A Suitable Lie
By Michael J Malone
Published by Orenda Books (15 September 2016)
ISBN: 978-1910633496
Publisher's description
Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she's his perfect match... And she loves his son, too. When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. He ignores it; a dangerous mistake that could cost him everything. A brave, deeply moving psychological thriller which marks a stunning departure for one of Scotland's top crime writers.
My verdict
A Suitable Lie is stunning, heartbreaking, passionate and tense. A book that packs a powerful punch - in more ways than one - and left me reeling and totally drained.
Writing with compassion and empathy, Michael J Malone has tackled a difficult - and often taboo - topic. His tight plot, taut writing, sharp dialogue and strong characters keep the story moving at a fast pace and provide a thought-provoking insight into a bullying relationship. He conveys the difficulties involved in leaving a marriage or taking physical action against an abusive partner, with some dark humour and lighter moments in places to ease the escalating tension. This is one hell of a rollercoaster read!
The author's background as a poet shines throughout the book. His rhythmic prose flows beautifully with stunning imagery and emotion in every sentence, each scene described so vividly that it was as if I was present myself. There are a few violent scenes, but this is not without good reason, adding to the horrific nature of the relationship that lies at the heart of the plot.
This is a compelling story from start to finish and certainly yet another book I'll be recommending widely. There are a few twists, turns and surprises. But most of all, A Suitable Lie is a book that will leave you on the edge of your seat and take you on an emotional journey, gripped with worry, anger, tension and relief. Orenda Books has done it again, publishing a book that you'll want to cherish and remember.
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
FOLLOW THE BLOG TOUR!
Tomorrow it's Crime Book Junkie - @nholten40!
No comments:
Post a Comment