One Little Lie by Sam Carrington

ONE LITTLE LIE

Sam Carrington 

I'm delighted to be on the Blog Tour for One Little Lie, I'm a huge fan of Sam's novels and was really intrigued to read her third book. I was really pleased that just as with her previous novels, One Little Lie had me turning the pages more rapidly than my fingers could keep up and gasping with shock as the story unravelled in front of me.

This story is about Alice, Deborah and Connie. Deborah's son was killed four years ago and Alice's son is in prison for committing that crime. Connie is the psychologist working with Alice. There are some fantastically clever lines in this book which are all 'gasp worthy' and one of the first ones is when we watch Alice preparing for a group meeting. The topic and reason for the meeting is not explained until the session starts off with the words: 'I'm Alice. And my son is a murderer.' 

One Little Lie is an ambitious novel. There are multiple view points - in first and third person - and a complex and intricate plot with story lines that weave their way in and out of the different narratives until all the links are fully revealed. It is masterfully handled by Carrington. The pace at which the action moves, the point at which the twists are revealed and the order and sequence in which we hear from people is perfectly judged and very well executed.  Each section ends with a cliffhanger to die for so you can forget about doing anything else because once you start reading this, you'll be compelled to get to the end! 

The thing I enjoyed most about this thriller is that yes, it was full of tension, secrets, lies, dark characters, shocks, twists and all the ingredients that keep you on the edge of your seat, but also that Carrington's decision to write the story from the point of view of the two mothers involved - the victim and the criminal - allowed her to raise some more challenging questions. The phrase 'created a monster' repeats itself throughout the novel. The mothers' questions about what they did do, what they ignored, their responsibility for their sons and their actions as a mother, gives the novel an added depth. The blame, guilt and need for redemption raises lots of issues about parenthood and the debate of nature over nurture. It made the book feel fresh and it was interesting to consider different consequences and outcomes from this crime. Carrington's use of direct questions and repetition of a few effective phrases like 'monster' and 'Hate stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs,' ensures that this novel is also thought provoking as well as engaging. 

I enjoyed the characterisation in the novel as well. The contrast between the two mothers is effective and the manipulation of Alice and her narrative creates suspense and tension. Connie is also a well crafted and intriguing character whose challenges, dilemmas, choices and concerns all add another layer to the investigation and illustrate the grey areas and hidden layers in this murder case. The women are vulnerable and flawed. I liked the way the two mothers are both grieving, how they are both questioning what they did and didn't do and how similar yet starkly different their situations are. I liked how Carrington used the relationship between the three women to increase the tension in the plot. And I loved the interjection of Tom's voice which created a real sense of threat and danger. 

This would make a perfect book club read. Not only is there a very engaging story line, there are lots of things to discuss. One Little Lie looks at nature over nurture, motherhood and responsibility, and whether children can ever be described as 'monsters'. Or perhaps more interestingly, can a mother ever really know her child and is a mother's intuition right or even strong enough to know the truth about her child? 

But although there is lots that would make for good discussion, this is also a very gripping read. There was one point in particular where I almost rubbed my hands with glee and had Carrington been in the room, I would have high-fived her for the fantastic twist! 

Highly recommend this compelling, clever and intriguing thriller! 

My thanks to Sam Carrington and Avon for the invitation to join the Blog Tour and for the advance copy of the novel. 

Don't miss the other stops on the tour and do have a look back over the previous stops for more great reviews of One Little Lie!