Debut novel alert!!
Whenever I read an author’s debut novel I like to give a brief background on them, that way those that are passionate about reading and publishing can put a face to the name and perhaps even develop a connection with the author. I also think its wonderful to show that being a writer doesn’t mean you need a degree in English or that you must be published at a young age to make a name for yourself. Authors are coming from all walks of life and that is what makes for great novels.
Tanen Jones is an American author who grew up in Texas and North Carolina. Before publishing her first book she pursued a degree in American History and entered the publishing industry. She went on to edit criminal and justice textbooks for several years.
She now lives in New York
Photo and information taken from Tanen Jones’ website https://www.tanenjones.com/about
The Better Liar is your typical quick read psychological suspense novel. I try to never judge too harshly on an author’s debut novel. If the book didn’t completely wow me, I like to keep in mind when i do my review, that it is only the authors first story and hopefully the author will go on to write again and create a greater impression.
That is how I feel about The Better Liar. It wasn’t great but it also wasn’t terrible. The thriller and psychological suspense genre of books is so competitive that an author really needs to be original and creative, yet believable. This is where The Better Liar fell short for me. Parts of the story weren’t believable and I think that is partly due to how these parts revealed themselves. For example, Leslie, one of the main characters, doesn’t recognise her own sister, Robin, after not seeing her for 10 years. Robin, changed her hair colour and had some dental work done but that’s it.
Unfortunately, for me, when I come across a plot line like this the author starts to lose me. Again, I think it is the way this twist of Leslie not recgonising Robin was revealed that makes the story fall flat.
The story would have more substance if the author elaborated on the sisters childhood, perhaps giving more stories about their life and really building a base for why Robin and Leslie end up the way they do.
The story touches on several topics; drugs, a lesbian relationship, childhood trauma, sibling rivalry and postpartum depression (PPD). I appreciate stories that embrace several, real everyday people and their issues. It is then easier to relate to the characters and really buy into the story. Readers want to feel a connection with the main characters. If we don’t feel an emotional connection with the characters then the story is almost not worth it.
As a mother myself, I could appreciate Leslie’s emotional state and her battle with PPD. I truly feel that was the selling point of the book for me. The author’s note at the end of the book was vital to the story. Jones, gives a background on PPD and her need to raise the topic in her book.
In my honest opinion, if you have the book read it but no need to rush out and buy it.
Blurb
Leslie, hasn’t seen her sister Robin, in over a decade but their father passes away, in order to receive her inheritance, Leslie needs to find Robin and bring her home.
Leslie is desperate for the money and will do anything she needs to get it.
But why does she need the money so badly?
Why is she willing to lie, even kill for it?
Cocolily_Reads 