While trying to decide which book review to catch up with first, my mind went back to The Secret Keeper and I remembered all over again how, though I thought Kate Morton's other books were all good, this one turned out to be great. My main problem was always with the mystery. While reading her other novels, I always guessed the overlying mystery within the first few chapters and, though the writing was good and I enjoyed the stories, that special "something" was missing for me. But this one ... oh how I want to spoil it for all of you! (But don't worry ... I won't.)
Laurel Nicolson is an award-winning actress in London whose mother is dying. She must return to her family home in the country, to reunite with her siblings and to revisit the scene of her most shocking memory -- the day that a sixteen-year old Laurel watched her mother kill a stranger. And, now that her mother's time is ending, Laurel decides that she has to know why her otherwise happy and loving parent snapped that day. Switching between the present and WWII, we find out the whole story -- the good and the bad.
I am finally a full-fledged Kate Morton fan after this book. The different narratives were compelling and very well written. I wish I could tell you just how Morton had me wondering where the story could go and then how it went somewhere I truly didn't expect. I wish I could tell you how certain events seemed brilliant by the end of the story. I wish I could tell you about unreliable narrators and so much more ... but you're going to have to just read the book and find it all out for yourselves!
Happy to have stuck with this author,
K
On my Dec reading list, but with the month 1/2 over pretty much, not sure whether I'll get to it.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling! I am half-way through a 600 pager and am having to rethink my Dec reading plans. But you'll enjoy it when you do get to it. :)
DeleteI'm going to start with The Forgotten Garden. I figure I should work my way up to the best one.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I would suggest. I think she really grows as an author from book to book.
Deletehmm, The Forgotten Garden may be my most favorite of hers
DeleteI loved it very much too, and it inspired me to write a recipe-review: http://wordsandpeace.com/2012/10/01/2012-48-review-the-secret-keeper/
ReplyDeleteI think Santa is bringing the only Morton's book I have not read yet: The Distant Hours
Fun! I'm always a bit disappointed when I'm caught up with an author (which I am now with Morton).
DeleteThis is what I get for being so behind with blogs!! This one was on sale with Audibe yesterday but I wasn't sure so I skipped it (in favor of Beloved narrated by Morrison). Glad to see your endorsement anyway.
ReplyDeleteAw, bummer! Well hopefully it pops up again later. :)
Delete