Beautiful Lies
by Lisa UngerMystery/Thriller
2006 Audible Books on Tape, Unabridged Edition
12 hours and 50 minutes
Read by Ann Marie Lee
Finished on 12/12/10
Rating: 2.5/5 (Average)
Product Description
What if your family was a lie?
What if your name was a lie?
What if your whole life was just a pack of Beautiful Lies?
If Ridley Jones had slept ten minutes later or had taken the subway instead of waiting for a cab, she would still be living the beautiful lie she used to call her life. She would still be the privileged daughter of a doting father and a loving mother. Her life would still be perfect—with only the tiny cracks of an angry junkie for a brother and a charming drunk with shady underworld connections for an uncle to mar the otherwise flawless whole.
But that’s not what happened. Instead, those inconsequential decisions lead her to perform a good deed that puts her in the right place at the right time to unleash a chain of events that brings a mysterious package to her door—a package which informs her that her entire world is a lie.
Suddenly forced to question everything she knows about herself and her family, Ridley wanders into dark territory she never knew existed, where everyone in her life seems like a stranger. She has no idea who’s on her side and who has something to hide—even, and maybe especially, her new lover, Jake, who appears to have secrets of his own.
Sexy and fast-paced, Beautiful Lies is a true literary thriller with one of the freshest voices and heroines to arrive in years. Lisa Unger takes us on a breathtaking ride in which every choice Ridley makes creates a whirlwind of consequences that are impossible to imagine . . .
Meh. I spent two months (on and off) listening to this audio book, which when it was all said and done, turned out to be mediocre at best. I kept thinking it would improve and was curious enough about the murder to stick with it longer than I might have, had I been reading it. I wasn’t that impressed with the reader and can’t help but wonder if I would’ve enjoyed the printed book any better. I certainly didn’t find the writing as riveting as other reviewers (both Publishers Weekly and Booklist gave it starred reviews) and wonder what I missed. If I decide to give the sequel a chance (Sliver of Truth
), I think I’ll read it instead of listening to the audio.
I'm pretty sure I've read this one too and I wasn't impressed - see, I'm not even sure if it was this one or another of her books. I think I expected a lot more. Haven't had a chance to try another of her books. Let us know what you think of the other one!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try this author, but maybe I need to start with a different book???
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you stuck with it, but I think I'll skip it.
ReplyDeleteThis is not my kind of book, but I have to ask about that book in the sidebar. Are you going to Italy?
ReplyDeleteOmigosh - thank you, thank you, thank you! I read this a few years ago for an A to Z challenge and despite all the rave reviews I was completely 'meh' about it. I continue to see these great reviews and I think maybe I missed something. Thank you for validating my impression of this book!!!
ReplyDeleteIliana - I know I expected a lot from the book. Not sure who told me about it, but for some reason I thought it was going to be exceptionally good. Oh, well. Maybe the next one will win me over. Or not. :)
ReplyDeleteStaci - Maybe, but I think they're a series revolving around Ridley. Might be a good idea to see if you can find a stand-alone, if she's written any.
Kathy - I'm not sure why I did other than it was an audio and I didn't have anything else to listen to at the time.
Nancy - Yes! I'm planning to go in 2012. Probably during the summer. I've been looking at small tour packages. Are you going to go with me?! :)
SuziQ - You're more than welcome! :) Wonder why it go such rave reviews. Have you read anything else by her?
I don't think I could manage an audio book. My mind tends to wander too much without the printed word to ground me.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Cozy in Texas - I get the most enjoyment from audio books when I listen on my hour-long walks (treadmill or outside on the bike trail). I have a very short commute, so listening in the car is pretty much a waste. Just as I get to a good part, it's time to turn the engine off and go inside!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I used to live in California (San Diego for 20 years) and Crowley (south of Fort Worth, as you probably know). I read one of your posts which mentioned Nan (of Letters From a Hill Farm). Nan & I have been friends for close to 14 years!
Yes, I will go with you. That'll give me a good reason to diet. LOL
ReplyDeleteNancy - Seriously?! I'd love for you to go. I'll keep you posted on the details. Start saving your pennies. :)
ReplyDeleteNope - haven't read anything else by her. I think I was unimpressed enough with this one to make me fairly hesitant to give another one a try.
ReplyDeleteI think I rated this identically. I haven't read anything else by her either, but have some on my TBR shelf.
ReplyDeleteJoy - I think I'll wait until you read/review another before I try one again. :)
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