Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton
Genre; Crime
In such a small community as the Falkland Islands, a missing child is unheard of. In such a dangerous landscape it can only be a terrible tragedy, surely…
When another child goes missing, and then a third, it’s no longer possible to believe that their deaths were accidental, and the villagers must admit that there is a murderer among them. Even Catrin Quinn, a damaged woman living a reclusive life after the accidental deaths of her own two sons a few years ago, gets involved in the searches and the speculation.
And suddenly, in this wild and beautiful place that generations have called home, no one feels safe and the hysteria begins to rise.
But three islanders—Catrin, her childhood best friend, Rachel, and her ex-lover Callum—are hiding terrible secrets. And they have two things in common: all three of them are grieving, and none of them trust anyone, not even themselves.
My thoughts:
Prepare yourself for unadulterated gushing of the highest order. Yes, I was in a reading slump, in fact, I still am. I’ve just read two great books back to back (this being the first one) and now I’m lost for what to read next!
But boy, let’s just cover this one shall we?
It’s stunning. Absolutely beautiful. Beautifully written and beautiful in location, emotion and characterisation. the depth of human emotion shown in the book, the way Bolton has explored grief and relationships and how she has intertwined the lives – look gushing – it was, I was in awe.
The novel is set on the Falkland Islands after the conflict but not in the current day as we know it. Not only does Bolton do a wonderful job placing you there, but she makes the conflict a part of the novel, the history of the place is important and it’s important to the people as you’d expect. It sounds barren and cold but beautiful and peaceful at the same time.
If peaceful didn’t include continually missing children that no one wants to acknowledge are anything more than a coincidence.
The story is told from three perspectives in three different parts and it flows smoothly. All three people are connected and all are hurting in a deep dark way. The story is told sympathetically and with a clear precise prose.
It wasn’t page turning because it was all hectic and thrillerish, it was page turning because I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to stay with these people and hear their stories and find out what happened next and what happened to them.
Yes, there were missing children and crimes, but this book is a lot more than that. This book is one of the highlights of my reading year and I’m so glad I read it.
I can’t suggest this book strongly enough to you if you haven’t read it. You have to pick it up!
Did you get that I enjoyed this one?
Edited to add – (I forgot in my excitement of the book) With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy. (Yes, it’s going to take me until next year to get through all my review books!)
What enthusiasm! I do like it when your liking for a book becomes infectious. I’ve heard from some other readers that it wasn’t their favourite Bolton to date, but you don’t seem to think so at all, right?
Really? That does surprise me. I adored it. The subtlety and underplaying of the story along with the atmosphere of the island and emotions of the characters played against each other perfectly and I thought it was wonderful. So yes, I’m in complete disagreement with them. 🙂
Great review for a brilliant book.
It really is a great book isn’t it? 🙂
I’m adding it to my TBR list. Sounds like something I’d love to read. 🙂
I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think if you read it!
So the dramatic element far outweighs the mystery element?
Hey, doesn’t have to be fast paced and thrilling to be a page turner.
You’re right Alex, it doesn’t. And the atmospheric element in this novel is outstanding.
Let me guess, Rebecca…you enjoyed this one? In all seriousness, I’m glad you did. And you’re not the first to recommend it in the highest terms. I’m very glad you liked it that well.
I did Margot 🙂 It was wonderful to read a book and enjoy it so much after such a dry run recently.
I though it was fab too!
Isn’t it! I can’t wait to go back to her Lacey Flint series. I just have to finish the Ruth Galloway series first!
I don’t think I have come across the Ruth Galloway yet…just read the new Rebus last night-Even Dogs In the Wild – you must read this one too Rebecca. It is excellent.
Yes, I’ve definitely got to make time for this one soon. I’ve heard mixed thoughts. Think the missing children aspect has gotten to several people. I’ve loved all the Bolton books that I’ve read and I’m excited about this one. Your enthusiasm makes me think it should be placed in my reading pile right away.
I think it should be placed on your reading pile, though I know how precious those spots are. As for the children aspect to the novel, I don’t think it’s overplayed or gratuitous. The whole book is underplayed if I’m honest. Try the sample on Amazon and see what you think.