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The Secrets We Keep
First she blamed herself. Now she doesn’t know who to trust.
When Kit disappeared at a party and was found drowned in the quarry the next day, Clem knew who to point the finger at: herself. She was the last person to see him alive, the last person who could have helped. If she had just kept a closer eye on him instead of her crush, Jake, maybe Kit would still be here. She knows she made a mistake, and wishes she could just forget about it — but Clem’s friend Ellie says she’ll expose Clem’s secret if she doesn’t play along with Ellie’s lies.
Jake seems to have his own difficult secrets, and when he and Clem start to talk, they make a plan to help themselves move on. But when an unexpected discovery at the quarry makes everyone question what they thought they knew, Clem and Jake decide it’s up to them to uncover the truth.
When Kit disappeared at a party and was found drowned in the quarry the next day, Clem knew who to point the finger at: herself. She was the last person to see him alive, the last person who could have helped. If she had just kept a closer eye on him instead of her crush, Jake, maybe Kit would still be here. She knows she made a mistake, and wishes she could just forget about it — but Clem’s friend Ellie says she’ll expose Clem’s secret if she doesn’t play along with Ellie’s lies.
Jake seems to have his own difficult secrets, and when he and Clem start to talk, they make a plan to help themselves move on. But when an unexpected discovery at the quarry makes everyone question what they thought they knew, Clem and Jake decide it’s up to them to uncover the truth.
184 pages, ebook
First published December 10, 2016
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508 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 8, 2016
(Source: I was able to view a digital galley of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Dundurn and NetGalley.)
This was a YA mystery story, with several people all blaming themselves for one boy’s death.
Clem was an okay character and I understood why she felt responsible for Kit at the party, and blamed herself for his death.
The storyline in this was about discovering what happened to Kit the night he died, and finding out how other people also blamed themselves for Kit’s death. I did lose interest after a while though, and the second half of the book really dragged.
The ending to this was okay, although I think a flashback from Kit’s point of view might have been interesting to give full closure.
6 out of 10
“My first thought was like a boulder hitting me in the chest, knocking the breath right out of me – it’s my fault.”
This was a YA mystery story, with several people all blaming themselves for one boy’s death.
Clem was an okay character and I understood why she felt responsible for Kit at the party, and blamed herself for his death.
The storyline in this was about discovering what happened to Kit the night he died, and finding out how other people also blamed themselves for Kit’s death. I did lose interest after a while though, and the second half of the book really dragged.
The ending to this was okay, although I think a flashback from Kit’s point of view might have been interesting to give full closure.
6 out of 10
December 13, 2016
Kit Stitski is dead. He fell into the quarry during a party and drowned and ever since June no one has been able to come forward to say what really happened to him. Now that school has started, his mother is making a plea with the students to come forward with what they know. Was it just a tragic accident or did someone do something to Kit? Clementine was there, she spoke with Kit and sent him off to the bushes when he said he had to go to the bathroom. Ellie was there too, she is keeping Clementine's secret, but does she have a secret of her own? Jake was there, in fact, Kit followed him to the party. And Mac was there with Ellie, did he do something to Kit?
As a new school year starts, everyone is reflecting on the tragic night at the end of the previous school year. They've had the whole summer to think about it and now that school is back in session, Ms. Stitski wants answers and closure about what happened with her son. When she shows up for the first day of school, Jake, Clementine, Ellie, and Mac are all on edge because they feel they are responsible for Kit's death. They can't imagine that this was just an accident, something must of happened to him when he was out of their sight. But is that possible?
I really enjoyed this YA novel by Deb Loughead. I was a quick read that kept me engrossed the entire time. The author never really mentions where the story is set, and it could be any town in any country. Kids will be kids and will do what they want despite the rules set by their parents. None of the kids should have been at the quarry that night. It's a dangerous place and even more so when it is dark. Kit was mentally challenged, but loved by all in the school. The students recall happy moments with Kit that help his family to heal after this difficult situation. This is a story you could see in today's news stories. A tragic accident that took the life of an innocent person.
I think people of all ages will enjoy this book. I think it is especially important for youth to read. It has a message of honesty in the book. About being able to talk to your parents about the things that are going on in your world. The book has a strong family focus and includes diverse family structures that are seen today. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a good novel to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn for the opportunity to review this book.
As a new school year starts, everyone is reflecting on the tragic night at the end of the previous school year. They've had the whole summer to think about it and now that school is back in session, Ms. Stitski wants answers and closure about what happened with her son. When she shows up for the first day of school, Jake, Clementine, Ellie, and Mac are all on edge because they feel they are responsible for Kit's death. They can't imagine that this was just an accident, something must of happened to him when he was out of their sight. But is that possible?
I really enjoyed this YA novel by Deb Loughead. I was a quick read that kept me engrossed the entire time. The author never really mentions where the story is set, and it could be any town in any country. Kids will be kids and will do what they want despite the rules set by their parents. None of the kids should have been at the quarry that night. It's a dangerous place and even more so when it is dark. Kit was mentally challenged, but loved by all in the school. The students recall happy moments with Kit that help his family to heal after this difficult situation. This is a story you could see in today's news stories. A tragic accident that took the life of an innocent person.
I think people of all ages will enjoy this book. I think it is especially important for youth to read. It has a message of honesty in the book. About being able to talk to your parents about the things that are going on in your world. The book has a strong family focus and includes diverse family structures that are seen today. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a good novel to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn for the opportunity to review this book.
December 23, 2016
"This book was provided to me by Netgalley and Dundurn in return for an honest review . Thanks!!"
3 / 5 Stars
Mini Review! (Time, sorry :()
I can read this book in a day and a half which is incredibly fast for me, and that is thanks to the author's writing that is quite addictive
At first I enjoy it a lot, but then the plot decays a little in the middle, leaving me with a strange feeling, as if the characters were forgotten what happened. On the other hand I liked very much how different the characters are one of the others, it is always great to read a story with such diverse characters, even perhaps they should have been developed a little more.
