REVIEW: The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter @emilydcarpenter @LUAuthors @amazonpub
The Weight of Lies
by Emily Carpenter
In anticipation of Carpenter's new book Every Single Secret, coming May 1, 2018, I decided to FINALLY pick up my copy of The Weight of Lies. First, a thank you to the author for sending me this copy last year. Second, an apology for waiting so long to read it. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publish Date: June 6, 2017
Paperback
380 pages
Standalone
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Goodreads Synopsis:
In this gripping, atmospheric family drama, a young woman investigates the forty -year -old murder that inspired her mother’s bestselling novel, and uncovers devastating truths—and dangerous lies.
Reformed party girl Meg Ashley leads a life of a privilege, thanks to a bestselling horror novel her mother wrote decades ago. But Meg knows that the glow of their very public life hides a darker reality of lies, manipulation, and the heartbreak of her own solitary childhood. Desperate to break free of her mother, Meg accepts a proposal to write a scandalous, tell-all memoir.
Digging into the past—and her mother’s cult classic—draws Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia and an unusual woman said to be the inspiration for the book. At first, island life seems idyllic, but as Meg starts to ask tough questions, disturbing revelations come to light…including some about her mother.
Soon, Meg’s search leads her to question the facts of a decades-old murder. She’s warned to leave it alone, but as the lies pile up, Meg knows she’s getting close to finding a murderer. When her own life is threatened, Meg realizes the darkness found in her mother’s book is nothing compared to the chilling truth that lurks off the page.
My Review:
What a fantastic and compulsive read! I'm kicking myself for leaving this on my nightstand for the better part of a year before getting to it. I have heard NOTHING but GOOD things about this book from fellow readers and they were a thousand percent correct!
Do you like book within book type of read? This one has that component. We have Meg's tragic relationship with her mother which prompts her to dig into the mystery behind her mother's Book, Kitten. As we read, every other chapter is a excerpt from Kitten. I personally enjoyed this aspect a lot. This book is multi-layered with in depth characterization, that cult classic feel with a touch of gothic paranormal. All things I LOVE.
I kept going back and forth on what I thought was the truth and what wasn't. Just when I thought the truth had come out, then wham bam, another layer is uncovered and I'm all whaaaaaaaaaaat? Honestly, this isn't a slap you upside the head, throat punch kind of thriller. It does keep you second guessing yourself up until the very end though.
I'm thoroughly impressed with how Carpenter has managed to bring in all aspects of this story without it faltering at any point. I imagine note cards with push pins and strings attached showing how everything interconnects. 🤣
When your life is built on a tower of lies, who actually ends up benefiting from the truth when it comes out? Does anyone? How long can a mystery remain unsolved?
Fantastically atmospheric, complicated, well plotted and a Southern Gothic read that will keep you turning the pages well into the night.
★★★★
Do you like book within book type of read? This one has that component. We have Meg's tragic relationship with her mother which prompts her to dig into the mystery behind her mother's Book, Kitten. As we read, every other chapter is a excerpt from Kitten. I personally enjoyed this aspect a lot. This book is multi-layered with in depth characterization, that cult classic feel with a touch of gothic paranormal. All things I LOVE.
I kept going back and forth on what I thought was the truth and what wasn't. Just when I thought the truth had come out, then wham bam, another layer is uncovered and I'm all whaaaaaaaaaaat? Honestly, this isn't a slap you upside the head, throat punch kind of thriller. It does keep you second guessing yourself up until the very end though.
I'm thoroughly impressed with how Carpenter has managed to bring in all aspects of this story without it faltering at any point. I imagine note cards with push pins and strings attached showing how everything interconnects. 🤣
When your life is built on a tower of lies, who actually ends up benefiting from the truth when it comes out? Does anyone? How long can a mystery remain unsolved?
Fantastically atmospheric, complicated, well plotted and a Southern Gothic read that will keep you turning the pages well into the night.
★★★★
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