Lie to Me - J.T. Ellison - Review AND Giveaway

Lie to Me is New York Time best selling author J.T. Ellison's newest novel. This was a first read of this author for me.

The publisher's blurbs describe Lie to Me as domestic noir and I think that's a pretty apt description.

Ethan and Sutton are 'the' beautiful couple. Both have successfully published books, they own a gorgeous home and live the lifestyle they both want. And up front, that's what people see and believe. But, a series of tragedies and unfortunate events befall the couple - their young son dies, the words dry up for Ethan, Sutton is attacked online through social media, their finances take a dive and life behind closed doors takes a violent turn. Sutton decides enough is enough. She leaves a note for Ethan asking him not to look for her - and disappears. But has she voluntarily left or has Ethan killed her?

Lie to Me opens with a puzzling prologue from an unknown author. It more than hints at dark deeds and destruction. This person appears in italicized entries throughout the book. I was sure I knew who was 'speaking', but was proven wrong.

The first part of the book is from Ethan's viewpoint after Sutton goes missing. I have to say - he's a bit of an ***. More than a bit. His actions, thoughts and dialogue all made me dislike him intensely. Is it any wonder Sutton left? But Ellison toys with the reader. She planted enough alternatives and doubts in mind that I really had no idea if Sutton was gone or dead.

Ellison employs one of my favourite writing devices, telling the story through a now and then technique. It was the 'then' chapters that had me believing I would know what was actually the truth. And......I was wrong.

Part two belongs to Sutton's voice. Her take on things is very different from Ethan's. And my thoughts and conclusions changed again. There was no way to predict where the novel would go. IMO, the 'whodunit' must be taken with a few grains of salt, as I found it a bit far fetched. But, it was inventive and unpredictable and kept me guessing.

I really liked the young female cop who investigates Sutton's disappearance. I wonder if Ellison would consider bringing her back in another book? Lie to Me was a fun porch read for me. Read an excerpt of Lie to Me.

"New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.T. Ellison writes standalone domestic noir and psychological thriller series, the latter starring Nashville Homicide Lt. Taylor Jackson and medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens, and pens the international thriller series "A Brit in the FBI" with #1 New York Times bestselling author Catherine Coulter. Cohost of the Emmy Award-winning show, A Word on Words, Ellison lives in Nashville with her husband." You can connect with J.T. Ellison on her website, find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. See what others on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

And if you'd like to read Lie to Me, I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only, no PO boxes please. Ends October 8/17.

a Rafflecopter giveaway