25 April 2022

Susan Lewis is an author I’ve counted on for a good read. Reaching for one of her books, I know I am guaranteed an entertaining escape. Yes, I am a fan! Who’s Lying Now, provided just that. This book is not just a suspenseful thriller, the author manages to add an emotional touch with a look at the effects of social distancing regulations imposed during the COVID pandemic.

These characters are facing an incredibly difficult situation amidst lockdown regulations while most of them were in desperate need of physical contact.

Susan Lewis is a creative storyteller that keeps you coming back for more. Her stories include an emotional touch with a look at human behaviour during stressful situations. I find I am quickly engrossed in her stories which feature realistic characters. I love her writing and have always found myself easily slipping into the lives of her characters. This is an author you simply must add to your TBR. If you have not read a Susan Lewis book, believe me, you are missing a treat.

When Jeannie Symonds disappears during lockdown, no one seems very surprised. She is not a nice person, and it is not unlike her to disappear for a few days to cause concern and gain some attention.

However, when almost two weeks later there has not been any word from her alarm bells started to ring. Her gorgeous, surgeon husband reaches out to locals in the small community of Kesterly-on-Sea for help in finding her when the police do not seem keen to help.  Ex- detective Andee Lawrence teams up with the young, trainee investigator Cara Jakes to find out what happened to Jeannie. As Cara questions locals, she struggles to build a clear picture of Jeannie’s life, but it is clear that Jeannie has everything going for her. She has a successful career she seems to love, a devoted, charming husband and a niece she adores. Why would she choose to disappear? The more Cara learns, the more convinced she is that someone in this community is hiding something, someone is lying.

This was a gripping tale that kept me second-guessing everyone. When I convinced myself I knew where the story was going, a new piece of information revealed I might be wrong, keeping me guessing all the time. I was completely lost in this book; I loved every second from start to finish.

The characters were awesome. Who could not love Fliss (Felicity)? This woman added so much to the story and when her past is revealed, your heart just breaks for her. Her story highlights how easily one decision can affect the rest of your life. The sacrifice she made left me in awe. I doubt I could ever be that selfless. I enjoyed that she found some happiness in the end.

This is an engrossing tale that is full of suspense, with a twist or two that will leave you doubting all the characters because you know someone is hiding something. I am happy to say that this book gets a 5-star rating from me.

Fans old and new will not be disappointed with this book. While this story includes COVID and lockdown in the background, the author managed to focus on the effects on humans rather than the pandemic itself, making this a refreshing read.

I highly recommend this book. It is not just another pandemic tale, it is full of mystery and suspense, love, family and our human need for physical contact. Be sure to get yourself a copy of this one, you will not be disappointed.