A Secret About a Secret

by Peter Spiegelman

"A Secret About a Secret is a gripping new mystery about a shadowy government agent investigating a bizarre murder in an ominous research facility. Myles, an agent with the powerful and mysterious government agency Standard Division, is sent to investigate the murder of Allegra, a brilliant young researcher, whose body is found in the walk-in refrigerator of the remote campus for Ondstrand Biologic. Cunning, persistent, and willing to lean on the authority of his badge, Myles begins to unravel the sequence of events that led to her death and narrow down the list of suspects. But the deeper he gets into the investigation, the more he feels that he's not getting the full picture. What interest does Standard Division, an organization better known for intelligence gathering and dirty tricks, have in this particular case? Why did Ondstrand Biologic pick an unmistakably eerie former boarding school for its headquarters? And how do recent events relate to the troubled history of this location? As Myles learns more about Allegra and the company she worked for, the more he is convinced that the murder is but one element in a much deeper mystery. In order to unlock it, he will have to put the pieces together to uncover the truth behind this peculiar place and the reason for Allegra's untimely death"--

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Peter Spiegelman is a twenty-year veteran of the financial services and software industries. He retired in 2001 to devote himself to writing. He lives in Connecticut.

Reviews

[Kate The Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Knopf Publishing Group for an ARC of this book for an honest review. Feel free to send me more comp books for honest reviews. 📚 🥰
“The cafeteria is this way.”
“There’s no need, I’m not hungry.”
“The cafeteria is where we found the body.“
Gobbled this well-written book up!!! Each chapter is short and breath-taking—did YOU see any clues in this first person who-dunit?!! Who’s fooling who?!! A riveting mystery about who’s hiding what and why as things are not as they originally seem in this thriller. A summer must read!!

[Marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will go ahead and admit it right up front: I hate-read this book. Even though I disliked it from the getgo, I had to push through to see if it really could be that bad. How could it be that bad with mostly 5 and 4 star ratings? Well, it was. I must have read something different than everyone else.

From the very beginning I detested the narrator Myles. The other characters even describe him as an "arrogant prick", and yes, yes he is. Exactly that. You would think there'd be more depth to this character that we're supposedly supposed to be rooting for, but I assure you, there isn't. There is some vague mention of some trauma he may have experienced in childhood, and early on in his career he lost a female partner. But again, these mentions were extremely vague and did not liken me to his character one bit.

This book reeked of male-power fantasy. First there is the aforementioned Agent Myles, oh excuse me, JUST MYLES WILL DO. (This is stated so many times I wanted to scream in frustration. You are an agent are you not? Just let them call you Agent Myles for f's sake!). Myles comes from some shady organization called "Standard Division" which we're given barely any description of, besides some vague mentions of the apparent torture and murder they are free to carry out during interrogations. it's all ~very threatening~ apparently, since simply the mention of Standard Division or the sight of Myles can cause palpable fear from anyone in his vicinity.

Let's move on. Allegra Stans, the murder victim, was a researcher/doctor at this "shadowy biotech firm" as described by the book summary. What is so secret about their research? hell if I know, because again nothing in this book was really explained. This book takes place in "another world" but is there any sort of worldbuilding to explain how this world functions? no. there is not. In place of worldbuilding the author loves to throw words around to sound edgy and cool. Words like "corporate espionage" and "special projects" and "tradecraft", oh boy. And if only I had a dollar for every time they used the word "documents". My lord.

Back to Allegra. So according to the book flap Allegra has all these dark secrets that we are meant to uncover over the course of the book. Yeah you want to know what her secrets are? She'll have sex with anything. Men or women, married or not, and even an underage boy. She is the female epitome of a sexual predator. I am all for female empowerment and sexuality, please don't get me wrong, but as we are reading all of this from the viewpoint of Myles and her sexual conquests, I assure you it only comes off as more male power fantasy BS.

Finally, we come to the conclusion. The reveal of the "murderer" and then the true murderer was all so laughably predictable. The real icing on the cake? The villain's use of the c word to describe Allegra, not once, not twice, but FOUR times over the course of 7 pages. Yes, I counted. I was that angry. I don't even mind that swear in certain instances but, once again, the male power fantasy vibes were strong with this one.

Oh how this book infuriates me. What a waste of a clever title and a beautiful book design.

[LenaRibka · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

A good idea poorly executed. IMO.
I admire patience all readers who managed to finish it.
Did I read the same book??

