I enjoyed 2017’s One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, so it felt natural to pick up her newest novel, Two Can Keep a Secret. Once again, McManus offers up a riveting whodunit filled with very real danger for everyone involved. Murder mysteries can be difficult to pull off, but I hoped McManus would deliver again with interesting characters, and enough turns to keep the reader guessing.The Situation: Ellery and Ezra are twins who have just moved to the tiny town of Echo Ridge before they are to begin their senior year of high school. While their mother, Sadie, was never the most attentive, only now has an opioid addiction landed her in rehab, which means the twins must now move in with a grandmother they do not know, and to a town they have never visited. From what Sadie has said, and what Ellery has been able to research on her own, Echo Ridge is a town of secrets. Not only was a Homecoming Queen found dead five years ago in the terribly named Murderland amusement park located in town, but Ellery’s aunt and Sadie’s sister, Sarah, disappeared their senior year 19 years ago. Ellery has always been a bit of a true crime nut, and she has always had questions about Sarah’s disappearance, but Sadie never wanted to talk about it. This move to Echo Ridge might be her chance to get some answers to her questions, while also exploring this town’s less than stellar history.
The Problem: School has not even started, and already the trouble begins when an ominous sign appears in town, claiming that Murderland the sequel is coming soon. Naturally, everyone in town thinks of the girl that was found dead five years ago, which also leads them to think of Declan Kelly, the prime suspect in the murder. Though he was never charged, many in town believe he did it, which is problematic for his little brother, Malcolm. He and Ellery strike up a fast friendship, and while he is interested in keeping himself and his family out of the spotlight, she is interested in getting to the bottom of everything that happened, and what is currently happening. The thing is, everyone in Echo Ridge seems to be holding onto a secret, and some are willing to do whatever it takes to keep those secrets buried. But the signs keep showing up, and then another girl goes missing.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel set in the fictional small town of Echo Ridge, which is situated somewhere in the northeastern part of the U.S. Ellery and Ezra are 17 year-old twins, but the story is told from Ellery and Malcom’s point of view, with Ezra remaining as an important side character. With Ellery, we get the story from someone who did not grow up in Echo Ridge, but has heard stories and has some knowledge thanks to her mother and grandmother. With Malcolm, we get the perspective from someone who watched a close family member become a local pariah since most believe his brother was responsible for the murder that took place five years ago. The book highlights how dangerous and poisonous small-town gossip can be, as well as just how quickly news and information can spread when everyone knows everyone else. Being guilty by association is a real thing, even if no one was officially charged. Also, some people will kill to keep information hidden, while others will do whatever it takes to protect the people they love.
My Verdict: I am happy to report that this book is just as engaging and engrossing as One of Us Is Lying, if not more so. For me, the characters are more thought out, especially Ellery and Malcolm, but even some of the side characters are more complex than I expected them to be. The book does what any suspense or murder mystery is supposed to do, and that is keep the reader guessing while also not being overly complicated. If I had one bone to pick it would be about how many characters are thrown at the reader at the beginning. Granted, Ellery and Ezra have just moved to Echo Ridge, a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and they all remember their mother, Sadie. Even so, it was difficult keeping everyone straight, as well as their roles in past events, who they are related to, and how they could end up being important later. But all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this roller coaster ride and am excited to see what McManus comes up with next.
Favorite Moment: When Malcolm has to acknowledge that Ellery is terrible at solving crimes. I am glad the author put that in as there are major clues and connections that Ellery managed to miss, which is surprising for someone as into true crime as she is supposed to be.
Favorite Character: Both Ellery and Malcolm made too many mistakes, so I choose Nana, Ellery's grandmother. Or even Ryan Rodriguez, the cop who lives next door and may be more connected to some of the events than anyone initially believed.
Recommended Reading: Other than One of Us Is Lying, I also suggest picking up Sadie or All the Rage, both by Courtney Summers.
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