Audiobook Mini-Review: State of Lies

12 Feb

Someone wants Georgie Brennan dead. And the more she digs for the truth, the fewer people she can trust.

Months after her husband, Sean, is killed by a hit-and-run driver, physicist Georgie Brennan discovers he lied to her about where he had been going that day. A cryptic notebook, a missing computer, and strange noises under her house soon have her questioning everything she thought she knew.

With her job hanging by a thread, her son struggling to cope with his father’s death, and her four-star general father up for confirmation as the next secretary of defense, Georgie quickly finds herself tangled in a web of political intrigue that has no clear agenda and dozens of likely villains.

Only one thing is clear: someone wants her dead too. And the people closest to her might be the most dangerous of all

Siri Mitchell is the author of 16 novels. She published 2 historical novels for the general market with Sourcebooks under the pseudonym Iris Anthony.

Siri graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and has worked in government at the local, state, and federal levels. As a military spouse, she lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo.

She has become known as a master storyteller, painting pictures of places her readers have never been and lives they’ve never lived. As one reader has said, Siri’s books are, “unexpected, haunting, and powerful,” and they are known for lively dialogue and honest emotion.

Kirkus has noted that Siri writes a well-paced and interwoven story… creates a narrative that subtly educates, poses stimulating questions and entertains.” Publishers Weekly pointed out that she is “adept with flashbacks and withholds certain key bits of information until the right moment, which adds punch to the narrative.” RT Reviews has given her books their Top Picks designation, “Siri Mitchell writes spellbinding novels, with some element of mystery and surprise for readers to discover.”

Siri is a speaker to women’s and writing groups both large and small. She has also taught fiction writing courses at regional and national writing conferences.

 

My Impressions:

Siri Mitchell has been a favorite author of mine for a long time. Always one to create a good story, she has ramped up her game with the suspense novel, State of Lies. This book caught my attention from the opening lines and never let go. It is one of the best suspense novels I have read (listened to) causing me to gasp out loud and to stay clinging to the edge of my seat. If you are looking for a great book, this one is a must-read.

State of Lies is told from the first person perspective of Georgie Brennan. I felt so connected to this character through her honest voice as she navigates first grief and loss and then doubts, anger, and fear. She is a very strong character you will love. Georgie’s perseverance and analytical mind help her in her quest for the truth. The reader, along with Georgie, is taken on a twisting journey with no one to trust. Georgie’s methodical investigation kept her focused in the midst of some very unsettling circumstances. Other characters emerge from Georgie’s observations and interactions. Mitchell did a great job of bringing them to life as well. The suspense is non-stop which I really, really liked. The setting of the book was also perfect for me. My son’s family lives in the Arlington, Virginia-area, and many of the scenes took place in familiar locales, many of which I have visited. Of particular note to the audiobook: the reader/narrator was excellent. She made Georgie very real. The dry humor that helped to balance the suspense was naturally conveyed. I also loved the other voices she included, especially Georgie’s boss. If you listen to the audiobook, you will understand what I mean.

For fans of suspense, State of Lies is an excellent choice. It has it all — great characters and a page-turning plot. It is highly recommended!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

%d bloggers like this: