July 2024

Sheryl Browne took what could have been a run-of-the-mill psych thriller to a new level with a unique twist in Keep Me Safe.

Lily and Alex meet at a wedding. But the reader knows from the beginning – through Lily’s POV – that Lily is being less than honest about her motivations for meeting Alex. Is Alex equally deceptive?

It’s hard to tell at first, but some scenes cast doubt on his legitimacy in the relationship.

The truth slowly emerges, but just when the reader thinks it’s going to continue in a “normal psych thriller way” the author pulls a switch. And then, all of a sudden, there is a whole new set of issues with the relationship between Lily and Alex.

Who is telling the truth? Who is hiding important information? Who is causing Lily’s paranoia to go into overdrive – and is Lily rightfully concerned?

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0D45Q7W77social

The second half of the book feels like it is on a completely different level from the introductory chapters. There are twists, mistaken (or hidden) identities, and revelations that will keep the reader in an “oh my goodness, no WAY!” frame of mind.

And, as usual with this author’s books, there are a couple of last-minute twists that make the reader question everything they believed in the story.

I love this author and Keep Me Safe is certainly one of her best. I can’t wait for her next psych thriller.

I am a huge fan of Catherine Hokin. Her books are always well-researched, intriguing, thought-provoking, and heartfelt. The Secret Hotel in Berlin is no exception.

The dual timeline nature of the story gives readers a bonus—it’s almost like two historical novels woven into one. The intricacies required to give both timelines their due are handled beautifully, and each is equally engaging. The transitions between time periods are never clunky.

Ms. Hokin also creates realistic characters who are relatable, even as they are in positions that are completely unrelatable to a reader. The characteristics and personalities jump off the page.

It may seem like a small thing, but Lili’s original profession was quite telling. As a florist, she knew how to make things beautiful, creating bouquets with the perfect flowers for the right occasion.

I choose to believe that she used that knowledge and adapted it as her situation changed. I think she still believed in finding beauty (good) in chaos and creating/supporting methods that helped others survive.

Even though the whole book was fascinating, the last third felt accelerated if only because the reader gets answers to questions that are built throughout the rest of the book.

Yes, reading about WWII Germany and 1990s East Berlin is difficult, given the pain and suffering experienced by millions of people. But Ms. Hokin reminds us that strength and resilience are imperative amid tumultuous times.

The Secret Hotel in Berlin is a must-read book.