The truth can set you free, or make you a prisoner…
Thirty years ago, Nicola Watson lived with her parents and older brother in a respectable suburb.
At ten years old, she didn’t yet understand why her stomach tightened when she heard her father’s heavy tread as he returned home late at night, or why it made her brother Graham’s stammer get worse, or why one night her mother Carol woke them both, wide-eyed and whispering, and took them out of their home and into the unknown.
Now a successful lawyer in the city, with a life poles apart from her dark beginnings, Nicola has returned home for her mother’s funeral. But as she stands in her mother’s house, remembering the woman who sacrificed everything for her children, Nicola has to confront the guilt that she feels for leaving her family behind. And the belief that she played a part in the events that led to her brother going to prison for murder.
All Carol wanted was to protect her children, but escaping her husband was only the beginning of the story. And when Nicola learns the truth of what her mother did, it will change everything she thought she knew about herself and her family.
A gripping, emotional story of family secrets, and the strength of a mother’s love in the darkest times. The next powerful read for fans of The Silent Wife, Kerry Lonsdale and Emily Bleeker.
About the Author:
Amazon best selling author of ‘intelligent and haunting’ psychological thrillers VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL and THE WOMEN.
S E Lynes is a writer, tutor and mentor. Formerly a BBC producer, she has lived in France, Spain, Scotland, Italy, and now lives in Greater London with her husband, three kids and her dog, Lola.
Her critically acclaimed debut, VALENTINA, was published by Blackbird Digital Books in July 2016. Her second novel, MOTHER was published by Bookouture in 2017, followed in 2018 by THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL. In August 2018, VALENTINA was published in a new edition by Bookouture and THE WOMEN was released in 2019. Her new novel, the dark and gripping family drama, THE LIES WE HIDE, is published Dec 4th 2019.
Susie Lynes has also published two children’s books in Italy: Il Leopardo Lampo and La Coccodrilla Ingamba, both available at Amazon.it
My Review:
This is SE Lynes first family drama having previously written some stunningly brilliant psychological thrillers and The Lies We Hide proves what a talented author she is.
This is a story of a family grieving the death of Carol, a determined and strong single mother who endured violence and abuse during her marriage and finally escaped with her two children.
However leaving her violent past behind causes a ripple effect of unimaginable consequences for her children.
Narrated by her daughter in present day and by Carol in the past, The Lies We Hide, brings the Green/Watson family to life in a believable and credible way.
Domestic Violence runs throughout the story, so readers who find this subject upsetting or a trigger should be warned that whilst the author writes with sympathy and does not focus too heavily on the violence, some scenes are upsetting and disturbing.
In my opinion The Lies We Hide is a gripping and emotional family drama and I would definitely recommend it.
My thanks to the publisher and blogtour organiser for the invitation to join the tour and the advanced copy of the book via Netgalley. Please check out the rest of the bloggers on tour here:
