The Secret Keeper is coming!

Australian cover, Allen & UnwinI've been longing to write about the new book for ages, and now, having sent the manuscript off to the typesetter this week, I finally can. I've written before about how it feels to finish a novel (here, for instance), but looking back at that earlier post, I have to tell you this one felt very different.

Oh, the final days of writing passed, once again, in a blur of words and ideas and pictures in my head and fingers that wouldn't type fast enough and -- I admit it -- tears when some of my most-loved characters reached the ends of their journeys; but writing Secret Keeper was such a joyous experience. 

Of course there were periods during its composition when I felt utterly confuddled and couldn't make the puzzle pieces fit together, but I'm learningUK cover, Mantle that's just part and parcel of this wonderful, frustrating, exhilarating book-writing thing.

There were times, too, of enormous thrill. When things just worked, or threads I hadn't expected to belong together surprised me, or really difficult sections finally came right. Most of all though, this book reminded me what I love about writing. Not just writing, but storytelling. It reminded me that I write because there is nothing on earth I love more than disappearing inside the world of a made-up story.

And The Secret Keeper is a story. Those have always been my favourite types of books. It's a mystery with a big old secret at its heart and characters whom I love. It will be published in the UK and US in October 2012, Australia and New Zealand in November 2012, and I'm excited to say I'll be touring in each country through October and November (with a whistlestop visit to Frankfurt, too). Tour dates and locations to come as soon as I have them, along with publication details for everywhere else.

US cover, AtriaAnd now, to the story . . . 

The Secret Keeper 

1961: On a sweltering summer's day, while her family picnics by the stream on their Suffolk farm, sixteen-year-old Laurel hides out in her childhood tree house dreaming of a boy called Billy, a move to London, and the bright future she can't wait to seize. But before the idyllic afternoon is over, Laurel will have witnessed a shocking crime that changes everything.

2011: Now a much-loved actress, Laurel finds herself overwhelmed by shades of the past. Haunted by memories, and the mystery of what she saw that day, she returns to her family home and begins to piece together a secret history. A tale of three strangers from vastly different worlds--Dorothy, Vivien and Jimmy--who are brought together by chance in wartime London and whose lives become fiercely and fatally entwined...

 ***

(I held this post back briefly while I waited until I had all three covers to share with you. Aren't they beautiful? So different, and yet each one captures a different aspect of the story. Do you have a favourite?) 

Comments

[Abi Bayley]

Wow! I can't wait to read this, your books so far have been among my favourites, especially The Forgotten Garden. I am sure this will live up to its predecessors! My fave cover is definitely the one at the top, beautiful.

Abi

[Ann Bagnell]

I just cant wait for this one. The covers are are fantastic. I can feel the summer in them.

[missymarie]

I love the US covers, they always picture a beautiful place that invites me to come in, cozy up and enjoy a great read! A place where I would love to live!

[Tara]

i don't know why but the first cover is the one I saw first and the one i like most...although, yes, all three are gorgeous. But something about her profile, her black hat and gloves against the maroon? jacket captivates me....ooooh i am very excited about this coming out...Xmas present for me - if i can wait that long! :-D

[Angela Sunde]

Congratulations, Kate. I'm so looking forward to your new release. Hmm, my favourite cover is the Aussie one, but the UK cover depicts a younger character - Laurel at sixteen. The US cover gives a sense of place.
Hopefully I can attend one of your launches.

[MIchelle]

Hi Kate - how exciting! Well done on completing what I'm sure will be another great story to disappear into. I can't wait to read it! To answer your question the Australian cover is by far my favourite - it's absolutely stunning!! I love the vivid colour, the airs of both mystery and sorrow on the face of the lady and the magnificent hat and gloves she's wearing. I'll happily make do with the pretty UK cover though since we're getting it a month earlier over here :-) x

[Diane Stonkus]

I'm a sucker for the English country side, so I like the US copy. The other two covers are also very beautiful. Looking forward to reading your new novel (not sure where Canada's date fits in) hopefully in Oct.
Diane

[Katherine]

So excited for this book! With each release, I have a new favorite. It will take something special to topple The Distant Hours, but it could happen!

I think I prefer the Australian cover, but the US edition will coordinate nicely with the books I already own.

Kate - please come to Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, Texas again with this new release!

[Donna King]

Kate - Can't wait until October to read your new novel. I have enjoyed the past 3 with your last one with the 3 sisters living in the old house the best. Keep up the good work. I realize that each novel is a labour of love and that it's a journey from beginning to end.

