A review by thecirclek
Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

3.75

An engaging, twisty-turny mystery that may or may not be supernatural in nature. The childhood relationship between the main character and her oddball neighbor, Del, is well sketched out and realistic. I appreciated that Del---who is the victim of domestic abuse and bullying at her school---is not portrayed purely as a victim. The final act falters a bit, as certain elements just don't make sense but are there to move the plot toward resolution. This is a quick read, but be warned that it does have some very dark themes, many of them involving children.