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Secrets #7
Innocent
Sometimes you have to look back in order to move forward.
After the orphanage she lives in is destroyed by fire, Betty, an innocent and trusting teen, takes a job as a maid in Kingston, Ontario. Welcomed into the household of the wealthy Remington clan, Betty makes friends with the staff at the house and soon discovers that her mother had also been a maid there—and that her father is in a nearby jail, convicted of murdering her mother. When she meets her father, she is taken aback by his claims of innocence, and she decides to try to uncover the truth about her mother’s murder and her father’s conviction. A friendly young policeman assists her in her investigation (and shows an interest in Betty that is more romantic than professional). But all is not well in the Remington household, and someone doesn’t want Betty to learn the truth.
After the orphanage she lives in is destroyed by fire, Betty, an innocent and trusting teen, takes a job as a maid in Kingston, Ontario. Welcomed into the household of the wealthy Remington clan, Betty makes friends with the staff at the house and soon discovers that her mother had also been a maid there—and that her father is in a nearby jail, convicted of murdering her mother. When she meets her father, she is taken aback by his claims of innocence, and she decides to try to uncover the truth about her mother’s murder and her father’s conviction. A friendly young policeman assists her in her investigation (and shows an interest in Betty that is more romantic than professional). But all is not well in the Remington household, and someone doesn’t want Betty to learn the truth.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
19 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books908 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 6, 2017
This book, it gave me so many good feels
January 30, 2016
When I first began reading this book, it took me a while before I got into this book. It's part of a series where multiple orphans leave to make their way into the world after their orphanage is burned. The unique thing about this series is that each of these is written by a different author. For me, this was a simplistic read, but I enjoyed it enough that I plan on reading some of the other titles, as well.
In "Innocent", we are introduced to the life of Betty, a young person who finds herself employed as live-in help in Kingston, in the 1960's. This happens to be the same job her mother had, allowing her to explore her past. Slowly, and surely, she discovers the reasons why she was placed in an orphanage, and how the sins of her father may have affected the chances of her adoption.
This is a small book, and comes off as simplistic and predictable, yet the author has written the character well enough that you find yourself invested in her story and her life. I liked it enough that I finished with the book in merely two sittings (despite being super busy). I would definitely like to read, and learn, more about all the different characters that have left the Orphanage.
In "Innocent", we are introduced to the life of Betty, a young person who finds herself employed as live-in help in Kingston, in the 1960's. This happens to be the same job her mother had, allowing her to explore her past. Slowly, and surely, she discovers the reasons why she was placed in an orphanage, and how the sins of her father may have affected the chances of her adoption.
This is a small book, and comes off as simplistic and predictable, yet the author has written the character well enough that you find yourself invested in her story and her life. I liked it enough that I finished with the book in merely two sittings (despite being super busy). I would definitely like to read, and learn, more about all the different characters that have left the Orphanage.
June 23, 2021
This was a quick read and pretty entertaining. It’s the typical orphan girl, victim-to-hero plot line with a bit of a twist. The story ended abruptly and with several loose ends so it wasn’t the greatest ending. Still pretty enjoyable and suspenseful.
March 26, 2017
I have read a plethora of Eric Walters books for school, and I had rather mixed feelings about some of them. Some of them I adored, but others just weren't my cup of tea. Innocent was the first book of his that I read for pleasure, and it definitely did not disappoint.
In case you didn't know, this book is part of the Secrets series, which contains seven books by seven different Canadian authors. There is no need to read the books in order, as the protagonists in each book each go on separate journeys. The books in the series all start off with the burning down of the girls' beloved orphanage in 1964, and then they all part ways and discover their own lives.
Innocent is the book in the series that follows Betty. After her orphanage burns down, she is sent to Kingston, Ontario to be a maid for a wealthy family. As she gets to know and befriend the family, she learns that her mom had been a maid for them as well, and that her dad was imprisoned for having possibly killed her mom. To see if her father is innocent, she goes and visits him, and she comes to a conclusion that he is. But there is a shady truth- will it hurt Betty?
