The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

The story opens in 1961 when sixteen year old Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking event concerning her mother Dorothy, and a stranger. She and her mother are the only ones who know the truth, but it has never been discussed. The story then jumps forward fifty years and Laurel, who is now a famous actress in her sixties, has been summoned to the family home as her mother is dying. Laurel has always been haunted by the shocking event and, before her mother dies, she wants answers. The story then alternates between 2011 and 1941.  The chapters in 2011 are narrated by Laurel, but the 1941 chapters are narrated by Dorothy, her boyfriend Jimmy and her friend Vivien. I especially enjoyed the chapters from Vivien’s point of view. I found myself skipping pages as I felt there was a lot of overwriting with lots of unnecessary scenes. I am glad I had the patience to finish this book because the twist at the end was worth it.