Hardcover, 481 pages
Published October 9th 2012 by Atria
In 1961, at a family birthday party, sixteen year old Laurel witnesses a strange encounter between a man and her mother that will become a heavy secret for years and years. Fast forward to 2011 when Laurel comes home to visit her dying mother. Finding an old photo from 1941 and listening to her mother's ramblings become clues to a mystery from her mother's past that Laurel feels compelled to solve."It suddenly seemed to Laurel that all the absence in her own life, every loss and sadness, every unexplained melancholy, took the shadowy form of the same unanswered question:something that had been there since she was sixteen years old-- her mother's unspoken secret."
The plot segues seamlessly between 1941, 1961 and 2011 as told alternately by Laurel and Dorothy. Never once did I feel like I was yanked out of one timeframe and abruptly thrust into another. Morton's writing is smooth as silk and just as luxurious. I've read reviews that say she is a little wordy. I disagree. I love the way she puts me in the scene and makes me aware of all the surroundings.Who are you, Dorothy?" she said beneath her breath, "Who were you, before you became Ma?"
Morton has the ability to draw me into her world immediately and keeps my interest in the plot and characters invested at all times. In every one of her books there has been a "twist" that I didn't see coming. I've now read every book Kate Morton has written and loved them all. The Secret Keeper is my second favorite one just a shade behind The Distant Hours, most likely my favorite read of 2012. 4.5****
Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Netgalley/Atria in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really loved this one. It was my first Kate Morton book and I can't wait to read all her others. Great review.
ReplyDeleteKimberlee
http://girllostinabook.blogspot.com
This sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteSounds really good, Kaye! Loved your review.
ReplyDeleteI read The Distant Hours and didn't like it. I can't decide if I want to give Kate Morton another chance or not! Great review.
ReplyDeleteI must must must read Kate Morton very soon. I have The Forgotten Garden on my shelves so I shall start with that.
ReplyDeleteI don't recall ever reading a book by this author, but after reading your review, she looks like an author I need to try.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful! I loved the audio version of The Forgotten Garden, so will add this one to the list, too.
ReplyDeleteI just started listening to this book. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIve heard great things about this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review!
Great review! I hope to start it soon. You've made me very excited about it.
ReplyDeleteI've only read one of her books, but I know I'll read the others eventually because I like the way she writes.
ReplyDeleteI love d this book too. Kate Morton is fast becoming one of my favorite authors!
ReplyDeleteChèli
Cheli's Shelves
WOW...can't wait to get to my copy in December. (ooops that's now right? LOL)
DeleteCan't wait to read this one...it sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteI have had a few people recommend this one now and I have been dying to try her books for awhile. i really should stop procrastinating and do something about it :)
ReplyDeleteI could not put the book down. At times I was confused about what was happening in the book, but that made my interest grow stronger.
ReplyDeleteMicky Johnson (SEO Dallas)