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Telling Secrets
In Southern Illinois, there was a man whose cruelty knew no limit, and a family that suffered a lifetime paying for his sins. But some secrets don't stay buried. Neither do some men.
The book profiles the Turner family growing up in deep Southern Illinois from the Depression era to the 1960s — their trials and triumphs.
Trigger warnings: Graphic violence, explicit sex, incest, suicide and self-harm, language, abortion.
Coming soon. Advanced review copies now available by email.
The book profiles the Turner family growing up in deep Southern Illinois from the Depression era to the 1960s — their trials and triumphs.
Trigger warnings: Graphic violence, explicit sex, incest, suicide and self-harm, language, abortion.
Coming soon. Advanced review copies now available by email.
251 pages, Hardcover
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Harlan David Porter
3 books6 followersDavid Porter was born and raised in Tuscola, Illinois, and has been writing professionally since 1984. He is a newspaper editor and former owner/publisher of three newspapers: The Tuscola Review, Arcola Record-Herald and Lebanon Advertiser. He publishes under both Harlan Porter and David Porter.
He previously worked as Director of Communications for the Illinois Press Association and served as president of the Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
His book, The Make-out Room & Other Stories, under David Porter, is a compilation of 123 newspaper columns with a wide variety of subjects. Light reading.
His wife, Jennie, is a retired Kindergarten teacher in Tuscola. The two were classmates having first met in the same Kindergarten classroom where she started her career.
Note: Goodreads tends to links all books written by people of the same name. Books by me are The Make-out Room & Other Stories by David Porter; How to Publish a Newspaper In Print and Online by David Porter; and two novels under Harlan Porter: Killseeker and Telling Secrets (coming out June 2026).
He previously worked as Director of Communications for the Illinois Press Association and served as president of the Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
His book, The Make-out Room & Other Stories, under David Porter, is a compilation of 123 newspaper columns with a wide variety of subjects. Light reading.
His wife, Jennie, is a retired Kindergarten teacher in Tuscola. The two were classmates having first met in the same Kindergarten classroom where she started her career.
Note: Goodreads tends to links all books written by people of the same name. Books by me are The Make-out Room & Other Stories by David Porter; How to Publish a Newspaper In Print and Online by David Porter; and two novels under Harlan Porter: Killseeker and Telling Secrets (coming out June 2026).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 20, 2026
Let me say upfront: the trigger warnings on this one are not decorative. Harlan David Porter does not flinch, and readers who need a gentler entry point into Depression-era family trauma should know that before they begin. But for readers who can meet this book where it lives in the difficult, complicated truth of what cruelty does to the people closest to it Telling Secrets is something genuinely worth the discomfort.
Porter has been a journalist for more than 40 years, winning over 60 first-place awards in regional, state, and national competitions, and has run both daily and weekly newsrooms. That background shapes everything about how this novel is built. He doesn't editorialize. He doesn't tell you how to feel about what's happening to the Turner family. He just puts you there, in deep Southern Illinois, across a span of decades from the Depression through the 1960s, and lets the accumulation of what this father does speak entirely for itself. It's a journalist's instinct applied to fiction, and it works. Goodreads
The generational sweep is what elevates this beyond a simple dark-father story. Porter's central premise a family so abused they conspire to kill their hoodlum father, then navigate the fallout alongside other external forces that are hurdles disguised as opportunities sounds like the setup for a thriller, but the book is really about inheritance. What gets passed down through families. What gets buried and what resurfaces anyway. The sins of one man rippling outward through children, marriages, decisions made and unmade across decades. By the time I reached the later chapters, I wasn't just reading about the Turner family. I was thinking about every family I've ever known that had one person at the center of it doing damage no one would name out loud. Goodreads
Porter has said this novel is set in the fictional town of Telling, Illinois and that name is doing deliberate work. The whole book is about what happens when secrets finally get told. Not just the violent ones, but the quieter ones: who someone really was, what was done and endured, what was carried in silence for years because saying it out loud felt like the more dangerous act. Goodreads
The prose is clean and direct in the way that good journalism teaches you to write no wasted words, no sentimentality that wasn't earned. There were moments where I wanted the narrative to slow down and breathe, to sit longer inside a particular character's interior life. But I also understood that the pacing was a choice, and that for a story spanning this many years and this much accumulated weight, restraint was probably the right call.
