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I Know Your Secret
One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars for middle-grade readers.
The email arrives Sunday night: Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.
On Monday morning, seventh graders Owen, Gemma, Ally, and Todd, who have nothing in common and barely know each other, must work together and follow the instructions of an anonymous blackmailer. None of them want to go along with the blackmailer's instructions, but each of them have a secret they must protect at all costs.
Set during a single day of school, the students race against the clock to complete a disquieting set of tasks, with fast-paced chapters detailing each moment of the day interspersed with a later interview-style recording made by the quartet.
I Know Your Secret is an exploration of why we conceal the truth, how far we'll go to keep it hidden, and the power of being honest.
The email arrives Sunday night: Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.
On Monday morning, seventh graders Owen, Gemma, Ally, and Todd, who have nothing in common and barely know each other, must work together and follow the instructions of an anonymous blackmailer. None of them want to go along with the blackmailer's instructions, but each of them have a secret they must protect at all costs.
Set during a single day of school, the students race against the clock to complete a disquieting set of tasks, with fast-paced chapters detailing each moment of the day interspersed with a later interview-style recording made by the quartet.
I Know Your Secret is an exploration of why we conceal the truth, how far we'll go to keep it hidden, and the power of being honest.
240 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2021
220 people are currently reading
2364 people want to read
About the author
Daphne Benedis-Grab
13 books99 followersDaphne Benedis-Grab is the author of four middle grade books and two books for teens. She lives and writes in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
November 20, 2021
Four 7th graders get identical messages on their phones on a Sunday night: "I know your secret." Gemma, Ally, Owen, and Todd each have a secret of their own. They will find themselves thrown together at school for a day, bonded by their desire not to be outed by the unknown blackmailer. This has a bit of a Breakfast Club feel. The four students are all in different friend groups and have barely noticed the others in their classes. As they work to complete the tasks that are sent to them via text, they begin to open up to new friendships. Misery loves company, right? They just might find that if they can discover the identity of the blackmailer then there is a chance they can identify the end game. And they just might find that sharing their secrets with the group is the first step to freedom. Love the cover!
Thank you to Scholastic Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Scholastic Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
An excellent read, this book had teamwork and enemies to friendship story. Each character had his/her own unique personality and backgrounds. When they were forced together, they figured out how to work together despite their differences. I liked how each character noticed something from the other person. Ally was a great addition to the team because she knew how to stay calm even when situations called for panic. I liked how she defuse angers among everyone. Each character has strengths and weaknesses and it was great to see their growth over time. The mystery was good and the reveal surprised me. I enjoyed following all four characters’ thoughts. They were active in coming up with ideas, questioned what’s right vs wrong, and continuously strategizing to find out who knew their secrets.
This book started with Owen, 12. He felt lucky to have checked his email before dinner started with his stepfather and mom. He liked to work on his graphic novel a bit more than doing school studies. The second view was Gemma, 12. She wanted to be excused from dinner early with her family to check on her phone. Her mom wanted to reduce screen time especially after Covid-19 shutdown. She was waiting for a boy to text her but was disappointed that there was no text. She then checked her email and saw the the menacing words right away, “I Know Your Secret.” The third view was Todd, 12. He was using the family computer in the kitchen. He couldn’t let his mom see that he was upset because he didn’t want her to worry. When his mom left the room, his anger continued to boil by the blackmail email he had just read directed at him. The fourth view was Ally, 12. She also received a blackmail letter and she worried that if her secret got out, her grandparent’s rescued animals sanctuary might be closed forever. The four weren’t friends at first but formed an unlikely friendship after being pushed into a situation together.
I Know Your Secret was a fast paced read! This book featured bullying which was good because everyone should be aware on how it affected people; both the bully and the victim. I liked the school’s Explorer Day. I hope there is something like that in my son’s school. Very good and fun learning opportunities. I liked the bit about nutrition, starting breakfast with protein instead of a donut. I would have liked to attend some of the explorer’s classes just to see what else they did. But I see why the four main characters couldn’t be in the class while also trying to stay out of the way. It would have been great to have a surprise view at the end from the blackmailer just to justify for his/her actions and to reveal how he/she obtained confidential information between the principal and his staff. Other than that, the read was age appropriate for young readers and I recommend the book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.Howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Scholastic for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book started with Owen, 12. He felt lucky to have checked his email before dinner started with his stepfather and mom. He liked to work on his graphic novel a bit more than doing school studies. The second view was Gemma, 12. She wanted to be excused from dinner early with her family to check on her phone. Her mom wanted to reduce screen time especially after Covid-19 shutdown. She was waiting for a boy to text her but was disappointed that there was no text. She then checked her email and saw the the menacing words right away, “I Know Your Secret.” The third view was Todd, 12. He was using the family computer in the kitchen. He couldn’t let his mom see that he was upset because he didn’t want her to worry. When his mom left the room, his anger continued to boil by the blackmail email he had just read directed at him. The fourth view was Ally, 12. She also received a blackmail letter and she worried that if her secret got out, her grandparent’s rescued animals sanctuary might be closed forever. The four weren’t friends at first but formed an unlikely friendship after being pushed into a situation together.
