The Lie Maker - Linwood Barclay

Mystery/Suspense

Rating: 7/10

When struggling novelist Jack Givins is approached by the U.S. Marshals with a lucrative job offer, one that will utilize his talent for crafting fiction, he somehow manages not to be astonished by the coincidence. You see, when Jack was just nine years old, his father, a hitman, entered the witness protection program, leaving his family behind. And Jack’s new job? Creating meticulous back stories for people about to enter the program.

Determined to leverage his position of trust to meet with his father, Jack finds himself in the thick of it when he finds out his father hasn’t contacted his handlers recently and they have no idea where he is.

This is a solid and fast paced read perfect for those summer months when you want to avoid over taxing your hot brain matter. Red herrings and twists aplenty, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of affection in the father/son relationship. It’s unfortunate that Jack’s girlfriend was tedious at best. But in the words of the Rolling Stones, you can’t always get what you want.

Book Pairing(s): Take Your Breath Away by Linwood Barclay, Hairpin Bridge by Taylor Adams, Don’t Let Go by Harlan Coben