Two Can Keep a Secret

Two Can Keep a Secret 

• Genre: Fiction; young adult mystery/thriller 
• Originally Published: 2019 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile HL730L; grades 9-12 
• Structure/Length: 38 chapters; approximately 329 pages; approximately 10 hours, 6 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The novel centers around teenager Ellery Corcoran and her twin brother, Ezra, who move to the small town of Echo Ridge to live with their grandmother. The central conflict involves mysterious disappearances and murders in the town, with Ellery, an aspiring detective, delving into the town's secrets and trying to solve the cold case involving her own family. 
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Murder of teen girls; stalking and threats; physical and verbal bullying; missing persons; family secrets; suspense and violence; mature content including discussion of sex; profanity; mentions of use of drugs and alcohol

Karen M. McManus, Author 

• Bio: Born 1969; American author specializing in young adult fiction; known for her twisty thrillers and mystery novels; themes often include secrets, lies, and the complexities of teenage life; her debut novel gained significant popularity and critical acclaim 
• Other Works: One of Us Is Lying (2017); The Cousins (2020); One of Us Is Next (2020); You'll Be the Death of Me (2021)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Lingering Effects of Violence
• The Dichotomy Between High School and the Adult World
• The Need to Confess Secrets