The type of writing is very beautiful surely I wouldn't have problems reading something else of the author, although this time the plot has been rare for me, let's say the book has not worked for me. I expected a more obscure and mysterious reading, but the gossip has tarnished that a little.
December 7, 2016
The Secrets We Keep is an incredibly light for a read of it's genre. It's dubbed mystery, but it did not broadcast (that's the only word I can thing of right now that fits my train of thought) suspense, or to give any plot twist. It was really a straight line when it comes to the atmosphere it carried.
I gotta say that it was well planned out, and I liked how the characters were so different from each other, but I think that the execution of all these great things failed.
At least it did for me.
Pre-review notes:
Dec 6th:
I kind of maybe couldn't sleep last night (I have a cold and a throat ache is bothering me big time), and I kind of maybe read this book all night.
Review later today.
I gotta say that it was well planned out, and I liked how the characters were so different from each other, but I think that the execution of all these great things failed.
At least it did for me.
Pre-review notes:
Dec 6th:
I kind of maybe couldn't sleep last night (I have a cold and a throat ache is bothering me big time), and I kind of maybe read this book all night.
Review later today.
November 12, 2017
“He did not wind up in the water by accident. I know that someone out there, one of many who were at the quarry that night, knows more.”
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since The Secrets We Keep is intended to be a contemporary mystery, I will not be discussing the plot. On that note, do yourself a favor and go into every mystery book without prior knowledge of the story. The reading experience will be so much more enjoyable that way.
Anyway, let's talk about this book. It's on the shorter side so there isn't much to discuss. The story starts a few months after the mysterious death of Kit Stinski. Authorities ruled it as "death by misadventure", but his lawyer mother will not settle until the real cause of his death is uncovered. It turns out that almost every character in this story is keeping secrets about what really happened that night, and the roles they may or may not have played in Kit's "misadventure" eventually come to light.
The writing is fast-paced and easy to follow but it felt a little juvenile for my taste. That being said, I'm used to far more lengthy (and frankly disturbing) mysteries, so it's quite possible that you will enjoy this a lot more than I did. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter mystery.
Pro: This was a very quick read so it shouldn't be surprising that I finished it in one sitting. I do love it when a book can give me closure very quickly.
Con: The plot twists were more like gentle nudges, but maybe you're into that kind of suspense. I prefer my mysteries to feel like consecutive punches in the gut.
Pro: There are several suspect characters, so even though it was a little predictable to me, there are some bits and pieces that will keep you constantly guessing.
Con: I really didn't like any of the characters... and normally this is fine. I love to hate characters. The problem is, I feel nothing at all for these ones. Take that as you will.
Conclusion: This simply wasn't my cup of suspenseful tea but I'm sure many others will love it.
Find me (and my reviews) elsewhere:
My Blog ● Instagram ● Twitter
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since The Secrets We Keep is intended to be a contemporary mystery, I will not be discussing the plot. On that note, do yourself a favor and go into every mystery book without prior knowledge of the story. The reading experience will be so much more enjoyable that way.
Anyway, let's talk about this book. It's on the shorter side so there isn't much to discuss. The story starts a few months after the mysterious death of Kit Stinski. Authorities ruled it as "death by misadventure", but his lawyer mother will not settle until the real cause of his death is uncovered. It turns out that almost every character in this story is keeping secrets about what really happened that night, and the roles they may or may not have played in Kit's "misadventure" eventually come to light.
The writing is fast-paced and easy to follow but it felt a little juvenile for my taste. That being said, I'm used to far more lengthy (and frankly disturbing) mysteries, so it's quite possible that you will enjoy this a lot more than I did. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter mystery.
Pro: This was a very quick read so it shouldn't be surprising that I finished it in one sitting. I do love it when a book can give me closure very quickly.
Con: The plot twists were more like gentle nudges, but maybe you're into that kind of suspense. I prefer my mysteries to feel like consecutive punches in the gut.
Pro: There are several suspect characters, so even though it was a little predictable to me, there are some bits and pieces that will keep you constantly guessing.
Con: I really didn't like any of the characters... and normally this is fine. I love to hate characters. The problem is, I feel nothing at all for these ones. Take that as you will.
Conclusion: This simply wasn't my cup of suspenseful tea but I'm sure many others will love it.
Find me (and my reviews) elsewhere:
My Blog ● Instagram ● Twitter
October 20, 2016
When Kit disappeared at a party and was found drowned in the quarry the next day, Clem knew who to point the finger at: herself. She was the last person to see him alive, the last person who could have helped. If she had just kept a closer eye on him instead of her crush, Jake, maybe Kit would still be here. She knows she made a mistake, and wishes she could just forget about it — but Clem’s friend Ellie says she’ll expose Clem’s secret if she doesn’t play along with Ellie’s lies.
