I have a confession to make: I read books other than Christian fiction. I don’t know if that makes me a bad Christian, but it does make me a better writer. Just so you know, I don’t read anything with smut or sex, so you’ll never see me with the likes of Fifty Shades of Gray. Every month, Amazon sends me a list of their Amazon First Reads. Since I’m a Prime Member, I get to choose one ebook for free (this month, I got two). Believe it or not, I generally don’t download anything, because most secular books don’t appeal to me. I read the quick blurb on the email, and if it sounds interesting, I’ll click on it to read the full back cover copy—and the reviews.
Here is another confession: I’m a little envious that most of these books have thousands of reviews. In fact, Brianna Labuskes The Lies You Wrote has over 11,000. It’s mind-boggling. Of course, it’s secular fiction, but still…
So, here I am to share my review of this novel which is Book 1 of 2 in the Raisa Susanto Series. The second novel doesn’t release for a few months, and if I can’t get it on Kindle Unlimited or through Amazon First Reads, I may not read it. I’m cheap that way (or as my husband says, “frugal.”) If The Lies You Wrote was a five-star read, I’d be more likely put out the price of the kindle edition for The Truth You Told.
Why isn’t it a five-star in my humble opinion? I had to work really hard to keep up with the cast of characters. It didn’t help that there are two double homicide investigations twenty-five years apart, and a lot of scientific linguistic information thrown at the reader throughout the story. I will admit that I get a little lost in old NYPD Blue episodes, so maybe I’m not very bright when it comes to this genre. Although (and my husband can attest to this), I can generally pick out the killer long before the end credits. Weird, I know.
However, there were so many twists and turns in The Lies You Wrote, I was shocked when everything was finally revealed. I had been semi-focused throughout most of the book, and then the last 10-15% had me so riveted, I couldn’t put it down. However, I want to be glued to a book from page one, and I wasn’t. Maybe that’s why I had trouble keeping up with the cast of players.
The two main characters, Raisa Susanto and Callum Killenny (isn’t that a great name?) were easy to like. Raisa is an FBI forensic linguist expert. I didn’t know such a career existed. She is petite, smart, and has enough of an edge to make her interesting. Raised by foster parents after her own parents were killed, she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Callum is an FBI forensic psychologist who brings his own issues to the table—the loss of his wife ten years before at the hands of a killer he’d been investigating.
Here is the BCC: For a brilliant forensic linguist, crimes of the past hold clues to new series of murders in a twisting novel of suspense by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of A Familiar Sight.
The double murder of a married couple in a small Washington town draws FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto into an investigation that mirrors a decades-old crime. Twenty-five years ago—to the day—Alex Parker murdered his parents, then took his own life, leaving behind a note admitting everything.
Raisa, paired with forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny, uses her skills to read between the lines. Especially now that paranoid postings on a conspiracy thread suggest that Alex was a victim himself—theories that have piqued the interest of a perceptive content moderator and a true-crime podcaster eager for a big break.
As old and new crimes converge, messages from the living and the confessions of the dead take on new meaning for Raisa. Something more sinister than a copycat crime is at play, and plundering the darkest corners of a killer’s mind leaves her vulnerable to a deadly twist even she never saw coming.
It’s important to note that there is some foul language—although not as much as you’d expect in a book of this genre. And given that the murders were brutal, there is some violence. After all, most killers are psychopaths, so it would be unrealistic otherwise. This isn’t a cozy mystery you’ll want to curl up and read before going to sleep at night. However, I found it rather tame, all things considered.
I was distracted somewhat by one of my pet peeves. Ms. Labuskes tends to tag her dialogue with “said” even when it’s not necessary. If it’s clear who is speaking by their action, it becomes unnecessary and cumbersome. For example: “They were like a boring version of TMZ,” Marigold said. She leaned forward. “But we all read them, of course.”
It would be more concise to write: “They were like a boring version of TMZ.” Marigold leaned forward. “But we all read them, of course.”
The reader already knows Marigold is speaking, so why tag it with both “said” and the action? I will admit, most readers won’t even notice this, but it drives me crazy—although my husband would tell you that’s a very short trip!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers and love twists and turns, you will want to read The Lies You Wrote.
My rating: 4 stars
Comments 4
Like you I am frugal. Since I can get books for free. The only books I buy are yours, Jennifer because you are my sister and I am proud to share your books with others who read Christian Women Literature. I feel that your writing exceeds many in quality. I come across many books that I enjoy and my other favorite authors books can be found in the library. Please don’t stop writing ever.
Author
I appreciate your encouragement and support. Thank you. I’ll keep writing until the Lord calls me away from it.
This sounds like my kind of read except for the fact that I want to be gripped from page 1 as you said. I too read/listen to books that are not CF and I don’t think that makes me a bad Christian simply because MOST of them have a lesson in them somewhere that I can put into action OR are thought provoking to make me think about something I may need to change or look at.
Author
I hear you. And maybe I wasn’t gripped from the first page because of the reasons I explained in the review. A lot of new information to wrap my head around. Also, the only time I have to read is in the late afternoon before getting dinner going. Not my optimum thinking time for sure.