Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Liar's Child by Carla Buckley Narrator: George Newbern
Published by Random House Audio on March 12, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Length: 8 hours, 48 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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On the outskirts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks sits The Paradise, an apartment complex where renters never stay long enough to call the place “home” - and neighbors are seldom neighborly. It’s ideal for Sara Lennox, who moved there to escape a complicated past - and even her name - and rebuild a new life for herself under the radar. But Sara cannot help but notice the family next door, especially 12-year-old Cassie and five-year-old Boon. She hears rumors and whispers of a recent tragedy slowly tearing them apart.
When a raging storm threatens then slams the coastal community, Sara makes a quick, bold decision: Rescue Cassie and Boon from the storm and their broken home - without telling a soul. But this seemingly noble act is not without consequences. Some lethal.
Carla Buckley crafts a richly rewarding psychological portrait, combining a heart-wrenching family drama with high-stakes suspense, as the lives of three characters intertwine in an unforgettable story of fury, fate - and redemption.
I enjoy a dark mystery with a fast pace. The Liar’s Child was reviewed by friends and I always appreciate the North Carolina setting. The style was a little disconcerting as it jumped back and forth in both point of view and the time period. The point of view is often handled this way, but the time jumps forward and back were unusual.
The characters for the most part were not living the good life. They had problems and most of them were liars. Some lied as an automatic part of their life and others more for reasons in specific circumstances. I was concerned for everyone, but especially the child, Boon. The situations were sad and some things which happened were tragic.
The story has lots happening with the different characters with much to understand. Some aspects were like odd bits of odd information which all came together. Maybe I am reading books which are too smart for me, because I had a couple questions unanswered at the end, primarily about Sara. Overall, my heart hurt and my head worked to figure out how to save them all.
Narration:
The narrator was comfortable in both the male and female voices. He was clear and easy listening at 1.5x speed. I had not listened to him before. He did add to my enjoyment of the story.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About George Newbern
Actor George Newbern has appeared in Father of the Bride, Father of the Bride II, Evening Star, Adventures in Babysitting, and many other films. On television, he has had roles on Friends, Nip/Tuck, Hot in Cleveland, CSI, and more. George is also known for providing the voice of Superman in Justice League.
About Carla Buckley
Carla Buckley is the internationally bestselling author of The Good Goodbye, The Deepest Secret, Invisible, and The Things That Keep Us Here, which was nominated for a Thriller Award as a best first novel and the Ohioana Book Award for fiction. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Wharton School of Business, and currently lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She serves on the board of the International Thriller Writers as Vice President, Awards and is at work on her next novel.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
George Newbern is one of my favorite narrators and often tips the scales to me selecting a book when I’m indecisive about it. I’ve found Buckley’s writing to be nuanced and skillful in the past so I’m looking forward to listening to this one.
I saw you were planning to read it. I hope you can explain the things I didn’t understand at the end. I enjoyed it. It isn’t my typical listen but I’ve been venturing at the boundaries of my typical genres lately.
I like novels with a dark edge to them so this sounds really good to me.
I think it was really good. I hope you enjoy it too!
That back and forth in time, but alternating POVs would be tough to track in an audio. Sounds like you got emotionally engaged and wanted to get to the bottom of things so that makes for a good read. New to me narrator. Glad he did great, too.
The time jumps are what was the most jarring. You would have multiple point of views from say Wednesday evening, and then all of a sudden there would be a Tuesday evening scene from one point of view.
This is one of Jonetta’s favorite narrators so you know he’s great.
I still think about a couple of books that left me feeling somewhat confused. You have me so curious about this one now.
Well I hope you read or listen to it and can tell me what you think happened. Most all of it is clear to me, except one character. Engrossing story too.
Lovely review, Anne! I’m happy you enjoyed it overall, and I completely know what you mean about trying to save them all. This author has an older book that is super well-loved and I can’t wait to read it, The Good Goodbye.
Thank you, I’ll have to look into her older book.
Glad all the odd bits came together. I like the setting. We have family who live along the Outer Banks.
I love this area with mountains and ocean all fairly close. It’s one reason I moved to NC.
I am interested in any books that take place along the coasts. I like books that make me think.
This is right on the ocean and a hurricane does happen. BUT this one is really all about messing with your head, a batch of liars.
It is nice to listen to stories set in locations you’re familiar with. I felt the same when listening to early Kate Daniels books set in Atlanta.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I’m drawn to them as I want to see how realistic they are.
I usually don’t go for dark reads, but I do enjoy a good mystery. Not every book with time jumps works, but I’ve read a few that pulled it off well. It does sound like a tragic read. Glad to hear the narration was done well.
It’s a good story, sad how people can’t make their lives without taking or hurting others.