Jake seems to have his own difficult secrets, and when he and Clem start to talk, they make a plan to help themselves move on. But when an unexpected discovery at the quarry makes everyone question what they thought they knew, Clem and Jake decide it’s up to them to uncover the truth
This book reads more like middle grade or upper middle grade rather than YA. I was expecting a book with a bit more suspense or a shocking twist at the end, but this wasn't quite like that. The main character Clem certainly speaks like the 10th grader she is. Her best friend Ellie is involved in a possibly abusive relationship with her boyfriend Mac and comes across as a reckless character. This book was fairly short and I do believe that a younger crowd, like I said, middle grade, will find this book more entertaining than Young Adult readers. Over all it's a fairly short book and it just wasn't very suspenseful as I expected it to be, but it was a well structured book and did have good character development.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jake seems to have his own difficult secrets, and when he and Clem start to talk, they make a plan to help themselves move on. But when an unexpected discovery at the quarry makes everyone question what they thought they knew, Clem and Jake decide it’s up to them to uncover the truth
This book reads more like middle grade or upper middle grade rather than YA. I was expecting a book with a bit more suspense or a shocking twist at the end, but this wasn't quite like that. The main character Clem certainly speaks like the 10th grader she is. Her best friend Ellie is involved in a possibly abusive relationship with her boyfriend Mac and comes across as a reckless character. This book was fairly short and I do believe that a younger crowd, like I said, middle grade, will find this book more entertaining than Young Adult readers. Over all it's a fairly short book and it just wasn't very suspenseful as I expected it to be, but it was a well structured book and did have good character development.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2016
Note: A copy of this book was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
We are having four teenagers who each are dealing with the loss and the guilt of their friends Kits death. Kit went missing after a party and was later found dead. All four teenagers are having their own stories of that night and their own way of dealing with it.
This novel is mysterious and very well thought through.
It doesn't just focus on one problem but points at several.
How social are we today? - Bound to our phones, always on call for everyone while not really communicating after all.
How do we deal with people who are different?
How do we deal with guilt? And how do we deal with grief?
All this is what this book executes in a very well manner.
The fact that I felt intrigued by the story at all times throughout the story was impressive considering it a novel for younger readers.
It is a fast read and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it not just for teens, but for everyone who enjoys a fast read which is dealing with more critical topics.
So 4.5 out of 5 stars.
We are having four teenagers who each are dealing with the loss and the guilt of their friends Kits death. Kit went missing after a party and was later found dead. All four teenagers are having their own stories of that night and their own way of dealing with it.
This novel is mysterious and very well thought through.
It doesn't just focus on one problem but points at several.
How social are we today? - Bound to our phones, always on call for everyone while not really communicating after all.
How do we deal with people who are different?
How do we deal with guilt? And how do we deal with grief?
All this is what this book executes in a very well manner.
The fact that I felt intrigued by the story at all times throughout the story was impressive considering it a novel for younger readers.
It is a fast read and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it not just for teens, but for everyone who enjoys a fast read which is dealing with more critical topics.
So 4.5 out of 5 stars.
December 30, 2016
“I was ashamed too, for not having the guts to step forward and tell the police what I knew. And now I can’t even live with myself anymore.”
Okay, having your last read for the year as a two-star-worthy-read is probably one of the saddest thing ever. I hoped to end this year with a book that I will love but I ended up with the opposite. I didn’t actually hate this book, but I just didn’t like it either. It was just okay. So, 2 stars.
The Secrets We Keep was told from Clementine’s point of view. Clementine is hiding a secret. She was at the quarry that night when Kristopher Stitski died, the popular autistic boy. The thought that she’s responsible for it because of what she did that night is haunting her ever since, but she will never tell the cops about it especially to the Stitski family. Clementine is oblivious to the fact that she’s not the one hiding and being haunted by what they did last night. The case isn’t close and the Stitski family is still finding answers to how Kit died.
I hate to say it but for a mystery novel, this is quite a disappointing one. I was bored from the very start up to the end.
I expected so much from this book. Honestly, what really got me is the cover (I TOTALLY LOVE IT!) and the intriguing title. The Secrets We Keep is a title that caught me the very first time I saw it. I thought that this is just for me because I love it when characters betray or keep secrets from another or when there are secrets that we will see be kept and be revealed. I love those. Sure, The Secrets We Keep has those things but the execution isn’t well. I was just really bored when I was reading this. So disappointing.
Clemente came from a family that is the type who will just stick their noses on their gadgets instead of talking and asking how you are or how your day went. Clementine herself is just an okay character. I didn’t saw anything special about her though I really admire that she’s not the weakling type. She won’t let you abuse her – especially use her. She can stand for herself. And she is also a great pretender and a liar.
The story was fast paced and I was thankful that it has less than 200 pages because I can’t stand the boredom anymore.
More characters that are connected to Kit’s case have been discovered. I was hoping to see more twist and turns in the story but there were also none. I was hoping that these new connected characters to Kit’s death might help spice things up but they didn’t. Up to the end, they were all just the same with Clemente. Cowards. Liars.
“Kit it gone. All the probing and questioning and investigating in the world will never change that sad truth.”
I really hate how things ended. I know, it’s not always the end that I want or in mystery novels, the truth doesn’t really need to always be told because if it was executed very well, that can also be something for reader to love. If executed very well. Unfortunately in this case, I definitely don’t like it. It’s frustrating. Clementine, Jake, Ellie and Mac, they were just all a group of teenagers who were scared. Scared to tell the truth. They’re just fooling their selves for thinking that things are alright and that that is how things should end. They actually believe they solved the problem. Ugh, infuriating.
I got bored from the start to the end, there weren’t any characters development at all, boring plot and infuriating ending. Overall, I was really disappointed by this book.
I was frowning most of time while reading this book. It is sad and I hate the fact that this is my last read for 2016. That my last read for 2016 is definitely not good. Maybe this isn’t just for me.
“But you do know me, Mom.” I say. “Just not every little thing about me.”
October 19, 2016
Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've been on a mystery/suspense kick and was immediately drawn to The Secrets We Keep based on the description. However, the overall story line felt a little tame - especially given the description. It read more like an middle-grade story than upper-YA like I was expecting.
Things started off strong. I felt for Clem and all she was going through and was intrigued by her interest in Jake. However, a bit over halfway through I started to lose interest. There were some things that felt a little cheesy to me, like when Clem convinced her family to stop using their electronics so much. I understood her reasoning behind it but it was played up a little too much and I couldn't help wonder why there was so much emphasis on this.
