Someone Else's Secret

A Novel

By: Julia Spiro

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Here's the thing about secrets: they change shape over time, become blurry with memory, until the truth is nearly lost.

2009. Lindsey and Georgie have high hopes for their summer on Martha's Vineyard. In the wake of the recession, ambitious college graduate Lindsey accepts a job as a nanny for an influential family who may help her land a position in Boston's exclusive art world. Georgie, the eldest child in that family, is nearly fifteen and eager to find herself, dreaming of independence and yearning for first love.

Over the course of that formative summer, the two young women develop a close bond. Then, one night by the lighthouse, a shocking act occurs that ensnares them both in the throes of a terrible secret. Their budding friendship is shattered, and neither one can speak of what happened that night for ten long years.

Until now. Lindsey and Georgie must confront the past after all this time. Their quest for justice will require costly sacrifices, but it also might give them the closure they need to move on. All they know for sure is that when the truth is revealed, their lives will be forever changed once again.

From a fresh voice in fiction, this poignant and timely novel explores the strength and nuance of female friendship, the cost of ambition, and the courage it takes to speak the truth.

©2020 Julia Spiro (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Suspenseful and dishy, Someone Else's Secret exposes the dark underbelly of a moneyed summer town and the lengths one outsider will go to belong. Spiro brings Martha's Vineyard to life with delicious precision; I felt like I was there with my toes in the sand, a glass of rosé in my hand, and plenty of reasons to look over my shoulder. If the walls in these summer estates could talk, they would say, 'Trust no one.'" (Jessica Knoll, New York Times best-selling author of Luckiest Girl Alive)

"Someone Else's Secret is a sandy, sun-soaked, character-driven exploration of what happens when there are no good options, when the truth turns out not to be enough, when following your heart proves impossible. It is a novel about being young and very young and then not so young after all and about finding the strength to fight for all those former selves." (Laurie Frankel, New York Times best-selling author of This Is How It Always Is)

Gut wrenching and thought provoking

I very rarely write reviews but this author with this narrator touched something deep inside me. I felt both characters raw anguish and desire to be something other than who they were both future and past. Beautifully done! Bravo Brittany, there is a reason you are one of my favorites!

The story line was ok

mostly didnt like the narration. a little unbelievable sometimes. I have listened to better

Long story, we'll narrated

Story was seemingly longer than it should have been. Based on the beginning, you're waiting for the reveal of a suspenseful ending which only partially delivers.

Narration is excellent and it flows well. I found the conclusion to be disappointing and anticlimatic. It's a solid story, right down the middle, hence the 3 rating.

Should be in YA section

If I wanted to read about the angst of a teenager, I'm sure there are many to choose from. This is definitely a Young Adult (although nobody acts like an adult). I'm returning it.

overall a good listen

this isn't my normal genre but I'll listen to anything Brittany Pressley narrates! I enjoyed this book and the storyline. I did notice twice that the wrong name was used in conversation... Emma was called Emmy and a conversation between Carol and Georgie, when Carol was called Catherine.

Kept my attention

I've been listening to a lot of books by authors I don't know. I'm finding them quite good as was this one.

Enjoyed the story

I enjoyed this story and the characters, and how they interacted with each other. I thought the narrator did a good job with each of the characters, and hadn't figured out the mother's issues until the end of the book. It was a good book by an author I wasn't familiar with.

Great read

Amazing story. Love love this book. It speaks to all women on so many levels. From insecurities to fear to triumph!

So worth your time .

What a great book . I wish I was more articulate . Beautiful and raw. Loved it !

Incredibly real, and brave.

This is a story you'll have to read for yourself. It's has so many elements that reach the emotions of the reader. The author of this book really does a good job of relaying the feelings of the girls/women
in this story really. Please take the time to read. So important.