The Liar by Nora Roberts

The Liar

by Nora Roberts

When her husband Richard dies in a freak accident, Shelby Pomeroy is devastated. But his death reveals a horrible truth - Richard was a liar and a cheat. Now Shelby is left with the consequences - huge, terrifying debts and mounting proof that her late husband betrayed her in every conceivable way.

Heart-broken but unbowed, Shelby is determined to fix her problems - if only for the sake of her gorgeous little daughter Callie. Returning home to Tennessee and the family she thought she'd lost for ever, she discovers a new sense of strength and freedom. And hope, too, in the handsome form of carpenter Griffin Lott - a straight-dealing man who couldn't lie to her if he tried.

But not everyone is thrilled to see Shelby Pomeroy back in town. And when a shocking act of violence is traced back to Richard's shady business, it becomes clear that she is not safe from him, even in death. With her life in danger, Shelby must face the lies of the past - or lose everything.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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One of the things I adore about Roberts is her ability to weave all the elements I love into a tightly crafted tale. I get to experience a range of emotions from worried, curiosity, laughter and even tears. The Liar is the perfect example of her writing at its finest.

Our story centers on Shelly Foxworth, a young woman who was courted by a charismatic man, married him and gave birth to a beautiful daughter. When her husband died after less than five years of marriage, she begins to realize that EVERYTHING was a lie. She knew nothing about the man she married. Disillusioned and knee-deep in debt, she packs up her daughter and heads home to Tennessee. The tale that unfolds was wrapped in murder, suspense, town antics and a second chance at happiness.

The Liar is just over five hundred pages and delighted me with secondary characters as witnessed Shelby rebuild her life. This aspect felt like a small-town romance, but Roberts weaved in a suspenseful murder mystery. She introduced foul play concerning Shelby’s dead husband and I was completely enthralled. We were given plenty of twists and turns along with sinister characters to notch up the suspense. While I figured out the main plot twist early on, it was fun seeing it all come together in a climatic ending. Roberts delivered an ending that left me deeply satisfied.

Confession, I have sort of this thing for a man who can work with his hands, is good with children, has a devilish smile and facial scruff. Griff Lott was all of those things and I fell hard. The romance had some heat and swoon-worthy moments but was mostly behind closed doors. The man is worthy book boyfriend material.

I loved Shelby's transformation as she shed the damage inflicted by her husband. The secondary characters, siblings and side threads all enhanced the tale. In fact, it left me wishing this was a series. I would love to get Fosters' story (Shelby's single brother) and a few others.

The Liar was a fantastic romantic suspense with small-town charm. If you have not tried Roberts, this would be the perfect place to start. A must for fans of romantic suspense. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 17 March, 2016: Finished reading
  • 17 March, 2016: Reviewed