I Know Your Secret was a fast paced read! This book featured bullying which was good because everyone should be aware on how it affected people; both the bully and the victim. I liked the school’s Explorer Day. I hope there is something like that in my son’s school. Very good and fun learning opportunities. I liked the bit about nutrition, starting breakfast with protein instead of a donut. I would have liked to attend some of the explorer’s classes just to see what else they did. But I see why the four main characters couldn’t be in the class while also trying to stay out of the way. It would have been great to have a surprise view at the end from the blackmailer just to justify for his/her actions and to reveal how he/she obtained confidential information between the principal and his staff. Other than that, the read was age appropriate for young readers and I recommend the book!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.Howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Scholastic for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
February 14, 2022
3.5 stars
Thank you so much to Scholastic Press publishing and Edelweiss+ for providing me with an arc copy of I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab!
Four students receive an anonymous and mysterious text “Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.” And this is the story of how far they will go to keep their secrets safe.
For me with mystery books, it is either a hit or miss…and I’m happy to say this was a hit!
The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and the revelation moment totally caught me off guard.
This book started with a BANG! Right from the first chapter I got hooked. This was such a good read. The storyline was so well thought out. I love the added recordings. I thought it made it that much more interesting.
As much as I loved the plot, I was kind of bummed about the lack of character development and depiction. I admired all of the characters' determination and perseverance, but it was kind of hard for me to connect and relate to them. You can tell how different each one of them are to one another and I wish we got to see more. But the friendships definitely make up for it. I just love the friendship bond that came out of this.
If you are looking for a fun and quick read this is one I would suggest checking out. Especially since it is set in school after COVID happened…and it takes place in the span of a day.
This is a middle grade read perfect for fans of Karen M.McManus. It is not only thrilling but this book deals with strong themes that I’m happy the author decided to tackle.
This was one I did not predict. The mystery and suspense was so well thought out.
Thank you so much to Scholastic Press publishing and Edelweiss+ for providing me with an arc copy of I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab!
Four students receive an anonymous and mysterious text “Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.” And this is the story of how far they will go to keep their secrets safe.
For me with mystery books, it is either a hit or miss…and I’m happy to say this was a hit!
The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and the revelation moment totally caught me off guard.
This book started with a BANG! Right from the first chapter I got hooked. This was such a good read. The storyline was so well thought out. I love the added recordings. I thought it made it that much more interesting.
As much as I loved the plot, I was kind of bummed about the lack of character development and depiction. I admired all of the characters' determination and perseverance, but it was kind of hard for me to connect and relate to them. You can tell how different each one of them are to one another and I wish we got to see more. But the friendships definitely make up for it. I just love the friendship bond that came out of this.
If you are looking for a fun and quick read this is one I would suggest checking out. Especially since it is set in school after COVID happened…and it takes place in the span of a day.
This is a middle grade read perfect for fans of Karen M.McManus. It is not only thrilling but this book deals with strong themes that I’m happy the author decided to tackle.
This was one I did not predict. The mystery and suspense was so well thought out.
November 5, 2022
This was the worst book besides a Wrinkle in Time I've read this year 😟
The writing was very juvenile and just not that interesting. The characters were flat, the plot was boring, the blackmailer was predictable and it's highly unrealistic that 4 middle schoolers could miss a whole day and no one ask about them. Also the blackmailers texts weren't even that threatening! It was super juvenile and I hated most of the characters. 😬
I guess if you were in like 4th grade this might be a good book but to me it should be ripped up in a trash can.
Oh and also their "secrets" weren't even that interesting! I didn't understand Todd's, Gemma's (and her name) was dumb, what was Owens secret even?? 🤷🏻♀️ And Ally's was just kind of dumb as well.
