former Navy SEAL turned priest, finds his quiet life at Mirror Estate shattered when a priest from the Vatican pays him a visit. Asked to retrieve a secret book before it’s auctioned on the dark web, Fr. Phil must face lethal adversaries and race against time, knowing his life is on the line.
Tommy Rivers’s date with Mia Granger turns deadly when they’re attacked upon discovering a colleague murdered at the office. Assuming they have the book, ruthless operatives have Tommy and Mia in their sights.
With the exposure of the secret book threatening the lives of countless operatives, Fr. Phil, Tommy, Mia, and an elite FBI task force must prevent a catastrophic intelligence leak before time runs out.
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About the Author
S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.
More from S.F.
Unraveling Secrets: The Journey of Writing This Book
Some books come together effortlessly. Others take their time, demanding patience, persistence, and more rewrites than I care to admit. This latest installment falls firmly into the latter category. The story simply didn’t gel the first couple of times I attempted to write it. I knew where it needed to go, but the journey to get there felt off. Characters resisted the paths I initially set for them, subplots unraveled at the seams, and the pacing never quite clicked the way I wanted it to.
It took several drafts and a fair amount of frustration before things finally started falling into place. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was that this book needed to do more than just continue the story—it had to weave together past threads while setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s a delicate balance, and it wasn’t something I could rush.
Why I Wrote This Book
The simplest answer? It’s the next chapter in the story. After everything that has happened in previous installments, there were lingering questions that needed answers, loose ends that needed to be tied up—or, in some cases, unraveled even further.
This story is about Fr. Phil. He’s no longer just the priest of Mirror Estate’s chapel; he’s once again being pulled into the shadows of his past. Old alliances resurface, and new threats emerge. At the same time, Olivia and Simon’s upcoming wedding adds a deeply personal layer to the story. In many ways, this book is about past decisions catching up with the present—whether in matters of faith, espionage, or personal relationships.
And then there’s the Ghost. Marge Beaumont remains as enigmatic as ever, and while she’s playing by the rules—for now—it’s clear she’s still ten steps ahead of everyone. The question isn’t just whether she can be trusted, but whether anyone can truly outmaneuver her.
The Challenge of Getting It Right
What made this book particularly challenging was the complexity of the narrative threads. There’s a missing book that may or may not contain dangerous secrets. There’s an auction on the dark web that threatens national security. There’s a decades-old mystery involving hidden treasure. And, of course, there’s the ever-present undercurrent of trust and betrayal—who’s telling the truth, who’s working an angle, and who’s about to make their next move?
Balancing these elements while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high took longer than expected. Some subplots had to be reworked entirely, others had to be trimmed down, and a few surprises emerged that even I didn’t see coming in the early drafts.
What’s Next?
Now that this book is finally complete, I can say with confidence that the struggle was worth it. The twists, the revelations, and the character moments that emerged from this process have made it stronger than I initially imagined.
For readers who have been following this series, I hope you enjoy the ride. Expect high stakes, hidden agendas, and a few moments that might just leave you breathless. And as always, thank you for sticking with me on this journey—because the story is far from over.
MY REVIEW
I love how the author included at the front of the book, each book in the series with a synopsis of it. This is helpful to readers who may not have read the other ones or those who may have forgotten the characters. The story is riveting and keeps a good pace. The author is very good at writing suspenseful books that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It was interesting to find a priest at the center of the story. I thought the priest was an exceptional character who once was a Navy Seal.
A secret book is so important that lives could be ruined if it is placed in the wrong hands. Will it be found in time or will this mysterious book destroy others? Well I couldn’t wait to find out. This book had to be something very special for a priest to go use his skills as a Navy Seal to retrieve it.
Get ready for a layer of mystery, characters who face danger and a heart pounding adventure mixed with faith that will keep readers guessing till the end. I love reading books from this author because I know that it will be filled with characters that rely on faith as well as suspense that makes me want to read faster.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11
Stories By Gina, May 12 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13
Texas Book-aholic, May 14
Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Author Interview)
Betti Mace, May 16
Artistic Nobody, May 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18
Blogging With Carol, May 19
Guild Master, May 20 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 21
For Him and My Family, May 22
Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54216
Since he married, author and pastor Scott LaPierre has supported his wife and ten children on a single income. He’s witnessed the stress that accompanies financial insecurity, yet he’s learned firsthand that even those with a limited income can eliminate monetary worries when they abide by biblical principles.
How can I take control of my impulsive spending habits? How do I make up for not saving sooner? How should I prepare in case of an unplanned financial burden? Money can easily become a source of anxiety, but a sound understanding of your finances and a proactive plan for your future will put those fears to rest!
Scott LaPierre is a teaching pastor, author, and popular conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. God has blessed Scott and his wife, Katie, with ten children.
A Kenya Adventure
Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God.
Embark on a journey to healthy aging!
Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years. She is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a low pressure fitness instructor. She also specializes in orthopedics, osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Writing is one of her passions, and she is the award-winning author of numerous inspirational books. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 38 years and has responded to 10,000 first aid and fire calls. She enjoys reading, day trips, and savoring a cup of green tea. She lives with her family on the east coast.