Publication Date: June 4, 2024
“A pure delight from start to finish!”–Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
Acclaimed author Trisha R. Thomas delivers a masterful new tale of scandal and intuition. In 1950s oil-rich Oklahoma, Bailey Dowery, a dressmaker with the gift of “second sight,” reluctantly reveals the true loves and intentions of her socialite clients, making her a silent witness to a shocking crime.
1954: In the quaint town of Mendol, Oklahoma, Bailey Dowery is a Black dressmaker for the wives and daughters of local oil barons. She earns a good living fitting designer gowns and creating custom wedding dresses for the town’s elite. But beyond her needle and thread lies a deeper talent, one passed down from her mother: the gift of insight. With just a fleeting touch or brush against the skin, Bailey has sudden flashes of intuition— witnessing the other person’s hopes, dreams, and nightmares, as well glimpses of their past and future. To protect herself, she wears gloves to keep from grazing the skin of her clients as she pins them into their gowns.
Brides have whispered that Bailey can see if their true love is faithful, or if their marriage will be a success. Her aunt Charlene has always warned her, “It’s safer to stay out of White folks’ business.” But Bailey will reluctantly provide a reading during a fitting, as long as the bride promises to be discreet.
Now Elsa Grimes, daughter of one of the richest oil men in Oklahoma, has come to the Regal Gown as the least joyful bride Bailey has ever seen. Elsa’s big society wedding is imminent and her gown is gorgeous, but what Bailey’s intuition uncovers when she touches Elsa’s hand horrifies her. Against her better judgment, she’s determined to help Elsa in whatever way she can. But when the son of a prominent family turns up dead on the eve of Elsa’s wedding, and the bride-to-be is arrested for his murder, Bailey is suddenly at the center of a firestorm that threatens to overtake her and everyone she loves.
Not only is Bailey Dowery a gifted dressmaker, but she has also developed a reputation as the fortune-teller at Regal Gown.
Author Trisha R. Thomas brings 1950s Oklahoma to life in The Secret Keeper of Main Street. Bailey has a unique gift of being able to touch a bride and see whether the marriage will be successful.
Bailey’s reluctance to use her gift is evident, especially since the racial lines of the time period are still divided. However, she’s not prepared for the horrible visions she sees regarding Elsa Grimes. It’s supposed to be “the” wedding, joining two prosperous families.
When tragedy strikes and Elsa is arrested for murder, Bailey must decide if she should speak up to help a wealthy white woman.
With a unique storyline and well-developed characters, The Secret Keeper of Main Street delivers a fascinating trip back in time to Oklahoma.
Trisha R. Thomas is the author of the popular Nappily series. Her debut novel Nappily Ever After was a finalist for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, chosen for Oprah Magazine as a Book That Made A Difference, and became a Netflix major motion picture starring Sanaa Lathan.
She is a Literary Lion Award honoree by the King County Library Foundation. She has written 14 novels and featured in O Magazine, Glamour, Seattle Times, Essence Magazine, and The Mary Sue. Trisha fearlessly explores the complexities of human relationships, delving into topics such as love, family, identity, and societal issues.