All the best,

Donna

Barrie, Ontario, Canada

[Mary Furlow]

I can't wait to get the new book. I got a copy of "The Forgotten Garden" at a used book sale a few years ago and have been a fan ever since. You write stories the way I wish I could. And I like the top cover best! But I'm in America, so I guess I can't get that version. I'll watch for your tour dates/locations. :)) -- Mary

[Dzintra]

Dear Kate...I'm so excited to read about your new book...I can't wait! I love the way you write your stories...makes me feel like I am in them!!! The Australian cover is perfect...the girl looks like she is deep in thought about something...and she looks very sad! Congratulations on your new book!

[Connie]

Oh, Kate, the wait is almost over! Since I heaved a deep sigh as I turned the last page of The Distant Hours, I've been on pins and needles waiting for your next novel. And it sounds just as enthralling as all your others. I will definitely preorder, and hope to be able to see you on your US tour. My favorite cover is the Aussie one, but like Katherine said, the US cover will look best among its older 'sisters'.

[Jenni]

Kate,
This is so exciting! With the exception of Jane Eyre, I've never enjoyed a book more than all 3 of yours. Thank you for giving us another story and I can't wait to add it to my collection. I hope you come to Seattle, Washington!
Best Regards,
Jenni

[HopefulLeigh]

I cannot wait to read it! Having finished writing my first novel, I related to all of your thoughts. The process of storytelling often seems a magical mystery itself.

[Colleen]

Kate, I cant wait until this one is realeased in Aus next year. Have been looking forward to a new book. I have been frequenting local bookshops just incase a new one hit the shelves.

My favourite of your books so far was The Forgotten Garden. I loved the mystery and the drama and getting sucked into a whole new world. It was so easy to escape into the pages and feel as if I was right there.

I love the Australian cover.

Thank you so much for your wonderful stories.

Colleen
Carabooda, Western Australia

[Jennifer]

Kate I am counting the days until The Secret Keeper comes out here in the US. You are by far my most favorite author. Houston Texas would love to have you back! Favorite book cover is the English cottage it makes me feel…dreamy.

[CATHY]

I am really looking forward to reading your new book! I enjoyed your first one very much and have your second waiting for me in my Nook! Please forgive my mentioning it, but I hope there aren't any typos in the book as there are in your post here: "Ocboer 2012" and "sstranger". Professional writer forgot to hit "Spell Check", oops! :) But then, I sometimes wish I had the confidence to write a good story, wondering if I could really bring one together.

I like your U.S. cover the best because it brings you to where the story is; what a beautiful, inviting landscape! I like the one of the young girl second; you can't see her face, implying secrets and mystery.

Thank you for writing your novels. They are a real gift!!
~ Cathy

[Davina Davis]

Words can't express!!! I've waitied so long for your next book that this little taste has made my week....so very excited for October to come~ I love all of the covers, but the US Version matches best with the rest of of my set, and it's just a beautiful landscape.

[Julia Joss]

Hey Kate!
I'm so excited to read this one! I love all of your books and they have "the place of honor" on my mantel at home. I think my favorite cover design is the one depicting the cottage! :) Thanks for sharing your talents and writing such wonderful, intriguing, and memorable stories!

[Bob Peterson]

Kate,

I have read everything you have written so far and I have loved all three of your books. I am a history nerd so I love historical fiction, but I also am a big fan of mystery thriller novels. Reading your books is like the best of both worlds. I cannot wait to read this new one. I vote for the Australian cover. It definitely beats out the British and American covers. Keep up the great writing.

Bob

[Linda Hensens]

I can't wait for your new book to be published! As for the cover art, I really like the first one with the grown woman on the front. She seems to be contemplating the secret in her past. She is elegant and she looks like she is an accomplished woman. Not to mention the fact that if most of the story is about her delving into her past and the secrets hidden there, it is always cool to be able to put a face to the author's description. I hope you choose this cover!

[Nina]

I love the UK Cover.
I´m very exctied about the new book. We´ll you come to Germany (Hamburg) again?

[Susan]

My favorite is the Austrailian cover. I've read all your books and although it was difficult choosing a favorite I'd have to say "Distant Hours" was my fav. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for your new book to be released in October. I've already ordered it on Amazon.com and it's a birthday gift
to me! Thank you and so looking forward to more great books......Susan

[Lesley]

Hello Kate, I love all three covers I am seeing the American cover as a jigsaw lol. Would love all three. I am collecting all your books to read one day, perhaps when I am on holidays. Look forward to seeing you in Australia, hope you come to Melbourne. Will we have dates soon? Best wishes, Lesley

[Tanya]

I've anxiously anticipated this new novel. I have read and loved all three of your books, and now have my best friend hooked on your writing as well. As for the covers; they are all beautiful. I think I like the UK one the best. I hope your inspiration for writing continues to be as strong and wonderful throughout your career!