The first book I read for the 50 Book Pledge Challenge was Michael Robotham’s novel The Secrets She Keeps. This book was lent to me with the adviso that the book was ‘gooood!’ and his best novel yet. The blurb on the back of the novel did not give much away except that the story was about two women, Agatha and Meghan. I opened this psychological thriller with anticipation.
I had read about 50 pages of the novel with a feeling of disappointment. The beginning of the novel was too much like what I had read in Paula Hawkins’ Girl on the Train. I read a little more, the plot changed and I became engrossed in the story. This was a perfect read to begin my year with as I was able to read with no interruption.
The story centres around Agatha and Meghan. These women have had different upbringing and life experiences. Meghan appears to have the perfect life, a life which Agatha desires. It is this life that Agatha is intent on acquiring. How she does it, and the steps she takes to achieve this is told to us by a storyteller who has perfected the art of giving the reader tidbits of the story line at a time. While reading the novel, I felt for both the women characters: I felt their triumph, their pain, their loss. Halfway through the book, I could not prevent myself from turning the pages and reading their stories.
Even though the novel was disappointing in the beginning, I enjoyed the story of an experience that a mother never hopes to have. If you enjoyed Girl on a Train, you will enjoy this tale. It is drama at its best.
Have you read any of Robotham’s novels?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2018
(This novel was read as part of my 50 Book Pledge)
I always appreciate your stack book titles, Colline and am in awe of your ability to make time to read with your full time teaching schedule and family. That is an impressive pledge!
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Thank you Ruth. I am a bookworm and squeeze in time everyday to read a little.
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Ooh, I can’t wait to read this now Colline! Thanks for giving me something to add to my reading list.😊
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This is one you would definitely enjoy, especially if you like reading thrillers.
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I find that I no longer enjoy mysteries or tense books, so I tend to stick with milder ones these days. I used to read every mysrey written, but that was when they were not so stressful for me to read–I stuck more with what they used to call ‘cozies’, although someone killing someone in a story is not ‘cosy’ at all!
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I love those books as well. When I choose a new book, I tend to look for one on my TBR shelf or in the library that suits my current mood.
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Isn’t it great that there are so very many things to read in the world? There is something seemingly for everyone at any time–what riches!
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We are lucky to live in a time when reading is a right and not a privilege.
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I find it too bad though that many people reduce their skills and attention span by addiction to internet. I hope it all works out for the good.
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I know the title, Colline, but have never read anything of his. 🙂 🙂 Hope you have a good week!
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It was my first read of his work, and I enjoyed it. I have been told by a fan of his that it is his best work.
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Thank you for the review, Colline!
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Hope you found it useful Amy.
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I have not read any of Michael Robotham’s novels. I will add this one to my reading list since I did enjoy Girl on a Train. Thanks! 🙂
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I am sure this novel will not disappoint you.
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