A Terrible Secret   By: May Agnes Fleming (1840-1880)

A Terrible Secret by May Agnes Fleming is a captivating and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows a young woman named Helen who becomes entangled in a web of deception and mystery.

One of the strengths of this novel is its well-developed and complex characters. Helen is a likable and relatable protagonist who is suddenly thrown into a world of secrets and lies. As the plot unfolds, we witness her transformation from an innocent and naive girl to a determined and strong-willed woman. The other characters in the book are equally intriguing, each with their own secrets and motives.

Fleming’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making it difficult to put the book down. Her vivid descriptions transport the reader to the atmospheric settings of the story, making one feel as though they are right there with the characters. The author also excels at creating a sense of tension and suspense, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages.

The plot of A Terrible Secret is full of twists and turns, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. Just when the reader thinks they have unraveled the mystery, another unexpected revelation surfaces, pulling them deeper into the story. Fleming does an excellent job of building suspense and maintaining the reader's interest throughout.

While the book is primarily a mystery, it also delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. These deeper emotions add depth to the story and make the characters more realistic and relatable.

One minor drawback of the novel is that some of the plot twists and revelations may feel slightly predictable to seasoned mystery readers. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, A Terrible Secret is a gripping and intriguing novel that will captivate fans of mystery and suspense. May Agnes Fleming's skillful writing, well-developed characters, and suspenseful plot make it a worthwhile read. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or enjoy a good mystery, this book is definitely one to add to your reading list.

First Page:

I. Miss Darrell II. A Night in the Snow III. Trixy's Party IV. "Under the Gaslight" V. Old Copies of the "Courier" VI. One Moonlight Night VII. Short and Sentimental VIII. In Two Boats IX. Alas for Trix X. How Trix took it XI. How Lady Helena took it XII. On St. Partridge Day XIII. How Charley took it XIV. To morrow XV. Lady Helena's Ball XVI. "O My Cousin Shallow hearted!" XVII. "Forever and Ever" XVIII. The Summons XIX. At Poplar Lodge XX. How the Wedding day Began XXI. How the Wedding day Ended XXII... Continue reading book >>