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and fun mystery thriller with a gothic atmosphere.

A very powerful and secretive government agency, Standard Division, sends Agent Myles to a remote research facility when one of their scientists is found dead in the executive kitchen walk-in fridge. Ondstrand Biologic sits cliff side with a private beach and was the former site of a boarding school with a disreputable past; many of the researchers both live and work there. Dr. Allegra Stans was one of them but Myles discovers that she was certainly not the nerdy academic who spent all of her time with her nose in the high tech pursuits of the company. Who murdered her and why? Myles has open access to all of the employees and the management team but everyone tries to keep their secrets despite his efforts and implied threats backed by his organization.

I really enjoyed this and liked the writing style. The plot was interesting and the protagonist, Myles, was clever and discerning. Many parts of the book were deliberately vague, but it gave off a gothic vibe with the isolated location and the creepy history of the place. There were a lot of characters to keep straight, but the author did a good job of making each memorable -- and I was suspicious of them all. The whole story of who Myles is, who he works with and for, and the details about Standard Division were quite entertaining. I would definitely like to read more books in a series featuring this character.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing Group for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.

[Marci · Rating 1 out of 5]

Torture. It took me over a week to finish this book. And then the ending wasnt even all that satisfying. I love when an author has a way with words and can create vivid pictures in my mind. This author was very descriptive. Overly so. I felt like he was wholly reliant on a thesaurus. It also felt like more of a fashion show than a murder mystery. Every time he met up with someone a paragraph was dedicated to what they were wearing (and the weather). I never felt any suspense. Didn't even really care "whodunnit". This book was exhausting to read. My star rating just kept dropping the farther along I got in the book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like thrillers, brooding mysteries set in eerie locations, secrets by the score, manor house type vibe, techno stuff like genetics, a bit of subtle, dry humor and above all an ultra secret state run bureau....this is the next book you need to read. It has a bit of every genre in it and they are all woven together in a real page turner.
Agent Myles - who prefers to be called just Myles, thank you very much - arrives at a spooky mansion on a seaside cliff, a location that was, at one time, a boarding school with a dark past (cue the fitting background music) with orders to find out who killed Allegra Stans, a member of an ultra high tech organization named Ondstrand. The first thing we learn is Myles has been sent to investigate without one iota of information beyond the victim's name and that she has been murdered, her neck broken. We also understand that his bosses at Standard Division have been fully informed. Interesting. The list of suspects is limited with only 207 employees on site in a fairly remote location.
Each chapter drew me to the next with ease and I kept saying to myself "just one more chapter". I was hooked. Even the nebulous feel of the location - is it Scandinavian? Is it Northern England? adds to the tension. I kept trying to find words to describe Myles. I think the words that best fit are he's a Government Fixer. He's a very interesting character in an engrossing mystery/thriller. A Secret About a Secret has a bit of everything.
My thanks to the publisher Knopf Publishing Group and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner throughout. This thriller introduces Agent Myles, who I hope comes back in another book. He's an interesting guy, intent on completing his job, but with a backstory yet to be completely explored. Tight writing keeps one guessing until the very end.

[Kim Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, stylish, shadowy, heavily atmospheric noir. The steady pacing, secluded setting, gothic feel, and large cast of suspects, makes this particular murder mystery ring with big-time Umberto Ecco vibes. The story cannot be rushed. It's structured specifically to encourage close reading. The slow burn may frustrate some readers, but this is solid old-school storytelling.

[Raynee · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75 round up....

Yes, I should have DNF'd.

This book suffers from:
-Male lead that thinks he knows everything and some how comes up with solutions that the experts never thought of but any human who breaths air would have thought of????
-Intricate female descriptions esp of their hair and bodies and yet we were given barely a descripter for the males? hmmm....

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

5/28/2022 4.5 stars. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.

[Shareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's some odd things about this book - the setting is very specifically described yet vaguely placed, characters start interacting with no description or background information whatsoever - yet the story was engaging. I liked the remote scientific lab setting for a mystery.

[Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Secret About a Secret is a decent book with a good mystery. I feel like the main character is too stiff at times, and it drew me out of it somewhat. Additionally, the first half of the book felt pretty slow because there was a lot of building up and seemingly unconnected parts, but it really picks up when things start fitting together.

