Title: Little Black Lies
Author: Sharon J. Bolton
First published May 19, 2015
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250028594 (ISBN10: 1250028590)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
In the remote town of Willow Creek, disappearances are rare. But when a young girl goes missing, then another, and another, the townsfolk begin to suspect that something sinister is afoot.
Despite her own painful past, Alice Monroe finds herself drawn into the search for the missing children. As fear and suspicion grip the town, Alice realizes that some of her fellow residents are hiding dark secrets.
With tensions rising and no one to trust, Alice must confront her own demons and find the truth before it’s too late. Little Black Lies is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Sharon J Bolton’s latest book, The Split, is now available in the UK in both hardback and paperback formats.
Sharon grew up in Lancashire, where she was the eldest of three daughters. As a child, she had dreams of becoming an actress and dancer, and pursued her passion for ballet, tap, and jazz.
She went on to study drama at Loughborough University.
After working in marketing and PR, Sharon decided to return to school to pursue a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Warwick University. It was there that she met her husband, Andrew.
Together, they moved to London where Sharon held various PR positions in the City.
Eventually, Sharon left the City to work as a freelancer, start a family, and focus on writing. Today, Sharon and Andrew live in a village in the Chiltern Hills with their son and their newest family member, a lop-eared lurcher named Lupe.
Sharon’s days are filled with the school run, walking the dog, and meeting publishing deadlines.
Editoral Review
Little Black Lies is a suspenseful thriller by Sharon J. Bolton, first published on May 19, 2015.
The book is set on the Falkland Islands, a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, and explores the themes of grief, guilt, revenge, and redemption. Sharon J.
Bolton is a British author known for her works in the crime and suspense genres. She has won several awards for her books, including the Mary Higgins Clark Award and the CWA Dagger in the Library.
With Little Black Lies, Bolton delivers another gripping tale with intricate plotting, vivid characterization, and atmospheric storytelling. The novel opens with a tragic incident in which three children die in a boating accident.
Catrin Quinn, a young mother who is responsible for the children’s safety, survives the accident but is consumed by guilt for not preventing it. As the community mourns and searches for answers, a series of disturbing events set in motion a chain of accusations, suspicions, and dangerous secrets that threaten to tear apart the fragile peace.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Catrin, her friend Rachel, and the island’s police officer, Sergeant Andy. They are all flawed, complex, and compelling characters with their own secrets, motives, and vulnerabilities.
Bolton skillfully weaves their narratives together, building tension and uncertainty, and keeping the readers guessing until the final reveal. The Falkland Islands, with its harsh weather, rugged terrain, and isolated community, is a character in itself, providing a unique and fascinating backdrop to the story.
Bolton’s descriptions of the landscape, wildlife, and culture are vivid and evocative, highlighting the beauty, danger, and strangeness of this remote place. The book also touches on the historical and political tensions between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, adding a layer of complexity and relevance to the story.
Bolton explores the themes of colonialism, identity, and nationalism, and shows how past conflicts and traumas can shape the present. Overall, Little Black Lies is a brilliant and thrilling read that showcases Bolton’s talents as a master storyteller.
The book is impeccably paced, with tension, twists, and surprises that keep the readers engaged from start to finish. The characters are fully realized, with distinctive voices, backgrounds, and journeys.
The setting is vividly rendered, with a sense of place that transports the readers to a different world. The themes are thought-provoking, with a balance of depth and accessibility.
If there are any flaws in the book, they are minor, and do not detract from the overall excellence of the work. The ending may feel rushed or abrupt to some readers, but it is also fitting and satisfying in its own way.
The book is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with sensitive and disturbing subjects, including child abuse, suicide, and violence. However, Bolton handles these topics with sensitivity, respect, and realism, and does not exploit them for shock value.
Therefore, Little Black Lies is highly recommended for fans of the suspense and crime genres, as well as anyone who enjoys a well-written, engaging, and memorable story. The book is suitable for mature readers who can handle dark and intense themes, but it offers insights and empathy that can benefit anyone.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this book a 9, based on its originality, creativity, craft, impact, and entertainment value. Sharon J.
Bolton is a name to watch in the world of mystery fiction, and Little Black Lies is a testament to her talent and ambition.
