The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpentar

Author: Emily Carpenter
Publisher: Lake Union Press
Date of publication: June 2017

In this gripping, atmospheric family drama, a young woman investigates the forty­-year­-old murder that inspired her mother’s bestselling novel, and uncovers devastating truths—and dangerous lies.

Reformed party girl Meg Ashley leads a life of privilege, thanks to a bestselling horror novel her mother wrote decades ago. But Meg knows that the glow of their very public life hides a darker reality of lies, manipulation, and the heartbreak of her own solitary childhood. Desperate to break free of her mother, Meg accepts a proposal to write a scandalous, tell-all memoir.

Digging into the past—and her mother’s cult classic—draws Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia, and an unusual woman said to be the inspiration for the book. At first island life seems idyllic, but as Meg starts to ask tough questions, disturbing revelations come to light…including some about her mother.

Soon Meg’s search leads her to question the facts of a decades-old murder. She’s warned to leave it alone, but as the lies pile up, Meg knows she’s getting close to finding a murderer. When her own life is threatened, Meg realizes the darkness found in her mother’s book is nothing compared to the chilling truth that lurks off the page.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into The Weight of Lies.  Meg has grown up the child of a famous horror writer.  Her relationship with her mother has never been a great one.  She is approached by a her mother's assistant to write a tell all about her child hood and the events that lead to her mother writing her best selling first book.  She ends up finding more than she bargained for.

 I ended up enjoying the book a lot more than I thought I would.  Meg wasn't a likable character at first, but I slowly warmed up to her. The beginning of the story made me think that I was getting a story about a spoiled socialite.  But the tone quickly changed once Meg got to the island.  I thought the pacing was perfect with details being made available to the appropriate times.  I liked how portions of the horror novel were interspersed throughout the book. It ended up adding a lot to the suspense.  I don't want to talk plot points too much as there are a few surprises.  I did call one of them, but the rest I didn't.    I do recommend giving this one a try.  It's an enjoyable book that mystery fans will love.