The Secret Keeper

Laurel Nicholson was sixteen when she witnessed a shocking event during a family birthday party.  Until that time, her world had been the comfortable life of an impressionable, naive teenager living in the English countryside. This event understandably rocked her world and also her belief in what is right and wrong, particularly where her vivacious and loving mother, Dorothy, was concerned.  

Fast forward to 2011. Laurel, now a successful actress, and her sisters are gathered at Greenacres Farm, their childhood home, to celebrate their mother's 90th birthday. Dorothy's health is failing so this may be Laurel's last opportunity to get answers from her mother about that horrible incident that has plagued her memories from fifty years ago - answers that can only be found in Dorothy's past.

The story is expertly told in three time frames.  The author hooks you immediately with the shocking event that takes place in the 60s, then goes back to World War II England during the blitz, and forward to the present.  The gradual layering of the narrative seamlessly assembles all the missing pieces of the mystery, enhanced with a passionate love affair, betrayal, and exploitation amidst the ravages of war.  Just when you think you have it all neatly figured out you're hit with a zinger of an ending! 

The Secret Keeper [1] was the first of Kate Morton's books that I've read. Her characters are very well developed as is the story rich with vivid detail.  I will definitely watch for future novels from her.