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!

1948 and new NYPD solves mysteries of free blacks

It's 1846 in New York, and the second year of the NYPD. Last year, in book one, "Copper Star" Timothy Wilde, solved murders in a book that gave much of the history of the Irish immigrants and the conflicts between the Catholics and the Protestants. It's a good idea to read that book first ( THE GODS Of GATHAM) because many characters are carried through into this book. This book continues with murders associated with run away slaves and free blacks in the north. Once again, chapters are headed by quotes about this topic from authors of those times.

Timothy's spunk, bravery, and creative determination to do what is right by law and by moral justice, gets him into trouble with everyone, including his brother Val, who is big in the Democratic Party and continues to be a scoundrel in every sense of the word. The mistress of the brothel from the first book plays a big role in the atrocities of this book. And there are a couple of children who will tug at you heart with their lives and courage.

This historical mystery is very well documented and extremely well written. The story kept me involved with many twists and turns that I was drawn into as Timothy figured out his fast paced world. I listed to this on Audible and found the narration added much to the feeling and emotions evoked in this story.

Great series from Lindsay Faye

Any additional comments?

I really really enjoyed Gods of Gotham and had hoped for a sequel. I love historical mystery novels when they are 1) well-researched and 2) are not a sappy hybrid between mystery and bodice-ripping romance novel. Faye's work satisfies on all accounts. Both of these books bring to mind the brilliant-but-cancelled BBC drama "Copper". Can't wait for more!

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.