[3 no 7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An isolated enclave and a big secret

Peter Spiegelman’s uncanny ability to tell a story is the compelling reason to read “A Secret About a Secret.” This tale unfolds in the first-person narrative of Agent Myles, and consists of what he says to others, what they say to him, what he says directly to readers, and most importantly what he says to himself. The investigation is methodical and focused; subtle implications of past relationships and personal interactions are disclosed in the conversations. Chapters are conveniently labeled with day and time of day, with most events occurring over two weeks.

There is no clear definition of Agent Myles’ position within the vaunted “Standard Division;” he does not even know exactly why he has been dispatched. However, he is authorized to examine, to investigate, to discover, to take confessions, to punish, and to simply bear witness. This assignment sends him to a company that is a cloistered academic environment into which only a select few are admitted. It primarily develops genetic therapies using adeno-associated viruses as vectors for vaccines. Nothing of “this” sort has ever happened, but he wonders if there have perhaps been past “incidents” that should also be examined. Standard Division is looking for first-person testimony; therefore, Agent Myles starts in the cafeteria where the body was found. The body? There was no body; then, there was.

Speigleman’s linguistic artistry manifests itself in descriptive language and exquisite explanations. The places -- “The road was long and secret: a tunnel of trees that leaned overhead and wept like mourners in the wind.” The people --“Her voice was low and pleasant … calm, and friendly. A voice to tell you how the market did today, without provoking mania or panic.”

I received a review copy of “A Secret About a Secret” from Peter Spiegelman, Knopf Publishing, and Penguin Random House. Spiegelman packs everything into this story that readers want: nail-biting suspense, tense drama, and startling events. Of course, there is always that one piece of the puzzle that has been there from the start, that one little thing, so easy to overlook, but so important that it holds the answers to all the questions.
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“A Secret About a Secret” is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries, and anywhere you get your books.

[LadyTechie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Secret About a Secret is a slow-burn thriller based in Europe. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I became totally enamored of this book because it contained one of my favorite things, which I will call contentious repartee. Normally, I love witty repartee, but, somehow this book has surfaced another subgenre of conversations that I confess to loving.

Myles an agent with what is called Standard Division is assigned to investigate the murder of a Brilliant scientist who at first glance is loved by everyone she comes in contact with, from her co-workers to her running club. But, there are secrets upon secrets, and some go back to the history of the building where the business, Ondstrand Biologic, is located. Something else key here is that what turns out to be a brilliant investigator is pitted against multiple brilliant scientists, who seem to be backed by a sister agency of Standard Division.

Despite Allegra being gone, her personality and history with the local towns and the company shine through as if she is still living. Myles has a way of investigating that puts everyone on edge, just with him walking down the hall or coming into the cafeteria. Just as interesting is how he has a room on the campus of the company which ratches up the tension as it is akin to sleeping with the enemy. A Secret About a Secret had a few good action scenes, but, some of the conversations between Myles and the suspects were so fraught with tension that I kept expecting a slap or something thrown at any time. Myles is very driven and focused and his relationship and conversations with his director drive so much of this story in how he responds to her directives and how he finds a way to rebel against her wishes, sometimes to his detriment. I did get the hint that this may be a series and if I am correct, it is welcome! This review can also be read along with other reviews at Lady Techie's Book Musings. http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo...

[Tim Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't get enough of "A Secret About a Secret". It's certainly a very slow burn, which I absolutely enjoyed the pace. Not everything has to go go go, where your mind is on Ritalin. When people first meet me, I am a very approachable person, very straightforward and engaging, but after the room dies down, I tend to shy away from the crowds and go to a corner of the room and just observe everyone from far.

When reading this book, I got the same feeling that this was my time being immersed in a mirror within a mirror and sinking into the plot. The story is something that you feel on an endless walk in the desert. You are not sure what is real because the sun is beating down on you and all you want is to quench that thirst. This is how I like to read.

The reason I like this novel so much is that Peter Spiegelman puts a muzzle on his words to let the reader expand their imagination. And that is the whole point of reading for me. When reading something fiction, I don't like having the dots connecting for me.

This title was recommended to me by a friend and I finished it within two days. I highly recommend it for someone like an abstract detective thriller. I still don't understand what Standard Division is, but it will come to me when I'm in a corner, just observing.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This section caught my attention:
The author mentions a hack that had been done: Someone accessing documents, but they can't be reading them because "They spend an average of 15 seconds per page" he writes.

