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A review by styngrae
Secrets Don't Stay Buried by J.D. Mills
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
" 'Seems like we both owe our younger selves some grace for the mistakes we've made...' 'No... We owe them justice.' "
✨️Thank you, J.D. Mills for a copy of Secrets Don't Stay Buried in exchange for an honest review!✨️
This is J.D. Mills' debut novel! I don't think I have read a book with so much diversity at once. Secrets Don't Stay Buried doesn't just entertain; it also engages and teaches about the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HoH) community and the difficulties they face in everyday life. Upon reading the synopsis, I was curious to see how the author would translate sign language to paper, but they did an amazing job describing the signs comprehensively. The characters were outstandingly relatable and really came to life. I heavily identified with Len and her struggle with overthinking.
This novel had very few issues. I found some subplots confusing, but none impeded the main storyline. The time jumps were very abrupt; I wish a date stamp or something similar had been implemented. Also, in my opinion, the book would have been easier to read with shorter chapters.
In spite of this, the twists and turns really take you for a ride. I was right with the characters, trying to figure out who the culprit was! The book ends on a cliffhanger, so if that indicates there will be a sequel... sign me up!
J.D. Mills is definitely an author I'm going to keep on my radar. Hopefully, I can read more of their ARCs in the future!
P.S. Chapter 11 had me SQUEALING!!!! 🤭🤭
" 'But if we get arrested, you're never hearing the end of this.' " "I won't be hearing anything anyway, but go off, Felix."-Lennon
✨️Thank you, J.D. Mills for a copy of Secrets Don't Stay Buried in exchange for an honest review!✨️
This is J.D. Mills' debut novel! I don't think I have read a book with so much diversity at once. Secrets Don't Stay Buried doesn't just entertain; it also engages and teaches about the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HoH) community and the difficulties they face in everyday life. Upon reading the synopsis, I was curious to see how the author would translate sign language to paper, but they did an amazing job describing the signs comprehensively. The characters were outstandingly relatable and really came to life. I heavily identified with Len and her struggle with overthinking.
This novel had very few issues. I found some subplots confusing, but none impeded the main storyline. The time jumps were very abrupt; I wish a date stamp or something similar had been implemented. Also, in my opinion, the book would have been easier to read with shorter chapters.
In spite of this, the twists and turns really take you for a ride. I was right with the characters, trying to figure out who the culprit was! The book ends on a cliffhanger, so if that indicates there will be a sequel... sign me up!
J.D. Mills is definitely an author I'm going to keep on my radar. Hopefully, I can read more of their ARCs in the future!
P.S. Chapter 11 had me SQUEALING!!!! 🤭🤭
" 'But if we get arrested, you're never hearing the end of this.' " "I won't be hearing anything anyway, but go off, Felix."-Lennon
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking, Murder, Sexual harassment