Book Review: The Secret Keepers

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Secret Keepers     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Julie Mars
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Psychological Suspense
GreyCore, May 2000, $23.00, 288 pp.

Steve Dant first noticed the tall woman when he delivered the outgoing mail including copies of the magazine Expression to subscribers at the Stuyvesant Post Office on 14th Street. Though not obsessed, at least not in a sexual sense, Steven has enjoyed watching her fluid motions for the past three months. He decides to learn more about his mark, Christine Timberlake by performing a bit of amateur sleuthing, which is relatively easy for Steven, a person ignored in a crowd of two. He obtains one of her letters, breaks into her apartment, and learns about her child Petra

However, Steven does not yet know that one person has noticed his pursuit of Christine. Christine’s former husband who wants to gain custody of their child has retained professional private investigator Greg Litner. To Greg and his client, any scandal (real or not) will suffice. Greg believes Steven is the key to satisfying his customer.

THE SECRET KEEPERS is a weird relationship drama that worked because of the depth provided to the main characters. that enables to readers to understand their motives and actions. The story line is a well-crafted tale It allows the audience to follow the exploits of Steven’s snooping into Christine’s life and the aftermath his actions cause. Still, what makes Julie Mars’ novel a winning tale for the audience is the way each key cast member tries to keep secrets from one another even as they unknowingly share so much. This is a wonderful, wacky, and wild ride.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner