Reviews

Keep This to Yourself by Tom Ryan

reesevedder's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thought I had it figured out, but there were some decent twists at the end. My only critique is the dialog didn't feel very natural.

zbrarian's review against another edition

5.0

I read this last spring after reading a recommendation. In a similar style to Karen McManus, this book had me on the edge from the beginning. I really liked the introduction of this YA male protagonist. I would call the flow of the plot a slow burn that doesn't let you go. Not only is Mac trying to discover the truth behind the Catalog Killer, he is trying to come to grips with his true feelings about Connor, while starting a burgeoning relationship with Quill, one of the victim's cousins. The way the author wrote Mac's struggle oozes off the page. If anyone likes a gripping mystery, this one got my vote!

onepageatatime's review against another edition

4.0

This is such a great thriller. You know when people say that a book has them on the edge of your seat? This book actually had me there. I blew through this book because it really made me feel like I was in the book. I needed to have answers. If you have a weak heart this is not the book for you because this book will stress you out until you get the answers and relief that only finishing the book will provide.

whatlouiseisreading's review against another edition

4.0

The twist in this was so good that I had to walk it off.

I removed a star for the fact that the character had too many sudden and coincidental realisations for the uncovering of the mystery to feel natural. Otherwise I really enjoyed it!!! Highly recommend!!

Also the main character of this book is gay and has an amazing romance— I loved seeing a queer character in a teen mystery who was the main character! Only other times I’ve seen it are People Like Us and Broken Things and I’m glad to see it become more common!

yourstrulytay's review

challenging dark 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

4.0

kitrook's review against another edition

4.75

TOM RYAN I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOUR GAME!!!! Will write a full review later I have to pull from my notes I took

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Stalking, and Murder

morguebooks's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

headintheclouds22's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

andiez's review against another edition

3.0

I rarely read thrillers, so this review is coming from someone without a lot of experience. I thought a YA thriller might be a good way to dip my toe in, and I was right! This was a really enjoyable read and kept me totally engrossed all the way to the end. There were lots of twists and it never felt boring or predictable. 

I actually listened to this while pressure washing the driveway and I didn't want to take any breaks so that I could find out what was going to happen! Definitely made the job go by very quickly.

Overall a solid YA thriller!

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

red4reading's review against another edition

4.0

Keep This to Yourself follows Mac, an 18-year-old high school graduate who is still reeling a year after one of his best friends death. His best friend, Connor, was murdered by Camera Cove’s notorious serial killer, the Catalog Killer. When Mac discovers a mysterious clue a year after the murders, he takes matters into his own hands and pursues the investigation on his own (for the most part).

Initially, I was interested in this book because it falls under the category of queer young adult fiction, which is something I normally like reading. The thriller/mystery part is what detergent, though.

But as soon as I got into the story, I found myself living for the mystery. I listened to this as an audiobook, and I constantly found myself gas thing as the story unraveled.

This novel has so many wonderful twists that are totally unexpected and is written beautifully with the conversational aspect that I love so much about you an adult fiction. And, that was only highlighted in the reading of the audiobook.

This is a book that made me look forward to getting in the car for long drives or folding my laundry then, and that is a rare thing. Thank you, Tom Ryan for giving me this amazing story. I look forward to see what comes next!