A fast-paced, thrilling young adult read that details the adventurous summer of Cat, a loner grieving the recent passing of her dear dad. Her plans of spending summer making clothes in the barn are scuppered when her mum, an infamous astrologer, hires father and son to carry out some restorative work and loans. A timely text is received and she finds herself embroiled in a life or death adventure. A fun read for teens.

I’m a fan of McKenzie having been introduced to her “Split Second” books, by a chum’s daughter.

The book follows 14 year old Cat as she navigates life after her father’s death, supporting her (recently) mute sister, Bess, and her troubled relationship with her mum. Just as another family move into the property for a summer project, Cat is informed her father is alive and in danger - Cat has to save him.

The book has everything a teen reader wants in a YA novel: mystery, thrills, some romance (it isn’t overdone), a relatable protagonist and a sense that the kids have some autonomy - in this case, they’re solving a mystery.

I’ve read some other reviews that complain the relationship between Cat and her mum is odd and that Cat’s friends wouldn’t ghost her in light of her father’s “death.” As someone who has taught thousands of teenagers, I found both situations utterly believable. In losing her go-to parent, it’s no wonder that Cat would retreat from the world. Naturally, this would strain her relationship with her mum and potentially alienate her from all but the most persistent friends. I mean, don’t get me wrong... it’s also convenient for the plot and premise because in seeking her father, Cat relies on herself and her new friend, Tyler (one half of the family who move in for the summer), rather than her mum or existing friends. It makes the sleuthing more insular. But convenience doesn’t mean implausibility.

I also note that some reviewers judge Cat’s decision making to be questionable at best and ridiculous at worse. Er, yup. That’s what 14 year olds do! I’m a long time fan of YA fiction; I’m about a minute away from turning 40 and I’ve still not outgrown YA fantasy, SciFi or drama. That said, I recognise I’m relating to the characters and plot through a haggard-40-year-old-lens. I think Cat’s choices are daft but I’m meant to think that. Youngsters in Years 7-10 enjoying “Hide and Secrets” will most likely resonate with Cat better than I can.

There were definitely sufficient twists to balance out the more obvious turns. And I also really liked Tyler, her sidekick; I wish we could have learned more about his backstory.

Overall, it’s great to have a YA book that’s actually aimed at a YA audience. McKenzie has created another brilliant novel that will comfortably sit in a secondary school library - unlike other books branded as YA which are too smutty or violent to avoid parental complaints. (I imagine this is a publisher problem not authors’ intent).

I received this because my daughter loves the author and thought she would love it. Well I wasn't wrong.
She read this book in two days and said she wrote the best book ever, better than her previous ones and she loved that too. She couldn't put it down.
5 stars.

I've read several books by this author and enjoyed them, but this one didn't live up to expectations. Explanations came too easily, which meant there was no mystery and I found the plot predictable and not full of any surprises. It seems to aimed at younger teens but seems more like a mid-grade.

Hide & Secrets follows Cat, a fourteen-year-old girl whose summer is turned upside down when strangers move into her garden house for the summer, and she gets a mysterious phone call about her missing, presumed-dead father. Cat quickly begins confiding in her new neighbour Tyler about the fact that there may be more to her dad’s disappearance than originally suspected, and the two suddenly find themselves on a dangerous adventure to discover the truth.

This book was such a fun and quick read. It’s definitely targeted towards middle grade or the younger end of YA, as some of Cat’s actions, thoughts and decisions did seem quite child-like, but the plot still kept me on my toes throughout as an adult with the plot twists and mystery elements. It was difficult to figure out who to trust, despite a few hints throughout that helped me guess at least some of the ending before it happened, and I did genuinely find myself shocked at multiple times throughout.

Cat was a fun protagonist, Tyler was a great sidekick, and the two were definitely true to their age, making the kind of reckless decisions that young teenagers do and, of course, ignoring their parents’ warnings to go on potentially fatal adventures instead. They responded in a fascinating way to the danger that they found themselves (frequently) in and I loved reading about their mission all the way through.

This was a really easy but very gripping mystery/thriller that I would absolutely recommend to younger YA readers. I can see why Sophie McKenzie has earned her ‘Queen of Teen Thrillers’ status and will definitely be checking out her other books now.

I loved Sophie McKenzie as a child and read all her books so when I saw this book on NetGalley I knew I had to read it! Very engaging story, age appropriate and well written. Definitely going to be loved by teens and adults! Highly recommend!

