Brad Meltzer is one of New York Times' best-selling authors and host of the History Channel's "Decoded" and "Lost History." I have been a fan of Meltzer's books since I was a freshman in high school. Now, as a sophomore in college, his books still make me excited to read. He is the only author who I am willing to drop $30 on a hard cover the day it comes out. His newest book, "The House of Secrets," co-authored with Tod Goldberg, is a must read this summer.
Hazel Nash, is Meltzer's first female protagonist, and now one of my favorite female characters of all time. Hazel, her brother Skip and their father Jack are on a family vacation when they get into a car accident that kills their father. Hazel wakes up several days later and her world is turned inside and out. The FBI is watching, and questioning her and her brother about their father's past. The thing is, Hazel has a brain injury from the crash, and therefore she cannot remember emotional memories. The thing the FBI wants to know is what is Benedict Arnold's Bible, and what is the truth behind her father's TV show? Hazel spends the rest of the novel chasing answers, questioning everything she has known about herself and her family; relearning and reshaping herself. Who was she? What was her dad really doing with the TV show "The House of Secrets" all of these years, and how did he get into that life. Who is Skip really, and what dark secret is he hiding? Why are there bodies being found in Canada and Dubai with pages from Benedict Arnold's Bible in them? Meltzer takes the reader on a heart-racing journey to answer these questions.
The thing I love about Meltzer is that his plots are fast-paced, intense and have several plot twists. He incorporates history and conspiracy theories into the novel to give the book an extra edge. When you are thinking of questions, a few sentences later Hazel is asking the same thing, which is a really awesome aspect of the book. Meltzer even gave my favorite character, Beecher, a one-chapter appearance in the book.
I would rate the book a 10/10. With twists and turns, murder and Hazel's discovery of herself and her family secrets, the book doesn't disappoint. I loved this character so much that I hope he brings her back in future books. If you are looking for a beach or road trip read, something that you can read that is interesting enough to finish in a week, I highly recommend "The House of Secrets."