Well, I read 4.6 pages of his book in 1 minute. I timed it. In fact that's a wee bit slow for me, my average reading speed is 745wpm. Comprehension (questions answered correctly 100%, free reading test online - and no you can't go back and reread the same sample)

So...yes you can read docs that quickly. Especially if you are searching for something, as in the story, not aiming to read the entire thing and remember them.

I wish I did read slower, books would last me longer. But you read how you read.
Getting back to the book, it was an interesting one for me, I don't normally read thrillers. I kept waiting for the weird bit to happen, but it's pretty much a murder mystery. An unusual one, Myles the agent of Security Standards. Um, not quite your normal detective.

Anyway I liked it. I won't spoiler it, but I could read more of these.

[Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Dos Equis’, ‘The Most Interesting Man in the World’ was an investigator, he would work for Standard Division and his name would be Myles. I stumbled upon this book after seeing a review in WSJ and so glad I did. My favorite book so far of 2022 and my favorite investigator, Agent Myles (just call me Myles). Brusque, bordering on rude, no nonsense…I love this guy!
I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator proved exceptional as well. Delivery and cadence were spot on in setting the mood of the story, as well as nailing Myles’ persona. Never has such a simple phrase as ‘I nodded’, carried such weight and seemed so apropos to our protagonist, Myles. BTW, there is potentially a drinking game for a book club using this phrase, or its corollary ‘he nodded’ or ‘she nodded’. On second thought… probably not a good idea.
Enjoy the book! I’m certainly hoping for more Myles in the future.

[Sally Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say I was pretty engrossed with the solving of this murder that took place at a remote research faculty. It was a very cerebral adventure as you kept up with the inspector from "Special Branch" discovering all the clues and interviewing suspects. It had a Sherlock Holmes feel to it but in modern times. I really had to pay attention to the audio or I would miss important facts.
A good exciting and satisfying ending.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like stories that methodically go through a thought process to figure out the mystery. It was easy to follow but had several side steps before reaching the conclusion, so it wasn't that easy to figure out. I knew who the murderer was early in the book, but I didn't work their process completely until the book told me. The murder process was a bit out there and so I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

[Lenay Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written by a writer.

Some books are good. Very good. Fudge time to keep reading good. Stay awake to finish even though you have an early morning good.

You know those authors: Crais, Eisler, Child, Dilts, Parker, Leon, Rozan - on whose list I found Spiegelman.

I am grateful for S. J. Rozan, her characters, plots, and introduction to this new world of Myles'. Will start the next book tomorrow. There is a next book, right? Better go look now.

[Laura W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really disliked this book. I did however finish it so can give an honest review. The first third was extremely slow, the last third had such obvious revelations that I really couldn't believe it. It has earned 3 stars only because the protagonist did have some hope of being interesting but he was not fully fleshed out.

[Jennifer Deaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the worst book I've ever read, but it took me forever to get through it! The first half was painfully boring, in my opinion. Way too much time describing things and not enough happening that was of interest.
A little more than halfway through, it actually picked up and held my interest for longer than a chapter at a time.
I did enjoy the ending, and it had a couple of unexpected twists.

[Lyna M. Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If I hadn’t left it behind on my work trip, I would have finished it much quicker. The short chapters keep the pace moving but there’s enough introspective chapters to not make the book feel like a rollercoaster.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of mesmerizing 😎

This book was a true mystery in so many ways. I found myself getting lost in the story and I had to pay close attention or I would have missed something crucial. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I have.

[Susan Bouma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this detective story. It had a good plot, steady character development and a solid ending. My favorite thing about this book was the gothic tone of the story created by the author’s descriptive literary style. His writing was abundant in alliteration with clever similes, metaphors and allegories that created rich images for the reader as the suspense built and the mystery unfolded.

[Jennifer Jank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! The characters are good - both MC and the victim are a*holes, and I love unreliable narrators and complicated victims. And there are a few nice twists, especially towards the end.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well written, plenty enough to keep a mind active, intriguing in subject.
The death of a maligned scientist at a highly respected yet secretive bio-chemical research facility - and we're off!
Another new author to me - one to follow!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly typical police procedural, but set in a world with a shadowy intelligence service that’s really scary (although in ways never really explained to the reader). Spiegelman’s prose is good, and he does a great job of keeping the pace and action up throughout the book.

[Linda Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crisp, clever read. Just enough of everything, really. Simply fell in love with Just Myles, he was smart, charming, disarming…. I loved how matter of fact everything was for him. I would love to read him again and again….a modern day 007.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder mystery about corporate espionage. Hope to see Agent Myles again!