And the writing was just like: 🙅🏻♀️ There was no description and the blackmailer was kinda predictable. I guess I was expecting more of a YA novel. Also does anyone else agree that this seems mildly like a rip off of "One of us is Lying"? 🤨
Overall the government should issue a nation wide ban of this book and every single copy of this book should be burned 🔥
The writing was very juvenile and just not that interesting. The characters were flat, the plot was boring, the blackmailer was predictable and it's highly unrealistic that 4 middle schoolers could miss a whole day and no one ask about them. Also the blackmailers texts weren't even that threatening! It was super juvenile and I hated most of the characters. 😬
I guess if you were in like 4th grade this might be a good book but to me it should be ripped up in a trash can.
Oh and also their "secrets" weren't even that interesting! I didn't understand Todd's, Gemma's (and her name) was dumb, what was Owens secret even?? 🤷🏻♀️ And Ally's was just kind of dumb as well.
And the writing was just like: 🙅🏻♀️ There was no description and the blackmailer was kinda predictable. I guess I was expecting more of a YA novel. Also does anyone else agree that this seems mildly like a rip off of "One of us is Lying"? 🤨
Overall the government should issue a nation wide ban of this book and every single copy of this book should be burned 🔥
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October 25, 2025
I Know Your Secret? I Know This Book Sucks.
⭐️⭐️ (2/5 Stars, and that's being generous)
The Characters Have Zero Brain Cells
I’m not even kidding, the main crew in this book is the most frustrating, brainless bunch of people I’ve ever read about.
Every single decision they make is the absolute opposite of what any person with a functioning brain would do. You spend the whole book just wanting to yell at them! Like, there are actual adults present, but they’re determined to handle this huge crisis by themselves in the most complicated and ridiculous way possible. Seriously, I would trust my younger brother more than these people.
They were so flat, too. Not just 2D they felt like 1D. They're just names walking around, obsessed with their secrets (which, honestly, weren't even that exciting). I couldn't care less what happened to any of them because they had zero personality or depth. Total eyeroll.
The Plot Was Painfully Predictable
And the plot? Don't even get me started. The book sets up this huge, suspenseful mystery, but the pacing was so boring, like waiting for the last ten minutes of math class.
I figured out who the secret blackmailer was WAY, way too early in the story. It felt like the author was trying to distract me with all the character drama, but the actual truth was right there, obvious from the beginning.
When the “big twist” finally happens near the end, it was so incredibly pointless. The entire reason for all the “drama” and all the “super intense blackmail” (imagine getting a email saying I know your secret, with now context and then believing it) felt like such a massive waste of time, It was like they built up a huge mountain and then the reason we climbed it was to find a Colleen Hoover book. You’re left feeling like you wasted so much time reading about this for absolutely no reason.
Final Verdict
So yeah, 2 stars is honestly being generous because the cover was fine, I guess. If you want a fun, shocking thriller, this isn’t it. If you want a tutorial on how not to write intelligent characters, then congratulations, you've found your textbook. I cannot. Save your time and read literally anything else instead.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
⭐️⭐️ (2/5 Stars, and that's being generous)
The Characters Have Zero Brain Cells
I’m not even kidding, the main crew in this book is the most frustrating, brainless bunch of people I’ve ever read about.
Every single decision they make is the absolute opposite of what any person with a functioning brain would do. You spend the whole book just wanting to yell at them! Like, there are actual adults present, but they’re determined to handle this huge crisis by themselves in the most complicated and ridiculous way possible. Seriously, I would trust my younger brother more than these people.
They were so flat, too. Not just 2D they felt like 1D. They're just names walking around, obsessed with their secrets (which, honestly, weren't even that exciting). I couldn't care less what happened to any of them because they had zero personality or depth. Total eyeroll.
The Plot Was Painfully Predictable
And the plot? Don't even get me started. The book sets up this huge, suspenseful mystery, but the pacing was so boring, like waiting for the last ten minutes of math class.
I figured out who the secret blackmailer was WAY, way too early in the story. It felt like the author was trying to distract me with all the character drama, but the actual truth was right there, obvious from the beginning.
When the “big twist” finally happens near the end, it was so incredibly pointless. The entire reason for all the “drama” and all the “super intense blackmail” (imagine getting a email saying I know your secret, with now context and then believing it) felt like such a massive waste of time, It was like they built up a huge mountain and then the reason we climbed it was to find a Colleen Hoover book. You’re left feeling like you wasted so much time reading about this for absolutely no reason.
