The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Atria Books 2012

Once again Kate Morton weaves a tale of love, family and secrets across the years.   The story starts when Laurie Nicolson returns to her family’s farm for her mother, Dolly’s, last days.  Memories churn to the surface and Laurie becomes obsessed with finding the answer to one crucial memory.  When she was 16 years old she witnessed her mother commit a crime.  Now before Dolly passes on, Laurie is determined to find out why.

Fans of Kate Morton will be able to guess what follows.  Laurie’s sudden desire to reopen the past is met with convenient clues, hale and healthy acquaintances of her mother’s, and even a back-story set in Australia.   It may seem formulaic, but Kate Morton still writes an intelligent and entertaining story that is worth the read.

The Secret Keeper takes readers from present day London to the Blitz of 1941.  Dolly is a young woman intent on starting a life of her own during some of the darkest days of World War II.  Her story, which Laurie slowly unravels with the help of her brother, is filled with romance and tragedy.  The characters are well developed, though not always likable.  The history of war torn London is detailed and realistic.  The mystery of Dolly’s crime isn’t totally unique though.  Morton manages to throw a few interesting twists into it but a keen reader can probably guess at the ending.   Admirers of her work will still be pleased.  Newcomers should also enjoy the book, however if they don’t, they should try The Forgotten Garden for Kate Morton at her best.