Too Many Secrets

by Adele Broadbent

Too many secrets, buried for too long . . .Becs is a sassy 12-year-old drama queen who strikes a bargain with her mother. She'll spend a few months away from home while her new step-family renovates an elegant old house in the country. When it's sold, some of the money will pay her fees at the same private school that all her friends will be attending. But as usual, she hasn't listened properly. they aren't going to live in the old mansion - they'll be in a shack in the bush, with long drops and eight-legged wildlife. Becs is not impressed and makes sure everyone knows it, that is until she discovers a secret that will change her life. What follows is an intriguing, funny, sad and utterly believable story about friendship, while uncovering a tragic secret that's been hidden for far too long. Age 12+

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good if you are the sort of person who likes mystery I liked the way it took sides from the two different main characters in this book, it is sometimes more of an action book than a mystery I thought.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was really cool

[Victoria Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this book was good - there was the mystery surrounding Isaiah and Oscar, the way Becs was forced to grow up and learn to love her family, and even the story behind the house. Everything tied up nicely at the end, and it was my favourite sort of ending; happy ever after with room for change, and realistic.
But to me, the characters were fake and unrealistic. Becs lost her temper far too often to have any effect, and seemed to hate Mark for no good reason. Half the time she acted younger than 12, the other half much older. Nick was a bit too much of a baby for a nine year old. Isaiah ran away at every piece of bad news, and didn't have much depth; he seemed to mindlessly believe whatever he was told. All the kids should have been either older or younger, or at least acted their age.

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK so shoot me, I was reading a YA book... I'm kidding of course (about the shooting that is), I think you should read a YA book every now and then, especially if you've read books that have been too heavy lately. I was intrigued to read it because like Adele, I am a writer living in Napier. It was delightful that this book had not one single vampire, nor even a hint of dystopia about it. Did I work out the plot early on? Yes I'm afraid I did, but I'll put that down to my age. I had to laugh at the reference to 'Poraiti' Adele, never knew the place had a small hospital before LOL!

[Sheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read that covers a range of genres. Mystery, friendship, adventure, family life, secrets wrapped up with a dose of supernatural. I had the 'good fortune' to meet Adele, and have her help me while buying books for school, her energy and expertise floors me.

[Isaac Toit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! One of those books you don't want to stop reading and put down. The cover definitely does not do it justice. People say "don't judge a book by it's cover" but I know that I do. The story is amazing... very exciting and makes you want to know what is going to happen next. It's now on my list of favourite books! I would recommend this book to people who love a bit of mystery.

[Sas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. I'm not in love with the cover, it was a little bit off putting, but I loved the story. Seeing Bec's growth, her friendship with Isiah, and her acceptance and growing love of Mark and Nick was beautiful. Plus who doesn't love a good juicy mystery?