I also felt like the author waffled quite a bit on whether the reader should like Ellie and Mac. Overall, they were painted in a not-so-pleasant light, so it made it difficult for me to come around to them in the end nor understand why Clem did.
What put the nail in the coffin, though, was the ending. It was lackluster and fell flat. Everything was wrapped up in a pretty bow. I was left feeling pretty unsatisfied.
Overall, if you're looking for a good suspense YA read, I'd suggest checking out Natalie Richards and saving this one for the middle schooler in your life.
I've been on a mystery/suspense kick and was immediately drawn to The Secrets We Keep based on the description. However, the overall story line felt a little tame - especially given the description. It read more like an middle-grade story than upper-YA like I was expecting.
Things started off strong. I felt for Clem and all she was going through and was intrigued by her interest in Jake. However, a bit over halfway through I started to lose interest. There were some things that felt a little cheesy to me, like when Clem convinced her family to stop using their electronics so much. I understood her reasoning behind it but it was played up a little too much and I couldn't help wonder why there was so much emphasis on this.
I also felt like the author waffled quite a bit on whether the reader should like Ellie and Mac. Overall, they were painted in a not-so-pleasant light, so it made it difficult for me to come around to them in the end nor understand why Clem did.
What put the nail in the coffin, though, was the ending. It was lackluster and fell flat. Everything was wrapped up in a pretty bow. I was left feeling pretty unsatisfied.
Overall, if you're looking for a good suspense YA read, I'd suggest checking out Natalie Richards and saving this one for the middle schooler in your life.
October 17, 2016
Nothing is the same after Kit, a classmate with social and learning challenges, is found dead in a quarry after a field party. Feeling responsible Clementine can't sleep and her best friend is blackmailing her about that fateful night.
THE SECRETS WE KEEP reads more like an upper middle grade story than one for teens and young adults, reminiscent of a Disney story with lessons learned and problems neatly solved. Narrator Clem is a great character who lies out of fear and shame, truly feeling guilty for Kit's death. She fears the truth being exposed and wants to make amends. Her romance is sweet.
I had trouble with Ellie's relationship with her (possibly) abusive boyfriend. Deb Loughead seemed to waiver about Mac and excuse his rough behavior as guilt. His character didn't ring true and I was sorry to see Clem push her friend toward the controlling young man.
I enjoyed reading the story, but the mystery part lacked suspense and the ending fell flat. Tweets may enjoy THE SECRETS WE KEEP, but older teens may be bored.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
.
THE SECRETS WE KEEP reads more like an upper middle grade story than one for teens and young adults, reminiscent of a Disney story with lessons learned and problems neatly solved. Narrator Clem is a great character who lies out of fear and shame, truly feeling guilty for Kit's death. She fears the truth being exposed and wants to make amends. Her romance is sweet.
I had trouble with Ellie's relationship with her (possibly) abusive boyfriend. Deb Loughead seemed to waiver about Mac and excuse his rough behavior as guilt. His character didn't ring true and I was sorry to see Clem push her friend toward the controlling young man.
I enjoyed reading the story, but the mystery part lacked suspense and the ending fell flat. Tweets may enjoy THE SECRETS WE KEEP, but older teens may be bored.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
.
November 29, 2016
I was able to read this book from NetGalley for an honest review**
I enjoyed this book and the plot. It was very well-written. My start and finish date is correct. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I ended up falling asleep while reading (but in a good way, it was about 3AM).
This has absolutely nothing to do with the author's writing but I hated Ellie throughout the whole book. She had a piss poor excuse for acting like a megabitch. I really like Clem and Jake and even Aubrey when she made her appearances. I kind of wish Aubrey had a bigger role, just because she was a sweet friend to Clem. Because of the stories about Kit, I adored him just like a real person. Even I was sad anytime he was mentioned because I know he wouldn't come back to life.
I totally recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!!
I enjoyed this book and the plot. It was very well-written. My start and finish date is correct. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I ended up falling asleep while reading (but in a good way, it was about 3AM).
This has absolutely nothing to do with the author's writing but I hated Ellie throughout the whole book. She had a piss poor excuse for acting like a megabitch. I really like Clem and Jake and even Aubrey when she made her appearances. I kind of wish Aubrey had a bigger role, just because she was a sweet friend to Clem. Because of the stories about Kit, I adored him just like a real person. Even I was sad anytime he was mentioned because I know he wouldn't come back to life.
I totally recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!!
October 18, 2016
This is a young adult book but I decided to read it anyway and it is excellent. The worries, the issues, the online mania are all so relevant. The kids make more trouble for themselves by not just telling the truth but all comes more or less okay by the end.
It's rather scary to see how kids can dig themselves in!
It's rather scary to see how kids can dig themselves in!
June 9, 2022
Found myself dragging this story along. It was a decent quick paced read just wasn't as engaging as i would've liked. Characters were mediocre and relatable.
August 10, 2020
Picture this: a school assembly on the death of a fellow classmate. Clementine can barely think straight; how long can she keep her secret? Will she ever talk about what happened that night? This is eating away at her. Can she think about anything else with this huge secret on her mind? And then in the next chapter she's distracted thinking about some boring-ass boy called JAke.
Let's start of with the fact that one of the character's was autistic. Great, I thought. Representation of a character where they don't use his autism for the story, where he can exist as a complimentary side character. Psych. He is of course Kit, the boy who drowned, and he only seems to be made autistic so our teenage characters feel some guilt about the incidence.
Clementine, between bouts of guilt, likes to agonise over her very cookie-cutter crush Jake, who has secrets of his own. Followed by Ellie, the horrible best friend and her douchey boyfriend Mac (seriously, why were they characters), that completes our guilty foursome.