This is not an easy book. It is also not a hopeless one, which is harder to pull off than it sounds when your subject matter includes everything listed in those trigger warnings. Porter finds, in the wreckage of this family, something that refuses to lie down. That stubbornness the refusal to be entirely destroyed is what the book is really about underneath everything else.
Read it if you're ready. It will stay with you.
Porter has been a journalist for more than 40 years, winning over 60 first-place awards in regional, state, and national competitions, and has run both daily and weekly newsrooms. That background shapes everything about how this novel is built. He doesn't editorialize. He doesn't tell you how to feel about what's happening to the Turner family. He just puts you there, in deep Southern Illinois, across a span of decades from the Depression through the 1960s, and lets the accumulation of what this father does speak entirely for itself. It's a journalist's instinct applied to fiction, and it works. Goodreads
The generational sweep is what elevates this beyond a simple dark-father story. Porter's central premise a family so abused they conspire to kill their hoodlum father, then navigate the fallout alongside other external forces that are hurdles disguised as opportunities sounds like the setup for a thriller, but the book is really about inheritance. What gets passed down through families. What gets buried and what resurfaces anyway. The sins of one man rippling outward through children, marriages, decisions made and unmade across decades. By the time I reached the later chapters, I wasn't just reading about the Turner family. I was thinking about every family I've ever known that had one person at the center of it doing damage no one would name out loud. Goodreads
Porter has said this novel is set in the fictional town of Telling, Illinois and that name is doing deliberate work. The whole book is about what happens when secrets finally get told. Not just the violent ones, but the quieter ones: who someone really was, what was done and endured, what was carried in silence for years because saying it out loud felt like the more dangerous act. Goodreads
The prose is clean and direct in the way that good journalism teaches you to write no wasted words, no sentimentality that wasn't earned. There were moments where I wanted the narrative to slow down and breathe, to sit longer inside a particular character's interior life. But I also understood that the pacing was a choice, and that for a story spanning this many years and this much accumulated weight, restraint was probably the right call.
This is not an easy book. It is also not a hopeless one, which is harder to pull off than it sounds when your subject matter includes everything listed in those trigger warnings. Porter finds, in the wreckage of this family, something that refuses to lie down. That stubbornness the refusal to be entirely destroyed is what the book is really about underneath everything else.
Read it if you're ready. It will stay with you.
May 21, 2026
This book completely surprised me with how emotionally intense and gripping it was. Telling Secrets is the kind of story that slowly pulls you deeper into the lives of its characters until you feel like you’ve lived beside them for years. The Turner family’s journey through decades of pain, buried truths, and survival was heartbreaking at times, but I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what would happen next. Harlan David Porter created characters who feel incredibly human flawed, damaged, complicated, but still capable of love and strength.
One thing I appreciated was how honest the writing felt. The book doesn’t soften the ugliness of abuse, violence, or generational trauma, and because of that, the emotional moments hit even harder. The trigger warnings are definitely there for a reason, but I also think the author handled those difficult subjects with purpose instead of using them simply for shock. Every terrible secret revealed added another layer to the family’s history and helped explain why the characters became who they were. There were moments that genuinely made me uncomfortable, but that discomfort felt intentional because the story is about the long-lasting scars people carry.
I also loved the historical atmosphere woven throughout the novel. The setting in deep Southern Illinois from the Depression era into the 1960s gave the story a haunting realism. You can feel the hardship, the isolation, and the social pressures surrounding the family during those years. Despite how dark the story becomes, there are still moments of tenderness and hope that keep it from feeling emotionally empty. By the end, I felt emotionally drained but also impressed by how much depth the story carried. This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind after you finish it, especially because the themes of family, silence, and survival feel so real.
One thing I appreciated was how honest the writing felt. The book doesn’t soften the ugliness of abuse, violence, or generational trauma, and because of that, the emotional moments hit even harder. The trigger warnings are definitely there for a reason, but I also think the author handled those difficult subjects with purpose instead of using them simply for shock. Every terrible secret revealed added another layer to the family’s history and helped explain why the characters became who they were. There were moments that genuinely made me uncomfortable, but that discomfort felt intentional because the story is about the long-lasting scars people carry.
I also loved the historical atmosphere woven throughout the novel. The setting in deep Southern Illinois from the Depression era into the 1960s gave the story a haunting realism. You can feel the hardship, the isolation, and the social pressures surrounding the family during those years. Despite how dark the story becomes, there are still moments of tenderness and hope that keep it from feeling emotionally empty. By the end, I felt emotionally drained but also impressed by how much depth the story carried. This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind after you finish it, especially because the themes of family, silence, and survival feel so real.
May 10, 2026
I finished this book last night and honestly just sat there for a while thinking about everything that happened. It’s one of those stories that slowly creeps up on you emotionally. At first, it feels quiet and almost simple, but the more time you spend with the characters, the heavier everything becomes. By the end, I felt completely invested in their lives.
What really worked for me was how authentic the characters felt. Nobody is written like a hero or a villain. They’re messy, emotional, and sometimes make frustrating decisions, but that’s exactly what made them believable. The family dynamic was especially well done. There were moments that were uncomfortable to read because of how real they felt, and I think that honesty is what made the story hit so hard.
I also appreciated the pacing even though it’s definitely more of a slow burn. The author takes time building the relationships and the atmosphere instead of rushing from one dramatic moment to another. Because of that, when emotional scenes happened, they actually carried weight. I found myself thinking about certain conversations and scenes long after I finished reading.
The setting added a lot to the mood too. There’s this feeling of isolation and tension throughout the entire book that almost becomes its own character. It made the story feel immersive in a way I wasn’t expecting.
This isn’t an easy or uplifting read, but it’s a meaningful one. If you like books that focus more on people, emotions, and complicated relationships rather than nonstop action, I’d absolutely recommend giving this one a chance. It’s the kind of book that stays with you for a while.
What really worked for me was how authentic the characters felt. Nobody is written like a hero or a villain. They’re messy, emotional, and sometimes make frustrating decisions, but that’s exactly what made them believable. The family dynamic was especially well done. There were moments that were uncomfortable to read because of how real they felt, and I think that honesty is what made the story hit so hard.
I also appreciated the pacing even though it’s definitely more of a slow burn. The author takes time building the relationships and the atmosphere instead of rushing from one dramatic moment to another. Because of that, when emotional scenes happened, they actually carried weight. I found myself thinking about certain conversations and scenes long after I finished reading.
The setting added a lot to the mood too. There’s this feeling of isolation and tension throughout the entire book that almost becomes its own character. It made the story feel immersive in a way I wasn’t expecting.
This isn’t an easy or uplifting read, but it’s a meaningful one. If you like books that focus more on people, emotions, and complicated relationships rather than nonstop action, I’d absolutely recommend giving this one a chance. It’s the kind of book that stays with you for a while.
May 10, 2026
I honestly didn’t expect this book to affect me as much as it did. It starts out pretty quietly, and at first I thought it was going to be a simple family story, but the deeper I got into it, the more emotionally invested I became. There’s this constant feeling of tension underneath everything, and it slowly builds without the author forcing it. That’s what made it feel so real to me.
What I liked most was the way the characters were written. Nobody feels perfect or overly dramatic. They feel like actual people trying to survive difficult situations the best way they can. I especially connected with the siblings and the way they depended on each other even when everything around them felt unstable. Some scenes were genuinely hard to read emotionally, but not because they were exaggerated. They felt believable, which made them hit harder.
The pacing is slower in some parts, but for this kind of story I think it actually worked well because it gave me time to really understand the characters and their relationships. By the second half of the book, I didn’t want to put it down because I needed to know how things would turn out for them.
This definitely isn’t a light or feel-good read, but it’s a memorable one. It’s the kind of book that stays in your head after you finish it. I’d absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories that aren’t afraid to explore darker themes.
