Seven for a Secret

By: Lyndsay Faye

Narrated by: Steven Boyer

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

From Edgar-nominated author Lyndsay Faye comes the next book in what Gillian Flynn calls, "a brilliant new mystery series."

Six months after the formation of the NYPD, its most reluctant and talented officer, Timothy Wilde, thinks himself well versed in his city's dark practices - until he learns of the gruesome underworld of lies and corruption ruled by the "blackbirders," who snatch free Northerners of color from their homes, masquerade them as slaves, and sell them South to toil as plantation property.

The abolitionist Timothy is horrified by these traders in human flesh. But in 1846, slave catching isn't just legal - it's law enforcement.

When the beautiful and terrified Lucy Adams staggers into Timothy's office to report a robbery and is asked what was stolen, her reply is, "My family." Their search for her mixed-race sister and son will plunge Timothy and his feral brother, Valentine, into a world where police are complicit and politics savage, and corpses appear in the most shocking of places. Timothy finds himself caught between power and principles, desperate to protect his only brother and to unravel the puzzle before all he cares for is lost.

©2013 Lyndsay Faye (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"New York must have been a helluva town in 1846...Timothy Wilde, who rescued child prostitutes in Lyndsay Faye’s rip-roaring novel The Gods of Gotham, returns." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Atmospheric and exciting." (The Wall Street Journal)

"Memorable lead characters." (The Oregonian)

Great story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The story was great and loved how the reader told the story. The historical accuracy was most appreciated and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Faye. You'll enjoy The Gods of Gotham as well and I plan on purchaing her new Sherlock Holmes book.

Which character – as performed by Steven Boyer – was your favorite?

Valentine was my favorite character but Mr. Boyer did a great job at all the characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Before NYPD Blue there was Copper Star.

Good story, well read

Read The Gods of Gotham first, otherwise the narrator’s overly emotional posturing may be perplexing.

Great entertainment

I loved listening to the novel. The reader is skillful in his dialogue reading. the story lagged a bit in the middle, but picked up at the end.

a continuation of something great

narrated as endearingly, a fine continuance from a wonderful writer's tale of the complicated dynamics of 1845 NYC -and perhaps a reminder of what separates us even today as issues of race, class and gender rule our lives.

Another Great Timothy Wilde Story!

This sequel did not disappoint!
The narrator does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. I hope there are more coming in the series!

A well written and riveting tale

This is the second book by Lindsaye Faye about the Wilde brothers and the New York City police force in the 1840s. It is informative, grim, moving, and beautifully told. Although some scenes may be of violence, which is absolutely not to my taste generally, there is something about her mid-Victorian use of language which compels you to the scene in your head and keeps the violence in a sort of frame, as a distance. In addition to that, the well-described reality of the recapture of alleged runaway slaves and repatriation to the south makes for a really gripping story. And the nuanced relationship between Timothy, the younger facially-scarred narrator brother and Val, his older bombastic, forceful, drug-addicted brother is likewise compelling. Throw in various hints of sexual tension and some very engaging youngsters and you have a really great book. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.

Could not put it down!

What made the experience of listening to Seven for a Secret the most enjoyable?

Fantastic writing and great narration

What other book might you compare Seven for a Secret to and why?

Gods of Gotham, prequel

What does Steven Boyer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

passion and great acting voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole story was terrific

Any additional comments?

I have read all three books by Lindsay Faye, and will read anything else she writes. She is a very talented writer, with a passion and amazing capacity for researching for her material.I'm hooked!

Brilliant

Historical mysteries with heart. This one with a plot that resonates in the present. Well done! Digging into Book 3 now.

A Wild 14 Hour Journey

Would you consider the audio edition of Seven for a Secret to be better than the print version?

Steven Boyer's performance makes you forget that it's a book, it's as if it's come to life and you're on the outskirts watching the events unfold.

Great Sequel: Hope there's more to come!

I enjoyed this book just as much a the first one. The story itself is wonderful and I also enjoy hearing about what life was like in the 1840s in New York City. My favorite character in the book is Valentine and the narrator does a fantastic job with his voice. I absolutely love the relationship between Timothy and Valentine. There are a lot of interesting characters in the book. I also found the historical background really interesting as it relates to what was going on leading up to the Civil War.
The end of the book was also satisfying. I am looking forward to another book in the series!