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jen_meds_book_reviews 's review for:
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I wasn't quite sure how Fiona Cummins could possibly follow or match All Of Us Are Broken, given it's heady mix of thrills and emotional drama, but I shouldn't have worried. She is such a brilliant author that anything she produces is guaranteed to be of the highest quality, and that is definitely so of Some Of Us Are Liars. Whilst this might not fit into the traditional mould of a crime thriller, it does feature a crime and the pursuit of justice. But to try and pigeon hole this as a 'police procedural' or a kind of domestic thriller would be to ignore the subtleties and emotional core that make this something so much more. If I were to try and classify this at all I would perhaps call it a tragedy of family drama that just happens to involve the police and, in this case, our old friend DS Saul Anguish.
Now, whilst Saul features in this book, it is more on the periphery and whilst his relationship, or otherwise, with Blue is still important, the after effects of the previous investigation still being keenly felt, it is not really what this book is about. Saul does feature as part of the central narrative, having been called to the home of one of the key protagonists, world famous Actor, Winter Kellaway, after reports of a suspected intruder on her estate. As a result, he also finds himself back at Winter's home after the great tragedy, the one that drives the majority of the story, occurs. Saul's story is secondary to the main event, but after what happened in the previous book, it is inevitable there should be some fall out. For that reason, I would advise that you read at least All Of Us Are Broken, before heading into this one. Not essential, this can be read as a standalone, but it's a great book too, so why wouldn't you.
As for this book, this drama, this is the story of three sisters, Winter, Jen and Alyssa. Seemingly inseparable and so invested in each other's lives that when a true tragedy occurs, the force of emotional tears them, and their family apart. I really liked the way in which Fiona Cummins introduced the three women, skilfully highlighting the differences in their characters, whilst still managing to bring to life the strength of the bond between them. It's the kind of thing that is hard to put into words, but the essence of which hums through the narrative. Bending the narrative back and forth in time, to scenes from the sister's youth and other events from the past that come to shape the future, we get a real sense of the three women and what drives and motivates them in the present.
By doing this, using this technique, the author also manages to create a sense of unease, sowing seeds of doubt as to the real circumstances that led to the tragedy that we bear witness to. I found myself second guessing what I thought I knew, not quite trusting the witness testimony that we were being fed, and being drawn further and deeper into the emotional turmoil that ensues. The narrative drips with understandable melancholy, and there was more than the odd scene where I could feel the emotions brewing and bubbling to the surface. The almost visceral sense of loss that emanates from Jen is so acutely observed and recounted that it is hard not to feel a part of her heartbreak. Likewise Alyssa, who has her own cross to bear and yet I felt an unerring sympathy for.
As the title suggests, there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye, a myriad lies and lies by omission, that mean the full extent of what happened does not become clear until nearly the end of the book. I thought I knew, I was wrong. And this is the beauty of Fiona Cummins' writing. She manages to hide the truth from her readers in the midst of the beautifully emotive and descriptive text. To twist the story just enough to cast a shadow of doubt over what you have read, drip feeding clues and whilst directing your attention, or suspicion, away from what should perhaps have been obvious.
And the ending ... Well, things between Saul and Blue may have hit a rocky patch in this book, but that ending promises so much more. So many questions, so much concern, and the overwhelming sense that things are building to one almighty crescendo, I can hardly wait to read what comes next. Most definitely recommended.
Now, whilst Saul features in this book, it is more on the periphery and whilst his relationship, or otherwise, with Blue is still important, the after effects of the previous investigation still being keenly felt, it is not really what this book is about. Saul does feature as part of the central narrative, having been called to the home of one of the key protagonists, world famous Actor, Winter Kellaway, after reports of a suspected intruder on her estate. As a result, he also finds himself back at Winter's home after the great tragedy, the one that drives the majority of the story, occurs. Saul's story is secondary to the main event, but after what happened in the previous book, it is inevitable there should be some fall out. For that reason, I would advise that you read at least All Of Us Are Broken, before heading into this one. Not essential, this can be read as a standalone, but it's a great book too, so why wouldn't you.
As for this book, this drama, this is the story of three sisters, Winter, Jen and Alyssa. Seemingly inseparable and so invested in each other's lives that when a true tragedy occurs, the force of emotional tears them, and their family apart. I really liked the way in which Fiona Cummins introduced the three women, skilfully highlighting the differences in their characters, whilst still managing to bring to life the strength of the bond between them. It's the kind of thing that is hard to put into words, but the essence of which hums through the narrative. Bending the narrative back and forth in time, to scenes from the sister's youth and other events from the past that come to shape the future, we get a real sense of the three women and what drives and motivates them in the present.
By doing this, using this technique, the author also manages to create a sense of unease, sowing seeds of doubt as to the real circumstances that led to the tragedy that we bear witness to. I found myself second guessing what I thought I knew, not quite trusting the witness testimony that we were being fed, and being drawn further and deeper into the emotional turmoil that ensues. The narrative drips with understandable melancholy, and there was more than the odd scene where I could feel the emotions brewing and bubbling to the surface. The almost visceral sense of loss that emanates from Jen is so acutely observed and recounted that it is hard not to feel a part of her heartbreak. Likewise Alyssa, who has her own cross to bear and yet I felt an unerring sympathy for.
As the title suggests, there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye, a myriad lies and lies by omission, that mean the full extent of what happened does not become clear until nearly the end of the book. I thought I knew, I was wrong. And this is the beauty of Fiona Cummins' writing. She manages to hide the truth from her readers in the midst of the beautifully emotive and descriptive text. To twist the story just enough to cast a shadow of doubt over what you have read, drip feeding clues and whilst directing your attention, or suspicion, away from what should perhaps have been obvious.
And the ending ... Well, things between Saul and Blue may have hit a rocky patch in this book, but that ending promises so much more. So many questions, so much concern, and the overwhelming sense that things are building to one almighty crescendo, I can hardly wait to read what comes next. Most definitely recommended.