The Secret Place by Tana French

A single, simple note featuring only five words and a photo set a chain of events into motion in author Tana French’s THE SECRET PLACE.

French beautifully weaves the story from the present to the past and back again as the events unfold. She balances the viewpoints of several characters as each gives their spin on how the actions played out.

While a number of the characters reappear from previous books in the Dublin Murder Squad series, French provides enough background that new readers don’t feel they’re missing key ingredients to follow this story.

A postcard stating, “I know who killed him” is taken from the Secret Place by 16-year-old Holly Mackey, daughter of Detective Frank Mackey. Rather than give the note to her father, Holly takes it to Detective Stephen Moran, who had been helpful to her once before. 

The Secret Place is a bulletin board where the girls at St. Kilda Boarding School can privately share their deepest, darkest secrets (or gossip) while remaining anonymous. The postcard refers to Chris Harper, a teenage boy from a neighboring school that was found murdered on the St. Kilda grounds. The case was never solved.

The note reopens an almost cold case about the murder. Moran sees this as his chance to possible get a foot into the Dublin Murder Squad. He and Detective Antoinette Conway, lead detective on the original investigation, begin questioning and reexamining the evidence. The twists and turns that follow lead the officers to make discoveries in a world involving teenagers that they had never anticipated.

THE SECRET PLACE will have you guessing and wondering until the very end. An excellent psychological thriller that brings the bonds of friendship and integrity into a new light.

Author Tana French’s website is http://www.tanafrench.com/

The Secret Place by Tana French, Dublin Murder Squad series Book #5, Viking Adult, @2014, ISBN: 978-0670026326, Hardcover, 464 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you’re enjoying a fun Saturday. Do you enjoy stories where the dialogue reflects the age group being presented even if the chatter is among teens using their terminology of the day?

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Eyes on You by Kate White

Journalist Robin Trailer appears to have finally achieved success and then it begins to crumble away from her in Kate White’s EYES ON YOU.

Narrator Abby Craden brings the characters to life in this edge-of-your-seat thriller. Her mannerisms and cadence captures the emotions and enhances the suspense surrounding the protagonist.

Robin has had a rough few years after losing her cheating husband and her job. Now she’s worked her way up to co-anchor of a popular TV show and just published a book that is climbing the charts. When strange things begin to happen, Robin isn’t worried at first. But as the stunts escalate, she realizes someone isn’t just out to get her job – but her life as well.

Suspecting Vicky Cruz, the station’s superstar whose light is dimming, an internal investigation is conducted. The investigation reveals that Robin, still dealing with a childhood trauma, is apparently behind her own sabotage.

Set on clearing her name, Robin draws a small group of friends closer. But as the same time she begins to wonder who she can truly trust.

The author has created a story filled with psychological suspense where every character appears to be the culprit. The twists and turns will keep you guessing and hold you spellbound until the end.

The setting of a TV talk show adds drama and intrigue to the mix. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The story flows quickly as you try to sort out the clues.

EYES ON YOU will have you second-guessing your pick for the killer as the stunts accelerate to murder. Fascinating and suspenseful until the end.

Eyes on You: A Novel of Suspense by Kate White, Performed by Abby Craden, Harper Audio, @2014, ASIN: BOOK6JPYRY, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 8 Hours and 59 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.


Thanks so much for visiting today. I hope you find time to relax, unwind and enjoy a good book. Do you think TV shows or talk shows make good backdrops for intrigue and mystery?

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