Betty is honestly one of my favourite protagonists in this series. She was definitely very well-thought out, three-dimensional, and relatable. I found her to be exceptionally brave- it takes guts to get involved in the type of situation she was in with her imprisoned father- as well as able to quickly forgive and forget. I loved the loyalty that Betty possessed, and I seriously think we need more of these characters in YA.
There was a dribble of romance in this story, between Betty and a policeman named David. Despite the fact that the circumstances of their relationship were a bit strange, I still found them to be so adorable together!❤️
Like most mystery books I read, the plot ran quickly and smoothly, and there were many twists and turns and leaps to keep me engaged. One thing that bothered me, though, was the short length of this book. I wanted to know more! The story ended unrealistically with a happily ever after, and I still had burning questions at the back of my mind!
All in all, Innocent was a riveting, fast read that absolutely kept me on my toes. I always felt excited and engaged while reading it, which was wonderful! I'm surprised that this awesome series isn't more popular, honestly. Anyway, if you're looking for a novel with rich themes, great characters, and an interesting mystery, be on the lookout for Innocent- as well as all the other books in the Secrets series!
In case you didn't know, this book is part of the Secrets series, which contains seven books by seven different Canadian authors. There is no need to read the books in order, as the protagonists in each book each go on separate journeys. The books in the series all start off with the burning down of the girls' beloved orphanage in 1964, and then they all part ways and discover their own lives.
Innocent is the book in the series that follows Betty. After her orphanage burns down, she is sent to Kingston, Ontario to be a maid for a wealthy family. As she gets to know and befriend the family, she learns that her mom had been a maid for them as well, and that her dad was imprisoned for having possibly killed her mom. To see if her father is innocent, she goes and visits him, and she comes to a conclusion that he is. But there is a shady truth- will it hurt Betty?
Betty is honestly one of my favourite protagonists in this series. She was definitely very well-thought out, three-dimensional, and relatable. I found her to be exceptionally brave- it takes guts to get involved in the type of situation she was in with her imprisoned father- as well as able to quickly forgive and forget. I loved the loyalty that Betty possessed, and I seriously think we need more of these characters in YA.
There was a dribble of romance in this story, between Betty and a policeman named David. Despite the fact that the circumstances of their relationship were a bit strange, I still found them to be so adorable together!❤️
Like most mystery books I read, the plot ran quickly and smoothly, and there were many twists and turns and leaps to keep me engaged. One thing that bothered me, though, was the short length of this book. I wanted to know more! The story ended unrealistically with a happily ever after, and I still had burning questions at the back of my mind!
All in all, Innocent was a riveting, fast read that absolutely kept me on my toes. I always felt excited and engaged while reading it, which was wonderful! I'm surprised that this awesome series isn't more popular, honestly. Anyway, if you're looking for a novel with rich themes, great characters, and an interesting mystery, be on the lookout for Innocent- as well as all the other books in the Secrets series!
February 25, 2018
I love this mildly connected series, every one of them is really different but an interesting concept to read their different situations even though they have all come from the same place. I also love that it takes place in Canada. One of the better Canadian stories I have read in a bit.
I think this was one of the better stories in the series so far that I have read but I look forward to reading more about the children from the orphanage.
Great Read!
I think this was one of the better stories in the series so far that I have read but I look forward to reading more about the children from the orphanage.
Great Read!
June 28, 2018
AAAHHH!! I don't even know what to say. I guess I got addicted to this series, but this book was so amazing and suspenseful. I had so idea about the plot twist at the end!1 I can't believe It was Edward!!!!! But did believe in her father in the beginning. WOW! Go Lizzy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2016
4.5*
I really enjoyed this book and was surprised with the plot and characters!
I really enjoyed this book and was surprised with the plot and characters!
June 6, 2016
I miss this man's books. I don't know why I stopped reading them. He's so sweet, his characters are real darlings, and his historical fact-checking is in my experience, flawless. Betty/Lizzie was not my favourite of the Seven, but I really enjoyed watching her find her own strength and confidence and family.
That's the last of the series for me, then. This was really nice. As a whole, a super solid series that I enjoyed very much.
