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Book Jacket

 The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris

Publisher: Dutton
Publication date: 04/02/2009.
Thrillers, 336 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 35
Readers' Consensus: 4.0
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First Impressions: Page 1 of 5
Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Ruth Harris (Tyrone GA)

Impressive Debut
I had my doubts about liking this book - Sierra Leone, murder and child soldiers, but the author does an excellent job of capturing the readers interest immediately. The Secret Keeper is a fast read with interesting characters and a satisfying conclusion. Well done!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Patricia (Trevett ME)

Read it in one sitting
This novel moves back and forth between 2000 and 2004 in the US and Sierra Leone as a civil war rages - one that we all read about in the newspapers. This spell binding book brings the history to life as Danny, the American journalist, discovers that what's on the surface belies the secrets hidden away and tries to find the answers. I was caught up in this well written first novel and read it in one sitting, feeling the oppressive wall of heat, the restlessness and corruption of many of the characters, and the sacrifices of others. The Secret Keeper brings to life what the newspapers didn't and would make a great movie. I look forward to more novels by Paul Harris.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Phoenix (Eclectic AL)

Civil War in Sierra Leone
The action begins on line one and does not let up until the surprise ending. Through the dialogue of the characters and the use of flashbacks, Harris gives the reader a realistic view of the war and the continued corruption and disloyalty after peace is declared.

The protagonist, Danny, faces many conflicts. As a journalist, he was in Africa to report on the war. During this time, he met Maria who had a passion for helping the child soldiers. He received a letter from her four years later stating that she was in serious trouble. He returns to Sierra Leone to find that the citizens have adopted "a new set of survival skills". The atrocities of war continue to disrupt daily life in this village. The friends he met during the war, Kam and Ali, join Danny in his quest for Maria and the protection of her secret.

This is a fast-paced thriller you do not want to miss.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Michelle (Cincinnati OH)

Fast Paced Thriller
The book had my attention from the first page and held my attention until the end. I must confess I read it over the span of 2 evenings.I wanted to know the ending. At times, some of the characters seemed a bit flat and predictable, but overall a great first novel.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Kristen (Baltimore MD)

Much to think about
It has taken me a while to process this book enough to write my review - which is actually a really good sign for this book. It provides a lot to think about and a compelling view of a part of the world and a story which receives very little attention in American media. The book was a vehicle for an important story, and that message outweighs prose that is occasionally awkward with overplayed similes. The characters are richer and complex, and the morality of the situation and its resolution is left to the reader. I highly recommend this book.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Velma (Jacksonville TX)

Kudos
Kudos for this first novel by Paul Harris! From the first page I was drawn into Danny's world and its secrets. I never saw the conclusion coming (a novelty for me). Danny is a British reporter who travels to Sierra Leone to cover the revolutionary war there and falls in love with an aid worker at a children's facility. It's a love story, a mystery, a thriller, and a powerful commentary on our turbulent times and the people who survive those times. It is a good read...a VERY good read and I would recommend it highly to all. I will await the next book by Mr. Harris anxiously and hope that the arrival will be soon.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Peggy (Long Beach CA)

An African Love Story
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a love story within a land torn by war and unspeakable cruelty. I was very impressed with the way Mr. Harris drew his characters and how much more I learned about Sierra Leone in reading it. I would certainly recommend this book to young people who need to learn about this world. This is a fictional story but Sierra Leone is real and it is that reality that will stay with you when you turn the last page.

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