What really bothered me was the writing in this. I kept flinching at the way certain things were written; I'm sure the author tried but they just didn't get how teens talk. Some words seemed capitalised or italicised for no good reason. Even Ms Stitski, Kit's mother, was out of line. She's a grieving parent, of course, but the aggressive way she spoke to the kids seemed unlikely. And Clementine's whole "technology ban' conversation with her family was so over top, so cringey, so awkwardly written. It was a weirdly stilted piece of dialogue and unnecessarily cheesy. It was as if someone who has never had a conversation in their life tried to write dialogue.
My main issue though, laid with the plot. These four teenagers were guilty over being the last ones to see Kit. And that's...it. That's it! No murder, no deceit, no subterfuge, no real actual mystery. All this agonising over their "secrets" and speaking to Kit's mum when they didn't even add anything to the story of his death, and don't even fully tell his mother the entire story. Believe me, nothing happened in the story. It was advertised as a mystery but there weren't really any mysterious or nefarious circumstances surrounding Kit's death, just a kid with autism left to his own devices at a quarry party where he meets an accidental death. Something which, by the way, we already knew in the beginning of the story. Maybe there's a moral somewhere about not keeping things to yourselves and communicating to your parents blah blah blah but the story really didn't live up to the synopsis. This less of a mystery and more of an awkwardly written angsty teen novel that had some childish writing and characters that ranged from flat to over the top.
Let's start of with the fact that one of the character's was autistic. Great, I thought. Representation of a character where they don't use his autism for the story, where he can exist as a complimentary side character. Psych. He is of course Kit, the boy who drowned, and he only seems to be made autistic so our teenage characters feel some guilt about the incidence.
Clementine, between bouts of guilt, likes to agonise over her very cookie-cutter crush Jake, who has secrets of his own. Followed by Ellie, the horrible best friend and her douchey boyfriend Mac (seriously, why were they characters), that completes our guilty foursome.
What really bothered me was the writing in this. I kept flinching at the way certain things were written; I'm sure the author tried but they just didn't get how teens talk. Some words seemed capitalised or italicised for no good reason. Even Ms Stitski, Kit's mother, was out of line. She's a grieving parent, of course, but the aggressive way she spoke to the kids seemed unlikely. And Clementine's whole "technology ban' conversation with her family was so over top, so cringey, so awkwardly written. It was a weirdly stilted piece of dialogue and unnecessarily cheesy. It was as if someone who has never had a conversation in their life tried to write dialogue.
My main issue though, laid with the plot. These four teenagers were guilty over being the last ones to see Kit. And that's...it. That's it! No murder, no deceit, no subterfuge, no real actual mystery. All this agonising over their "secrets" and speaking to Kit's mum when they didn't even add anything to the story of his death, and don't even fully tell his mother the entire story. Believe me, nothing happened in the story. It was advertised as a mystery but there weren't really any mysterious or nefarious circumstances surrounding Kit's death, just a kid with autism left to his own devices at a quarry party where he meets an accidental death. Something which, by the way, we already knew in the beginning of the story. Maybe there's a moral somewhere about not keeping things to yourselves and communicating to your parents blah blah blah but the story really didn't live up to the synopsis. This less of a mystery and more of an awkwardly written angsty teen novel that had some childish writing and characters that ranged from flat to over the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a mystery YA novel in which our protagonist, Clem, is the last one to see Kit alive before he drowns. She blames herself for his death, thinking that if she had kept a closer eye on him instead of her crush Jake, Kit might still be alive. All she wants is to put it behind her, but her friend Ellie threatens to expose her if Clem doesn't go along with Ellie's lies.
This was a decent read. It built suspense fairly well and I wasn't ablee to guess the ending beforehand. However, I did find the writing to be a bit clumsy at times. Overall, it was a good read though. This book comes out March 7.
This is a mystery YA novel in which our protagonist, Clem, is the last one to see Kit alive before he drowns. She blames herself for his death, thinking that if she had kept a closer eye on him instead of her crush Jake, Kit might still be alive. All she wants is to put it behind her, but her friend Ellie threatens to expose her if Clem doesn't go along with Ellie's lies.
This was a decent read. It built suspense fairly well and I wasn't ablee to guess the ending beforehand. However, I did find the writing to be a bit clumsy at times. Overall, it was a good read though. This book comes out March 7.
January 8, 2017
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange from honest review
This is a very short and light book for mystery genre. I think it has "plot twist" but it wasn't that twisted that it felt like no plot twist at all.
I get why the characters felt guitly about Kit's death, but I can't say I agree with the way they solve things, especially the ending. I also feel like the characters are just okay-ish, no depth, no personality, nothing. It's like all that characterize them in this book is the part they play in Kit's death.
This book also seemed like its aimed to lower YA or middle grade, the writing and plot are simple and I think it tries too hard in using the modern lingo. It has no climax or anything, and the ending was very underwhelming.
I like how even though it was simple, it's sort of interesting that I can finish it in one sitting. I also like how positive her school is? Like they have this support group for Kit's who's "challenged", and even though some are mean to him, it's like 99% of the students genuinely like him and enjoy spending time with him! It kinda reminds me of WONDER.
If you're not use to mystery, or just want to read something lighter, this book is definitely for you.
This is a very short and light book for mystery genre. I think it has "plot twist" but it wasn't that twisted that it felt like no plot twist at all.
I get why the characters felt guitly about Kit's death, but I can't say I agree with the way they solve things, especially the ending. I also feel like the characters are just okay-ish, no depth, no personality, nothing. It's like all that characterize them in this book is the part they play in Kit's death.
This book also seemed like its aimed to lower YA or middle grade, the writing and plot are simple and I think it tries too hard in using the modern lingo. It has no climax or anything, and the ending was very underwhelming.
I like how even though it was simple, it's sort of interesting that I can finish it in one sitting. I also like how positive her school is? Like they have this support group for Kit's who's "challenged", and even though some are mean to him, it's like 99% of the students genuinely like him and enjoy spending time with him! It kinda reminds me of WONDER.
