Reviews

All That Is Secret by Patricia Raybon

knit_garden_sew_read's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

2.5 stars rounded up. Writing style feels more natural in audiobook form. I wasn’t prepared for how central the religious aspects of the books are. I don’t mind a religious protagonist but didn’t connect with her near constant references to religion and conversations with God. I did enjoy the historical and place specific details.

kimg1208's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging informative mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mountainreader's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

ndyl's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced
  • Strong character development? No

the_discworldian's review against another edition

Go to review page

I’m already not big on theology being included in my books, but the writing style was what didn’t work for me in the end. Action was frequently interrupted by Annalee’s thinking in blocks of text like this: “it was thing. Could it be thing? Please god, let it not be thing. Of course that wasn’t really a prayer and she didn’t go to church anymore, in spite of everything she used to do. If it’s thing, I’ll deal with it.” 
And that just got on my nerves so I decided to call it a day.

3littlewordz's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Patricia Raybon's All That is Secret had me on the edge of my seat! This is an unexpected page-turner that had me suspicious of every character. Annalee Spain is intelligent, tenacious and a true fighter. The only thing that detracted from the storytelling was the constant internal questioning, which may have been used to illustrate Annalee's doubt throughout the storyline. However, it wasn't distracting enough to not enjoy the story! Looking forward to reading the next installment. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

aprilslibrary's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I read this in two sittings in one day. It was fantastic. 

“Because a simple colored man isn't murdered like that unless he stumbled onto something. Something unusual. Something dangerous. Something...damaging.”

I’ve wanted to read this book since it was released and I finally got a copy of it for my birthday this year. It did not disappoint. I sat down on a Saturday morning with my breakfast to “start” it and read 70 pages. Then, throughout the day, I finished it. It was a page turner. It was filled with truths. The characters were interesting and the plot was well thought out. I thought that the setting and time period was unique, as I can’t even remember another book I’ve read that is set in the 1920’s revolving around the actions of the KKK. I loved Annalee and her spunk and heart, as well as her love for Sherlock Holmes. I also loved Jack and how they worked so well together. I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy history and mystery. I am excited to read book 2!

burkenschmidt's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.5

readmyjoaks's review against another edition

Go to review page

DNF at 20%. The prologue drew me in and left me hanging.

lifespentreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This was such a fun and intriguing read! I haven’t read any Sherlock-esque books in a while, so I enjoyed thinking through all of the various plot twists with the main character, Annalee Spain. There are a few murders described, but they are brief and fit within the story as a whole. I greatly appreciated the honesty of Annalee’s relationship with God; she knew she didn’t have all of the answers even though she was (or perhaps in spite of her being!) a theology professor. A refreshing and uplifting mystery that you will enjoy!