Review: Every Secret Thing

EVERY SECRET THING is a compelling book. Seven years ago two girls, still babes themselves, were accused of and convicted for murdering a toddler. Seven years later and the state of Maryland declares their debt paid and the girls free and then .....

EVERY SECRET THING has established Ms. Lippman as one of the “big boys” in crime fiction. The plot of this book is captivating and horrific. Why captivating? The characters, plot and unique writing style. Why horrific? The characters, plot and unique writing style.

EVERY SECRET THING is a book about strong women, manipulative women, heroic women, and evil women. There are the two girls, a mother who wants the “best” for her daughter, a mother who’s lost one child and is afraid of losing another and a female “police” who’s very good at her job. Who is good and who is bad can only be discovered by reading the book. Who is morally right will take further sussing out of the characters motivations.

The plot is presented in an evolutionary style that is painful. As the story unfolds and history seems to be repeating itself the whiplash of overworked eyes and turning pages is forgotten. You’ll feel only the escalation of terror followed by a sad but true realization.

Ms. Lippman writes this book with an overwhelming respect for her reader. With an overtly simple descriptive style she presents her characters actions. The events that occur allow you to recognize who her characters are. None of those annoying editorials are presented here. There are glimpses of the modern person here so beautifully written that single passages will be long remembered. There are truths about the abuse we all lay upon each other daily that will sadden. And there are the little girls lost forever that we can’t get back.

Laura Lippman has done it. The disturbing “I’m writing a stand- alone” trend does have a purpose. It’s name? EVERY SECRET THING.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Ruth Jordan - RAM

Book Review: Every Secret Thing