That's the last of the series for me, then. This was really nice. As a whole, a super solid series that I enjoyed very much.
August 5, 2015
I received this book for free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.
I wasn't expecting to really like this book, but I did. The only thing I didn't like was that the pacing was a little strange. The ending seemed rushed. Aside from that it was a quick, but interesting read. I also love that this is part of a series that can be read in any order.
I wasn't expecting to really like this book, but I did. The only thing I didn't like was that the pacing was a little strange. The ending seemed rushed. Aside from that it was a quick, but interesting read. I also love that this is part of a series that can be read in any order.
May 14, 2025
I FORGOT TO READ THE LAST CHAPTER FOR MONTHS...
such a good book
such a good book
November 10, 2019
3.75 stars
The beginning of this book was slow and boring. I find with some of Eric Walters' stories there isn't enough backdrop/background; we just jump into the story and are expected to sympathize and care about the characters before we even know them. To be fair, Elizabeth did have a personality and I did like her by the middle, but it was hard to sympathize beyond "I would be sad if I heard this incident happened to some strangers" at the start of the story. It wasn't until the 3/5 mark that I started to get really interested in the story and the characters. I was so happy that Eric Walters finally wrote a little bit of romance into a story!! (I always hope for that and then get disappointed.)
His characters don't always seem realistic (don't have enough flaws? seem a bit black&white?). The romance was a little bit unrealistic (without spoiling, the love interest was essentially perfect and it was a bit like love at first sight for him. Where are the guys that are that caring, understanding, giving, kind, empathetic, protective, sweet, complimentary, strong, smart, attractive, helpful, respectful and responsible?)
I enjoyed learning about Lizzy, David, Mrs. Remington, Edward, Richie, Mrs. Meyers, Mrs. Hazelton, Toni, and all the other characters. I also like how .
I also loved David's sense of humour.
David: "Nobody's home, so I guess we'll just have to let ourselves into the backyard,"
Lizzy: "Should we do that?"
David: "Why not? If somebody calls the police, I'll already be here." (Walters, 159).
I liked how the beginning was just about Lizzy and her life, but then it became a bit of a murder mystery. The story really picked up in the 4/5 fifth and I couldn't put it down. By the 5/5, I was hooked and there was a ton of action/resolution. It was a bit sudden but still had an element of realness to it.
I would probably recommend to teens 14+ who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and a bit of romance, friendship and family themes.
//nov 9
The beginning of this book was slow and boring. I find with some of Eric Walters' stories there isn't enough backdrop/background; we just jump into the story and are expected to sympathize and care about the characters before we even know them. To be fair, Elizabeth did have a personality and I did like her by the middle, but it was hard to sympathize beyond "I would be sad if I heard this incident happened to some strangers" at the start of the story. It wasn't until the 3/5 mark that I started to get really interested in the story and the characters. I was so happy that Eric Walters finally wrote a little bit of romance into a story!! (I always hope for that and then get disappointed.)
His characters don't always seem realistic (don't have enough flaws? seem a bit black&white?). The romance was a little bit unrealistic (without spoiling, the love interest was essentially perfect and it was a bit like love at first sight for him. Where are the guys that are that caring, understanding, giving, kind, empathetic, protective, sweet, complimentary, strong, smart, attractive, helpful, respectful and responsible?)
I enjoyed learning about Lizzy, David, Mrs. Remington, Edward, Richie, Mrs. Meyers, Mrs. Hazelton, Toni, and all the other characters. I also like how .
I also loved David's sense of humour.
David: "Nobody's home, so I guess we'll just have to let ourselves into the backyard,"
Lizzy: "Should we do that?"
David: "Why not? If somebody calls the police, I'll already be here." (Walters, 159).
I liked how the beginning was just about Lizzy and her life, but then it became a bit of a murder mystery. The story really picked up in the 4/5 fifth and I couldn't put it down. By the 5/5, I was hooked and there was a ton of action/resolution. It was a bit sudden but still had an element of realness to it.
I would probably recommend to teens 14+ who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and a bit of romance, friendship and family themes.