Final Verdict
So yeah, 2 stars is honestly being generous because the cover was fine, I guess. If you want a fun, shocking thriller, this isn’t it. If you want a tutorial on how not to write intelligent characters, then congratulations, you've found your textbook. I cannot. Save your time and read literally anything else instead.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
December 28, 2021
It’s kind of a middle grade Pretty Little Liars or a middle grade version of one of Karen M McManus’ books. I liked the recording aspect, but there was little character development and the ending was very open.
May 21, 2023
This was a book sale impulse purchase so not one I was waiting to read. But, I enjoyed the story, which takes place over one day, and the characters as well.
This would be a perfect read for the targeted audience. Recommend.
This would be a perfect read for the targeted audience. Recommend.
May 2, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and it is a book I would reread 😄
May 11, 2022
It is a book that specifically target the younger audience. So, I didn't enjoy it.
Read
October 26, 2022Trigger & Content Warnings:
Racism mentioned
Misogyny mentioned
Adoption
Anxiety
Depression
COVID-19, discussed
Blackmail (theme)
Racism mentioned
Misogyny mentioned
Adoption
Anxiety
Depression
COVID-19, discussed
Blackmail (theme)
July 18, 2022
'IK KEN JE GEHEIM. DOE WAT IK ZEG, ANDERS VERTEL IK HET AAN IEDEREEN.’
Wanneer Owen, Gemma, Ally en Todd dit dreigbericht krijgen, hoeven ze niet lang na te denken: alles liever dan dat hun geheim onthuld wordt! Dus besluiten ze te doen wat de afperser zegt.
De eerste opdracht ontvangen ze maandagochtend op school. Ook al zitten ze alle vier in de tweede klas, ze kennen elkaar nauwelijks. Nu moeten ze samenwerken om de vreemde instructies van de blackmailer op te volgen.
Met het uur worden de opdrachten gevaarlijker, en de tijd tikt. Wie zit hierachter? En kunnen ze de afperser stoppen voordat het te laat is?
Toen ik de flaptekst van dit boek las, werd ik meteen getriggerd. Getriggerd om dit boek te lezen. 'Lees mij, lees mij!' leek het te roepen. Uiteráárd moest ik daar gehoor aan geven.
Ik las dit boek en werd meteen ondergedompeld in een verhaal vol mysterie en onderhuidse spanning. Het deed een beetje denken aan Pretty Little Liars (in de dop). Een verhaal geschreven voor de jeugd, maar waar ik ook zeker van kon genieten.
In 'Ik ken jouw geheim' volgen we Owen, Gemma, Todd en Ally. Vier verschillende individuen, maar ze hebben één overeenkomst: ze hebben ieder een geheim.
Als lezer weet je niet welke geheimen dit zijn en dit zorgde ervoor dat ik nieuwsgierig bleef naar wat er ging komen.
Door het vleugje spanning dat verweven werd met de vlotte schrijfstijl van Daphne Benedis-Grab kon ik het boek niet meer wegleggen. En de korte hoofdstukken waren de kers op de taart; ideaal om de spanning te behouden én om stiekem nog één hoofdstuk te lezen.
Gaande het verhaal leer je de hoofdpersonages beter kennen én begrijpen. Je komt erachter dat iedereen met zijn eigen demonen worstelt... Geheimen komen bloot te liggen en je hoofd maakt overuren. Dit boek is een fijne whodunit mét een heerlijke plottwist.
Met actuele thema's als pesten, liegen en depressie bevatte dit verhaal óók een belangrijke les: iedereen heeft wel eens hulp nodig en het is helemaal niet erg om om hulp te vragen. Knap dat de auteur dit verhaal in woorden kon vangen, zonder dat het ergens te zwaar wordt. Echt een aanrader voor de jeugd! ****
Wanneer Owen, Gemma, Ally en Todd dit dreigbericht krijgen, hoeven ze niet lang na te denken: alles liever dan dat hun geheim onthuld wordt! Dus besluiten ze te doen wat de afperser zegt.
De eerste opdracht ontvangen ze maandagochtend op school. Ook al zitten ze alle vier in de tweede klas, ze kennen elkaar nauwelijks. Nu moeten ze samenwerken om de vreemde instructies van de blackmailer op te volgen.
Met het uur worden de opdrachten gevaarlijker, en de tijd tikt. Wie zit hierachter? En kunnen ze de afperser stoppen voordat het te laat is?
