Mystery author Karen McManus’ new book, “Two Can Keep a Secret” was published on Jan. 8. The plot of this novel revolves around the homecoming killer and the main characters uncovering secrets to crack the case. Photo by Gretchen Hinger
The captivating new mystery novel “Two Can Keep a Secret” by Karen McManus is a thriller that readers will not want to put down.
Mystery author Karen McManus released her second novel, “Two Can Keep a Secret” on Jan. 8. Keeping the same theme as her previous book, “One of Us is Lying,” this new novel is a who done it with surprises around every corner.
McManus opens the novel with the main characters, twins Ellery and Ezra Corcoran, getting off a plane in their mother’s hometown of Echo Ridge, a town known for missing girls. Arriving only five years after the murder of their new school’s homecoming queen Lacey Kilduff, the twins are in for a treat when the horrors start to repeat.
This book includes excellent characters with diverse backgrounds, and despite the fact that Ellery and Ezra are twins, McManus does a fantastic job of differentiating their personalities, with Ellery being the concerned, detective type, and Ezra being more laid back.
To help give insight into the twins’ life, one of the main narrators is Ellery, herself. Her perspective alternates with that of Malcolm Kelly, the brother of the suspected homecoming killer, giving the reader a better understanding of the two characters’ lives.
McManus’ character description is exceptional and throughout the book, she provides a vivid picture of the setting to the reader. McManus gives a well-rounded portrayal of what is happening specifically.
For example, during the twins’ stay in Echo Ridge, McManus writes, “Even the building Echo Ridge High is housed in has a certain Puritan charm–it’s old, with wide pine floors, high arched windows, and dramatic sloped ceilings.” Here, McManus gives the reader an in-depth look into what their new school looks like through the perspective of Ellery.
Overall, “Two Can Keep a Secret” is an interesting and engaging book for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery written from multiple perspectives.