//nov 9
October 21, 2019
Innocent by Eric Walters is a fascinating story about Betty, a naive girl who all of a sudden had to thrive in the real world on her own. The young woman had to all of a sudden build a new life for herself, but this wasn’t entirely possible without digging into the secrets of her past first.
The book Innocent is a captivating mystery novel set in 1964 about a girl with a difficult family situation. The traumatized orphan, Betty, had lost her home to a fire and her best friend ran away. Betty was left on her own. She took a train from Hope to Kingston where her mom was born and Betty began to work as a maid for the Remington's, a wealthy and widely respected family in Kingston. There, she learns about her past. Her mother was dead and her father was convicted for the crime. In my opinion the author really captures Betty’s thoughts and emotions, and truly depicts how strong Betty is after the heartbreaking news. Betty built up the courage to go visit her father in prison where he tells Betty he is innocent. The news shakes Betty and really makes her consider his innocence. Something that resonated with me was when Betty’s dad says “The man who really did murder your mother is still out there”. It struck me that not only are there innocent people in prison but the real criminals could still be out there. I found the protagonist Betty to be an extremely likeable character. Another reason I truly enjoyed reading this book is because I can’t entirely relate to Betty’s experiences as an orphan, so I found it very fascinating to read how the author portrayed this.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a good mystery and drama novel. The author really captured Betty’s feelings to make the readers connect with the characters, which for sure kept me turning the pages.
The book Innocent is a captivating mystery novel set in 1964 about a girl with a difficult family situation. The traumatized orphan, Betty, had lost her home to a fire and her best friend ran away. Betty was left on her own. She took a train from Hope to Kingston where her mom was born and Betty began to work as a maid for the Remington's, a wealthy and widely respected family in Kingston. There, she learns about her past. Her mother was dead and her father was convicted for the crime. In my opinion the author really captures Betty’s thoughts and emotions, and truly depicts how strong Betty is after the heartbreaking news. Betty built up the courage to go visit her father in prison where he tells Betty he is innocent. The news shakes Betty and really makes her consider his innocence. Something that resonated with me was when Betty’s dad says “The man who really did murder your mother is still out there”. It struck me that not only are there innocent people in prison but the real criminals could still be out there. I found the protagonist Betty to be an extremely likeable character. Another reason I truly enjoyed reading this book is because I can’t entirely relate to Betty’s experiences as an orphan, so I found it very fascinating to read how the author portrayed this.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a good mystery and drama novel. The author really captured Betty’s feelings to make the readers connect with the characters, which for sure kept me turning the pages.
May 25, 2017
What I really liked about this book was the setting in Kingston, because a lot of the described location is familiar from my trips there in childhood. I can picture the scene in the Cataraqui cemetery, and will now need to check if there is a gravestone larger than Sir John A's. My Pake's comeback to the the new Kingston graveyard salesman's disparagement of the 'old cemetery' was (famously, in our family), "If it's good enough for Sir John A., it's good enough for me". Last summer my Auntie Gertie took Eva & I to the prison museum and we saw the old Kingston Pen (where she played guitar for the prisoners services for years), so that was familiar. And my mom says that her good friend was a domestic in a house on Sydenham St. (a short street, and the main location of the story) in the 1950s. So curious!
The story was pretty good too; I was kept guessing about the 'whodunnit' part for quite a while. Having read a number of the books in this series, I was impressed with the authors' consistency in portrayal of the main characters; they must have had fun working this all out ahead of time. Eric Walters, as always, tells a good story, keeps it moving along.
The story was pretty good too; I was kept guessing about the 'whodunnit' part for quite a while. Having read a number of the books in this series, I was impressed with the authors' consistency in portrayal of the main characters; they must have had fun working this all out ahead of time. Eric Walters, as always, tells a good story, keeps it moving along.
August 18, 2019
In the beginning, I found it kind of hard to get into it. But once I read a number of pages, it was a really easy read.
It is a tiny book (only 258 pages), but it moved at a pretty fast pace, so there was never a time that I thought that it was boring and wanted to put it down and start a new book.
