Book Review: THE LIAR’S DIARY by Patry Francis

Review by Guest Blogger: Alea at Pop Culture Junkie


Book Info


• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525949909
• ASIN: B00127SIVS


Synopsis

How far would you go to protect your family? To protect your children? How many lies would you tell? Would you dare to admit the darkest truths - even to yourself?

Jeanne Cross is an ordinary suburban wife and mother with a seemingly "perfect" life when Ali Mather arrives on the scene, breaking all the rules and breaking hearts. Almost against her will, Jeanne is drawn to this powerfully seductive woman, a fascination that soon begins to infect Jeanne's husband as well as their teenage son. Though their friendship seems unlikely and even dangerous to their mutual acquaintances, Ali and Jeanne are connected by deep emotional needs, vulnerabilities, and long-held secrets that Ali has been privately recording in her diary.

The diary also holds the key to something darker. Though she can't prove it, Ali is convinced someone has been entering her house when she is not at home - and not with the usual intentions. What this burglar wants is nothing less than a piece of Ali's soul.


Alea’s Thoughts

The Liar's Diary is the story of Jeanne and Ali's friendship, how it started, why it started and what came from it. Jeanne and Ali both work at the same school, many words are not exchanged between them until one day Ali asked Jeanne if she can start giving her rides to school and so their friendship begins. Ali shows Jeanne parts of herself that she doesn't want to face but Ali thinks she needs to face. This is the story of their friendship and their families. This is a thriller so I don't want to say much more!

Though it is a thriller I would call it a family drama thriller. I guess when I think of thrillers (and this shows how little I have read of them) I picture a mysterious "bad guy" going after someone. Reading this, I definitely realized how long it has been since I read a book like this. It actually started to stress me out, Jeanne's family situation is horrible and it just made me sad. I had to remind myself that this was only a book and was meant to be a bit of entertainment.

Once it really got going with the twists and turns I took it for what it was, a book and started to enjoy seeing what happened next, I just had to find out where this would lead! I didn't like the final twist, it had actually crossed my mind as a possible outcome and I thought to myself "Oh, that would never happen it would be too dumb" but then it did. Oh well. I liked the epilogue though, that was probably my favorite part of the book.

I can't say I really liked any of the characters, maybe if anyone Ali was an interesting character. I did enjoy seeing how far the author could push it with the twists and turns and still have it end up semi-believable. I think she did a good job of not going too over the top.

I definitely think fans of thrillers and mysteries would enjoy this book. I think it is a good mix of mystery, family drama, and friendship. I think I might need to stick to happier reads myself.


To Learn More




www.patryfrancis.com


Special Thanks

Special thanks to Alea for reading and reviewing this book for J. Kaye’s Book Blog. Be sure to stop by her blog, Pop Culture Junkie. She has graciously agreed to raffle off her copy to a viewer who comments here.

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Book Review: THE LIAR’S DIARY by Patry Francis

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