If you're not use to mystery, or just want to read something lighter, this book is definitely for you.
October 17, 2016
I received this book via NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.
This book was a quick read full of mystery and lies.
The book is based on 4 people who blame themselves for Kits death. Each think that they were the reason he was dead. These secrets and lies both bring them together and tear them apart. Clem and Jake bond over there fears and develop a cute romance between them. Mac and Ellie's relationship started on that night and has been a love/hate relationship due to their fears of what they did. In the end the 4 of them come together to help Kits family finally be able to move forward from the death.
I really liked the relationship between Jake and Clem, it was super sweet and at nice ya romance with no big drama between them. Was not really a fan Ellie and the relationship with Mac, I found it was all over the place, Mac was placed as the bad guy through the whole book it was hard to feel sorry for him in his guilt.
It was a different YA book then I normally read but I did enjoy and would recommend.
This book was a quick read full of mystery and lies.
The book is based on 4 people who blame themselves for Kits death. Each think that they were the reason he was dead. These secrets and lies both bring them together and tear them apart. Clem and Jake bond over there fears and develop a cute romance between them. Mac and Ellie's relationship started on that night and has been a love/hate relationship due to their fears of what they did. In the end the 4 of them come together to help Kits family finally be able to move forward from the death.
I really liked the relationship between Jake and Clem, it was super sweet and at nice ya romance with no big drama between them. Was not really a fan Ellie and the relationship with Mac, I found it was all over the place, Mac was placed as the bad guy through the whole book it was hard to feel sorry for him in his guilt.
It was a different YA book then I normally read but I did enjoy and would recommend.
March 14, 2017
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn for the opportunity to read and review The Secrets We Keep by Deb Loughead. This story is told in four points of view beginning with Clementine, and telling the story of Kit and how he died, which is a mystery. The target audience is right on as described by the publisher - 12 to 15 years. Clementine, Jake and Ellie are part of the group who last saw Kit, who has special needs. Ellie is blackmailing Clementine for favors, such as lying to her parents so Ellie doesn't get in trouble when she's doing something she knows she shouldn't be. The blackmail has ruined their friendship and Clementine finally decides to tell Ellie it's over. Holding in and denying their secrets is tearing each of them apart and destroying their relationships. When the truth finally comes out, the community can finally heal. Aimed towards young teens with a passion for mystery and realistic fiction, 3.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn for the opportunity to read and review The Secrets We Keep by Deb Loughead. This story is told in four points of view beginning with Clementine, and telling the story of Kit and how he died, which is a mystery. The target audience is right on as described by the publisher - 12 to 15 years. Clementine, Jake and Ellie are part of the group who last saw Kit, who has special needs. Ellie is blackmailing Clementine for favors, such as lying to her parents so Ellie doesn't get in trouble when she's doing something she knows she shouldn't be. The blackmail has ruined their friendship and Clementine finally decides to tell Ellie it's over. Holding in and denying their secrets is tearing each of them apart and destroying their relationships. When the truth finally comes out, the community can finally heal. Aimed towards young teens with a passion for mystery and realistic fiction, 3.5 stars.
December 16, 2016
First of all I want to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was intrigued when I saw this on NetGalley so I immediately requested this. The blurb and book title was catchy. I do want to know what were their secrets so...I decided to proceed reading this one.
I don't read much mystery related book but this one is an exemption, I enjoyed reading this. It was confusing at first but the story changes fast and the reader will be able to catch up right away. If you'll look at the details closely you'll be able to pick up the clues from what happened that night when Kit disappeared. The story wasn't that long either and it was straight forward mostly it was focused on finding how Kit died.
Another thing I loved about this book was how Clem, Jake and Ellie found closure with each other. After all the things that happened to them, they still had each others back.
I don't read much mystery related book but this one is an exemption, I enjoyed reading this. It was confusing at first but the story changes fast and the reader will be able to catch up right away. If you'll look at the details closely you'll be able to pick up the clues from what happened that night when Kit disappeared. The story wasn't that long either and it was straight forward mostly it was focused on finding how Kit died.
Another thing I loved about this book was how Clem, Jake and Ellie found closure with each other. After all the things that happened to them, they still had each others back.
February 10, 2022
Such a disappointment.
*Gifted by Dundurn Press*
*Gifted by Dundurn Press*
November 3, 2016
Note: I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
Who knew that a party would end in tragedy? This book is the sole point of view of Clem, and the gaps that filled the questionable night by Ellie, Mac, and Jake. All characters deal with different problems such as unhealthy relationships, learning to cope, the problem with social media, moving forward, lies, manipulation, family, guilt, and paranoia.
To begin I would like to discuss the most unhealthy relationship I must have ever read which is Mac and Ellie. The two have such a unhealthy relationship where although they love each other it is unhealthy in a way that it almost ruins their life. Even though it was said that Mac didn't hit Ellie (when she arrives to school with a busted lip and bruising on her arms, crying) the domestic unhealthy relationship bothered me and I wish the author would have gone into more detail for this could have took off into a complete other direction. Mac is about to enter college while Ellie is a sophomore in high school which also made things a bit more harder to believe although it is something that happens... Both are old enough to know right from wrong not to mention Mac shouldn't probably be going to a sophomore party. Not to mention Ellie, Clem, and Jake shouldn't have been to a party, as a recent high school graduate people from my grade rarely went to parties especially one that was held in a dangerous location such as this one where there is a cliff.
Moving onto the next relationship, I believed that Clem and Jake's relationship could have built more with tension and show more interest, from Jakes side, into the relationship then how it was. But was still a good relationship even if there was little interaction between the two (there wasn't I just wish there was more scenes between the two).
