Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
384 Pages
Synopsis: On paper, Chris Brennan looks perfect. He’s applying for a job as a high school government teacher, he’s ready to step in as an assistant baseball coach, and his references are impeccable.
But everything about Chris Brennan is a lie.
Susan Sematov is proud of her son Raz, a high school pitcher so athletically talented that he’s being recruited for a full-ride scholarship to a Division 1 college, with a future in major league baseball. But Raz’s father died only a few months ago, leaving her son in a vulnerable place where any new father figure might influence him for good, or evil.
Heather Larkin is a struggling single mother who lives for her son Jordan’s baseball games. But Jordan is shy, and Heather fears he is being lured down a dark path by one of his teammates, a young man from an affluent family whose fun-loving manner might possibly conceal his violent tendencies.
Mindy Kostis succumbs to the pressure of being a surgeon’s wife by filling her days with social events and too many gin and tonics. But she doesn’t knw that her husband and son, Evan, are keeping secrets from her–secrets that might destroy all of them.
At the center of all of them is Chris Brennan. Why is he there? What does he want? And what is he willing to do to get it?
Not surprisingly given the title and author, One Perfect Lie is filled with enough twists and turns to make your head spin. There’s plenty of suspense, and the final third of the book plays out like your favorite action movie. So, you may be asking why I didn’t give this a higher rating. It’s a little difficult to explain without revealing major spoilers, but for me, my biggest issue was with Chris Brennan. He is a master manipulator of the teens he’s involved with, and even though there’s a twist to his story, I still couldn’t forgive him. Lisa Scottoline took a chance here with including so many sub-plots, but for the most part they worked. I especially loved the backstories of the three mothers involved. Each of them is going through a life crisis and you can’t help but feel for them. Equally well-written are their sons: Jordan, Evan, and Raz. In the end One Perfect Lie is part thriller, part family drama, and part mystery, with plenty of red herrings thrown in. I have to say I didn’t guess entirely what the outcome was going to be until right before the big reveal. The story isn’t perfect or deep, but it is a page-turner that should definitely appeal to the author’s multitude of fans.
Sue, the YA Author said:
I must admit, I get flustered when there’s too many characters to follow- do the subplots make up for the weakness of Chris’s character? Sounds like an intriguing read!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The characters and their stories are actually easy to follow Sue. And as far as Chris goes it wasn’t so much he was a weak character. Once his true motivations were revealed, rationally I understood what he was doing and why. It was the emotional side of me that held a bitter grudge against him. I hope this makes sense. I’m trying really hard not to give away any spoilers, but I’m finding it very difficult!
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Sue, the YA Author said:
Ha! No spoilers must be the bane of every book reviewers existence! I get it though. There is a line that characters shouldn’t cross. Sometimes we just can’t resolve it when they do
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Right?! I feel like I’m being frustratingly vague, but I don’t want to wreck it for people who may want to read it. And you’re right. For me there are just certain things you don’t do even if it’s for the greater good. Once you start that you’re not all that different from the enemy.
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Sue, the YA Author said:
It’s a tricky thing being a writer- you want to create dynamic, interesting characters. The good ones need some bad sprinkled in- and the bad need some redeeming qualities. That line though- that’s something to watch closely!
You do a good job not giving too much away!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Sue. And I do have to admit I can be unforgiving sometimes, if a character does something that gets to me in the beginning.
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Jay said:
Sounds like a lot to keep track of but I bet I’d rip through this in one night. Possibly in one long bath!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s quite possible Jay! Although you might get a bit pruny if you tried the bath. LOL! I think I read this in just under 3 hours.☺
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KrystiYAandWine said:
This one sounds pretty interesting. I’m glad you liked it, and I hope that the fact that your reading/posting means that you’re feeling good today!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It definitely was. And thanks Krysti! Yesterday was an up day, today not as much, but I’m dealing.
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Sending you e-hugs today!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks you so much Krysti!😗
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jilldennison said:
Love Scottoline, and this sounds like a great read … I shall add it to my TBR list … but ah … so many books, so little time! 😥
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I completely emphasize Jill!😒
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beetleypete said:
Nice to see you ‘back in the saddle’, Kim. I hope that you are feeling much better.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete. Up and down days, but yesterday was definitely an up!😊
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beetleypete said:
Good to hear that, Kim. Take it slowly now…
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete.😗
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vinnieh said:
Twists and turns, count me in.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome!
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vinnieh said:
I love thrillers, one of my favourite genres. Along with erotica of course.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You should definitely try this book Vinnie. It reads a bit like a movie.
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vinnieh said:
Oh I’m thoroughly intrigued Kim. As for literature I added another chapter to Tending to the Rose.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ll be sure to check it out later Vinnie.
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vinnieh said:
You’re the best Kim. Let no one tell you any different. And I hope I don’t come off as nagging.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
No worries Vinnie. I woke up not feeling great but I’ll check your post out sometime today.
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vinnieh said:
I totally understand. Hope you feel better soon Kim, keep your strength up sister.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Vinnie!
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vinnieh said:
As I said, my naughty is still going to be there. With you not feeling well, I wouldn’t want to give you a fever!
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Carrie said:
Nice review Kim! I thought about trying for a copy of this one but talked myself out of it, figured my indecision and waiting would probably land me one of those too many requests mails anyway. LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie! I guarantee this will definitely be at the library if you ever have time.😊
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Carrie said:
That was kind of my thinking, it should be available later if I want to pick it up. 🙂
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Didi Oviatt - Author said:
Great reivew! I hope you can get a few more breaks for those headaches to keep at it 🤗🤗
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Didi! I’m working on it!😗
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Didi Oviatt - Author said:
🤗🤗
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Sounds really interesting. When you say you couldn’t forgive him… is it because of something he did that you couldn’t agree with? Is it something that others would see differently too? Great review though!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Arggh! I can’t really say without giving anything away! I’m sorry Lashaan. Let me just say that many people would be okay with everything at the end. I tend not to let go of things though.😒
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Oh now I am pretty curious about Chris and his manipulation. This sounds like a fast and fun read! If the character upset you beyond forgiving, I just may have to know 😉 Fab review ❤ Hope you are well.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Danielle! This is a really quick read and if you’ve read and enjoyed Scottoline’s other books, I think you’d like this. I’m still hanging in with up and down days. How are you?
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
I am doing pretty good! Continuing towards new treatment and now able to work when I can and rest when not able and needed. So no complaints ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I am so glad to here that!😗
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Diana said:
Great review and I totally agree with you especially about the three women and their kids. I also didn’t like Chris so much despite him being the MC. The action part threw me off but it was a good read.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana! I really couldn’t get past his manipulation with the kids even after the big reveal.😒
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Rebecca Dawn said:
I nominated you for an award
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James J. Cudney IV said:
Great review. And I love the name of your site. Will be looking around more today.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you!
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James J. Cudney IV said:
Happy too! Ended up following you too.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😃😃😃
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Jasmine said:
Great review! I was wondering about this book. So much happening. I do like to guess what’s going to happen when I read too and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Jasmine!😊
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