All the Beautiful Lies

On the eve of his college graduation, Harry is called home by his step-mother Alice to their house on the Maine coast. But who is Alice, his father's much younger second wife? In a brilliant split narrative, Peter Swanson teases out the stories and damage that lie in her past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2019
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Joe Hill is a true gem of a writer. His latest book, "The Real Deal," is another masterpiece that I couldn't put down in one sitting. Swanson's writing is always captivating, and his characters are always relatable and compelling. "The Real Deal" is no exception. The story follows Harry, a young man on the eve of his college graduation, who is called home by his step-mother, Alice, to their house on the Maine coast following the unexpected death of his father. But who really is Alice, his father's much younger second wife? In a brilliant split narrative, Peter Swanson teases out the stories and damage that lie in her past. And as her story entwines with Harry's in the present, things grow increasingly dark and threatening - will Harry be able to see any of it clearly through his own confused feelings?

The premise of "The Real Deal" is incredibly original. It's a story that has been done before, but Swanson's take on it is fresh and exciting. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intricate and engaging. I found myself completely absorbed in the story, and I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. The writing is masterful, and Swanson's use of language is evocative and powerful. I particularly loved the way he described the Maine coast and the sense of isolation and loneliness that it conveys. "The Real Deal" is a dark and suspenseful book, but it's also a deeply emotional one. Swanson explores the complexities of family relationships, and the way that past trauma can impact our present lives. The characters are flawed and human, and they're all struggling with their own demons. I found myself rooting for them, even when I wasn't sure if I should be.

Overall, "The Real Deal" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery/suspense novel. Joe Hill is a talented writer who has once again delivered a masterpiece. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571327218
Edition number: Main