A review by outsmartyourshelf
The Good Liars by Anita Frank
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.
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
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Death, and Injury/Injury detail