Secrets of the Manor
Suspense Thriller
Date Published: December 26, 2024
In a busy outdoor market, in broad daylight, an apparently ordinary woman
is gunned down by a professional assassin. Twelve years later, the killer is
back with a new target – and a mysteriously sinister
employer…
What secrets could a father leave behind?
A gripping, high-stakes thriller that seamlessly blends espionage, mystery,
and intense suspense, The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor will keep you
on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Sophie Allard, a promising jet pilot cadet at a prestigious military
academy, finds her world shattered when she’s summoned to the
Commander’s office with devastating news—her estranged father
has died in a mysterious lab explosion at their family estate.
What begins as a routine investigation soon spirals into something far more
dangerous.
As Sophie delves deeper into the secrets surrounding her father’s
death, she uncovers hidden truths that threaten not only her career but her
life. Unraveling a web of deception and betrayal, Sophie discovers that her
father’s involvement with a powerful and shadowy
organization—the Third Estate—could hold the key to both her
survival and her downfall.
With an assassin hunting her every step and the enigmatic Grey Lady pulling
the strings behind the scenes, Sophie must navigate a perilous landscape of
secrets, lies, and danger.
This fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of complex conspiracies,
strong female protagonists, and unpredictable twists. If you love novels
that combine action, suspense, and mystery, The Third Estate is your next
must-read.
Will Sophie uncover the truth—before it’s too late?
Interview
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
It took me about a year to finish my first draft. When I first started, I had placed clues and descriptions early in the novel in anticipation for the great reveal at the end. I researched several topics and left specific details, like the color of the smoke and the smell of the fire. Later in the novel, at the time of the reveal, I was baffled with why I wrote it the way I did. I had to go back and re-research my clues to find the answers. Lesson learned. Document the answers of the clues when I write them. During one of my many revisions, I realized that I needed an addition character, not currently in the book, to notice a specific detail and comment on it. I had to go back to the beginning and add in this character in the appropriate chapters for the character to notice the important detail at the end. The most important change from earlier drafts was that, in the end, in a believable situation, Sophie must find a way to save herself. You will just have to read the novel to find out how!
What are your most played songs?
I love music from Bon Jovi to musicals like The Phantom. But my very favorite is any song by Jimmy Buffet.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
Not by the strictest of terms. I bounce ideas off of anyone who is willing to listen, to include family, friends, coworkers, the mailman.
The Third Estate Secrets of the Manor is my debut novel and this really is my first rodeo, so I’m learning as I go. I think I will be more organized with beta readers for the second round. Or maybe, I’ll ride along with the mailman on his route and see what he thinks.
What book are you reading now?
I love everything and all by Agatha Christie.
How did you start your writing career?
I minored in Writing in college and The Third Estate Secrets of the Manor has been swimming in my head for years. Now that Mom’s Taxi is officially closed and my presence is no longer needed in the stands on the soccer or football fields, I have the time to devote to realizing my dream. Since the first day I started to outline the story, the words have flooded the pages like a tsunami, and haven’t stopped. This book is the first in a series. I chased a dream and now am a self-published author. I set my goals high and work every day to achieve them.
Tell us about your next release.
I’m planning to finish the next installment of the series by the end of this year, fingers crossed. Unlikely alliances will form, lines crossed, friendships challenged, and destinies changed forever. You’ll just have to stay tuned and check out the next epic adventure.
About the Author
D.R. Berlin is an award-winning author, U.S. Army veteran, and General
Surgeon with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Writing minor from MIT.
A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, her career in
high-pressure environments fuels the pulse-pounding suspense and authentic
detail in The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor. Berlin combines her
scientific expertise and love of storytelling to deliver a gripping,
intricate thriller that keeps readers on edge. Drafted as the unofficial
photographer of her children’s sports teams, she has been
affectionally dubbed the “Mamarazzi.”
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