This book sipped along but I could not get myself in to the story. I felt like I missed something and no matter how many times I went back I could not figure it all out.

The novel starts out with a series of incidents that kill or maim a multitude of people. This becomes much less interesting as the negativity continues. The writing is high school level.
But, thanks,, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Alibi and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of American Lies. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

American Lies is the continuation of a series featuring main character Xanadu Marx. This former FBI agent has been through some tough times and has a strong desire to follow a more conventional path. When a mosque filled with Muslim worshippers is targeted and blown up, followed by a second violent attack, will Xanadu be able to leave the investigation to her former colleagues and focus on her ill friend? When she comes across information vital to the investigation, how will Xanadu handle herself?

American Lies is a fast paced thriller with good characterization. Although the book could be read by newcomers to the series, Xanadu has a checkered past that is only glossed over in this novel. I do wish that the author had expanded certain parts of the plot, as some aspects were only touched upon. The overt and underlying racism that certain characters face, or the particulars involved in organ procurement and donation, were not explained fully. Xanadu's dealings with her sponsor could have been expanded further, especially due to the fact that her involvement in the program is a huge part of her life. I like the character of Xanadu Marx, as she is strong, determined, and not willing to let the her status within the law enforcement community stop her from helping others. American Lies is a good novel, which I would recommend more to those who have read the previous books.

American Lies is a novel that starts out with a bang, literally. In the opening chapter, a drone blows up a Muslim mosque, killing everyone inside and injuring several police officers who are there to guard it. Who committed this terrorist act on American soil? Enter investigator Xanadu Marx, a former FBI agent who was fired for alcoholism. Xanadu begins to investigate on her own. What evil will she uncover?

A second explosion claims another mosque and someone releases a deadly toxin in a local hospital. Who could be behind these attacks?

I thought the premise of this novel was interesting. But, it seemed to me that this is part of a series and the reader has to have read all the other books to totally understand the central character’s background and motivations. I felt like Marx’s story was not well documented in this book alone. There are references to other incidents that must have happened in the previous books. A short review would have helped the reader who comes into this one as a stand-alone novel. Certainly, her participation in AA and her interactions with her sponsor have a ring of truth to them, but what happened to her friend who is mentioned several times?

The story itself seemed somewhat plausible, involving the possible theft of a military drone that had been donated to the city’s law enforcement. But, when Marx falls under suspicion because she gets caught at the site? That was stretching it a bit, I thought. There was no evidence against her at all.

Also, the way the organ donation was handled was not realistic. In reality, there are waiting lists for this and people do not just get a donated organ simply because they are in the same hospital.

One thing that really bothered me was the way the book ended. I like cliffhangers just fine, but I felt that the main part of the storyline was not resolved by the end of this book. It’s like the author is planning to continue this story in a sequel. I would have preferred to have the resolution neatly wrapped up in a single novel rather than having to wait and buy the sequel. For that reason, I would not recommend this is a stand-alone novel.

It’s a good thriller if you like them, and it will be a good read, but I really think, as a reader, that I wanted it to be wrapped up more completely than it was.

This must be part of a series but even though I haven't read any of the other books I still enjoyed the book very much ! And by the way this one ended It's easy to assume there will be a next book in the series coming out ! So I guess I have to read them all now ! This book is very relevant right now with all that is going on in the world. Terrorism. Hate. And how people deal with it. Will you just stand by and watch or will you be the hero ? Life has worn some of the players down, alcoholics, embarrassment, job loss. Yet they persevere. Xana is a strong female lead character, and I liked her a lot !

It was a book that is definitely timely considering our current political climate. I recommend it for those who like thrillers. You won't know who the villains are till near the end. I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

A drone flies into a Muslim community center at the end of Ramadan shortly before the start of morning services. People are killed and many are injured. They are taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment and the police are notified that a deadly virus is being released in the Hospital. Xanadu is there to see a friend who is dying of cancer and cannot get in because it is quarantined. The Governor gives a speech that suggests that maybe the WWII program of isolation of certain groups should be put into effect again to protect others. These are only a few of the complicated and extravagant plot twists in this novel. It is full of colorful characters and questions the reader wants answered. It was a solid 3.5 stars raised to a 4. Thanks to Net Galley and Alibi for an ARC for an honest review.

Several story lines and they do seem to come together. The book kept my interest to the end. The end was a little disappointing as we did not find out what happened in the most important story line. Looks like a sequel is planned to finish the story. Would prefer an ending not be carried over to a new book.

Joshua Corwin starts his novel “American Lies” off with a bang. A missile from a drone blows up a mosque full of Muslim worshipers celebrating the end of Ramadan. Almost immediately a suicide bomber destroys another mosque in Dearborn, Michigan. All of America feels the attacks and its citizens are shaken to the core. Authorities from all security agencies in the country begin desperate attempts at calming the populace while attempting to find answers to the attacks and preventing any more.

Xanadu Marx, a disgraced FBI agent, begins her own investigation in an attempt to extract revenge and bring the perpetrators to justice despite warnings to desist from the government and murderous threats from others. She ignores public outcry against Muslims and follows the trails of homegrown terrorists and uncovers a conspiracy that is so outlandish that no one will believe her. Will she survive long enough to bring credibility to her findings?

Corwin spins an enticing tale with skill and talent that keeps a reader involved in a mesmerizing contemporary premise. His characterizations are realistic and the dialogue is so well written the reader feels a part of the conversations. The book is not a ponderous tome that drags along, but one that moves quickly with fast action that unfolds quickly; a refreshing approach.

I wasn’t familiar with Corin’s work until I read this book. I like his approach, his talent, and, most of all, his ability to tell his story with such clarity and authenticity.
I will read more of his stories.

This book involves a lot of characters ,background and possible cultural conflicts proposes a scenario that some might see as possible and overall the story is a good read.