This beautifully written and haunting novel is just as good, if not better than her debut, My Summer of Love. An author who deserves to be more widely read as the writing stays with you long after you’ve finished it, a trait so unusual in fiction today. Sometimes shocking and laced with black humour throughout it is a modern day morality tale and a must for anyone who wants to understand or can relate to the psyche of the youth of today.
Nineteen-year-old John has been plucked from his small-time London life to be the famous Misty Moore’s nanny while she hides out — post-pregnancy — in a crumbling mansion in Wychwood, in deepest Yorkshire. He is dazzled by his change of fortune, by Misty’s impossible breasts and most of all by the heartbreaking Hepsie Vine, who is mysteriously bound to Misty.
Nineteen-year-old John has been plucked from his small-time London life to be the famous Misty Moore’s nanny while she hides out — post-pregnancy — in a crumbling mansion in Wychwood, in deepest Yorkshire. He is dazzled by his change of fortune, by Misty’s impossible breasts and most of all by the heartbreaking Hepsie Vine, who is mysteriously bound to Misty.
But there’s more to his job than just glamour and decadence. For the village of Wychwood comes with the dank trace of secrets and Misty, of course, has plenty of her own…
‘There’s a timeless feel to this tale of loneliness, greed and beauty. Cross writes as beautifully as you’d expect’ Daily Mail
‘Cross’s strengths are a compelling stylistic immediacy and an ability to imbue the everyday world with sensuality and strangeness … it has the raw energy and flashes of brilliance that show Helen Cross to be a writer to watch’ Sunday Telegraph
‘If you enjoyed My Summer of Love you’ll love her second, a spellbinding meditation on celebrity and glamour’ Red
Author
About Helen Cross
Helen Cross's first novel, My Summer of Love, was published in 2001 and was the winner of a Betty Trask Award in 2002. She was born in 1967 and brought up in East Yorkshire. Helen was educated at Goldsmith's College, University of London, and the University of East Anglia. She currently lives in Birmingham.
Nineteen-year-old John has been plucked from his small-time London life to be the famous Misty Moore’s nanny while she hides out — post-pregnancy — in a crumbling mansion in Wychwood, in deepest Yorkshire. He is dazzled by his change of fortune, by Misty’s impossible breasts and most of all by the heartbreaking Hepsie Vine, who is mysteriously bound to Misty.
The Secrets She Keeps features in the following genres: Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories, Fiction, General Fiction
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. Not Available.
The Secrets She Keeps was written by Helen Cross and published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
The Secrets She Keeps has 276 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. Not Available.
Join Our Community
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here
