A cracking novel!

5 stars

There is nothing more satisfying than stumbling upon an author previously unknown to me who knocks my socks off. Denis Mina is just such an author and I am delighted to have found her with The Good Liar. What a powerful story! Part way in I wondered if I jumped into a series midway as there was such an easy familiarity between the characters but no, this is a standalone so a good place to start for you, too, if you are new to this brilliant author.

Such a deliciously tangled story, I was enthralled by Doctor Claudia O’Sheil (forensic expert well regarded in her field, mother of two boys, recently widowed, sister to an addict who lives with her and her boys). She was a joy to me being full of spirit, crazy busy and rather a mess in her flawed way. Her life is a chaotic one and she struggles to make ends meet after the sudden death of her husband, James. Lucky for her she has friends in high places who can help her keep her feet on solid ground.

In The Good Liar we move with Claudia to the podium at a prestigious event as she is about to give a speech that could make or break her career. Throughout the novel we travel back to key times and cases in the past that brought her to this crucial fork in the road. What will she do given all she has learned and the fact that her eyes are now open to the treachery of those she orbits?

This really was a cracking read as Claudia, and those she holds dear, are skillfully crafted as warts and all people. Not gorgeous people with perfect lives but rather characters with plenty of ugly, painfully raw flaws that make for well rounded characters. Her sister, Gina, is a great example and their relationship illustrates the ups and downs of a bumpy sibling dynamic. 

Characters are ace but the story is top notch. I confess I should have paid closer attention at the outset as there are lots of moving parts and bits worth tucking away. Like the layers of an onion, The Good Liar carefully reveals varying levels of treachery and danger as the story unfolds. It's rich, complex, utterly delicious and compelling. I couldn't read this any faster as I wanted to know what Claudia would do.