All the beautiful lies by Peter Swanson - book review

I was way too anxious, eager and enthusiastic after reading the first three novels by Swanson and was awaiting his next release for almost 4 months. May be the disappointment on his latest novel was because of the hype generated by his previous three blockbuster releases, but even if I had started on this one as the first of the lot, it wouldn’t have made much difference, but for the fact that I wouldn’t have bothered to try the rest of his novels. After reading this one, felt that either he was In a deadline rush to finish the script or simply gave up. The premise is nauseating to say the least – incest. And like the pattern he follows from his previous novels, where every character is as damaged as the villain – rather the most negative of the lot, here, with such a disgusting subject, every single character undergoes abuse or has illicit relations. Adultery is the norm or almost like way of life for every character.
The biggest put off being the weak characterization –the strong point/USP from his previous novels, where we tremble in trepidation along with the characters and even the gore and violence felt part of the characterization, how much ever disturbing they were. But in this novel, he pushes the limits and with every single character repeating the same doesn’t make it a genre by itself or justified. The reason for the murders, if at all they are ever justified, is simply non-existent. The Tarantino-ish ending doesn’t come as a surprise but make it more shabby and the final act of revenge makes the whole setup look like a B grade flick. There is no real suspense or drama and the whole premise is a sham. For a novel titled beautiful lies, surprisingly everyone is truthful and open, despite being on the wrong side.

Gils verdict – to describe the book in one word –YUCK. The most beautiful lie about the book would be the author himself, who simply doesn’t do himself any justice if any one bothers to compare his other works with this one. May be he himself will reject this as a bad dream. I would still recommend his other three books to read though. A definite pleasure for thriller fans. But this one – stay away.