EVERY SECRET THING

Laura Lippman

Orion £17.99 hbk / £9.99 tbo Rel: Oct 2003

Reviewed by Ayo Onatade

Seven years ago two eleven year old girls are accused and convicted of murdering a baby. Seven years later they are released from prison having served their time for the crime they were convicted of. Not really friends but drawn together more by circumstances than anything else, they each blame each other for what happened seven years ago. While the state of Maryland may be forced to release them, there are some who have certainly not forgotten what happened. When another young child disappears not long after they are released all eyes are pointing to the two recently released girls. But did these newly released teenagers commit this new crime.

Every Secret Thing is the first stand-alone novel byEdgar Award winning author Laura Lippman who is better known for her brilliant series featuring Baltimore based journalist Tess Monaghan.

This is one of those dark compelling books that stay with you long after you have finished reading it. The story is told in part as a police procedural as well as a deep character study it also gives an intimate look at the motives driving all the different people involved in both cases. The reader slowly learns who killed the infant amongst the many other revelations that take place. The storyline of this book is not only captivating but also quite horrific. But despite this Every Secret Thing is a page-turner that pulls you along without too much of a struggle. It is also a novel not only about strong and brave women but also calculating and evil women. As to the moral rights and wrong in this novel, one has to read it from the beginning to find out.

While not unique the plot is offered in an evolutionary manner that is quite outstanding. The author has given the reader a far broader perception of crime than one would have come to expect from the customary mystery story. While the crime is still fundamental to the story, it is also a catalyst for the resulting blunders and misunderstandings that perpetuate tragedy. As the story unfolds and history appears to replicating itself, I found it hard to put this book down. In the end, as a reader one of the main things that you will feel is the acceleration of fear shortly followed by a sad but true recognition of what has happened.

Elegantly written, utterly gripping but subtly told with seamless prose Every Secret Thing has certainly confirmed Laura Lippman’s standing amongst other well-known writers and her readers. This standalone novel is long overdue and is certainly one of this year’s standout books. A superb and outstanding piece of storytelling, well worth taking the time to read.