The Secret Keeper

By: Kate Morton

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

Length: 19 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

England, 1959: Laurel Nicolson is 16 years old, dreaming alone in her childhood tree house during a family celebration at their home, Green Acres Farm. She spies a stranger coming up the long road to the farm and then observes her mother, Dorothy, speaking to him. And then she witnesses a crime.

Fifty years later, Laurel is a successful and well-regarded actress, living in London. She returns to Green Acres for Dorothy’s 90th birthday and finds herself overwhelmed by memories and questions she has not thought about for decades. She decides to find out the truth about the events of that summer day and lay to rest her own feelings of guilt. One photograph, of her mother and a woman Laurel has never met, called Vivian, is her first clue.

The Secret Keeper explores longings and dreams, the lengths some people go to fulfill them, and the strange consequences they sometimes have. It is a story of lovers, friends, dreamers and schemers, play-acting, and deception told against a backdrop of events that changed the world.

©2012 Kate Morton (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Charming story/excellent narrator

Would you listen to The Secret Keeper again? Why?

Yes.
I love the story and the narrator.

What other book might you compare The Secret Keeper to and why?

Fried Green Tomatoes

What about Caroline Lee’s performance did you like?

I love Caroline Lee's voice and her British accent. She reads very clearly. I almost feel like I am watching a play.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It kept me alert and wanting to listen to every word. The characters come to life in my mind and it felt like I knew them.

Engrossing listen - swept me along

This story engrossed and delighted me more than any in a long while. I didn't want to stop listening as I wanted to hear what unfolded next! I guessed one part of the mystery about 3 hours from the end, but was totally surprised by another revelation - I didn't see it coming. Definitely engages the emotions as it illustrates how small personal choices can have huge impacts on others' lives. Very satisfactory.

Great ending

Loved it wasn't expecting that ending. Great to listen to. Thank you for this book.

What an emotional roller coaster this book til me on!

I loved this book. It took me through so many emotions and just when I thought I had it figured out there came a new twist. I loved and hated each character the same way. I don’t often write anything in my reviews; just assign the star ratings and move on to the next book. This one, however is worth reading/listening to if you’re on the fence. I promise you will never guess the twists! I don’t like to give too much detail for fear of giving some part away. If you read it, you’ll be happy you did!

Memorable Story

What did you love best about The Secret Keeper?

The story line and journey of the mother

Who was your favorite character and why?

The eldest daughter

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

Comforting narration

Any additional comments?

Very memorable story, I love the twists and turns! I also enjoyed the descriptions of war time in England, they really brought me to that place and time. This is a story that has really stuck with me and it comes back to me from time to time.

First audio book

This was my first audio book--loved it! Tender, thrilling, and suspenseful. Enjoyed British accent.

...an addictive listen

I have just finished listening to The Secret Keeper and immediately came to write this review. I spent a credit for this book as it was one of many included in a special offering Audible was making at the time. I had read no previous books by Kate Morton so I was not familiar with any of her previous books, or with her as an author.

I got this book because the reviews seemed good and I thought that the narrator would be pleasant enough when I listened to the "sample." I liked the fact that it was a fairly long book, so I thought it would be a good value for my credit even if it wasn't one of my favorite listens.

I was absolutely captivated by everything...the characters are fleshed out, vibrant and most of all human in their strengths and flaws, the story is replete with mystery, loss, thievery and murder, and the narrator is one of the best I have heard. This is such a beautifully woven tale of life, love, tragedy and happiness that kept my attention throughout. The timeline of the story shifts seamlessly between the London blitz, the 1960's and 2011, without being overdone or confusing. More than once I thought that I had figured out the "secret(s)," only to find out that I had been foiled and needed to keep listening. Only at the very end did all of the pieces come together (with no unanswered questions in my mind, I might add!).

My whim to purchase this book led me to a new author and narrator that I will look for with future purchases. Kate Morton made me fall in love with her and her characters Jimmy, Vivian and Dorothy. This novel will linger pleasantly with me for some time...until I pick it up and listen to the story again, as I can assure you I will.

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Everything about this story and narration couldn't be more perfect! I hope to forget it all so I can enjoy it all over again, but alas I fear it is unforgettable.

Great twists and turns

What did you love best about The Secret Keeper?

Love the way the story continues to develop all the way to the end. It's wonderfully not predictable or obvious. Both story and performer are fabulous!!

Loved it!

Great book! The story keeps you guessing and captivated. The narrator has done another superb job, I just love that woman's voice!! I will be listening to this book again.