Love and Other Lies : A Novel
Author(s): Ben McPherson
A mother and father search for the truth behind their daughter’s disappearance in this stunning psychological suspense novel that takes Nordic noir to a level that is “emotional, painful, and utterly memorable” (Alex Marwood, Edgar Award–winning author of The Poison Garden).
Cal and Elsa have the perfect relationship; they’re still deeply in love after fifteen years of marriage, they have three incredible children, and most importantly, they never lie to each other. But when their oldest daughter disappears in a summer camp shooting outside Oslo, Norway, Cal and Elsa’s lives are changed forever.
Cal believes his family is strong enough to weather this blow and hold out hope for Licia’s return, but as they all deal with the tragedy in different ways, doubts begin to creep in. Their younger daughter, Vee, is definitely hiding something from her parents. And Elsa would never lie to Cal, but is she telling him the whole truth? As the reality of what happened at the camp comes to light, each family member’s morals will be tested. In the end, will their love for one another be enough to hold them together?
Review(s):
“A gripping thriller, Love and Other Lies explores xenophobia and white supremacy as it also portrays the psychic damage inflicted by certitude and, conversely, by doubt… The novel explodes in a viscerally shocking conclusion.”
“McPherson sensitively explores a family in crisis. Highly recommended.”
“[A] stunning psychological thriller… McPherson dramatically highlights the tensions between Norway’s native and immigrant populations as the plot builds to a devastating conclusion. This powerful, thought-provoking novel deserves a wide readership.”
"An important story with lots and lots of topics to discuss and a story that is definitely pertinent to the times in which we live. This is a book that you will think about for a long time after you put it down."
“A page-turning novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat, right up to the last word on the last page.”
“Fascinating. From the first page of A LINE OF BLOOD, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down!”
“An impressive slice of domestic suspense… McPherson is a dab hand at creating realistically flawed characters to whom one just about manages to give the benefit of the doubt, and the ending… is still shocking.”
“McPherson’s mystery is carefully constructed, a literary house of cards. Layer upon layer of revelation increases the tension.”
“McPherson displays a rare skill for creating characters with depth in a world that is splintering around them.”
“Gripping from the get-go, A Line of Blood will have readers wondering what they might be capable of in the face of the terrible isolation of self within a family running off the rails.”
ISBN: 9780062406149