Kerry Hammond is here with her review of a new novel by
British author Renee Knight.
The Secretary by Renee Knight was released on February 12,
in Hardcover, by Harper. It is the second book by the British author and the book
jacket claimed that the story was a “razor-sharp, twisting tale of power,
obsession, obedience, and revenge.” I just had to see for myself whether or not
this was true.
The Secretary is a story about Christine Butcher, a young
woman who becomes the secretary to Mina Appleton, heiress to a grocery store
chain. Christine is hired for her skills, her discretion, and her loyalty. She
works for Mina for nearly twenty years, even taking care of her to the
detriment of her own life and family. She will do anything Mina asks. But when events
take a turn and her loyalty is truly put to the test, will she do what it takes
to protect her employer?
I loved this book. I tried to come up with one word to
describe it and the first thing that popped into my head was: riveting. There
were plenty of characters in the story, but I was fascinated by Mina and
Christine. They were both extremely complex characters and the author did a
spectacular job of bringing them to life; fleshing out their good, bad, and
devious qualities. They are each equal parts compelling and horrifying.
The plot was suspenseful and perfectly timed to keep me
turning page after page, wanting it to end but not wanting it to end at the
same time. I don’t know if you’re one of those people who reads the author
acknowledgments at the back of the book, but I am. In the acknowledgements, the
author thanks her darling Greg, and tells him “it’s safe to come out now,
Christine Butcher has left the house.” I can honestly say that her memory won’t
leave mine for quite some time.
This book was provided to Mystery Playground by the
publisher. The review was fair and completely independent.
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