Toen ik de flaptekst van dit boek las, werd ik meteen getriggerd. Getriggerd om dit boek te lezen. 'Lees mij, lees mij!' leek het te roepen. Uiteráárd moest ik daar gehoor aan geven.
Ik las dit boek en werd meteen ondergedompeld in een verhaal vol mysterie en onderhuidse spanning. Het deed een beetje denken aan Pretty Little Liars (in de dop). Een verhaal geschreven voor de jeugd, maar waar ik ook zeker van kon genieten.
In 'Ik ken jouw geheim' volgen we Owen, Gemma, Todd en Ally. Vier verschillende individuen, maar ze hebben één overeenkomst: ze hebben ieder een geheim.
Als lezer weet je niet welke geheimen dit zijn en dit zorgde ervoor dat ik nieuwsgierig bleef naar wat er ging komen.
Door het vleugje spanning dat verweven werd met de vlotte schrijfstijl van Daphne Benedis-Grab kon ik het boek niet meer wegleggen. En de korte hoofdstukken waren de kers op de taart; ideaal om de spanning te behouden én om stiekem nog één hoofdstuk te lezen.
Gaande het verhaal leer je de hoofdpersonages beter kennen én begrijpen. Je komt erachter dat iedereen met zijn eigen demonen worstelt... Geheimen komen bloot te liggen en je hoofd maakt overuren. Dit boek is een fijne whodunit mét een heerlijke plottwist.
Met actuele thema's als pesten, liegen en depressie bevatte dit verhaal óók een belangrijke les: iedereen heeft wel eens hulp nodig en het is helemaal niet erg om om hulp te vragen. Knap dat de auteur dit verhaal in woorden kon vangen, zonder dat het ergens te zwaar wordt. Echt een aanrader voor de jeugd! ****
September 10, 2021
I loved how the author focused just on the plot and didn't throw in meaningless information as a filler. The only downside was the absolute lack of character descriptions. The only character described was Vivi and that was included towards the end. Other than that, if you don't focus on how unrealistic the plot is, this is a fast paced and entertaining read. Thank you Edelweiss for an ARC.
July 11, 2023
Okay,
I liked this but the ending was quite anticlimactic.I also just finished reading One of Us is Lying and it is like a child friendly version of it.But it was okay.A whole lot of difficult topics were covered like bullying,Racism,Adoption,and you guessed it Felonies!
Pretty good ,3 stars
I liked this but the ending was quite anticlimactic.I also just finished reading One of Us is Lying and it is like a child friendly version of it.But it was okay.A whole lot of difficult topics were covered like bullying,Racism,Adoption,and you guessed it Felonies!
Pretty good ,3 stars
December 5, 2023
4th grade me would’ve ate this book up.
it wasn’t bad but i think the language & overall writing style is too young for me
continue later….
it wasn’t bad but i think the language & overall writing style is too young for me
continue later….
July 1, 2023
To była dobra książka, niosąca przesłanie, jednak dla młodszych czytelników. Dla nastolatków, a już szczególnie dla dorosłych może być zwyczajnie infantylna, ale też może stanowić chwilową rozrywkę. Ja bawiłam się z nią w miarę dobrze, jednak moim błędem było założenie, że to cięższa lektura, więc odrobinkę się zawiodłam. Sama akcja jest ciekawa, ale prosta i nawet dla dziewięciolatka może być zbyt.. nijaka. Rozwiązanie wcale nie jest porywające, wręcz na odwrót - trochę nudnawe. Sama zaczęłam nudzić się tuż po scenie z apelem. Jednakze sądzę, że to naprawde wartościowa pozycja.
November 10, 2024
Erg leuke ya verhaal. De vaart zit er gelijk in en de spanning wordt goed opgebouwd naarmate het verhaal vordert.
De structuur van het verhaal leest erg prettig en je blijft je afvragen wie nu de dader is.
Net als de hoofdpersonen spring je van verdachte naar verdachte en de uitkomst is toch wel redelijk verrassend te noemen.
De structuur van het verhaal leest erg prettig en je blijft je afvragen wie nu de dader is.
Net als de hoofdpersonen spring je van verdachte naar verdachte en de uitkomst is toch wel redelijk verrassend te noemen.
December 21, 2021
This middle grade thriller had me hooked from the start. It kept me guessing. I loved the dynamics between the four main characters. The ending might be a little too perfect and glossy, but for this audience it makes sense.