For Ellie and Clem's friendship there was no way that the reader would believe that they would stay friends after the manipulation Ellie does to Clem. But alas in the end they are friends despite the deceiving. Ellie however, does redeem herself in the end.... But I still found her a very untrustworthy character that still made me question her acts after the fact. Even when the truth was revealed I was so detached from Ellie that I couldn't believe anything she was saying which was something I found very hard to look over and forgive as if it were done to me. Yes, all four of them dealt through situations that most people ever go through and deal with it differently I did wish that the book would show how it wasn't as easy to forgive all that Ellie has done. Even when Clem didn't believe her and stood her ground she let the facade that Ellie was somehow improved and refreshed after just a day from seeing her which was ridiculous.
Going into this book the reader may believe there was an actual murder when even from the beginning it is noted that it was an accident, although there is no such thing the book again could have gone into a completely different direction which is why I removed a star based on the forming of the relationships of this book and the fact that this book had more potential and had so much basis and foundation for these certain themes but instead were written off as nothing. Overall the book was a great read.
Who knew that a party would end in tragedy? This book is the sole point of view of Clem, and the gaps that filled the questionable night by Ellie, Mac, and Jake. All characters deal with different problems such as unhealthy relationships, learning to cope, the problem with social media, moving forward, lies, manipulation, family, guilt, and paranoia.
To begin I would like to discuss the most unhealthy relationship I must have ever read which is Mac and Ellie. The two have such a unhealthy relationship where although they love each other it is unhealthy in a way that it almost ruins their life. Even though it was said that Mac didn't hit Ellie (when she arrives to school with a busted lip and bruising on her arms, crying) the domestic unhealthy relationship bothered me and I wish the author would have gone into more detail for this could have took off into a complete other direction. Mac is about to enter college while Ellie is a sophomore in high school which also made things a bit more harder to believe although it is something that happens... Both are old enough to know right from wrong not to mention Mac shouldn't probably be going to a sophomore party. Not to mention Ellie, Clem, and Jake shouldn't have been to a party, as a recent high school graduate people from my grade rarely went to parties especially one that was held in a dangerous location such as this one where there is a cliff.
Moving onto the next relationship, I believed that Clem and Jake's relationship could have built more with tension and show more interest, from Jakes side, into the relationship then how it was. But was still a good relationship even if there was little interaction between the two (there wasn't I just wish there was more scenes between the two).
For Ellie and Clem's friendship there was no way that the reader would believe that they would stay friends after the manipulation Ellie does to Clem. But alas in the end they are friends despite the deceiving. Ellie however, does redeem herself in the end.... But I still found her a very untrustworthy character that still made me question her acts after the fact. Even when the truth was revealed I was so detached from Ellie that I couldn't believe anything she was saying which was something I found very hard to look over and forgive as if it were done to me. Yes, all four of them dealt through situations that most people ever go through and deal with it differently I did wish that the book would show how it wasn't as easy to forgive all that Ellie has done. Even when Clem didn't believe her and stood her ground she let the facade that Ellie was somehow improved and refreshed after just a day from seeing her which was ridiculous.
Going into this book the reader may believe there was an actual murder when even from the beginning it is noted that it was an accident, although there is no such thing the book again could have gone into a completely different direction which is why I removed a star based on the forming of the relationships of this book and the fact that this book had more potential and had so much basis and foundation for these certain themes but instead were written off as nothing. Overall the book was a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
"The Secrets We Keep" has a premise full of promise. The first half of the book is riveting! The author's story telling is impeccable, and I was devouring page after page of this short book at a healthy clip. The characters are easy to sympathize with, Clem in particular. She feels responsible for Kit's death (even though she really shouldn't in my mind). This relentless guilt got very old when other plot points started to deteriorate...about 50% through the book. For me, it went downhill from there, which made me sad! There was so much potential! The ending...realistic but unsatisfying. That's always difficult as a reader. The author stayed true to the characters. It just felt disappointing.
So, what would have possibly made this ending more compelling? Another friend of mine who read the book suggested a retelling at the end from Kit's point of view of that night would have been a great addition. I agree. It would have been a more compelling way to do 'the big reveal', but also potentially problematic for storytelling. (How would we have gotten that information?)
Overall, I would recommend this book for middle school readers, English Language Learners, and struggling readers. I think they would be more satisfied with the story.
Side note: This book drove me crazy. I had received the ARC through NetGalley, completely forgot about it (because I neglected to put it on my calendar), never downloaded it, and there went my beautiful 100% rating on the site. It bothered me so much that I purchased the ebook for myself to read and review so I could clear the blemish from my account!
So, what would have possibly made this ending more compelling? Another friend of mine who read the book suggested a retelling at the end from Kit's point of view of that night would have been a great addition. I agree. It would have been a more compelling way to do 'the big reveal', but also potentially problematic for storytelling. (How would we have gotten that information?)
Overall, I would recommend this book for middle school readers, English Language Learners, and struggling readers. I think they would be more satisfied with the story.
Side note: This book drove me crazy. I had received the ARC through NetGalley, completely forgot about it (because I neglected to put it on my calendar), never downloaded it, and there went my beautiful 100% rating on the site. It bothered me so much that I purchased the ebook for myself to read and review so I could clear the blemish from my account!
March 4, 2021
I loved this book.
Kit is dead and this is what happened-
Jake feels responsible for Kit's death. Kit had followed him to the party and if Jake had told him to stay at home maybe Kit wouldn't be dead.
Clementine feels responsible for Kit's death because he said to her during the party that he needed to pee. She said to him to go to the bushes and he asked her if she can go with him. She had answered no because she was too busy staring at her crush Jake and now he is dead. If she had gone with him to keep a lookout maybe he would still be living.