But though it is tiny, all of the characters were very well written and developed, and dynamic so I never got confused between any two characters. They all felt like real characters and real people at early stage, sometimes the moment they were introduced.
The main character, “Betty”, was lovely, and her relationship with the other characters were nice, especially with Richie and her love interest (Who I won’t be naming!) Her love interest was so sweet and kind, and I loved every single interaction they had together!
But, the book was quite simple and predictable. I was able to guess the plot twist pretty early on, but it was written in a way that I was still invested in the characters and the story. Unfortunately I don’t think the “twist” was “found out” in a very good way.
Overall, pretty interesting and I recommend reading it!
It is a tiny book (only 258 pages), but it moved at a pretty fast pace, so there was never a time that I thought that it was boring and wanted to put it down and start a new book.
But though it is tiny, all of the characters were very well written and developed, and dynamic so I never got confused between any two characters. They all felt like real characters and real people at early stage, sometimes the moment they were introduced.
The main character, “Betty”, was lovely, and her relationship with the other characters were nice, especially with Richie and her love interest (Who I won’t be naming!) Her love interest was so sweet and kind, and I loved every single interaction they had together!
But, the book was quite simple and predictable. I was able to guess the plot twist pretty early on, but it was written in a way that I was still invested in the characters and the story. Unfortunately I don’t think the “twist” was “found out” in a very good way.
Overall, pretty interesting and I recommend reading it!
March 11, 2018
Well this was something I read.
I wasn't really wowed by this book. I couldn't quite guess who killed the mother because there were no clues otherwise. It was like all of this stuff happened, there was no conclusive evidence, just a bunch of hearsay and what not and then BAM this guy did it. Well no wonder no one could see it coming, there wasn't nothing to say it was that person except that they were super creepy.
I also didn't get why everyone had to "love" her instantly. Just everywhere she went they were all like "I'mma do this for you cause you're so pretty and I love you," wow it must be nice to be pretty.
Otherwise the characters were enjoyable, Richie was a bit like a more stunted Sheldon Cooper from the big bang theory, but I lived with it. The writing itself was fine, in not a bit juvenile. I wouldn't say this was YA but maybe a bit younger then that. And it wasn't all that thrilling. But I enjoyed it none-the-less.
I wasn't really wowed by this book. I couldn't quite guess who killed the mother because there were no clues otherwise. It was like all of this stuff happened, there was no conclusive evidence, just a bunch of hearsay and what not and then BAM this guy did it. Well no wonder no one could see it coming, there wasn't nothing to say it was that person except that they were super creepy.
I also didn't get why everyone had to "love" her instantly. Just everywhere she went they were all like "I'mma do this for you cause you're so pretty and I love you," wow it must be nice to be pretty.
Otherwise the characters were enjoyable, Richie was a bit like a more stunted Sheldon Cooper from the big bang theory, but I lived with it. The writing itself was fine, in not a bit juvenile. I wouldn't say this was YA but maybe a bit younger then that. And it wasn't all that thrilling. But I enjoyed it none-the-less.
October 10, 2024
I've read other books by Eric Walters and liked them. This one was a miss for me. The main character was very babyish and whiny (yet she was supposed to be 17 1/2). She agreed with everything she was told... then, five seconds later, she would agree with the next thing she was told that contradicted the last thing. You would think that a person who grew up in an orphanage would be more hardened and street smart.
September 21, 2017
Although a little predictable, it kept my interest through. Good characters and interesting to see how someone like Richie was considered in those days.
Also, I like the tie ins with the other Secret books!
Also, I like the tie ins with the other Secret books!
October 2, 2017
I chose this book because it is based in my hometown. The story line was actually really neat, and it was cool to read about streets and places that I know exactly where they are. It had a great plot twist too. I was very impressed with this book.
December 8, 2017
3.75 stars! Almost 4 but not quite!