What I liked most was the way the characters were written. Nobody feels perfect or overly dramatic. They feel like actual people trying to survive difficult situations the best way they can. I especially connected with the siblings and the way they depended on each other even when everything around them felt unstable. Some scenes were genuinely hard to read emotionally, but not because they were exaggerated. They felt believable, which made them hit harder.
The pacing is slower in some parts, but for this kind of story I think it actually worked well because it gave me time to really understand the characters and their relationships. By the second half of the book, I didn’t want to put it down because I needed to know how things would turn out for them.
This definitely isn’t a light or feel-good read, but it’s a memorable one. It’s the kind of book that stays in your head after you finish it. I’d absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories that aren’t afraid to explore darker themes.
May 10, 2026
This book ended up being a much more emotional read than I expected. I picked it up thinking it would just be another historical drama, but it turned into the kind of story that slowly pulls you in and makes you care deeply about the characters. The writing isn’t flashy or overdone, which I actually appreciated because it made everything feel more natural and believable.
The strongest part of the book for me was definitely the atmosphere. There’s this heavy feeling hanging over the story almost the entire time, and the author does a really good job of making you feel the isolation and tension the characters are living with. I could almost picture the town and the people in it while reading.
I also liked that the characters felt flawed and realistic. They make mistakes, they react emotionally, and sometimes they frustrate you, but that’s what made them feel human. The sibling relationship especially stood out to me because it gave the story some warmth even during the darker moments.
It’s not a fast-paced book, and there were a couple places where I felt the story slowed down a little too much, but overall I was still very invested from beginning to end. By the time I finished, I realized I’d become really attached to these characters and what happened to them.
I wouldn’t recommend this to someone looking for a light weekend read, but if you enjoy slower, character-focused stories with emotional depth and a darker atmosphere, I definitely think this one is worth reading.
The strongest part of the book for me was definitely the atmosphere. There’s this heavy feeling hanging over the story almost the entire time, and the author does a really good job of making you feel the isolation and tension the characters are living with. I could almost picture the town and the people in it while reading.
I also liked that the characters felt flawed and realistic. They make mistakes, they react emotionally, and sometimes they frustrate you, but that’s what made them feel human. The sibling relationship especially stood out to me because it gave the story some warmth even during the darker moments.
It’s not a fast-paced book, and there were a couple places where I felt the story slowed down a little too much, but overall I was still very invested from beginning to end. By the time I finished, I realized I’d become really attached to these characters and what happened to them.
I wouldn’t recommend this to someone looking for a light weekend read, but if you enjoy slower, character-focused stories with emotional depth and a darker atmosphere, I definitely think this one is worth reading.
May 21, 2026
Telling Secrets was one of those books that slowly pulls you in and refuses to let go. From the very beginning, the story felt raw, emotional, and painfully real. The way Harlan David Porter wrote the Turner family made me feel like I was living alongside them through every hardship, secret, and painful memory. The atmosphere of Southern Illinois during the Depression era and beyond was described so vividly that it almost felt cinematic.
What stood out to me most was how fearless the book was. It doesn’t shy away from dark subjects, but instead shows how trauma and cruelty can shape generations of people. Even with all the heavy moments, there were still scenes of strength, love, and survival that balanced everything out. Some chapters genuinely shocked me, while others broke my heart.
I also appreciated how layered the characters were. Nobody felt flat or unrealistic. Even the flawed characters felt believable, which made the story even more emotionally intense. This is definitely not a light read, but it’s a powerful family saga that stays with you after finishing the last page. If you enjoy emotionally driven historical fiction with deep family drama and dark secrets, this book is worth reading.
What stood out to me most was how fearless the book was. It doesn’t shy away from dark subjects, but instead shows how trauma and cruelty can shape generations of people. Even with all the heavy moments, there were still scenes of strength, love, and survival that balanced everything out. Some chapters genuinely shocked me, while others broke my heart.
I also appreciated how layered the characters were. Nobody felt flat or unrealistic. Even the flawed characters felt believable, which made the story even more emotionally intense. This is definitely not a light read, but it’s a powerful family saga that stays with you after finishing the last page. If you enjoy emotionally driven historical fiction with deep family drama and dark secrets, this book is worth reading.
