Fascinating premise, and clear character development. The plot is investigative and interesting, with several reveals, and keeps the reader hooked; however the mystery felt a little vague and at times confusing. It definitely works as a novella, and overall I enjoyed it--just wish for a little more clarity.

This book is a very interesting thing. I'm pretty sure I understand the ending, but I still have so many questions that I honestly don't think I can give this more than a 3.

I did really enjoy the build-up going on throughout the novel, and the various reveals that came with it. I also think that the cast of characters was kept very small & tight, which worked very well for it.

There honestly isn't a lot more I can say, besides it was at least interesting enough to keep me reading. Maybe on dwelling on it, I'll raise my rating .

The Secret Talker by Geling Yan is a dark phycological novel.. While it is frequently suspenseful, I don't know if I would call it a thriller. Hongmei is an attractive, intelligent woman who emigrated from China to marry an American Professor who met her while he was teaching in China, rescued her from a loveless marriage. and brought her to the US. The Professor adores her and treats her well. He is quite a bit older than Honogmei and their marriage is rather flat on her part. Hongmei is very quiet and doesn't share her feelings, in spite of the Professor's attentiveness. She receives a flattering anonymous email and decides to respond., first cautiously flirtatious and eventually she opens up to this mystery person, but never knows even whether it is a man or a woman. She frequently feels as though someone is watching her, and that's when it sometimes becomes creepy. Arrangements to meet never quite work out. The only other character of significance is Nini, Hongmei's flamboyant friend.. Hongmei involves Nini in a scheme to try to identify the Secret Talker . I often found myself rereading sections to figure out who was speaking, as it isn't always clear. This story demonstrated the lengths people go through to open lines of communication. I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this interesting book.
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