annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Good Liars is a gothic tinged historical mystery in the classic style by Anita Frank. Released 17th Aug 2023 by HarperCollins on their HQ imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook format. Paperback due out in Oct 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is an atmospheric novel with a family trying to come to grips with their experiences and trauma from the first world war. A child disappearance cold case from 1914 forces the family and staff to confront each other and their own secrets.
The twists are heavily foreshadowed and the big reveals won't likely be shockers for most readers, however, the author is very adept at atmosphere and characterization and if the book isn't strictly a mystery, it's definitely worthwhile for the descriptions and creepy supernatural tinged elements.
Although not derivative at all, there are flashes of Flannery O'Connor and Shirley Jackson in the "vibe" of the work.
Four stars. Brooding and odd.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.