May 5, 2026
This book really took me by surprise, and I mean that in the best way. I started it expecting something fairly straightforward, but it turned into a much deeper and more emotionally layered story than I anticipated. What stood out to me right away was how patient the writing is. The author doesn’t rush you into anything instead, you’re slowly introduced to the world, the characters, and the underlying tension that runs through everything.
By the time the story really begins to unfold, you’re already invested, whether you realize it or not. I found myself thinking about the characters long after I’d put the book down for the night. They feel incredibly real flawed, complicated, and at times difficult to understand, but never unrealistic. That’s what made the story work so well for me.
There are definitely moments that are hard to read, emotionally speaking, but they never felt unnecessary. Everything felt like it had a purpose. It’s not a “comfort read” by any means, but it’s the kind of book that stays with you, and I think that’s more valuable. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character driven storytelling.
By the time the story really begins to unfold, you’re already invested, whether you realize it or not. I found myself thinking about the characters long after I’d put the book down for the night. They feel incredibly real flawed, complicated, and at times difficult to understand, but never unrealistic. That’s what made the story work so well for me.
There are definitely moments that are hard to read, emotionally speaking, but they never felt unnecessary. Everything felt like it had a purpose. It’s not a “comfort read” by any means, but it’s the kind of book that stays with you, and I think that’s more valuable. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character driven storytelling.
May 21, 2026
This book was intense in the best possible way. Telling Secrets is more than just a family story it’s a portrait of pain, survival, and the lasting impact of buried truths. Harlan David Porter did an incredible job creating characters that felt authentic and emotionally human. I found myself deeply invested in the Turner family and everything they endured across the decades.
The writing style was straightforward yet emotional, which made many scenes hit even harder. There were moments that were difficult to read because of the subject matter, but the honesty in the storytelling made the book feel important rather than shocking for the sake of shock. The author captured both the darkness and resilience of family life in a way that felt genuine.
I especially liked how the story unfolded over different periods of time, showing how secrets and trauma can echo through generations. The historical setting added another layer of realism and depth to the novel. By the end, I felt emotionally exhausted but also impressed by how memorable the story was. This is the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts long after you finish it.
The writing style was straightforward yet emotional, which made many scenes hit even harder. There were moments that were difficult to read because of the subject matter, but the honesty in the storytelling made the book feel important rather than shocking for the sake of shock. The author captured both the darkness and resilience of family life in a way that felt genuine.
I especially liked how the story unfolded over different periods of time, showing how secrets and trauma can echo through generations. The historical setting added another layer of realism and depth to the novel. By the end, I felt emotionally exhausted but also impressed by how memorable the story was. This is the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts long after you finish it.
May 1, 2026
This is one of those books that quietly builds and then completely takes hold of you. I didn’t realize how invested I was until I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading. The writing has a very natural, almost understated quality to it, which makes the more intense moments stand out even more.
What really worked for me was the emotional weight of the story. The relationships feel real, especially within the family. There’s a lot of tension, but also moments that show how people cope in difficult situations. It’s not always easy to read, but it feels honest, and that’s what makes it so effective.
I also appreciated that the story doesn’t try to rush or force anything. It takes its time, which allows the characters to develop in a way that feels believable. By the end, I felt like I really understood them, even if I didn’t always agree with their choices.
Overall, this is a powerful and memorable read. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re someone who enjoys emotionally driven stories with strong character development, I would absolutely recommend it.
What really worked for me was the emotional weight of the story. The relationships feel real, especially within the family. There’s a lot of tension, but also moments that show how people cope in difficult situations. It’s not always easy to read, but it feels honest, and that’s what makes it so effective.
I also appreciated that the story doesn’t try to rush or force anything. It takes its time, which allows the characters to develop in a way that feels believable. By the end, I felt like I really understood them, even if I didn’t always agree with their choices.
Overall, this is a powerful and memorable read. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re someone who enjoys emotionally driven stories with strong character development, I would absolutely recommend it.