December 17, 2022
“Todd did not know why Owen didn’t understand that sometimes you shut up instead of talking and making things worse.”
Just what I would love to tell some people !
Just what I would love to tell some people !
November 5, 2023
REALLY unsatisfied with the ending, none of their secrets got resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
What a bunch of goofy goobers!!
ALSO WHAT HAPPENED TO CODY?
ALSO WHAT HAPPENED TO CODY?
June 10, 2025
i felt like this book was for someone in 3rd grade. not a huge fan
April 16, 2024
Flaki z olejem
March 23, 2024
some things could've been more elaborated on, but overall, it was good. if you’re looking for a middle grade version of One of Us is Lying, this is a solid option.
September 7, 2024
Nothing against it just wasn’t for me
October 9, 2021
High octane with tons of twists and turns! Plus I cared about the characters. Perfect ending that totally took me by surprise.
April 8, 2021
Lucky enough to read an early version of this book. It's gripping and utterly compelling!
June 1, 2021
Loved it!!!
November 23, 2025
Ik mag dan richting de dertig gaan, maar nog altijd kan ik op zijn tijd genieten van een jeugdthriller. Deze boeken zijn vaak luchtig geschreven, niet te dik en leveren toch een paar uurtjes fijne spanning op. Geldt dat ook voor 'Ik ken jouw geheim' van Daphne Benedis-Grab? Het antwoord is gelukkig: ja.
Inhoud
Het verhaal volgt vier leerlingen die op het eerste gezicht weinig met elkaar gemeen hebben. Ally is de lieve en hardwerkende pleaser, Todd het probleemjoch dat iedereen op afstand houdt, Gemma de populaire leerling die snakt naar echt contact, en Owen de allemansvriend met een nogal twijfelachtige vriendenkring.
Normaal zouden ze elkaar nauwelijks een blik gunnen, maar dat verandert wanneer ze op een avond allemaal een e-mail ontvangen: iemand weet hun geheim. Als ze de opdrachten van deze mysterieuze afperser de dag daarna niet uitvoeren, wordt hun geheim openbaar op school. Dat willen ze natuurlijk koste wat kost voorkomen. De grote vraag is: wie is deze afperser en met welk doel zet hij of zij deze opdrachten uit?
'Ik ken jouw geheim' van Daphne Benedis-Grab
Voordat ik begon met 'Ik ken jouw geheim' van Daphne Benedis-Grab was ik een beetje bang. Het is oprecht een risico om maar liefst vier hoofdpersonages te hebben. De kans bestaat dat de lezer in de war raakt en geen band opbouwt met de karakters. Toch zal ik deze zorgen maar gelijk de kiem in smoren. Wat dit boek namelijk enorm prettig maakt om te lezen, is juist hoe soepel de auteur schakelt tussen de vier perspectieven.
Elk personage krijgt genoeg ruimte om zichzelf te laten zien, waardoor je ze echt leert begrijpen en waarderen. Vooral Ally sprong er voor mij uit: zij komt zo sympathiek en oprecht over dat je meteen wilt weten wat haar geheim is en waarom juist zij in deze situatie terechtkomt.
Makkelijk te volgen
Ondanks de 270 pagina’s (wat toch relatief dik is voor dit genre) lees je het boek in een rap tempo uit. Dit komt natuurlijk vooral door de combinatie van de makkelijke en voor de doelgroep begrijpbare zinnen, de toegankelijkheid van die schrijfstijl en de verhaallijn an sich. Net als Daphnes vorige boek 'Ik weet dat je liegt' is de hele situatie simpel: het speelt zich allemaal af op één dag, op dezelfde locatie en vooral op een plek die iedereen zich kan voorstellen: de middelbare school. En dat werkt!
Verwacht echter geen bloedstollende momenten waarbij je op het puntje van je stoel zit. Het boek draait vooral om de onderliggende mysteries. Als lezer blijf je gelukkig wel het hele verhaal door nieuwsgierig naar wat deze vier karakters precies te verbergen hebben en wie er blijkbaar op uit is om deze geheimen aan het licht te brengen. Het uiteindelijke antwoord stelt gelukkig niet teleur.
Onderliggende boodschap
Maar dit is slechts een deel van het geheel. Naast de spanning en het mysterie bevat het boek namelijk ook een mooie, subtiele boodschap: iedereen heeft geheimen en het kan ontzettend opluchtend zijn om deze met iemand te delen. Natuurlijk kan dat soms gevolgen hebben, maar het wegstoppen van geheimen helpt uiteindelijk niemand.
