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Review: Every Secret Thing

Every Secret Thing Every Secret Thing by Susanna Kearsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Susanna Kearsley's books and have read just about everything she has published, her entire oeuvre of published work. Although this is a reprint, originally published under a different name (Kearsley's pen name Emma Cole), this was still a wonderful read, and I'm happy others will be able to enjoy this story.

Canadian journalist Kate Murray is in London covering a murder trial when an elderly gentleman named Andrew Deacon approaches her, claiming to know something about her grandmother and a murder connected to World War II. Before he can tell her everything, he is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run. What follows takes Kate from London to Toronto, Lisbon, and Washington as she uncovers a complicated trail of wartime espionage, betrayals, and secrets that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

What worked best for me was how naturally the story moved between the past and present. Dual timelines can sometimes pull me out of a book, but here they made the mystery even more compelling. I especially loved the WWII storyline, with its intelligence operations, political intrigue, and the complicated loyalties of people trying to survive extraordinary circumstances.

I also found myself surprisingly attached to Andrew Deacon. Although his appearance is brief, his story unfolds through the memories of others, and I loved how someone we barely get to know firsthand could leave such a lasting impression. Kate's determination to uncover the truth also made her easy to root for, even when I questioned some of her decisions. Her curiosity and refusal to let the past remain forgotten gave the investigation a personal connection that made me care about more than simply solving the mystery.

The atmosphere was another highlight. Kearsley captures the uncertainty and sacrifices of wartime beautifully, but it was the quieter sadness beneath the suspense that stayed with me. There is something heartbreaking about people carrying regrets, unspoken feelings, and lost opportunities for decades. I felt that sense of longing throughout the book, particularly as the connections between the two timelines became clearer.

My biggest issue was that the plot occasionally relied on coincidences that felt a little too convenient. Kate also makes some questionable choices considering the danger surrounding her. Still, I really enjoyed the journey. The mystery kept me curious, the historical details drew me in, and the emotional weight of the wartime storyline gave the book more depth than I expected. I finished feeling a little melancholy, thinking about the lives shaped by war and all the stories that disappear when no one takes the time to listen.

Every Secret Thing is a thoughtful blend of historical fiction, espionage, mystery, and romance that reminded me why I enjoy stories where the past refuses to stay in the past. I truly appreciated this great re-read; thanks so much to Landmark and NetGalley for this free book in exchange for my honest opinion! 4.5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
#NetGalley #LandmarkPartner


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