Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Little Black Lies - Sandra Block

Little Black Lies is Sandra Block's debut novel.

Zoe Goldman is a resident on the psychiatric ward of a Buffalo hospital. Balancing her work and personal life becomes even more challenging for Dr. Goldman when a difficult patient is assigned to her. This woman killed her mother as a teenager. Her case spurs Zoe to again try to piece together memories from her own past. She's adopted, has ADHD, fragmented nightmares and more. And the only woman who may have the key to unlock the past is succumbing to dementia.....

Block has crafted a calculated suspense novel with an eye for the finish line - and the final twist. I must admit the twist was a good one. But careful readers will suss out the reveal before the final chapters. Although I did, it didn't detract from my finishing or enjoying the rest of the book to confirm my suspicions. Some plot points do seem quite coincidental though, as do some actions and omissions on Zoe's part in investigating her past.

A love interest does add a nice side plot to a novel. Block includes two for Zoe - one (Mike) absolutely works. I really still can't figure out Jean-Luc's yes/no/maybe so inclusion in the story - it seemed extraneous to me.

Block is herself a doctor and the medical jargon (prescriptions) procedures, (hypnosis, therapy. etc.) diagnoses and treatment of mental illness absolutely reflect her 'insider' knowledge.

Those looking for a entertaining, light suspense novel will find it in Little Black Lies. Try it now - read an excerpt of Little Black Lies.  Sandra Block is working on the second Zoe Goldman book. You can find Sandra Block on Facebook as well as on Twitter.

5 comments:

Kay said...

This one sounds good and it's funny but Sharon Bolton's new book coming out this spring is also called LITTLE BLACK LIES. I'm afraid that usually spend my time when reading a suspense novel trying to figure out the twist. But that's part of the fun for me. LOL

Vee said...

Okay, will follow the link because it does sound intriguing. Did you want to take out your pencil and start editing? =D

Sandra said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book, and for your thoughtful review! (One teeny point though, it is a Buffalo, not Boston hospital - must point this out as a proud Buffalonian!) :)

Luanne said...

Sorry for the error Sandra! Corrected.

Sandra said...

thanks so much!