Deze thematiek maakt het verhaal herkenbaar, ook voor lezers zoals ik, die al wat ouder zijn en het schoolleven achter zich hebben gelaten.
Conclusie
Ben je op zoek naar een fijne jeugdthriller om wat uurtjes mee door te brengen? Let dan maar goed op, want 'Ik ken jouw geheim is precies wat je zoekt. De combinatie van sterke, goed uitgewerkte en vooral diverse personages en een spannend opgebouwd mysterie zorgt ervoor dat je als lezer helemaal in het verhaal opgaat. Of je dus nu nog op school zit of terugdenkt aan die tijd vol kleine en grote drama’s: dit boek is een heerlijke leeservaring die je niet wilt missen.
Inhoud
Het verhaal volgt vier leerlingen die op het eerste gezicht weinig met elkaar gemeen hebben. Ally is de lieve en hardwerkende pleaser, Todd het probleemjoch dat iedereen op afstand houdt, Gemma de populaire leerling die snakt naar echt contact, en Owen de allemansvriend met een nogal twijfelachtige vriendenkring.
Normaal zouden ze elkaar nauwelijks een blik gunnen, maar dat verandert wanneer ze op een avond allemaal een e-mail ontvangen: iemand weet hun geheim. Als ze de opdrachten van deze mysterieuze afperser de dag daarna niet uitvoeren, wordt hun geheim openbaar op school. Dat willen ze natuurlijk koste wat kost voorkomen. De grote vraag is: wie is deze afperser en met welk doel zet hij of zij deze opdrachten uit?
'Ik ken jouw geheim' van Daphne Benedis-Grab
Voordat ik begon met 'Ik ken jouw geheim' van Daphne Benedis-Grab was ik een beetje bang. Het is oprecht een risico om maar liefst vier hoofdpersonages te hebben. De kans bestaat dat de lezer in de war raakt en geen band opbouwt met de karakters. Toch zal ik deze zorgen maar gelijk de kiem in smoren. Wat dit boek namelijk enorm prettig maakt om te lezen, is juist hoe soepel de auteur schakelt tussen de vier perspectieven.
Elk personage krijgt genoeg ruimte om zichzelf te laten zien, waardoor je ze echt leert begrijpen en waarderen. Vooral Ally sprong er voor mij uit: zij komt zo sympathiek en oprecht over dat je meteen wilt weten wat haar geheim is en waarom juist zij in deze situatie terechtkomt.
Makkelijk te volgen
Ondanks de 270 pagina’s (wat toch relatief dik is voor dit genre) lees je het boek in een rap tempo uit. Dit komt natuurlijk vooral door de combinatie van de makkelijke en voor de doelgroep begrijpbare zinnen, de toegankelijkheid van die schrijfstijl en de verhaallijn an sich. Net als Daphnes vorige boek 'Ik weet dat je liegt' is de hele situatie simpel: het speelt zich allemaal af op één dag, op dezelfde locatie en vooral op een plek die iedereen zich kan voorstellen: de middelbare school. En dat werkt!
Verwacht echter geen bloedstollende momenten waarbij je op het puntje van je stoel zit. Het boek draait vooral om de onderliggende mysteries. Als lezer blijf je gelukkig wel het hele verhaal door nieuwsgierig naar wat deze vier karakters precies te verbergen hebben en wie er blijkbaar op uit is om deze geheimen aan het licht te brengen. Het uiteindelijke antwoord stelt gelukkig niet teleur.
Onderliggende boodschap
Maar dit is slechts een deel van het geheel. Naast de spanning en het mysterie bevat het boek namelijk ook een mooie, subtiele boodschap: iedereen heeft geheimen en het kan ontzettend opluchtend zijn om deze met iemand te delen. Natuurlijk kan dat soms gevolgen hebben, maar het wegstoppen van geheimen helpt uiteindelijk niemand.
Deze thematiek maakt het verhaal herkenbaar, ook voor lezers zoals ik, die al wat ouder zijn en het schoolleven achter zich hebben gelaten.
