Erin Healy’s latest novel, “Hiding Places,” packs a powerful punch in a story that takes place just over a few days near Denver. The plot is partially described on the book’s jacket as:
“The Harrison Lodge is full of hiding places where young Kate can discover all the secrets no one wants her to know. … But suddenly the stakes are raised; her grandfather’s best friend is murdered the day after Kate heard the two men arguing. At the same time, far from the quiet mountain resort, a homeless man flees a robbery gone wrong … a gang member seeks revenge for the death of his son … and a boy chooses the worst time to wield spray paint on a store window. In a strange and spiraling sequence of events, their disparate worlds collide at Harrison Lodge.”
In “Hiding Places,” Healy brilliantly brings together the stories of a cast of characters that are seemingly unrelated and unconnected, having their tales come together much like a weaving on a loom. The fate of these people — people who would normally have never crossed paths in life — hang in the hands of one another.
The author packs this book full of amazing lessons, taking a hard look at us humans and the choices we make. Do we rise up and help each other, or turn our backs on each other? Are we truly honest, or just pretend that things are what they really aren’t? Do we believe that what people think and say about us really doesn’t matter, or do we let the opinions of others dictate what we do and what we believe?
Healy also hits on topics like secrets, the provision of shelter, and family dynamics and family loyalty (even taking on the difference between and dynamics of “blood” families versus street or gang families).
Readers will enjoy this plot filled with twists and turns (however I did feel it started a little slowly as Healy is an extremely descriptive writer at times) — although some twists may come as a shock. The characters are diverse and interesting and everyone will find someone they can relate to. Readers will love plucky, 11-year-old Kate, who in some ways is the most “adult” of all the characters, and find amusement in her dysfunctional family.
And history lovers will find parts of the book quite interesting as it discusses the history of the Japanese in World War II America, and the role Colorado and its residents played in their fates.
Four and a half stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.