May 1, 2026
This book took me a little while to process after I finished it, which is usually a sign that it did something right. It’s not a fast paced or plot heavy story in the traditional sense it’s much more about the people and the environment they’re trapped in. The author really leans into that slow build, and while it might not work for everyone, I personally appreciated it. It gave the story time to breathe and made everything feel more grounded.
The family dynamic is honestly the hardest part to read, but also the most important. It’s uncomfortable at times, but not in a way that feels unnecessary. Instead, it feels like the author is trying to show things as they are, without softening them. I found myself especially invested in how the children handled everything it felt raw and believable, not overly dramatized.
This isn’t a book I’d hand to just anyone, but for readers who like emotionally intense, character driven stories, I think it’s worth it. It’s the kind of book that stays in your head for a while, and I’d definitely recommend it for that reason.
The family dynamic is honestly the hardest part to read, but also the most important. It’s uncomfortable at times, but not in a way that feels unnecessary. Instead, it feels like the author is trying to show things as they are, without softening them. I found myself especially invested in how the children handled everything it felt raw and believable, not overly dramatized.
This isn’t a book I’d hand to just anyone, but for readers who like emotionally intense, character driven stories, I think it’s worth it. It’s the kind of book that stays in your head for a while, and I’d definitely recommend it for that reason.
May 5, 2026
I’ll be honest, this isn’t the kind of book I usually gravitate toward, but I’m really glad I gave it a chance. It took me a little while to fully get into it, mostly because the pacing is slower and the writing style takes its time. But once I adjusted, I started to really appreciate what the author was doing.
The biggest strength of this book, in my opinion, is how grounded everything feels. The setting, the dialogue, the relationships it all feels very real. There’s no sense that the story is trying to be overly dramatic or exaggerated. Instead, it focuses on the small, quiet moments that build into something much heavier.
I found the emotional depth to be particularly strong. The characters aren’t always easy to like, but they’re easy to believe in, and that made me care about what would happen to them. By the end, I felt like I had really gone on a journey with them.
It’s not a light read, and I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but for readers who enjoy slower, more introspective stories, I think this is definitely worth picking up.
The biggest strength of this book, in my opinion, is how grounded everything feels. The setting, the dialogue, the relationships it all feels very real. There’s no sense that the story is trying to be overly dramatic or exaggerated. Instead, it focuses on the small, quiet moments that build into something much heavier.
I found the emotional depth to be particularly strong. The characters aren’t always easy to like, but they’re easy to believe in, and that made me care about what would happen to them. By the end, I felt like I had really gone on a journey with them.
It’s not a light read, and I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but for readers who enjoy slower, more introspective stories, I think this is definitely worth picking up.
May 5, 2026
This is one of those books that quietly works its way under your skin. It’s not loud or flashy, and it doesn’t rely on big twists to keep you engaged. Instead, it builds its impact through atmosphere, character, and emotion.
What I appreciated most was the way the author handled the characters. They’re not written to be perfect or even particularly likable at times, but they feel real. Their reactions, their decisions, even their mistakes all make sense within the context of their situation. That level of realism made the story feel much more impactful.
The relationship between the siblings was especially well done. It felt like the emotional core of the book, and it gave the story a sense of depth that balanced out some of the darker elements. Even in the more difficult moments, there was still something there to hold onto.
This isn’t a book you read just to pass the time it’s one you sit with. And for that reason, I would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate stories that focus on people and emotion rather than just plot.
What I appreciated most was the way the author handled the characters. They’re not written to be perfect or even particularly likable at times, but they feel real. Their reactions, their decisions, even their mistakes all make sense within the context of their situation. That level of realism made the story feel much more impactful.
The relationship between the siblings was especially well done. It felt like the emotional core of the book, and it gave the story a sense of depth that balanced out some of the darker elements. Even in the more difficult moments, there was still something there to hold onto.
This isn’t a book you read just to pass the time it’s one you sit with. And for that reason, I would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate stories that focus on people and emotion rather than just plot.
May 17, 2026
Telling Secrets is not an easy read, but it is an important one. Harlan David Porter pulls you deep into the world of Southern Illinois with the kind of atmospheric detail that makes you feel the dust on the road and the weight of the silence between people who know too much and say too little.
