The Secret Keeper

Kate Morton is a master at transporting you to another time and place and creating rich, layered, and believable characters. The Secret Keeper is a wonderful mix of mystery and historical fiction and has more of a modern feel than most of her other novels, both in writing style and setting. It\’s not set in a grand estate, rather WWII is the setting that acts as character. The 1940s contains the answers to the family mystery that \”started\” in the 1960s, which a daughter is trying to solve in the present day 2011. Morton jumps between time periods and writes from multiple characters\’ perspectives seamlessly. This book had a slower build for me than her other novels. Early on it felt destined to be my least favorite of her stories, but by the end it became the one I arguably appreciate most. It definitely won a place in my heart and permanent shelf. It took some time for me to become absorbed in the story, though the characters of Dolly, Vivien and Jimmy were intriguing from the start. However, the last third of the novel is un-put-downable. There is a sort of sinking feeling you get as the story unfolds and you learn more about the characters and ruminate on their futures. However, by the end of the novel this weight is lightened as you realize everyone\’s role in the family mystery. I\’ve always loved how Morton is able to craft multiple mysteries and surprises. In this novel her ability to mix hints and red herrings was top-notch and kept me guessing and second guessing. I was able to predict some pieces correctly but they weren\’t obvious, which is a common frustration with many novels. She masterfully gives you enough to develop theories yet question them continually, leaves other pieces as true mysteries to keep you intrigued, and still manages to completely shock you with a surprise or two that fit wonderfully rather than feeling contrived. A slower build, but an incredibly satisfying finale that left me wanting to go back and re-read to pick up on all the clues and reacquaint myself with these characters I grew to understand, sympathize with, and in many ways, love.

In the autumn of 2011, I made my final purchase at Borders Bookstore. It was a sad day, but one bright spot I take away from it is that among the three books I walked out the door for the final time with was THE DISTANT HOURS by Kate Morton, an author I had not ever read before. From the moment of opening it, I\’d been immersed within its world, within its mysteries. And before I\’d been two chapters in, I realized I\’d found a rare, gifted writer. Upon the moment I finished THE DISTANT HOURS, I had acquired and then devoured both her previous novels, THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN and THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON, and they did not disappoint. Since that time, I\’ve considered Kate Morton among my favorite three living writers. It was only natural that I pre-order THE SECRET KEEPER for its release in the fall of 2012, and innately proper that I dive right in the moment I receive it. The opening scene here is brilliantly set. I can honestly say that Morton actually outdoes herself in this novel, and that every time I put the book down, I would ache to have it back again, to feel what the inhabitants herein were feeling, worry over what their fates were to be, regardless how I felt about them as \”people\”– for good or bad, they were, each of them, fully realized in this author\’s deft hands. The events of this story take place in three different time periods, opening in 1961 with 16-year-old Laurel witnessing a shocking event involving her mother, then to 2011 as her mother nears the end of her life, then back in time to WWII-era London, where the fates of Laurel\’s mother and two other people are sealed forever. The author glides seamlessly throughout this novel between these time periods, and her voice is absolutely enchanting: \”\’What\’s this?\’ she said. \’Nothing, really,\’ he said, watching as she turned it over in her hands. \’I took it for you– last night. It reminded me of your story, you know, the creek with the lights at the very bottom, and the people–the family on the other side of the veil.\’ She looked at the picture. He\’d taken it as dawn was breaking; sunlight had made shards of glass in the ruins glitter and sparkle, and beyond the rising smoke you could make out the shadowy forms of the family who\’d just emerged from the Anderson shelter that had saved their lives.\” Like all Morton\’s novels, THE SECRET KEEPER will break your heart. At the same time, it will take very good care to endear you to its own, as you marvel at the languid rhythm of its voice, and bask in the eloquence and emotion of the language.

Kate Morton demonstrated a great talent for getting into the heads of her characters and understanding their motivations. Her descriptions of both the tough and vulnerable characteristics of Dolly, Vivien and Jimmy kept me wanting to know more about them. I found myself drawn back to visit with them when I really was supposed to be otherwise engaged. At first I thought this would be an easy read, and I read casually. As time went on, I realized that the story was more complex than I had given it credit, and I started paying closer attention. I\’m glad I did. While I am often frustrated because I figure out the ending of many novels long before I get there, I was very taken and surprised by the end. It is the best kind of novel that gives a full sense of closure and understanding at the end. Kudos to you, Ms Morton! I will be reading her other titles soon.

I really enjoyed this book , t is quite a long book but easy reading , I bought this to read whilst away on holiday Please take a moment to push the helpful button and make my time typing up and reviewing worthwhile ?

A stunning read.Wow!! I have read The distant Hours and The Lake House by Kate Morton and I really enjoyed both and so,I ordered The Secret Keeper.Its difficult to say that this was my favourite of her books because they have all been so good but,this book just kept on giving.Twists and turns a plenty.It was a real page turner for me.And then to top it all,there is a twist at the end which I really did not see coming.I did wonder,at times and with much enjoyment, how the events of the book all fitted together and boy! did the last few pages fit all the pieces together.So,so clever.What a writer Kate Morton is.I have ordered The Forgotton Garden,also by Kate Morton and can not wait to get started.

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