Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books (May 19, 2015)
• 
  

What They Say....In such a small community as the Falkland Islands, a missing child is unheard of. In such a dangerous landscape it can only be a terrible tragedy, surely...

When another child goes missing, and then a third, it’s no longer possible to believe that their deaths were accidental, and the villagers must admit that there is a murderer among them. Even Catrin Quinn, a damaged woman living a reclusive life after the accidental deaths of her own two sons a few years ago, gets involved in the searches and the speculation.

And suddenly, in this wild and beautiful place that generations have called home, no one feels safe and the hysteria begins to rise.

But three islanders—Catrin, her childhood best friend, Rachel, and her ex-lover Callum—are hiding terrible secrets. And they have two things in common: all three of them are grieving, and none of them trust anyone, not even themselves.

What I Say....I started this book a few days before my surgery, which wasn't smart because it's definitely the kind of book that you don't want to put down.  But I had some fairly crappy things happen this last week, so I was having a hard time finding uninterrupted reading time, and during the uninterrupted time, I didn't feel like reading.

But that was okay, this book fit my mood perfectly.  Catrin has lost her two sons in an accident that her best friend, Rachel, was responsible for.  She's currently keeping herself moving forward only by plotting her revenge on Rachel.

Rachel is also barely making it through the days, not by plotting revenge, but by living with her sons in an atmosphere of not-so-benign neglect.  Her guilt and grief have made it impossible for her to bond with her youngest son, Peter, born after the accident.  

Once Peter goes missing, on the heels of three others, the town begins to look at Catrin with new eyes.  I don't want to share any spoilers, but the the book takes you on enough twists and turns that you'll be as confused and irritated as the police.

So once, the ending came and I thought I had wrapped it all up in my mind, then came the last few pages, with the big twist.  WOW.  Did not see that coming and had to re-read it three times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating on my post-op meds.

This is a great summer book, and probably a great book club book too.  Lots to discuss regarding motherhood, friendship, families, and forgiveness.

Current Goodreads rating...4.21