The Secret Tree

by Patrick Bousum, Jeff Bennington

When 13-year old Andy Harper inherits a secret from his dying neighbor, Mr. Beasley, he discovers how sinister the world can be, what true friendship means, and that being a hero in 1959 may cost him his life.

Grieving from his father's disappearance and his grandfather's death, Andy is nearly hopeless. The intrigue of the secret, and his friendship with Mr. Beasley, give him a renewed sense of purpose. But when the men who used to run with the local mob discover that Andy knows about the "secret", they come out of the shadows and a hunt for the evil truth begins.

Andy finds himself fighting for his life, committed to his promise, and searching for answers in a house haunted by a one-handed witch.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal

310 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2013

Reviews

[Karen Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Harper is a young boy who is doing his best to step into the too-big shoes of his father, who left the family three years ago, and grandfather, who recently passed.

His neighbour, elderly Mr Beasley, is sick and Andy is sent over to him with a meal from his mama. He is fascinated to find that Mr Beasley knew both his father and grandfather extremely well, and even more fascinated when Mr Beasley tells him about his grandfather's secret.

Andy's world is changed forever by this secret (and no I'm not going to give it away), and becomes a very different place for Andy – he can never go back. His heart and courage are tested to their limits, as well as his sense of right and wrong, good and evil.

Jeff Bennington and Patrick Bousum take us through Andy's trials in such a way that we feel every high and low along with Andy and his friends. I was right behind him, pushing him onward, desperately hoping he'll succeed, and could not put the book down until the last page. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest five star review I have given. I have read Jeff Bennington's work before and I am a great fan of his work, and this collaboration with Patrick Boussum is a brilliant novel. It reminds me of a Stephen King novel in its layering of the story, and the supernatural and very human elements knit together as the tale progresses. It is a gripping read and I look forward reading the next pieces of work from these two talented writers.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had some really great characters and interesting, unexpected character development. It is filled with mystery and had some terrifying supernatural elements. I especially enjoyed the Biblical elements. A lot of writers will add Biblical elements to a story but often in such an expected way. These were verses, insights, and questions that I did not expect all.

[Deestarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thriller on a level with early Stephen King. The characters. were well written and detailed. Overall a good read. (not avoid read as I first wrote thanks to autocorrect on my phone).

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book to read because I was curious about the Title of the book The Secret Tree, which for whatever reason the title changed to The Secret in Defiance: A Coming of Age Supernatural Thriller after I started reading it. Andy is a child growing up with his father walking out on his family and learning to cope with the memories of the great father he was and trying to come to terms with why he left. The story begins to take place when he becomes friends with Mr Beasely and he tells Andy a secret and from that point on the book sweeps you away chapter after chapter finding yourself right along side Andy as if you were there with him. This is my first review and I don't want to give much of the book away because you really need to read it to experience that Andy goes through. This book was well written and held my interest all the way to the end.

[Elizabeth Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Kill

I really did enjoy this book. It flowed well and pulled me right along. There are, however, a few loose threads. What happened next? How are the kids? Some questions should be answered. But it is definitely worth reading. Perhaps the authors will revisit Defiance in the near future.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

early Stephen King

Thought this book had the right balance of horror and humanity. Loved the children being the heroes and the portrayal of their families. One good and one headed by an evil father. Recommend you give this a try

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret

Interesting story with twists I really didn't see coming. A little disappointed in ending but very good book to read.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book to give an honest review.


The Secret Tree is in a way a ghost story. But with a whole lot more to it.


You have a mystery such as a young boy's dad who just up and left, and no one know why exactly. The town has some evil things going on within it. Andy is trying to fill his fathers shoes and his grandfather.


Andy's neighbor Mr. Beasley is extremely sick and holds a secret that he has held for years. He was best friends with Andy's grandfather and knew his father really well and Mr. Beasley has a secret from Andy's grandfather that he has held for years.


As soon as Andy learns this secret Andy's life changes forever! Or at least the town he use to know changes. He meets new people who help him on his quest to find the answers.


People will go to whatever links they can to stop a secret from getting out! Will Andy and his friends be caught into the crosshairs? You will just have to read this to find out. This was a really great I would say ghost story. The characters were well-written and the storyline came together perfectly. I would recommend this book to all to give a read. You never know you may enjoy it.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it 3 stars cuz it was pretty good. This was a nice change of pace as it took place in the 1950s. Everything was simpler. No one was texting, or blogging, or Googling. They obeyed their parents and respected adults. People kept their word and a handshake was binding. Children were allowed and encouraged to be children. (In my fantasy life, I'm a lot like June Cleaver!!) back to the book--it had enough mystery and suspense. It wasn't predictable. There was a little kissing and acts of love. There was a one-armed witch and a dirty sheriff. I probably won't read it again but I would recommend it to my daughter.

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy Harper is only 13 years old, but has lived a very interesting life. His dad walked away from the family and his neighbor has entrusted a secret to Andy. He soon learns that others know of the secret but not where it is hidden....and people have died for it. When old Mr. Beasley dies, his family comes to town....and they are also looking for the secret.....there are twists and turns, tears and laughter and a great story. Want to know the secret? Read the book....the ending will surprise you. I truly enjoyed this book - a thriller, suspenseful, sad and happy - a variety of feelings will surround you.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really found this to be a pleasant surprise, it was a bargain book from Amazon, but I sure got my money's worth. It was a story well told, complete with mystery, haunting and intrigue told from the point of view of a 13 year old boy! The story was just good clean fun.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it would be an appropriate YA book with a real Christian tone. I just wish I had known that because I would have passed. Would not recommend it to someone over 13 who was interested in mysteries or thrillers.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange book...not really a kids book nor an adult book. the first part was interesting...last part was just poorly done. too much killing and pretty rediculous, not necessarily the paranormal part either.

[Mavelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of action, suspense, mystery involved in this book. Started out as an ordinary read, but soon became mysterious, including ghosts and a town full of unsavory characters. I could not "read ahead" as the saga of Andy continued throughout the book. An interesting book.

[Sally Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really reminded me of a Stephen King novel... and I love SK! Very well written, many twist and turns. Couldn't put it down

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Great writing. Great story.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good I personally don't care for the supernatural aspect of the story

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the supernatural aspects of this story. And the precocious teenagers/pre-teens. I can see this as a movie. I'm glad all the lose ends were tied up by the end.

[Karen Payzant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book. A great mixture of nostalgia, small town life, crime, mystery, and even some paranormal activity. Really enjoyed that it was written through a young boy's eyes.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great summer read - intriguing and a page turner.

[Kim Ridlehoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, wonderful story! Youth and adventure mixed with a juicy mystery. I can't say enough good things about this book.

[Jeanne Saadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected. It started out slow and I almost stopped reading, but I'm glad I didn't. It was spooky, mysterious and filled with good action and interesting characters.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little too spooky for me.