Title: The Secrets We Keep
Author: Deb Loughead
Publisher: Dundurn Group
Pub Date: March 7, 2017
Format: Kindle eBook
Pages: 184
Source: NetGalley
Genre(s): YA, Contemporary, Mystery
Rating: ★★★
[Goodreads] ● [Amazon] ● [Book Depository]

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

First she blamed herself. Now she doesn’t know who to trust.

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.

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My review:

Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“He did not wind up in the water by accident. I know that someone out there, one of many who were at the quarry that night, knows more.”

Since The Secrets We Keep is intended to be a contemporary mystery, I will not be discussing the plot. On that note, do yourself a favor and go into every mystery book without prior knowledge of the story. The reading experience will be so much more enjoyable that way.

Anyway, let’s talk about this book. It’s on the shorter side so there isn’t much to discuss. The story starts a few months after the mysterious death of Kit Stinski. Authorities ruled it as “death by misadventure”, but his lawyer mother will not settle until the real cause of his death is uncovered. It turns out that almost every character in this story is keeping secrets about what really happened that night, and the roles they may or may not have played in Kit’s “misadventure” eventually come to light.

The writing is fast-paced and easy to follow but it felt a little juvenile for my taste. That being said, I’m used to far more lengthy (and frankly disturbing) mysteries, so it’s quite possible that you will enjoy this a lot more than I did. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter mystery.

Pro: This was a very quick read so it shouldn’t be surprising that I finished it in one sitting. I do love it when a book can give me closure very quickly.

Con: The plot twists were more like gentle nudges, but maybe you’re into that kind of suspense. I prefer my mysteries to feel like consecutive punches in the gut.

Pro: There are several suspect characters, so even though it was a little predictable to me, there are some bits and pieces that will keep you constantly guessing.

Con: I really didn’t like any of the characters… and normally this is fine. I love to hate characters. The problem is, I feel nothing at all for these ones. Take that as you will.

Conclusion: This simply wasn’t my cup of suspenseful tea but I’m sure many others will love it.