A light quick read that was fun and even a little scary, David had me swooning (:P) and I enjoyed the concept a lot, however, it was really predictable, overall it was awesome!! :*
-Zee
xoxoxo
A light quick read that was fun and even a little scary, David had me swooning (:P) and I enjoyed the concept a lot, however, it was really predictable, overall it was awesome!! :*
-Zee
xoxoxo
February 1, 2022
This was a good read. I enjoyed the Kingston setting, having visited Kingston Pen as a museum myself a few years back. I think I'll be reading the others in this "Secrets" series with various authors in the future.
May 17, 2017
Not nearly as good as the others in the series
Read
June 25, 2019I enjoyed it. I didn't realize it is part of a series written by different authors. I might just have to track down the others in the series.
November 20, 2019
heart warming as well as saddening at the beginning, would suggest!
October 5, 2020
3.5 stars.
nice quick read
nice quick read
November 4, 2020
I didn't love this book by Eric Walters. Great start - draws you in. Reasonable premise. After that it became farfetched pretty quickly.
January 14, 2022
Not at all what I was expecting. I love all the twists!
November 3, 2022
trying to get rid of a bunch of YA books I bought while in my online shopping addiction phase #1
October 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book.
I liked the protagonist, Lizzy. She seemed very genuine, intelligent, and real, the type of person that I think I would like to be friends with in real life. I also liked David, her romantic interest. But, I also appreciated that while Walters pursued the romantic angle, he judiciously refrained from having Lizzy moon and moan about David. While Walters also had David be supportive of Lizzy, Walters also allowed her to have her own autonomy and agency in solving the mysteries of her life.
The plot was engaging and moved along well. I admit, however, there were times when I thought 'really, do you not see it?!?'. But then of course it is easy to armchair-solve a mystery as and adult reader while reading a middle-school book of characters that are part of the story (and who do not 'know' they were in the story).
Over all, a solid read. I enjoyed this author from the first book of his Camp X series. Innocent has reinforced my decision to read more of his writings. I will also look up other books from this set/series even though they are by different authors; if nothing else, I am curious about Toni's story...
Note: I gave this book a full review because this book was published by Orca Book Publishers.
I used to give full reviews for all of the books that I rated on GR. However, GR's new giveaway policies (Good Reads 2017 November Giveaways Policies Changes) have caused me to change my reviewing decisions. These new GR policies seem to harm smaller publishing efforts in favour of providing advantage to the larger companies, (GR Authors' Feedback) the big five publishers (Big Five Publishers). So, because of these new GR policies from now on I will be supporting smaller publishing efforts by only giving full reviews to books published by: publishing businesses outside the big five companies, indie publishers, and self-published authors. This book was published by one of these smaller publishing efforts so I have given it a full review.
I liked the protagonist, Lizzy. She seemed very genuine, intelligent, and real, the type of person that I think I would like to be friends with in real life. I also liked David, her romantic interest. But, I also appreciated that while Walters pursued the romantic angle, he judiciously refrained from having Lizzy moon and moan about David. While Walters also had David be supportive of Lizzy, Walters also allowed her to have her own autonomy and agency in solving the mysteries of her life.
The plot was engaging and moved along well. I admit, however, there were times when I thought 'really, do you not see it?!?'. But then of course it is easy to armchair-solve a mystery as and adult reader while reading a middle-school book of characters that are part of the story (and who do not 'know' they were in the story).
Over all, a solid read. I enjoyed this author from the first book of his Camp X series. Innocent has reinforced my decision to read more of his writings. I will also look up other books from this set/series even though they are by different authors; if nothing else, I am curious about Toni's story...
Note: I gave this book a full review because this book was published by Orca Book Publishers.
I used to give full reviews for all of the books that I rated on GR. However, GR's new giveaway policies (Good Reads 2017 November Giveaways Policies Changes) have caused me to change my reviewing decisions. These new GR policies seem to harm smaller publishing efforts in favour of providing advantage to the larger companies, (GR Authors' Feedback) the big five publishers (Big Five Publishers). So, because of these new GR policies from now on I will be supporting smaller publishing efforts by only giving full reviews to books published by: publishing businesses outside the big five companies, indie publishers, and self-published authors. This book was published by one of these smaller publishing efforts so I have given it a full review.
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