Ellie was excited when Mac her crush had actually looked at her. They went away from the people from the party to make out. Then Kit stumbles to them on his way to the bushes. He notices Ellie's watch(Kit was obsessed with watches but liked Ellie's more because it had gemstones)and tries to get it. Ellie won't let him but then Mac grabs the watch and throws it so that Kit would leave them alone. They are possibly the last people to see Kit but if Ellie had given him the watch or if Mac hadn't thrown it maybe Kit would still be here.
That's what happened but not everybody wants the secrets to go out.
Ellie is the only one who knows about Clementine's secret. Ellie's mom doesn't like her boyfriend Mac. Ellie usually goes out with Mac and Clementine knows but Ellie threatens to expose Clem's secret if she doesn't help Ellie keep her secrets about Mac.
Kit is dead and this is what happened-
Jake feels responsible for Kit's death. Kit had followed him to the party and if Jake had told him to stay at home maybe Kit wouldn't be dead.
Clementine feels responsible for Kit's death because he said to her during the party that he needed to pee. She said to him to go to the bushes and he asked her if she can go with him. She had answered no because she was too busy staring at her crush Jake and now he is dead. If she had gone with him to keep a lookout maybe he would still be living.
Ellie was excited when Mac her crush had actually looked at her. They went away from the people from the party to make out. Then Kit stumbles to them on his way to the bushes. He notices Ellie's watch(Kit was obsessed with watches but liked Ellie's more because it had gemstones)and tries to get it. Ellie won't let him but then Mac grabs the watch and throws it so that Kit would leave them alone. They are possibly the last people to see Kit but if Ellie had given him the watch or if Mac hadn't thrown it maybe Kit would still be here.
That's what happened but not everybody wants the secrets to go out.
Ellie is the only one who knows about Clementine's secret. Ellie's mom doesn't like her boyfriend Mac. Ellie usually goes out with Mac and Clementine knows but Ellie threatens to expose Clem's secret if she doesn't help Ellie keep her secrets about Mac.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2017
Dundurn and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Secrets We Keep. This is my honest opinion of the book.
After Kit Stitski drowned in the quarry after a party, Clementine Stanford blamed herself. As the last person to see him alive, she cannot forgive herself for being distracted by Jake, the boy she has had a crush on for a long time. Between being blackmailed by her so-called friend and the pressure from Kit's mom for someone to tell the truth, Clem is concerned that her role might come to light. When a discovery at the quarry changes everything, will Jake and Clementine be able to put the events of the night in order?
As this was an ARC, I expect some grammatical and assorted typographical errors. The many missing commas were distracting, but the lacking plot was even more so. The story never came together for me and I did not feel a connection with the main characters in any meaningful way. Clem and Jake, in their zeal to find the truth, do not take the threats seriously, despite the fact that there has already been issues. The dialogue seemed forced in places, as though the author needed to use the characters to make the plot go in a certain direction. For these reasons, I would not recommend The Secrets We Keep to other readers.
After Kit Stitski drowned in the quarry after a party, Clementine Stanford blamed herself. As the last person to see him alive, she cannot forgive herself for being distracted by Jake, the boy she has had a crush on for a long time. Between being blackmailed by her so-called friend and the pressure from Kit's mom for someone to tell the truth, Clem is concerned that her role might come to light. When a discovery at the quarry changes everything, will Jake and Clementine be able to put the events of the night in order?
As this was an ARC, I expect some grammatical and assorted typographical errors. The many missing commas were distracting, but the lacking plot was even more so. The story never came together for me and I did not feel a connection with the main characters in any meaningful way. Clem and Jake, in their zeal to find the truth, do not take the threats seriously, despite the fact that there has already been issues. The dialogue seemed forced in places, as though the author needed to use the characters to make the plot go in a certain direction. For these reasons, I would not recommend The Secrets We Keep to other readers.
October 31, 2019
This came recommended to me in an email, but now that I've read it, I'm not sure why. The writing is choppy, simplistic. No intrigue or atmosphere. The characters have no personality, and their dialogue is either overly descriptive or angry screaming for no reason. There's no consistency, and the moods flip with no build up or explanation multiple times in one conversation. The main character treats her former best friend terribly. I understand she's being manipulated, but she keeps saying she has no sympathy for her even when she assumes she's in an abusive relationship and learns she has secrets of her own to keep. She even blames the friend for staying and letting things get this far in regards to being abused. The mom gossips confidential information over the dinner table regarding her student and professional closed door meetings about him amongst staff. Surely she could get fired for that. The romance is boring. No build up. Everything is just cheesy and written by what sounds like a 5th grader. It's a basic, simple story turned in for a class assignment. This is not worth your time at all.
January 13, 2017
Oh my god where do I even start.... I've never read a book before that I had to fight of tears like I did for this one! It's hard because kit is "challenged" and has a special place in everyone's heart. He wasnt truest in the book but you were able to tell exactly what kind of kid he was by the legacy he left behind. Wonderful book! Really hits home and makes you hurt a little inside knowing that something like this could easily happen and has happened many times... great book. I read it because it was short and just wanted to knock out the book but now I wish it was a lot longer because of how it made me feel inside!
February 2, 2024
When Kit disappeared at a party and was found drowned in the quarry the next day, Clem knew who to point the finger at: herself. She was the last person to see him alive, the last person who could have helped.
This is a short story that could have been a lot more. The writing is great and Clem is a great character. She's very level headed and a great protagonist. I would have liked a full length novel on the characters and actually solving the mystery of what actually happened to Kit.
This is a short story that could have been a lot more. The writing is great and Clem is a great character. She's very level headed and a great protagonist. I would have liked a full length novel on the characters and actually solving the mystery of what actually happened to Kit.
July 20, 2018
This is a young adult novel. It deals with all the various secrets that surround the death of a young friend with autism.
June 5, 2021
I finished it because it was short, but it was awfully repetitive for something under 200 pages.
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