Reviews

This was my first book by Anita Frank, and while I’m not an avid historical fiction reader, I’ve enjoyed this one. While the plot did have its moments of predictability, and the pace was quite slow for my taste, I found myself thoroughly engrossed thanks to Frank's eloquent and moving writing style. Her ability to paint a vivid picture of the era, with the lingering aftermath of the Great War and the profound impact (physical and psychological) it had on everyone, is truly commendable.

Most of the characters were unlikable and occasionally annoying, which added a layer of complexity to the story.

If you enjoy Agatha Christie you will probably appreciate the atmospheric vibes of "The Good Liars." The story has that classic mystery allure, and the twist, although somewhat anticipated, was executed brilliantly. It's the kind of revelation that still manages to send shivers down your spine when it unfolds.

In conclusion, "The Good Liars" is a slow-paced gothic read with potential supernatural elements that will appeal to fans of classic mysteries and historical drama.

🌟🌟🌟💫

alisaur's review

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

1mpossiblealice's review

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4.0

Really enjoyed this book, was excited about it having loved The Lost Ones. It's definitely less spooky than that book, but this still has a dark and creepy atmosphere - it's more about the shadow of the first world war and how it has affected the characters in different ways, which felt very real to me - especially how they responded so differently.
I guessed quite a bit of what was going on quite a while before it was revealed, although a few things I hadn't guessed which was good as I don't want to know everything! It was a compelling read though, and kept me up past my bedtime finishing it which is always a good sign!
I thought the characters were effective, and particularly liked Sergeant Verity.

saturday_reads's review

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mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

outsmartyourshelf's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

In 1920 Sarah arrives at Darkacre Hall to work as a nurse/companion for the youngest Stilwell brother who was wounded in WWI. Leonard Stilwell lives at the Hall with older brother, Maurice, & Maurice's wife, Ida. Their lifelong friend Victor makes up the strange quartet. Up until now Ida has been taking care of all the household tasks as it has proven remarkably difficult to recruit staff, so Ida is happy for Sarah's arrival. Things seem placid on the surface but there are dark secrets hidden below, strange supernatural occurrences begin & both Maurice & Leonard suffer from night terrors which become worse when a police detective turns up asking questions about the disappearance of a boy from before the war.

I read a previous book from the author based on the aftermath of WWII which I thought was well-written, but this one is even better. There is the perfect mix of possible supernatural occurrences, alongside the sinister figure of Detective Sergeant Verity who is reopening the investigation into what happened to the boy who disappeared. None of the characters are particularly likeable but I thought the plot was excellently done (even though I did guess most of what was happening). I thought the author really showed the horrors of war & the issues that returning soldiers faced after the end of the war (permanent disfigurement, disability, & what we now term PTSD.) Verdict: well-written & atmospheric, this historical chiller keeps the attention & delivers an excellent conclusion.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HQ, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.

Content Warnings

readwithanna's review against another edition

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4.0

I like the approach this book took in letting us follow the suspects from the start, rather than the detective.
While the book does drag a little - we're given repetitive information but we're not really moving forward just hinting strongly at something - I did find the story engaging and I wanted to know how it would all come together.
I did figure out most of it but that didn't lessen my enjoyment too much.

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