The Secret Keepers

By: Trenton Lee Stewart

Narrated by: Cameron Brown

Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Acclaimed New York Times best-selling author and E. B. White Read Aloud Award winner Trenton Lee Stewart returns with a captivating, heart-stopping adventure about thrilling secrets and dangerous mysteries - and the courage to reveal the most frightening of truths.

Eleven-year-old Reuben spends his days exploring, hiding, and practicing parkour among the abandoned buildings of the Lower Downs as a way to escape the rough times that have befallen him and his mom - but his discovery of an extraordinary antique pocket watch changes everything. When Reuben finds that the watch has the power to turn him invisible, he's propelled on the adventure of a lifetime.

Now Reuben is being pursued by a group of dangerous men called the Directions, and someone - or something - ominously called The Smoke. They all want the watch, and with the help of new friends it's up to Reuben to unravel the mysteries surrounding it and protect the city from evil.

New York Times best-selling author Trenton Lee Stewart's latest novel will enthrall old and new fans alike with the twists and turns of an inventive and compelling adventure reminiscent of The Mysterious Benedict Society series.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Trenton Lee Stewart (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Real flashlight under the bedclothes material...this story flies past, thrilling us as it goes." ( Horn Book)

"Tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty, and facing one's fears." ( Booklist)

"Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of kid power, clues, and adventure." ( School Library Journal)

"Cameron Brown's narration enhances the story's atmosphere. He employs clear enunciation and expert pacing to immerse the listener in Reuben's mind as he puzzles his way through the mystery. Brown's performance will engage young listeners who enjoy being on tenterhooks and feeling deliciously scared as they inhabit a dark world. He uses inflection to give unique voices to the many characters. Mrs. Genevieve, Reuben's moral compass, is especially well voiced with an appropriately foreign but grandmotherly accent." ( AudioFile)

Great book—BEST narrator!

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

I have read Trenton Stewart's other books to my 8 and 11 year old boys and enjoyed them. However, I think the Secret Keepers may be our new favorite. The story is great, but really the narrator is amazing. Probably the best reader I've heard on an audio book for the kiddos. Definitely holds your attention through a long and complex story. Great voices, great suspense. Definitely recommend!

Great read

This was a great little book to listen to on our summer road trip. It’s always a good sign when the first thing the kids want to do when they get in the cars is to turn on the book. What a fun, family friendly book.

Loved it

Hopefully there’s a book 2 coming! My whole family enjoyed it. The narrator was wonderful.

So cool!😍I love Secret Keepers!💛

I think that people of all ages should have the opportunity to listen to this book, because it is so stinking awesome!

It

Is aweso.e I love it please make a nother pls pls pls it would be coo?

10/10 recommend!

My kids, husband and I immensely enjoyed this story! My kids were 5-11yrs old and all were silently listening! The performance was very well done! Whether you are an adult or parent with kids - you will love this story!

🗝🕰

This book 📚 is the best! The narrator is great 👍!! He does a great job with the voices and keeping them straight.

Exilent

Exilent book very good listen grate narorater i will most certainly recommend this book. Very good

fun story

intriguing plot. great characters. excellent reader. what's not to like? highly recommended to the young at heart.

Lord of the rings, but without the hobbits or wizards or magic

So the premise of the story is essentially a reworking of the LOTR story. A kid finds something magical that someone super powerful is looking for and he has to undergo great risk to resolve the situation. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just a connection I made.

All of that aside, it’s a nice little story. The characters are mostly well realized and fun (the mom is maybe a bit too whimsical). The book’s hooks are strong and moments of tension are palpable.

It’s biggest flaw is in exposition. There’s just so much of it. So, so much. Every little detail or question that the reader might have is explained, sometimes a bit clumsily.

Regardless, this was a book I enjoyed and would happily recommend.