I recently finished reading “Two Can Keep a Secret” by Karen M. McManus, and I must say, my heart is still racing! As a young adult thriller enthusiast, I was keenly intrigued by its premise revolving around a small town plagued by dark secrets and disappearances. McManus’s previous work, “One of Us Is Lying,” made quite an impression on me, so I was eager to dive into this latest offering.
The story centers on Ellery, who moves to Echo Ridge—her mother’s hometown—to live with a grandmother she barely knows. It’s a picturesque town, but it holds a sinister past. Ellery learns about her aunt’s mysterious disappearance years ago and the murder of a homecoming queen. The re-emergence of these events leads Ellery to realize that secrets lurk within the town, and she soon becomes embroiled in the danger that follows.
One of the aspects I thoroughly enjoyed was how McManus expertly portrayed the intricate web of secrets that the townspeople were entangled in. The book sets a suspenseful tone right from the start, which kept my heart racing. The dual perspectives between Ellery and Malcolm added depth to the story and allowed for a broader view of the mysteries at play. I found myself rooting for these characters, especially as they uncovered chilling connections between the past and present.
Moreover, it’s evident from some reviews that many readers found this to be a “breezy read” filled with unexpected twists, and I couldn’t agree more! For instance, a reviewer mentioned, “I didn’t see THAT coming!” and I also experienced genuine shock at some of the plot developments. The writing style is engaging, making it easy to lose track of time as I turned the pages.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some readers pointed out that the characters occasionally veered into naivety, and I would agree. While I appreciated the relatable nature of Ellery and her brother Ezra as teens grappling with their own issues, there were moments when their decisions felt a bit too simplistic, particularly in light of the very real dangers they faced. Additionally, I did find that the plot occasionally leaned into familiar YA tropes, which took me out of the immersive experience slightly.
Another aspect that a few readers found wanting was the pacing, especially in the middle sections of the book. At times, the story felt like it lost momentum, and while I was ultimately invested, I could see how it might lag for others. Yet, McManus successfully tied in the past’s mysteries with the present-day dangers, which maintained my interest through to the thrilling conclusion.
Overall, I would rate “Two Can Keep a Secret” at a solid 4.5 stars. It exceeded my expectations with its riveting storyline and well-drawn characters, while still having room for improvement in terms of character depth and pacing. If you’re looking for a captivating YA thriller with ample twists and depth, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Not only does it stand on its own, but it also serves as a great complement to McManus’s previous works. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
In conclusion, if you enjoy suspenseful mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, then definitely give this book a read. You’ll find yourself lost in Echo Ridge’s secrets before you know it.