This book was amazing; exactly the kind of book I would have finished in 2 days as a child. Fast paced and intriguing from start to end; this is a great introduction into young adult style reading. Cat is a determined young lady; but you can also see she is struggling and needs someone to understand and listen to her. She finds exactly what she needs in Tyler as they get to know each other and go out into the world to unravel the mystery surrounding Cat's father disappearing. A must read!

2.5 stars. This read like a middle-grade book dressed up as YA. The circumstances of Cat's father's disappearance were too simplistic, and there were too many convenient coincidences in Cat and Tyler's search. I was very happy to read a book with a protagonist who isn't thin, but there were also a lot of teen romance tropes thrown in.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

The story centres around fourteen-year-old Cat who is still grieving the loss of her father who went missing, and is presumed dead, after a boating incident. After Cat gets an unexpected phone call, she starts to believe that maybe there is more to her father’s disappearance then she first thought.

Hide and Secrets is perfect for mystery lovers and those who are growing out of middle grade books. It’s full of adventure, friendships, young romance and the importance of family. A great teen read.

The full review will be available in the summer issue of PaperBound Magazine which will be out in June 2021. paperboundmag.com

I had heard of Girl, Missing before reading this (and have since purchased) so I was unaware of the type of mystery book Sophie Mckenzie would read. Being an avid reader of YA crime/mystery novels, I was hoping this would fit nicely into that category.

While the narrative was interesting and I was left wanting to find out what happened next, I wasn't overly enthralled by the end. Some of the plot points were predictable and I started to get bored. Comparing this to Girl, Missing will be interesting to be able to compare the two.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this text in exchange for a fair and honest review**

This it the first Sophie McKenzie title I've read, she's been on my radar for years as I know her books are very popular in our school library but I've somehow not picked up any of her work before now.

I enjoyed this book, the characters were likeable and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I can see why Sophie is such a popular author.

Fourteen-year-old Cat is facing a lonely summer. Her father is missing – presumed dead – her mother has retreated into her own world and her little sister, Bess, refuses to speak. But when a boy and his father come to stay nearby for the holidays, Cat finds herself opening up to the handsome Tyler. Discovering some long-buried information, Cat and Tyler begin to unravel the trail of lies around her father’s disappearance – a journey that will take them cross-country, uncover a dangerous gang, and a plot to steal a priceless jewel. With secrets exposed, will Cat be able to begin to mend her family?

This book reminded me why I love YA fiction. It was fast-paced and action-packed from the very first chapter. The perfect kind of book to get you out of a reading slump, I raced through this in a day. It was one of those books that you just get lost in. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Cat is still recovering from the loss of her father when she receives a message telling her that he is still alive. This storyline develops into a fast paced adventure/thriller with a bit of romance thrown in too.

I have read other Sophie McKenzie books and was thrilled to get the chance to review a book before publication. This title does not disappoint. A fast paced adventure story with twists and turns that keeps the reader glued to the page. Plenty of danger with a bit of romance thrown in. A teenage book but one that adults will like too.

‘Hide and Secrets’ -Sophie McKenzie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

McKenzie hits the ground running with her latest YA book offering. From the first page to the last, this novel is packed with mystery, romance and adventure aplenty. Targeted for a younger audience: roughly ages 12 and above, this book has accessible language and an engaging story line, laced with YA issues that I suspect would be entirely relatable to this particular audience.

Cat is a savvy protagonist, albeit for some questionable decisions- she forms a strong alliance with budding beau, Tyler. Together they are in a race against time to uncover the mystery shrouding the supposed death of her father, some 18 months ago, in a sailing accident.

A fab, fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end!

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster (UK Children’s) and NetGalley UK for the eARC.

Thank you for the opportunity to read ''Hide and Secrets'.

I read 'Girl Missing' when my children were teenagers and thought it was an excellent YA novel. I was pleased to be able to read 'Hide and Secrets' and can see that Sophie McKenzie has continued to write exciting stories for teens. I enjoyed this book and felt the main characters were well-developed, the story was fast-paced and three was the right amount of teen love-interest. However, I was not convinced by the character of Rik though and felt he was a little far-fetched.

I

Hide and Secrets was a brilliant thrilling mystery that had me gripped throughout!

The story followed Cat whose father went missing and was declared dead. However when she gets a call from her dad's old friend, her life is turned upside down.

