This is billed as book 8 in the DCI Yorke series and is probably best read where it has been placed even though on the face of things it appears to be a stand alone. It is written in the form of a diary (obvious I know) starting from when Lacey was 13 and is basically her origin series, detailing a series of events which shaped the girl into the women we all love and hate as an adult. It brings her right up to where we find ourselves in the series and could be spoilery if read too early.
So.. Lacey, a young girl, living in the shadow of her notorious family, the half of which you won't believe. On a pig farm, her inheritance, with her mad mother and strict father. She's a bit of a loaner at first but, as is often the case, one loner attracts another and, before you know it, she has two friends. But the darkness is there, bubbling under, biding its time, before... and that's all you're getting...
It's a cracking read. I do love a good origin story but tend to find that they only really work if the character is worthy of one. Which Lacey most definitely is, and then some. She's one of my favourite characters in this series and I always wondered what, apart from the obvious, made her the women she is today. This book explores all this and more. Especially her first forays into the infamous Blue Room...
It's brutal and intense, and pulls no punches. But you already know that as you are already familiar with both Lacey and the author's graphic side of writing. But it's a wonderful insight into one of the darkest and best characters that I really look forward to meeting up with again - in a book though, not in real life... Donna MorfettAuthor 3 books56

Where to begin?
Lacey Ray has long been a favourite character, after emerging in the later books of this series. Wes has been asked about doing a spin off for her character and he finally gave in!
When I found out I was super excited.
Did the book live up to this level of excitement. Oh no, no, it far, far exceeded them.
This follows Laceys story from childhood, when she turns 11 and gets a diary for her birthday. Her mother is mentally ill and her father strict.
Lacey doesn't make friends and is used to being alone. That is until she meets Lance, rescuing him when he's being bullied. They form a strong, wonderful friendship. Showing Lacey is capable of caring for another.
I love how Wes explores various aspects of her character. He touches on the darkness that is always there, but how she is able to control it. He also introduces the Blue Room and how that came to be.
There are some dark scenes in the Dead House, but none without good reasons.
I raced through reading this, picking it up at eberu opportunity, even if meaning I could only read a page or 2. I had to know what happened next.
This is a breathtaking read. The way Wes gets into the mind of a psychopathic teen is quite concerning.
A contender for one of my books of the year. Sharon Rimmelzwaan1,268 33

If you have read anything by Wes Markin, you know how twisted and dark he can get! The Secret Diary of Lacey Ray takes the reader right back to the beginning of our own 'friendly' Lacey Ray.
I could not wait for this book to arrive, and when it eventually did, I was hooked. The cover and title just screams 'read me!' I was dying to know how Lacey became who she is.
From the very first paragraph, I couldn't put this book down for a minute. The youngest would have definitely starved if he didn't get his own food that day!
Wes Markin has the skill of creating characters that you know you should really dis, but you can't. Lacey Ray is one of those. It almost feels voyeurism reading this book. Witnessing her inner thoughts and feelings, which veer into certain categories and don't change much as an adult!
This is certainly a book that anyone who is a fan of Wes's will appreciate, and I can guarantee they will enjoy it too! As always, it is such a twisted and dark story that is excellently written.

Thanks to the author for the gifted ebook to write my honest opinion. Mary Ryan927 20

Wow! What an intense and incredible read that was. Readers of the Michael Yorke series will be familiar with the Ray family and the incredible character that is Lacey Ray.

This is a departure, but what an amazing one it is. Lacey is gifted a diary for her birthday as a child, and this is an incredible insight into what she was , her home life and surroundings, and how she gradually became the character we now know. The darkness was always there and the ability to control most of the people in her vicinity, but we see a more softer and caring side to her which took me by surprise.

Despite the intensity, I devoured this in a few hours. This author can do no wrong in my eyes, and this is another winner for me. Diane715 7

3.5* rounded up.
A dark and twisted read. Having read all the DCI Yorke books I was expecting nothing less from Wes Markin. I've loved them all with their gritty, fast paced and disturbing plots...but his one just didn't quite hit the mark with me. It's well written with some unique twists and turns but it dips it's toes too heavily into the horror genre for me which makes some aspects a little unbelievable. I wasn't gripped but still found it entertaining. There is a lot of good written into this book.....and plenty of evil! Mary 22

Wow! Using the diary format is a great way to explain the evolution of Lacie Ray! Actually...almost...felt some compassion for this psychopathic character! A must read for readers of the DCI Michael Yorke series Kath MiddletonAuthor 23 books153

Lacey pops up fully formed in the author's DCI Yorke books, but this is her backstory. If you ever wondered how she got that you need to read this book. Does a hard woman Lacey Ray come about through nature or nurture? Or both? A hard read in places but this book fills the gaps. Ann270

Dang…

No matter her crimes and her psychopathy, Lacey is a flame, and me, the moth. An incredibly brilliant character. I should avoid the flame, but can’t wait for the next chapter in her story. Well done. Vanessa Krushner294 8

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