Thanks to NetGalley and Dundum for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: December 10th, 2016
184 Pages
Synopsis: When Kit disappeared at a party and was found drowned in the quarry the next day, Clem knew who to point the finger at: herself. She was the last person to see him alive, the last person who could have helped. If she had just kept a closer eye on him instead of her crush, Jake, maybe Kit would still be here. She knows she made a mistake, and wishes she could just forget about it–but Clem’s friend Ellie says she’ll expose Clem’s secret if she doesn’t play along with Ellie’s lies.
Jake seems to have his own difficult secrets, and when he and Clem start to talk, they make a plan to help themselves move on. But when an unexpected discovery at the quarry makes everyone question what they thought they knew, Clem and Jake decide it’s up to them to uncover the truth.
The Secrets We Keep could have been such an exciting mystery surrounding the death of an autistic boy, but there are just too many missed opportunities to make this an enjoyable read. The main character, Clem is likable enough but rather bland, and I had a difficult time connecting with her. The other characters are pretty much forgettable except for Clem’s “best friend” Ellie, and the only reason why she stands out is because I spent most of the story wanting to shove her off the nearest cliff! The whole blackmail thing between the two girls made absolutely no sense to me, nor did all the lying everyone engaged in. I kept expecting an “Ah ha!” moment. You know. One of those mind blowing plot twists that would explain in a believable way why these teens were being so secretive, but instead the story basically limped along until its stuttering, lackluster ending. I’m also not sure what age group this is aimed for. The characters are seventeen, but they act and talk more like tweens and I’m unsure of this holding a high schooler’s attention. To be perfectly honest there are much better YA Mystery and Suspense books out there such as: The Lost Girls, by Merrie Destefano, The Lock & Mori books by, Heather Petty, and Until I Break by Kara Bietz just to name a few. I’m sorry to say that for me anyway, although it was short, The Secrets We Keep just wasn’t worth the almost two hours I spent reading it. There are some positive reviews for this on Goodreads and Amazon, so as always, I encourage you to check this out for yourself. Perhaps I’m just channeling my inner Grinch!
tamaralowery said:
Wow, they’ve been funneling some real stinkers your way these past few weeks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve definitely gotten a mixed bag Tamara!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
thesarahdoughty said:
It does sound a little off to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read, but it was disappointing.😕
LikeLiked by 1 person
thesarahdoughty said:
I understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
I was going to review this one but found it didn’t have a Kindle copy when trying to download so I just dropped a note to them that without one I wouldn’t be reviewing. I just really don’t like dealing with the pdfs but thought I might be missing out on something good but now I’m not too upset.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
In this case you really didn’t miss anything Carrie. If you’re ever interested in a book though that is only available as a pdf, the Bluefire reading app is pretty good.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
I’ve always wished they would tell us in advance if it’s going to be a PDF only book. There are a lot of people like myself that just don’t want to mess with them. My problem is I can never get the test adjusted properly if they aren’t Kindle and end up straining my eyes and annoyed so I unless they are really amazing looking I will probably just drop a note and pass on them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yeah. It’s weird because a few publishers like Curiousity Quills tell you up front they only send pdfs, but with most others they don’t. I’ve learned Simon Pulse also sends mostly pdf eARCS. Have you tried the Bluefire reading app Carrie? It’s not bad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
I have but I still just prefer to have the Kindle copy that is so much easier for me but there’s been a few I’ve done anyway because the book looked really awesome. I probably would have gone ahead and downloaded this one and read it if it hadn’t come after my surgery and slow reading period but I do wish they would warn people ahead of time so I can decide to skip or not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I completely understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
JJAzar said:
I saw a glimmer of light when you mentioned Ellie until I read the bit about the cliff. So sad. 😀 Sucks that this one wasn’t worthwhile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You know, I’m truly not a violent person, but she was just soooo annoying!😡
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
Oh no- this doesn’t sound too good unfortunately! I hate when books are slow and there’s no point the mystery- I need at least one “aha” moment!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You know, it wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. Just frustratingly bland.😕
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
Ahh that’s annoying
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😡😡
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
Good use of the word ‘lacklustre’, Kim. Enough said.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete! That was my $50 word of the day!😏
LikeLike
Transhaan said:
Teenagers who sound like tweens… And a character that instigates a desire to push them off a cliff? Definitely doesn’t sound like an enjoyable read! Great review though ahahah Always good to let your inner Grinch enjoy himself a little 😛
– Lashaan
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Not the worst, but definitely a story that didn’t live up to the premise. Thanks Lashaan!🤗
LikeLike