This was a gripping thriller that hooked me and I really enjoyed it! The characters made some questionable decision but the writing was readable and fast paced which made up for it!

Overall this was a great read and I would recommend this!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the E-arc!

Cat’s beloved Father had gone out on his boat 18 months previously and never returned. When his battered boat turned up he was declared dead and Cat, her younger sister and their Mum were expected to get on with their lives.
Her Mum had thrown herself into her calling as an astrologer, seeing clients at their house while Cat was expected to babysit Bess who had not spoken since her Dad’s death.
When Cat’s Mum instructs Cat to clear the converted barn of Cat’s sewing project at no notice so guests in the form of a restorer of mosaics and his son can stay there, Cat was no happy.
At almost the exact same time Cat received a phone call out of the blue from Rik, a friend of Cat’s Dad who claims Cat’s Dad is still alive, but in danger and the only person able to help track him down is Cat.
Should Cat believe Rik, or is this some kind of huge sick joke? With the help of the young, attractive son of the mosaic restorer Cat does go on the trail of her Dad, involving herself in a lot of danger, dragging in Bess and having to navigate conflicting truths and lies from all sides.
This is Sophie McKenzie. I knew this book was going to be a tense thriller and I was not disappointed.

Cat Mooney lives with her celebrity astrologer mum and her little sister, Bess in rural England. Cat’s father recently died in a boating accident and the family is just about getting by. Mum is often distracted with work, Cat has fallen out with friends and Bess has become selectively mute. Then two things happen at the same time – Mum invites Mr Tuesday and his teenage son, Tyler, to live in the barn while they repair the mosaic in the garden. And Cat gets a message on her phone that her father is still alive.
Sophie McKenzie has a reputation for nail biting and addictive thrillers. I enjoyed her previous books, Girl Missing and Sister Missing very much. However, I found this newest book a little disappointing.
The characters are likeable enough and there’s plenty of action, but I felt as if we were constantly skimming along the surface and never going deeper. There are a lot of coincidences, a lot of rushed action and a lot of occasions where it all just felt a little unrealistic. Given the tragedy that has ripped Cat’s life apart, I wanted her grief to be more fully explored. Her relationship with Bess is lovely, but her lack of communication with her mum and her abandonment by her friends doesn’t seem to register deeply. Tyler serves as ‘attractive helper’ and although he provides the love interest, his interior life isn’t examined. He’s a black teenager from London with tragedy in his own life and this skimming does him a disservice.
This book is a very gentle way for young readers to explore the mystery/thriller genre. I’d say it’s suitable for year seven/eight. Perhaps I am simply too old to enjoy these books anymore!

Cat Mooney is the daughter of a narcissistic astrologer, but that’s not her (entire) problem. Years ago, Cat’s dad died in a boating accident, her beloved dog was killed and her sister Bess stopped talking. To say that she lives in a dysfunctional family is putting it lightly, and push comes to shove when her mum invites two strangers to live in the ‘barn’ where Cat indulges her one passion: fashion design. A mysterious text from someone claiming her dad is alive sets Cat alight and there begins a tightly woven and thrilling adventure.

In a book filled with mystery and mayhem, the action begins quickly. To compound the tension and invest our attention, characters are introduced and it’s up to Cat (and us) to work out who to trust. Cat makes some pretty dodgy decisions, but given the world’s most self-obsessed mother, she must live with the consequences.

I love Sophie McKenzie’s books. They always deliver on the thrill scale. In this book she builds an obstacle course that means there is only one way forward for Cat and that is to power forward in a blaze of glory. The author creates a perfect sidekick who also happens to be pretty dishy to boot. The title is so super cute, I would pick it up and read it just for that.

When I began reading it, I clocked that Cat was in Year 10 (15yo) but the book is written for what I think is a Year 7 (12yo) reader. The language is accessible and concise and the situation fairly tame sophistication-wise (like Holly Bourne-lite). The addition of family and friend issues ramps up the interest and I admit I was so hooked by the start that I read it in one sitting. (If only to see if Cat’s mum or dad gets the world’s worst parent award). The mystery was solid and the race against time as tense as we have come to expect from the divine Ms McKenzie.

The book has mystery, adventure, romance and enough YA issues to keep the school counsellor reaching for CPD (pro dev) courses. If you like Fleur Hitchcock, Holly Bourne, Tracy Darnton or Karen McManus, this book will be sure to satisfy. Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK Children’s and NetGalley UK for the eARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it.