In the tradition of John le Carré, The Secret Keeper, set in war-torn Sierra Leone, tells the story of one man’s search for the truth in a nation where the rules of civilized society simply don’t apply.
Four years ago, British journalist Danny Kellerman was given the opportunity of a lifetime: covering the political crisis in Sierra Leone as a war correspondent. While in Freetown he begins a passionate love affair with a beautiful American woman named Maria Tirado, who helps run an orphanage for ex-child soldiers. But Danny can’t shake the feeling that Maria is hiding something from him, and as the crisis escalates, Danny has no choice but to leave; he boards a helicopter out of Freetown and never turns back….
Until four years later, when, with a new relationship and a new life in London, Danny receives a mysterious, urgent letter from Maria. She’s in trouble and needs Danny’s help. But the letter is dated three weeks earlier, and it’s already too late. Danny learns that Maria was murdered in a roadside robbery.
Haunted and heartbroken, Danny leaves London and returns to Freetown. Although there is now peace in Sierra Leone, corruption is rampant and every promising lead is a dead end. But with the help of old friends and contacts, Danny uncovers a string of secrets that sheds a shocking light on the woman he thought he knew—and reveals a hidden truth that could destroy those in power. Trapped in the heart of a dangerous nation where he can trust no one, Danny is forced to choose between his journalistic integrity and the devastating consequences of speaking the truth.
“Mr. Harris kept me riveted from start to finish. I learned a lot about that war in Sierra Leone.”—Fred, San Diego, CA, rated 5 out of 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“In his first novel, Paul Harris has done the near impossible: combining a tightly designed mystery; love story and self discovery journey into a compelling and exciting read. When British journalist Danny Kellerman is unexpectedly summoned to Sierra Leone - the place where he made his best and worst decisions in life and journalism - by his former love, he begins a journey that will have him questioning what is and isn’t real, relevant or true. A great book for a club read, Kellerman’s journey is filled with physical danger, unexpected emotion and the ultimate journalistic conflict between truth and consequence. A twisty and unexpected plot keeps you reading far past the time you’ve allotted—expect to be drawn into The Secret Keeper late into the night—and expect to see Harris again; hopefully this is the first of a long list of bestselling novels from a talented writer. I hope he’s already working on the next.”—Jill, Wichita, KS, rated 5 out of 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“I had my doubts about liking this book - Sierra Leone, murder and child soldiers, but the author does an excellent job of capturing the readers interest immediately. The Secret Keeper is a fast read with interesting characters and a satisfying conclusion. Well done!"—Ruth Harris, Tyrone, GA, 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“The Secret Keeper brings to life what the newspapers didn't and would make a great movie. I look forward to more novels by Paul Harris.”—Patricia, New Canaan, CT, rated 5 out of 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“The action begins on line one and does not let up until the surprise ending. Through the dialogue of the characters and the use of flashbacks, Harris gives the reader a realistic view of the war and the continued corruption and disloyalty after peace is declared.
"The protagonist, Danny, faces many conflicts. As a journalist, he was in Africa to report on the war. During this time, he met Maria who had a passion for helping the child soldiers. He received a letter from her four years later stating that she was in serious trouble. He returns to Sierra Leone to find that the citizens have adopted "a new set of survival skills". The atrocities of war continue to disrupt daily life in this village. The friends he met during the war, Kam and Ali, join Danny in his quest for Maria and the protection of her secret.
"This is a fast-paced thriller you do not want to miss.”—Phoenix, Eclectic, AL, rated 5 out of 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“Kudos for this first novel by Paul Harris! From the first page I was drawn into Danny's world and its secrets. I never saw the conclusion coming (a novelty for me). Danny is a British reporter who travels to Sierra Leone to cover the revolutionary war there and falls in love with an aid worker at a children's facility. It's a love story, a mystery, a thriller, and a powerful commentary on our turbulent times and the people who survive those times. It is a good read...a VERY good read and I would recommend it highly to all. I will await the next book by Mr. Harris anxiously and hope that the arrival will be soon.”—Velma, Jacksonville, TX, rated 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a love story within a land torn by war and unspeakable cruelty. I was very impressed with the way Mr. Harris drew his characters and how much more I learned about Sierra Leone in reading it. I would certainly recommend this book to young people who need to learn about this world. This is a fictional story but Sierra Leone is real and it is that reality that will stay with you when you turn the last page.”—Peggy, Long Beach, CA, rated 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“This book captured my attention immediately. I've read books taking place in other African countries but not Sierra Leone - the author has done an excellent job of making you feel as if you are there - the heat, destructive forces of many types, the people - both powerful and powerless, the stress of wartime and the awful use of children in war, but also romance and friendship. The book is exciting and terrifying at the same time. I will look forward to other books by Paul Harris.”—Hilary, Bristol. RI, Bookbrowse.com, rated 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“Harris doesn’t waste any time shocking you into a compelling need to continue as the opening chapter captivates your attention to read on. The Secret Keeper is a transcontinental consummate adventure thriller traversing between London and Sierra Leone. In London, Danny Kellerman receives a cryptic letter of desperation from his ex-lover Maria. He is a journalist who four years earlier reported on the political upheaval in Sierra Leone where he met Maria. The postmark is three weeks earlier and all sense of reality disappears when he discovers that he is too late and Maria is dead, a victim of a robbery and murder while driving in the country.
"Harris’s poetic prose style lends itself to a one-night read. You will see, as I did, that putting this book down for even a moment is quite difficult. His prolific use of carefully placed similes, paints a vibrant palette of imagery bringing the reader into the story.
"A debut novel, will cause a few white knuckle moments, you won’t want to miss it. Paul Harris is a novelist to watch and anxiously await his next book.”—Wisteria Leigh, New Milford, CT, rated 5 out of 5, Bookbrowse.com
“It has taken me a while to process this book enough to write my review - which is actually a really good sign for this book. It provides a lot to think about and a compelling view of a part of the world and a story which receives very little attention in American media. The book was a vehicle for an important story, and that message outweighs prose that is occasionally awkward with overplayed similes. The characters are richer and complex, and the morality of the situation and its resolution is left to the reader. I highly recommend this book.”—Kristen, Baltimore, MD, rated 5 out of 5 stars, Bookbrowse.com
“This book was a very enjoyable read on several levels. I knew nothing about Sierra Leone prior to "living" it through the book's characters. There was action, intrigue and a remarkable ending. Although the writing isn't as polished as an experienced author’s, I will definitely read Paul Harris’ next book. A book club would have many topics for discussion: relationships, morality, life under tyrannical rule, treatment of children in other societies, etc.”—Cheryl, East Aurora, NY, Bookbrowse.com
