Cate Holahan’s latest thriller, Lies She Told, masterfully weaves together the parallel tales of two troubled young wives, sweeping readers along as each story echoes and advances the narrative. Both protagonists and readers must attempt to distinguish between truth and lies.
In one story, writer Liza Cole is desperate to write another bestselling novel after lackluster recent sales. She also wants to conceive a child and is in a medical trial using new drugs that may help her achieve that goal. Her husband’s law partner/best friend is missing and presumed dead, creating family tension by distracting him from Liza’s goal of starting a family.
The other storyline follows Beth, who is the protagonist of the new book Liza is writing. In the story, Beth has just had a baby, and she suspects her husband of having an affair. Once she gets proof, she actively pursues her husband and his lover, planning revenge on the guilty parties.
Chapters alternate between Beth’s story and Liza’s life and make for compelling reading. Two superbly written stories in one book are a tension-filled treat for readers. Even more fascinating, there are mysterious parallels between the stories that spin and undulate with ever-growing similarities.
Holahan’s previous novel, The Widower’s Wife, catapulted to success last year, drawing critical acclaim and a spot on at least one best books of the year list. Lies She Told is another thriller where nothing is as it seems. This is a fast-paced read that will keep readers riveted as the surprise endings of both story lines blossom into a crescendo of compassion and conflict resolution.
