When L.E. Ryan released her debut novel "Secrets" in October 2024, she drew on years of experience that began at the Atlanta Police Department. The book quickly gained traction, becoming the top seller for Midnight Publishing in November and earning recognition from the Southern Christian Writers Conference, where Ryan was named Spotlight Author.
The novel tells the story of Brianna Morgan, a new homicide stenographer with the Atlanta Police Department who possesses an unusual burden: second sight. Unable to reveal her gift to colleagues, Morgan must navigate the rigid protocols of law enforcement while acting on visions that predict tragedy. It's a premise that explores what Ryan calls "the human and emotional cost of the unexplained."
From Police Department to Publishing
Ryan's professional background lends authenticity to the procedural elements of her work. After starting her career at the Atlanta Police Department, she maintained connections to law enforcement throughout her time in human resources and academia. That insider perspective shapes how she portrays the tension between institutional rules and individual conscience in her mystery novels exploring supernatural themes.
"Secrets is a well written story about how a young woman handles a gift of 'seeing' with her family, co-workers, superiors that can sometime result in reprimand and thanks for the heads up," wrote reviewer E. Benson from North Carolina.
Building Momentum
The book's reception extended beyond sales numbers. WBHF radio station in Cartersville, Georgia and The Franklin Press in Franklin, North Carolian featured Ryan in interviews about the novel, while newspaper coverage helped introduce her work to new audiences. She was also selected as a featured author for the Hidden Voices Project, which celebrates independent writers.
Publisher Yvonne Mason of Midnight Publishing offered particularly strong praise: "As an author and publisher who has been in the business for 20+ years, I have to say Secrets by L.E. Ryan is one of the most engaging books I have had the honor to read. While formatting the book for publication, I almost forgot to edit and do my job, the book just drew me into it." The book was Midnight Publishing's #2 best seller in December 2025.
Other readers highlighted the crime fiction narrative's surprise ending and emotional depth. Reviewer B. Trawick from Sylva, North Carolina, noted the story's evocation of Atlanta in the 1970s and 80s, calling it "a fascinating story" that required reminders "that it was strictly fiction."
What's Next
For Ryan, who describes herself as "a consummate coffee drinker, devoted traveler, gardener, and needle artist," this debut represents the beginning rather than the culmination of her writing career. She has indicated she has more stories to explore within her chosen terrain of mystery and the supernatural, with hopes of becoming a recognized name in the genre.
The success of "Secrets" suggests readers are hungry for women's fiction that blends crime procedurals with supernatural elements—particularly when written by someone who understands the institutional realities of police work. As one Georgia reviewer put it simply: "Loved. loved the story and the ending was perfect!"
