Cover Image: Hide and Secrets

Hide and Secrets

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Sophie McKenzie was my absolute favourite author as a teen - I remember devouring Girl, Missing and Blood Ties over and over again. So when I heard Sophie was releasing another book, I knew I had to take a trip back to my love of YA.

Cat's dad was killed in a sailing accident eighteen months ago - or so she thinks. Until one day, she receives a call from an old friend of her dad's claiming he was forced to fake his death, and that he's still out there. Not only that, but Cat's dad is in danger - and only Cat can find him. Alongside her little sister Bess and handsome helper Tyler, Cat has to venture across the country to find her dad before it's too late.

This book reminded me why I love YA fiction. It was fast-paced and action packed from the very first chapter. The perfect kind of book to get you out of a reading slump, I raced through this in a day. It was one of those books that you just get lost in. Some plot points I saw coming, but the main story had plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. As an adult who hasn't read YA for years, I cringed slightly at certain lines, but it didn't detract from what was overall a really great book. Sophie McKenzie definitely hasn't lost it, and I felt really honoured to review her latest book prior to its release.

Was this review helpful?

After reading Close My Eyes, this book appealed to me as it had a very similar premise but it didn't grip my attention at the beginning in the same way, it was a comfortable read however at some points had me cringing at the characters actions but overall was a good read

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book. Sophie McKenzie has a way of creating tension and weaving a story that keeps you guessing till the very end. I enjoyed the plot and the pace of this novel and it would be a great read for teenagers who want something to grip them and get them invested in some great characters.

The only reason I have not rated this book higher is simply because I feel as though I have read this book before. It was not necessarily unique and reminded me a lot of her other novels, specifically Blood Ties (which I happen to love!)

That being said I would definitely recommend it to my students!

Was this review helpful?

My year 7s and 8s love a good mystery and Hide and Secrets will fit the bill perfectly. There is suspense throughout the book and there are lots of wrong turns as the story progresses. A straightforward but engaging read that is sure to appeal to both boys and girls.

Was this review helpful?

I received an early e arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have recently started reading YA books and have really enjoyed them.
I have a teen daughter who is a massive fan of this author and I know she will love this one. This book is most definitely aimed toward younger teens as opposed to young adults in my opinion.

The main protagonist is a likeable character. It was this aspect which kept me reading. The writing is good, but the story so unpredictable and rushed in parts. I flew through this one really quickly. It’s not a particularly complex book but still enjoyable. I look forward to being able to discuss this one with my teen soon!

Was this review helpful?

Giving this four stars because I know how much my younger self would’ve loved it! (probably 3 stars reading it as a 23 year old now). This is definitely aimed at a younger audience (early to mid teens). I always enjoyed Sophie McKenzie’s action packed adventures and this one is no different.

I really liked the main character is this, as I always did in McKenzie's novels because they were the types of girls that everyone wishes they could be like - strong, brave, and not overly cool so that it seems achievable.

While some things felt a little rushed, this is all in all a great teen thriller. I felt some of the sections were a little rushed and unrealistic, but I think a lot of that comes from reading it as a more sophisticated reader now that struggles to see past things like that. I wouldn't necessarily rush to recommend it to my friends, but I would gladly pass it along to other now grown up Sophie McKenzie fans for a spot of reminiscing, or younger cousins.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED this book! First of all, thanks so much to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I have a couple of other books by this author that I am yet to read, but apart from that, I went into reading this not really knowing anything about it.
The story is basically the search for Cat's father who was presumed dead following a boating accident, however, things were not as they first seemed and certain clues and characters lead her for the trail to find her father.
I loved how fast paced this story was, straight into action. Likeable characters and a few twists and unexpected turns.
You do have to suspend belief a little bit but this is a YA mystery so I'd expect nothing else really.
The ending was satisfying and tied up some loose ends.
Overall I would absolutely recommend this book to friends and family, it is aimed at a younger audience, but if you're like me and enjoy YA fiction I don't think you'd be too disappointed!

Was this review helpful?

This book had me gripped from the start, it gave you a little insight into the character and then bang straight into the story which I loved! It’s very fast paced, things move quickly as the story develops, but it still lets you get to know the characters, this is something I really enjoyed and it really got me into the book and made me want to read on more. The ever changing story, lots of twists, turns and unexpected events had me reading so fast to know what happened next. I like that so much was focused on telling the story rather then ‘page filling’ which a lot of authors do with uncessery descriptions as I find these make a book loose it’s edge and slows it down.
The end was just UNREAL! Everything I thought was going to happen just blew up, I was so shocked in a great way!
This was such a great read!
Overall this is a great book and a very easy thrilling read. I read it all in one sitting and would encourage everyone to read it. It’s a great book for getting you out of a non reading phase, in between a series or after an intense or lengthy book. Another great book from a great author!

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

It was ok. It wasn’t great. It wasn’t atrocious. It was just meh. Found myself more interested in getting to the end than the characters or the narrative

Was this review helpful?