What a web of lies!

A Good Liar explores a tragic event that leaves a community mourning twelve lives lost. As time passes the people of Sedgefield need someone to blame. This book is one twist after the other at the lies and unclear memories are being untangled. You will find people dealing with loss, eager for the truth and happy to make accusations and point fingers, but you will also find some unexpected heroes as you turn the pages of this book. It’s a moving, gripping story filled with twists and a conclusion you do not expect. This is an extraordinary tale that will keep you glued to the pages.

I loved the way the author broke the story up with chapters returning to the night of the fire sharing the various characters experiences. I found myself unable to put this book down, eagerly trying to untangle the web of lies along with Leanne. Amanda Brooke is a “new to me” author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

When a fire destroys the newly opened Empress Theatre during the local ballet school’s opening night a small community is left scared after the loss of twelve lives. A year later they are still waiting for answers and justice. Everyone has an opinion on who was to blame and fingers are pointed to Declan the electrician who worked on the building and to Philippa who headed the restoration projects. Was Philippa cutting corners to save money or was the contractor delivering shoddy work to save time?

Leanne Pitman lost her best friend and she is convinced that Philippa and Declan are at fault. When her editor insists that she has to find some positive stories and write about the unsung heroes she is forced to look at the people involved in a different light. However, to more she digs into the events of that dreadful night, the more she finds that peoples stories do not line up. Someone is lying. But what are they trying to hide?

This book pulls you into the heart of a tragedy and leaves you sharing a community’s pain and loss. While sharing the need to blame someone. I could not drag myself away from this sad story that was full of rumours and accusations. I simply loved every minute of this story. While it is based on a tragedy, it looks at how unreasonable people can be, and how easily lives can be destroyed by unfounded accusations.

My heart broke for Karin. As a survivor of the fire, she had to face a long recovery period followed by the news of her brother’s death. If that was not bad enough, she was ousted by the community because everyone believed her brother was responsible for the fire. The author did a remarkable job in sharing the effects the tragedy had on the various members of the community. She managed to leave you feeling as if you were a part of the community and picking sides as the story unfolded.

This book flew onto my loved list for the year with ease. The story is sad and touching while it is filled with twists and ends brilliantly with an unexpected reveal.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is guaranteed to keep you guessing as the web of lies are untangled and the various characters fill in the pieces that finally reveal what really happened the night of the fire. It’s a fantastic read that will not leave you disappointed. Please add this to your TBR if you are a fan of psychological fiction.