Three Mini Reviews

The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle

3***

I have had this book for ages, and for some reason or other, always decided on something else. I don't want to say my instinct was right to avoid it, because it's not a bad book, but it's not very original either. I was entertained, I should say, and the story moved fairly quickly. Maybe my mistake was listening to the audio version, which had a less than excellent narrator. I have never been further into Georgia than the Atlanta airport, but I wonder what Georgians would make of her accent. Is it accurate? It felt contrived, or simply badly acted, so I'd be curious. That aside, the plot as engaging, even if it was pretty easy to guess the outcome. I read a lot of crime fiction, and lately I am finding it harder and harder to find a book that really stuns and surprises me. Any recommendations are welcome! Anyway, decent book, bad narration. I would probably give it a skip.

Silent Child by Sarah A. Denzil

3***

Though this was not as exciting as I expected, it was a pretty solid mystery. It's quite atmospheric and the main character is well sketched out. However, I did guess the resolution about half-way through, hence the three stars. To me, the villain always seemed so obvious I kept thinking there had to be another answer, but no, I was right, though I didn't want to be. Overall, not a bad book, but nowhere near as gripping as I had expected.

Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear

4****

Even though it feels like it took me FOREVER to finish this book, I rather enjoyed it. It was clever with good characterization as well as a compelling plot. It was not as fast-paced as I had expected it would be, but never boring either. I am a fan of mystery books (or books in general) that are really about the characters and the way their story weaves into the plot as a whole, which very much was the case in this one. It reminded me a little of Jane Casey's books, both in terms of the style and the story. So if you, like me, are a fan of her books or Tana French or Nicci French, you should give this one a try. I can see it becoming a series and I will definitely keep and eye on this author in the future!