Some Secrets Never Stay Silent

This was a DEAFinitely Readers Book Club read for October. To see the live recaps, click HERE.

From the opening pages, this book grabbed me with an ominous start and refused to let me go.

Tension is built with every chapter as you peel back another layer of secrets, guilt, and fear. What begins as a tragic mystery surrounding Bronya’s death quickly unravels into an exploration of trauma, friendship, and the desperate search for the identity of the stalker.

Secrets Don’t Stay Buried by J.D. Mills

“That was the problem, how easily everyone forgot.”

Authentic Deaf Representation

One of the standout aspects of this book is how naturally Deaf and hard-of-hearing culture is woven into the story. From interpreters at crime scenes to flickering lights used to get someone’s attention, the details feel lived-in and real. J.D. Mills captured even the smallest nuances of communication – from the frustration of lip reading, the connection with signing, and more.

I especially loved the small moments like putting on hearing aids before getting out of the car, or the realistic struggle between wanting independence and needing help. These details made Lennon’s story feel authentic and I could relate to her.

Complex Friendships

Lennon and Finley’s friendship is messy, layered, and painfully real. They share secrets, anger, and love, all under the weight of a past betrayal that Lennon dealt with in high school. Their dynamic, along with the introduction of Tayen, Marcus and Wade, adds emotional complexity to a story already pulsing with tension.

I also appreciated how the LGBTQIA+ representation fits naturally into the story – it’s not a side note or a plot twist, but a meaningful part of who these characters are. Relationships form and evolve with the same honesty as the rest of the book, showing the fluidity of identity and connection in a way that feels genuine and refreshing.

Trauma & What Happens After

I also loved how J.D. Mills didn’t shy away from exploring the consequences of trauma and how paranoia, anxiety, and guilt can distort relationships. The story handles stalking, consent, and revenge, showing how each choice ripples through the characters’ lives.

“I’m not ashamed of the choices I made. Do I wish I hadn’t? Absolutely. But the choices he made afterwards, those are on him. I can’t live my entire life looking back at that moment.”

A Tense Mystery

Every time I thought I had things figured out – who the Ghost was, who to trust… it was not what I thought! There were genuine Veronica Mars vibes in the best way: smart, snappy, and full of suspense. By the final chapters, the tension is palpable, and I really wanted to know who did it.

The reveal of “unc0d3d” hit hard. The manipulation, the twists, and the final confrontation all came together in a satisfying and chilling conclusion. Yet even after the dust settles, that last message leaves a lingering question mark… which was a perfect eerie note to end on.

Final Thoughts

This book is unflinchingly real. J.D. Mills delivers a powerful blend of mystery, trauma, and representation. The authentic Deaf and hard-of-hearing perspectives make it stand out in the YA mystery space, while the themes of trust, trauma, and resilience keep you hooked.

Lennon’s growth from guilt-ridden survivor to empowered journalist was such a rewarding journey to witness. And the relationships, particularly between Lennon and Tayen, brought warmth to balance the darkness.

“Whatever you want in life can be yours, as long as you chase the story.”

If you love character-driven mysteries with authentic Deaf and LGBTQIA+ representation, morally gray choices, and twists that keep you guessing until the final page, this one is DEAFinitely a must-read.