The Turner family's story spans decades, and Porter handles that timeline with remarkable skill. Each generation carries the sins of the one before it, and watching that cycle play out, with all its grief, rage, and occasional moments of grace, is as devastating as it is compelling.
What stayed with me most was how human everyone felt, even the ones capable of terrible things. This is not a book that offers easy villains or comfortable resolutions. It is messy and raw and deeply honest about what trauma does to a family over time.
The trigger warnings are there for good reason, this book does not shy away from darkness. But for readers who can sit with discomfort, the rewards are profound. A powerful, deeply human story that lingers long after the final page.
The Turner family's story spans decades, and Porter handles that timeline with remarkable skill. Each generation carries the sins of the one before it, and watching that cycle play out, with all its grief, rage, and occasional moments of grace, is as devastating as it is compelling.
What stayed with me most was how human everyone felt, even the ones capable of terrible things. This is not a book that offers easy villains or comfortable resolutions. It is messy and raw and deeply honest about what trauma does to a family over time.
The trigger warnings are there for good reason, this book does not shy away from darkness. But for readers who can sit with discomfort, the rewards are profound. A powerful, deeply human story that lingers long after the final page.
May 17, 2026
I grew up hearing stories about families like the Turners, the kind of families where everyone in town knows something is wrong but nobody ever says it out loud. Harlan David Porter captures that silence with an accuracy that felt almost personal.
Telling Secrets moves through the Depression era into the 1960s with a sense of inevitability that is both masterful and heartbreaking. You can see the damage being done in real time, generation by generation, and yet you cannot look away. Porter writes with the kind of controlled fury that only comes from a story that desperately needed to be told.
The subject matter is heavy, there is no softening that. But the writing never feels exploitative. Every difficult scene serves the larger truth Porter is uncovering about cruelty, survival, and the long shadow one person's evil can cast over an entire bloodline.
This is the kind of book that makes you call someone you love when you finish it. Raw, unforgettable, and quietly devastating. I will be thinking about the Turner family for a long time.
Telling Secrets moves through the Depression era into the 1960s with a sense of inevitability that is both masterful and heartbreaking. You can see the damage being done in real time, generation by generation, and yet you cannot look away. Porter writes with the kind of controlled fury that only comes from a story that desperately needed to be told.
The subject matter is heavy, there is no softening that. But the writing never feels exploitative. Every difficult scene serves the larger truth Porter is uncovering about cruelty, survival, and the long shadow one person's evil can cast over an entire bloodline.
This is the kind of book that makes you call someone you love when you finish it. Raw, unforgettable, and quietly devastating. I will be thinking about the Turner family for a long time.
May 5, 2026
There’s a quiet intensity to this book that really stayed with me. It doesn’t hit you all at once instead, it builds gradually, almost subtly, until you realize how deeply you’ve been pulled into the story.
The pacing might not work for everyone, especially in the beginning, but I personally found it effective. It gave me time to really understand the characters and their situation. By the time things started to escalate, I was already emotionally invested, which made those moments land much harder.
One thing I really appreciated was how the author handled difficult subject matter. It’s not softened or glossed over, but it’s also not sensationalized. It’s presented in a way that feels honest, and that honesty is what gives the story its weight.
I wouldn’t call this an easy or relaxing read, but it’s definitely a meaningful one. If you’re someone who enjoys slower, more character-focused stories with emotional depth, I think this is worth your time.
The pacing might not work for everyone, especially in the beginning, but I personally found it effective. It gave me time to really understand the characters and their situation. By the time things started to escalate, I was already emotionally invested, which made those moments land much harder.
One thing I really appreciated was how the author handled difficult subject matter. It’s not softened or glossed over, but it’s also not sensationalized. It’s presented in a way that feels honest, and that honesty is what gives the story its weight.
I wouldn’t call this an easy or relaxing read, but it’s definitely a meaningful one. If you’re someone who enjoys slower, more character-focused stories with emotional depth, I think this is worth your time.
