From the TBR Pile: Blog Tour: Review of Between the Lies by Cynthia A. Graham

Author: Cynthia A. Graham

Publisher: Blank Slate PRess

Date of publication: March 2018

When the corrupt sheriff of Broken Creek, Arkansas detains a young black boy on charges of accidental homicide, his sister asks Hick Blackburn, Sheriff of Cherokee Crossing, to investigate. Hick is reluctant at first. Not only is Broken Creek out of his jurisdiction, but Hick and Sheriff Brewster have a history, and Hick knows Brewster won’t look kindly on his interference. But Hick quickly realizes the boy couldn’t have committed the crime. With the aid of a New York attorney trying to make a name for herself and a shy new deputy who knows the boy’s family, Hick uncovers a conspiracy that goes to the heart of local corruption, nepotism, and racism. But while Hick is working to free an innocent child in Broken Creek, his beloved Maggie, pregnant with their third child, faces challenges of her own back home. This time, will Hick’s dedication to justice extract too high a price?

The first book in this series, Beneath Still Waters, was in my top ten for 2016. So when I saw this one, I was eager to read it. Somehow, I missed the second book, but I will remedy that one soon! Between the Lies did very well as a stand alone. I was able to catch up with the characters and fell right into the story.

Hick is one of my favorite cop characters. In this book, he has really grown into his leadership role and is determined to do the right hing. I was rooting for him to save the day for young Thaddeus. The story may be hard for some to read since it is a reminder of racial attitudes in country, especially the south, in the fifties. Attitudes, some would argue, are still as strong today.

I enjoyed the book. However, I was not prepared for the ending. I'm not a fan of endings like that because it turned a hopeful book into something incredibly sad. I don't like being blindsided. I'm not quite sure what the reasoning was behind it and I'm still not sure how it will affect my wanting to continue on with the series.

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About Cynthia A. Graham

Cynthia A. Graham was born in St. Louis, Missouri. As a child she spent every weekend and vacation in the cotton belt of Missouri where she grew to love the mystery and beauty of the stark, Delta Plain. Cynthia graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Missouri – St. Louis with a B.A. in English. She has won several awards for her short stories and has been published in a number of anthologies. Between the Lies follows the first two books in her historical mystery series featuring Sheriff Hick Blackburn, Beneath Still Water and Behind Every Door, which both won IPPY and MIPA awards.

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