Title: THE SECRET KEEPER’S DAUGHTER
Author: Samantha King
ISBN: 9780008471446
Publisher: HQ Digital
Pages: 336
Source: Review copy from NetGalley
Holly Mayhew has the perfect family set-up. But when her seven-year-old daughter, Marley, begins to act strangely, refusing to speak and rushing off to hide in her room, she knows something isn’t right.
Desperate to understand why Marley has become so withdrawn, Holly creates a worry box, where Marley posts her thoughts each day.
At first, the messages seem innocent. But when Holly finds a note saying secrets make me sad, she begins to question everyone entrusted with her care…
Including her family.
Once the truth is out… there’s no going back.
Official Summary
The Secret Keeper’s Daughter is a little outside my usual genre of choice, however, this story rooted in family, secrets, and the need to do what’s best for those you love is a powerful read. What do you do when you know something is troubling your child, yet they do not want to or cannot voice their concerns? The author also explores how well we truly know our family members. Can you know someone when they do not share every truth with you? And do you want to know everything there is to know or are some truths best left unknown?
The author tells a remarkable story that draws you into the heart of a family filled with secrets. Her characters try so hard to do what is best for each other and end up keeping dark secrets which lead to nothing but confusion, pain and insecurity. Samantha King weaved a complex tale with The Secret Keeper’s Daughter that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages trying to find the truth.
Holly has everything she has ever dreamed of. A loving husband, and two beautiful children. However, when seven-year-old Marley’s behaviour starts changing, Holly knows something is wrong. Even when her husband tells her that she is over-reacting and that Marley is fine. Holly makes a worry box and Marley’s notes appear innocent at first. When Holly receives a note saying “I do not like Secrets” she knows something is wrong. In her attempt to comfort her troubled daughter, she starts down a path that leads not only to her daughter’s concerns but also uncovers some secrets from her childhood. Leaving Holly questioning all the adults in her daughter’s life. Are some truths better not known?
This is a complex tale that had me reading late into the night as I eagerly tried to uncover the truth. I was so engrossed in all the family secrets and lies I battled to drag myself away from this one. I enjoy never knowing where the story was headed. The author created a family that never really knew each other while they deeply cared for each other.
Holly is a remarkable charactered. Struggling with a heart condition, everyone tries to protect her, afraid that the truth would send her to her grave. While the only time this poor woman had any peace at all was when she finally uncovers all the family secrets. Holly might be ill, but the stress of second-guessing everyone in her life is so much harder for her to deal with than the horrible truths everyone is keeping from her. The author created a brilliant group of characters and highlighted the importance of honesty within a family unit.
This was a fantastic read. I reached for this book during a rather hectic weekend which was not the best choice as I battle to drag myself away. This complex tale full of missing truths that lead to suspicions and confusion for Holly was beautifully told. I loved this book.
Mystery fans will find themselves glued to the pages as they eagerly race towards the end of this book. Do not try to predict this books’ ending, it is not what you expect. The author weaves so many twists into this one you are guaranteed to be surprised with every turn. This book was a gripping read that kept me guessing. You won’t be disappointed.
Samantha King writes psychological suspense novels and lives in west London with her husband and two young children.
As an English graduate and lifelong bookworm, becoming an author was always Samantha’s dream. This passion for storytelling led her first to a career in publishing, managing a commercial fiction imprint for a global publisher. After fifteen years, she abandoned office life in favour of working from home as a freelance editor for various publishers and literary agents.
Samantha has always loved books that explore the hidden depths of the heart and mind, and she decided to satisfy her growing interest in human psychology by qualifying as a psychotherapist. This deepened her fascination with the hopes and fears that make people tick, which again reawakened her writing ambitions. Working around – and inspired by – a busy family life, she finally sat down and wrote her debut novel, THE PERFECT FAMILY.
Samantha writes in a hut at the end of her garden with a very affectionate Cavachon dog for company.
Thank you to HQ Digital and NetGalley for this remarkable review copy. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book. Are you a Samantha King fan? Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I hope you will enjoy The Secret Keeper’s Daughter as much as I did. Until next time… Happy Reading!
oh, this sounds so intense. Awesome review!
Thank you