I was fortunate to receive this book Ina goodreads giveaway. It didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the writing style, story, and cover. This story was so much more that the synopsis on the back. The author has been compared to Jodi Picoult, and she didn't disappoint me. How well do YOU know your neighbors? Thanks Goodreads for introducing me to a new author, I may never have found. I read the book slowly because I didn't want it to end! ( )

Repetitive, wordy, overstated and on and on and on ( )

The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley follows the Lattimore family in Ohio (and Washington D.C.) daily for seventeen days, from August 28 - September 13, and then jumps to a final day on April 15th. Eve Lattimore lives in the family home in Ohio with her two teenage children, Melissa (16) and Tyler (just turned 14), while her husband, David, commutes to his job in Washington D.C. Fourteen-year-old Tyler suffers from XP, xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare skin disease that makes sunlight, or any UV rays, deadly. He cannot go out into the sunlight or be exposed to any lights that give off UV rays. Eve is hyper-vigilant to protect Tyler. He must remained locked in his room until the sun sets and go back before the sun rises. Even with all her ardent safe guards in place, Tyler will likely not live past the age of 20.

While Eve is protecting Tyler, her angsty daughter, Melissa, is going through some secret drama and her personality noticeably changes. Eve and David's marriage is also suffering as he is only home on the weekends. He would like his family to move with him, but Eve won't consider it. The Lattimore family is already on edge, living a tense regimented life when the unthinkable happens. Eve covers up a terrible accident. Rather than call 911, Eve leaves the scene, continuing to the airport. Her overwhelming thought is that she is the only one who can care for Tyler.

As the whole neighborhood is pulled into the drama caused by Eve's choice, the police become involved and the media is overtaking their quiet neighborhood. Eve still feels she is keeping Tyler safe. Unknown to her, however, is Tyler's secret wanderings at night when he leaves the house to take pictures - and look in his neighbor's houses and see what secrets they are keeping. And Eve isn't the only one keeping a secret. Everyone in her family is - as well as all the neighbors.

This is a family drama that just keeps going as the list of problems and complications grows with each passing day. The Deepest Secret does favorably compare to a Jodi Picoult novel. It is first and foremost a family drama which is combined with some aspects of a thriller. It will certainly keep your attention right to the end. It begs the question how much can you really protect your children?

The story is told through the viewpoint of Eve, David, and Tyler, so you are privy to their thoughts and can understand their actions based on that information. However you need to know that none of the characters in The Deepest Secret are likeable. Not one. Additionally the ending seemed rather abrupt after the day by day accounting and high tension the drama created through most of the book. In some ways, though, the tension created over the course of days depicted here will give the reader a taste of the constant tension and stress Tyler's XP put the Lattimores under and how that constant stress could easily lead to the breakdown of a family. Even a tiny amount of tension added to their already overburdened lives could be overwhelming, so what will happen if a huge amount of stress is added?

I Very Highly Recommend The Deepest Secret. The fact that I read it in a day says it all.

Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Random House via Netgalley for review purposes.

Excerpt
http://www.carlabuckley.com/deepest-secret1.php ( )

What's your secret? How far are you willing to go to keep that secret? How far would a mother go to keep a secret in order to protect her family? These questions and more beg to be asked in this book. It is truly gripping. I found it easier to read this book while pacing rather than sitting because I was so anxious.

It only takes an instant for something to go wrong. It only takes an instant for your whole world to get turned upside down. It only takes an instant to be infected with a secret. As the readers will find in this book, each of the (incredibly well written) characters have a secret, none are willing to share. Some harmless, some you can figure out with the clues given, but the biggest secret the reader experiences within the first few chapters. Interestingly enough, the biggest secret ends up revealing the other characters' secrets by the powers of misunderstanding and assuming. It is difficult to discuss this book (and the secrets within) further without spoiling it, but I will say that this book will make you question your moral judgment.

"There are other kinds of vanishing points, he thinks, ones that reach into forever, carrying with them their deepest secrets" (429).

Please note: I received this Advanced Reader Copy for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

I read this mystery for an in-person discussion. The author did a good job of presenting both sides of the problem. The characters had very human emotions and actions. I found myself switching sides of the problem because the characters were so human. I will be seeking out this author again in the future. ( )