Title: Lies to Forever

Author: Marlene M. Bell

Genre: Thriller

 

April is experiencing a horrific day unlike any she’s ever had. Her scheduled interview for a desperately needed job was cancelled, and a collision in the workplace banged up her knee. When April goes to her former boss’s house to learn why their appointment was called off, she discovers him brutally murdered. The final flourish of misery arrives in learning that she’s being evicted from her home and her bank accounts have been plundered. Awash in sadness and frustration, April ponders her uncertain future. Her distraught feeling is only compounded when she receives a package from an unknown sender, the gift containing the weapon that killed her former boss. April’s sole comfort is in the arms of her former lover, Hunter, who wants to protect her from the increasing danger.

Author Marlene M. Bell has crafted a gripping, psychological thriller wherein April Manning’s world has collapsed, and she has become the target of an unknown and unhinged individual. The narrative begins with a “Murphy’s Law” dynamic and steadily progresses to a suspense-laden drama where the twists and turns of the plot are genuinely surprising and rewarding. The edgy whodunit keeps up its steam until the very end.

April Manning’s future prospects went from promising to tenuous in the course of one stress-filled day. The emotions she experiences over the course of the story range from hopeful to despair, anxious to comforted, each one conveyed authentically and palpably. April reveals herself to be the daughter of an alcoholic, and the scars she carries have left an enduring mark on her. However, she is resolute in finding out who is behind the misery that has befallen her and will pursue this mystery wherever and whoever it leads back to.

Trust is the predominant theme throughout the story as April has been the victim of betrayal by those close to her before, and the latest deception has left her reeling. The story cleverly develops in a way that keeps April on guard, yet still wanting to believe the best in some people. As the mysteries continue to swirl around April, a feeling of paranoia permeates the story and credibly ratchets up the tension, leading the reader to question their own perceptions along with April’s.

Forgiveness is a secondary but impactful subject in April’s evolving character arc as she is confronted with whether or not to allow her ailing mother to see her. The author portrays the apprehension April feels about her mother’s attempt at reconciliation movingly and poignantly. April must also confront her unresolved feelings for Hunter and whether she should forgive him for allegedly cheating on her.

A page-turner involving deception, obsession, and murder, Lies to Forever is both riveting and entertaining. The story’s impact would be boosted with a chapter that provides a little backstory to April and her one-time friend and possible betrayer, Glenn.

Lies to Forever is an excellent murder mystery novel with enough chilling moments to satisfy the reader. Marlene M. Bell pushes the right buttons in creating a well-paced, occasionally nerve-racking read.

 

 

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