The Lies We Hide

We all have secrets, things we didn’t do, lies we told in all innocence or maybe not. Three stories, three secrets, twisted and braided together to form a perfect whole.

I won’t lie, I sobbed a good way through The Lies We Hide and for two days my life went on hold while the story of Carol, Graham and Nicola held me hostage, emerging red eyed, exhausted and elated - without a tissue left in the house. My initial response on finishing was an inarticulate, ‘Wow!'

This is an accomplished work, full of twists, turns, crossing generations and times and all handled with all the assurance we have come to expect from this author. A story deftly woven by the hands of a master craftswoman.

Carol struggling to keep her family together in the face of an abusive violent husband. Graham struggling with teenage hormones, the darker side of inner city council estate existence and no refuge to run to, and Nicola the one they must all protect at whatever cost, so that she can escape into the better life of the aspirational middle classes.

Days after finishing this book I am still thinking about it, still wondering about these characters as if they are people I know and love. A book that stays with you, that has you thinking about your own values, your own family, your own secrets, that haunts your dreams and fills your waking hours - now that’s a book to read, keep and read again. I will treasure this when I get my hands on a physical copy and over the years it will, I have no doubt, become a well worn and much loved favourite.

A brilliant domestic thriller ! WOW!! Loved this book - almost read it straight through.

The story begins in 1968 when Carol (who is pregnant) and her boyfriend, Ted, become engaged at an amusement park.

Ted and Carol's daughter, Nicola, is now a lawyer in her 30's. She receives the tragic news that her mother has passed away. Returning to her hometown for the funeral, Nicola becomes nostalgic...

From there the story is told among a few narrators and from past and present. Some of the past (and present) is frightening, and sad. Yet, some of the story shows happiness, strength and love. .

The book takes us next to Pauline and Tommy's wedding where Carol meets Jim, Tommy's cousin. Carol's husband is literally passed out from drink. We then are taken to a story of abuse and betrayal.

Too many spoilers to leak out. I suggest you read for yourself!

The end has a twist I did not see coming!!!

I HIGHLY recommend "The Lies We Hide" to all!

Many Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a fine read.

First book I had read by this author and I’ll certainly check out her others. The story switches between the present and the events from previous decades. It is told from the viewpoint of the different main characters all of whom are believable and well written. Not always an easy read since one becomes involved with the emotional turmoil that has led to the present. I thought I had it all figured out and didn’t see the twist at the end coming at all.

What an ending... ! Great read and just got better and better the more i got into it. Love this author, never seems to disappoint.. Can't wait for more books in the future.

Thanks to the publisher and net galley for an early release of this book.

The Lies We Hide is fantastic but I don’t think it fits the mystery and thrillers genre.

It’s a beautifully tragic tale of family life, of the horrors of domestic abuse and of a mother’s love.

Parts of this story broke my heart while others left me angry enough to (almost) throw my Kindle across the room. I mean what more can you ask for from a story? I feel privileged to have read this, yes it’s different from the books I normally review but I can’t deny how powerful and atmospheric it is.

5/5