The Secret Keeper

AUTHOR: Kate Morton

From the Publisher:

From the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of Homecoming, The Distant Hours, The Forgotten Garden, and The House at Riverton comes a spellbinding novel of family secrets, murder, and enduring love.

During a picnic at her family’s farm in the English countryside, sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking crime, a crime that challenges everything she knows about her adored mother, Dorothy. Now, fifty years later, Laurel and her sisters are meeting at the farm to celebrate Dorothy’s ninetieth birthday. Realizing that this is her last chance to discover the truth about that long-ago day, Laurel searches for answers that can only be found in Dorothy’s past. Clue by clue, she traces a secret history of three strangers from vastly different worlds thrown together in war-torn London—Dorothy, Vivien, and Jimmy—whose lives are forever after entwined. A gripping story of deception and passion, The Secret Keeper will keep you enthralled to the last page.

Leah’s Thoughts:

This was my first Kate Morton book… and now I want to read everything she’s ever written. I think Historical Fiction Mystery might just be my favorite genre, and honestly, I’m not sure anyone does it better than Morton.

I was convinced I had the mystery figured out so many times, and while I managed to pick up on a few little clues, the ending still totally wrecked me (in the best way). I was in tears when I turned the last page. Not just because of the twist (which was incredible), but also because of how deeply I had come to care about these characters by the end.

It’s beautifully written, emotionally rich, and perfectly paced. If you love a good family mystery with layers of history and heart, don’t miss this one.

Content Considerations: This novel is best suited for adult readers due to its mature themes, including:

– Moderate amount of mild language
– Minimal and non-explicit sexual content (implied rather than detailed)
– Domestic Violence
– Complex moral situations
– Psychological impacts of war and personal trauma