Dark Secret

Casey is asked to look after Sam, a troubled nine-year-old with a violent streak who drove his previous guardians to release him. She is determined to uncover his mysterious past, but discovers something far darker than she ever imagined. Sam has been removed from his mother less than a week ago and is bullying two young children of the Watson family. Casey tries to get to the bottom of it, but discovers there are no files on Sam and only the testament of his previous neighbour. Mrs Gallagher is happy to help, but it soon transpires that there is a great deal more to Sam's secret history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Casey, a foster care worker, is tasked with looking after Sam, a nine-year-old with a violent streak who has been released from his previous guardians. However, it soon becomes clear that this is no simple case. Casey is determined to uncover Sam's mysterious past, only to discover something far darker than she ever imagined.

The Watson family, who have recently said goodbye to their last foster child, Miller, are taking a break. However, while Casey is enjoying catching up with her friends, she receives a call from her new link worker. Social services are desperately trying to find a settled home for Sam, who has Autism and severe behavioral problems.

Sam has been staying with respite carers, but with two young children of their own, they are unable to hold on to him as he is bullying them relentlessly. This is not an isolated situation, as Sam's own siblings begged not to be placed with him, as they were both afraid of him.

The Watsons agree to accommodate Sam, who, despite his tiny stature, turns out to be quite the whirlwind, destroying anything and everything in his path. In addition to the outward behaviors, it quickly becomes evident that there is a much darker past that has blighted the boy's life. Casey tries to get to the bottom of it, but discovers that there are no files on Sam; only the testament of his previous neighbor, Mrs. Gallagher.

Thankfully, Mrs. Gallagher is only too happy to help and to talk. However, it soon transpires that there is a great deal more to Sam's secret history. Mrs. Gallagher reveals that Sam was born with a rare genetic condition that caused him to develop severe anger issues and violent tendencies. She also reveals that Sam's mother abandoned him when he was a baby, and that he has been in and out of foster care ever since.

Casey is devastated by the news and feels that she has failed Sam. However, she is determined to help him turn his life around and to give him the love and support that he needs. She works tirelessly with Sam, helping him to control his anger and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Over time, Sam begins to make progress. He starts to show empathy towards others and to develop a sense of self-worth. Casey is proud of him and feels that she has made a difference in his life. However, as Sam's progress continues, he becomes increasingly aware of his past and the pain that it has caused him. He starts to withdraw from Casey and from the world around him, feeling that he is unworthy of love and support.

Casey is heartbroken by Sam's rejection, but she is determined to stay by his side. She continues to work with him, providing him with love and support and helping him to overcome his past. She also works with social services to find a permanent home for Sam, where he can receive the care and support that he needs to thrive.

In the end, Casey is able to help Sam to overcome his past and to live a happy and fulfilling life. She is proud of him and feels that she has made a difference in his life. The Watson family is grateful for her help and support, and they are happy to have Sam as a part of their family.

Casey's journey with Sam is a testament to the power of love and support, and to the resilience of the human spirit. It shows that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better future, and that with the right to work tirelessly and to never give up on someone who needs it most.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 137 x 136 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008298616