How Much to Tell the Reader

A book has an intriguing subplot. It's cool. It's satisfying. It's unique.
So how much do you tell the reader?
When I introduced my Dead Detective Series, I thought it was essential to keep the fact that the main character was dead a secret until the reader got to know her a little. Not so the reviewers, who started with that, thrilled with the idea of dead people investigating crimes in order to provide answers for victims. The book got EPIC's Best Novel of 2012, despite the fact I thought the reviews spoiled the surprise for readers.

I'm about to send my next project into the world, A LETHAL TIME AND PLACE (December). It, too, has surprises, though they have nothing to do with the Afterlife. The lead characters have secrets, and it's obvious from the first they're desperate to protect them. That becomes difficult when they witness a murder and take in a young orphan. Murder will out, as they say, and secrets are hard to keep with a teenager around.

I'm having a little difficulty writing the promo copy. How do I get across how enjoyable the process of finding out about these people is without giving away the very things the reader will want to read the book for? I guess it's a good problem to have--so much mystery in the mystery!

I'm looking for reviewers who'd like a free e-copy, so contact me if you're the reviewing sort and this book sounds like something you'd enjoy.
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