Conclusie
Ben je op zoek naar een fijne jeugdthriller om wat uurtjes mee door te brengen? Let dan maar goed op, want 'Ik ken jouw geheim is precies wat je zoekt. De combinatie van sterke, goed uitgewerkte en vooral diverse personages en een spannend opgebouwd mysterie zorgt ervoor dat je als lezer helemaal in het verhaal opgaat. Of je dus nu nog op school zit of terugdenkt aan die tijd vol kleine en grote drama’s: dit boek is een heerlijke leeservaring die je niet wilt missen.
November 25, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: I Know Your Secret
Author: Daphne Benedis-Grab
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Adopted MC from Kazakhstanian who is orphaned and lives with her grandparents
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, thriller, mystery, single day books
Genre: MG Thriller Mystery
Publication Date: December 7, 2021
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 226
Recommended Age: 12+ (Covid, Parentification, Anger issues, Power imbalance relationship, Misogyny, Violence, Racism, Depression, Anxiety, Blackmailing)
Explanation of CWs: Covid is mentioned throughout the book and is apart of the book and character's history. Parentification shown in the book. Power Imbalance relationship between a 7th grader and a sophomore in high school mentioned. Misogyny, Violence, Racism, Depression, and Anxiety mentioned. Blackmail is a key component to the plot of this book.
Synopsis: The email arrives Sunday night: Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.
On Monday morning, seventh graders Owen, Gemma, Ally, and Todd, who have nothing in common and barely know each other, must work together and follow the instructions of an anonymous blackmailer. None of them want to go along with the blackmailer's instructions, but each of them have a secret they must protect at all costs.
Set during a single day of school, the students race against the clock to complete a disquieting set of tasks, with fast-paced chapters detailing each moment of the day interspersed with a later interview-style recording made by the quartet.
I Know Your Secret is an exploration of why we conceal the truth, how far we'll go to keep it hidden, and the power of being honest.
Review: Overall I like the book a lot. I really like the mystery part of it and how the book kept you guessing from person to person on who is blackmailing these kids. I thought that the World building was pretty well done and that the character development was pretty good for two of the main characters. I also felt that the pacing was very on point and I liked the back and forth between what was going on and the recordings that they made.
However, there was a couple things I didn't like about this book. I felt like Gemma and Owen weren't well developed unlike Ally and Todd. I also felt like the book was a bit muddled at the end and the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, there's no real consensus on what happened to the kids in the aftermath. The book just kind of ends and it's very disappointing considering that the reader was on this journey with these kids for so long.
Verdict: It was good except for that cliffhanger.
Book: I Know Your Secret
Author: Daphne Benedis-Grab
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Adopted MC from Kazakhstanian who is orphaned and lives with her grandparents
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, thriller, mystery, single day books
Genre: MG Thriller Mystery
Publication Date: December 7, 2021
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 226
Recommended Age: 12+ (Covid, Parentification, Anger issues, Power imbalance relationship, Misogyny, Violence, Racism, Depression, Anxiety, Blackmailing)
Explanation of CWs: Covid is mentioned throughout the book and is apart of the book and character's history. Parentification shown in the book. Power Imbalance relationship between a 7th grader and a sophomore in high school mentioned. Misogyny, Violence, Racism, Depression, and Anxiety mentioned. Blackmail is a key component to the plot of this book.
Synopsis: The email arrives Sunday night: Do exactly what I say, when I say it, or I will reveal your secret.
On Monday morning, seventh graders Owen, Gemma, Ally, and Todd, who have nothing in common and barely know each other, must work together and follow the instructions of an anonymous blackmailer. None of them want to go along with the blackmailer's instructions, but each of them have a secret they must protect at all costs.
Set during a single day of school, the students race against the clock to complete a disquieting set of tasks, with fast-paced chapters detailing each moment of the day interspersed with a later interview-style recording made by the quartet.
I Know Your Secret is an exploration of why we conceal the truth, how far we'll go to keep it hidden, and the power of being honest.
Review: Overall I like the book a lot. I really like the mystery part of it and how the book kept you guessing from person to person on who is blackmailing these kids. I thought that the World building was pretty well done and that the character development was pretty good for two of the main characters. I also felt that the pacing was very on point and I liked the back and forth between what was going on and the recordings that they made.
However, there was a couple things I didn't like about this book. I felt like Gemma and Owen weren't well developed unlike Ally and Todd. I also felt like the book was a bit muddled at the end and the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, there's no real consensus on what happened to the kids in the aftermath. The book just kind of ends and it's very disappointing considering that the reader was on this journey with these kids for so long.
Verdict: It was good except for that cliffhanger.
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