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A review by alookinsideri
Garden Of Lies by Jemma Stark, Jemma Stark
5.0
"Garden of Lies" by Jemma Stark is an intense and captivating thriller that immediately grips readers with its vivid and dark imagery. The opening scene sets the tone for the entire narrative, immersing the audience into a world of violence, pain, and haunting memories. The protagonist, Briana Song, is a complex and intriguing character with a haunted past that drives her to seek solace in the brutal world of fighting. Her internal struggles and the need to forget the horrors she has witnessed create a compelling emotional backdrop for the story.
The author's descriptive writing style is commendable, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's surroundings, emotions, and thoughts. The imagery of blood, bruises, and pain lingers throughout the narrative, creating a palpable sense of unease and anticipation. This level of detail enhances the story's dark atmosphere, making it feel raw and intense.
The plot unfolds with a mysterious death in the opulent setting of the Garden District, involving a real estate tycoon, Thomas McLaine. The introduction of Special Agent James Buckley adds another layer of complexity to the story, with the promise of a compelling partnership and the potential for intriguing character dynamics. The mix of high-profile investigation and psychological introspection adds depth to the narrative, creating a gripping blend of crime investigation and character-driven storytelling.
One of the strengths of "Garden of Lies" is the skillful pacing. The author knows when to slow down and delve into the protagonist's inner turmoil, and when to quicken the pace with action and investigation, keeping readers engaged and invested in the story. The introduction of the victim's wife, Rachel McLaine, adds emotional depth to the case and further fuels the mystery surrounding Thomas McLaine's death.
The narrative leaves readers with a strong desire to know more about the characters and the events that unfolded in the past. The author skillfully weaves in intriguing details and hints at a deeper backstory for the protagonist, promising a rich and complex character arc to be explored in the remainder of the novel.
To conclude, "Garden of Lies" is a stellar thriller that boasts captivating writing, intense imagery, and a gripping plot. Jemma Stark has crafted a compelling protagonist in Briana Song and introduced a promising investigative partnership with Special Agent James Buckley. The story's mix of high-profile crime investigation and psychological exploration makes for a compelling read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the rest of the novel. Fans of thrilling mysteries and complex characters will undoubtedly find "Garden of Lies" a riveting and satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author's descriptive writing style is commendable, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's surroundings, emotions, and thoughts. The imagery of blood, bruises, and pain lingers throughout the narrative, creating a palpable sense of unease and anticipation. This level of detail enhances the story's dark atmosphere, making it feel raw and intense.
The plot unfolds with a mysterious death in the opulent setting of the Garden District, involving a real estate tycoon, Thomas McLaine. The introduction of Special Agent James Buckley adds another layer of complexity to the story, with the promise of a compelling partnership and the potential for intriguing character dynamics. The mix of high-profile investigation and psychological introspection adds depth to the narrative, creating a gripping blend of crime investigation and character-driven storytelling.
One of the strengths of "Garden of Lies" is the skillful pacing. The author knows when to slow down and delve into the protagonist's inner turmoil, and when to quicken the pace with action and investigation, keeping readers engaged and invested in the story. The introduction of the victim's wife, Rachel McLaine, adds emotional depth to the case and further fuels the mystery surrounding Thomas McLaine's death.
The narrative leaves readers with a strong desire to know more about the characters and the events that unfolded in the past. The author skillfully weaves in intriguing details and hints at a deeper backstory for the protagonist, promising a rich and complex character arc to be explored in the remainder of the novel.
To conclude, "Garden of Lies" is a stellar thriller that boasts captivating writing, intense imagery, and a gripping plot. Jemma Stark has crafted a compelling protagonist in Briana Song and introduced a promising investigative partnership with Special Agent James Buckley. The story's mix of high-profile crime investigation and psychological exploration makes for a compelling read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the rest of the novel. Fans of thrilling mysteries and complex characters will undoubtedly find "Garden of Lies" a riveting and satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.