May 5, 2026
I finished this book a few days ago, and I’m still thinking about it, which is always a good sign for me. It’s not the kind of story that wraps everything up neatly or gives you an easy emotional release. Instead, it lingers.
The writing itself is very straightforward, but that simplicity works in its favor. It allows the characters and their experiences to take center stage without feeling overdone. I found myself really drawn into their world, even when it was uncomfortable.
There’s a strong sense of realism throughout the book, especially in how the characters respond to what’s happening around them. Nothing felt forced or out of place. It all felt like a natural progression, which made the story more believable.
This is definitely not a light or “easy” read, but it’s a powerful one. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for something a little more serious and emotionally engaging.
The writing itself is very straightforward, but that simplicity works in its favor. It allows the characters and their experiences to take center stage without feeling overdone. I found myself really drawn into their world, even when it was uncomfortable.
There’s a strong sense of realism throughout the book, especially in how the characters respond to what’s happening around them. Nothing felt forced or out of place. It all felt like a natural progression, which made the story more believable.
This is definitely not a light or “easy” read, but it’s a powerful one. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for something a little more serious and emotionally engaging.
May 1, 2026
I ended up liking this book a lot more than I expected. What really drew me in was the tone it has, this quiet, almost heavy atmosphere from the very beginning that never really lets up. It’s not loud or dramatic, but there’s always this underlying tension that keeps you reading.
The characters felt very real to me, especially the siblings. Their interactions and the way they depend on each other felt genuine, and that made the story more emotional. There were moments that were difficult to get through, but they never felt like they were there just to shock the reader. Everything felt intentional.
By the end, I realized how invested I had become without even noticing it happening. It’s not a “fun” read, but it’s definitely a meaningful one. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes slower, more thoughtful stories that focus on people rather than just events.
The characters felt very real to me, especially the siblings. Their interactions and the way they depend on each other felt genuine, and that made the story more emotional. There were moments that were difficult to get through, but they never felt like they were there just to shock the reader. Everything felt intentional.
By the end, I realized how invested I had become without even noticing it happening. It’s not a “fun” read, but it’s definitely a meaningful one. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes slower, more thoughtful stories that focus on people rather than just events.
May 1, 2026
I don’t usually write long reviews, but this one kind of deserves it. What really stood out to me was how immersive the whole book felt. The setting isn’t just background, it’s part of the story. You can feel the isolation, the tension, even the silence between people. The characters, especially the children, felt incredibly real to me. Their reactions, their fear, even their small moments of connection it all felt believable. This is not an easy read, and I wouldn’t call it “enjoyable” in a light sense, but it’s powerful. It made me think, and honestly, that’s what I look for in a book. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who like character driven, emotional stories.
May 1, 2026
This book builds slowly, but once it gets going, it’s hard to put down. I found myself getting more and more invested in the characters, especially the siblings. Their bond really stood out to me. It felt like the one steady thing in a very unstable world. There are definitely moments that are uncomfortable, but they didn’t feel unnecessary. Everything served a purpose in telling the story. By the time I finished, I realized how much it had pulled me in. I’d recommend this to anyone who doesn’t mind a heavier read and wants something that feels real.
June 28, 2026
What a great adult read! Yes, it is a page-turner. Yes, there are parts that are shocking, but once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. Great character development. You will get to know each member of the Turner family as they progress from 1931 to 1960. Even with all their problems and secrets, they are real people, living real lives. The author twists and turns the storyline to keep the reader interested. I'm looking forward to more novels by this author.
August 12, 2026
This book was both disturbing and a page-turner at the same time. I love the play on words with the title "Telling Secrets" as the book is set in a small-town just after the Depression has ended. The children in this family endure so much. I felt that, while they definitely did some crazy things, this was the only way they knew how to survive. The book, while literary fiction, reads as a memoir. Be forewarned that there are many trigger warnings associated with the book.
June 19, 2026
Telling Secrets is a masterpiece of dark Southern Gothic fiction. Set across decades of rural poverty and violence this haunting story of the Turner family’s shared secret is deeply raw. This book is not an easy read but it is a good one and I think it’s worth reading
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