Little Liar by Lisa Ballantyne Book Review

Little Liar by Lisa Ballantyne Book Review

The lowdown from Goodreads

Publication Date August 2, 2018

The accused

While Nick Dean is enjoying an evening at home with his family, he is blissfully unaware that one of his pupils has just placed an allegation of abuse against him – and that Nick’s imminent arrest will see the start of everything he knows and loves disintegrating around him.

Because, mud sticks, right? No matter if you’re innocent or guilty.

The accuser

When Angela Furness decides that enough is enough – she hates her parents, hates her friends and, most of all, despises what has recently happened at school – she does the only thing she knows will get her attention: calls the police. But Angela is unaware that the shocking story she is about to tell will see her life begin to topple.

Because, once you’ve said what you’ve said, there’s no way back, right? No matter if you’re innocent or guilty.

Little Liar by Lisa Ballantyne Book Review

What an introduction to Lisa Ballantyne. Little Liar deals with some heavy issues in this novel filled with tension & suspense. Due to the subject matter, I think this must have been a diffcult story to write. Lisa Ballantyne handles the story line in a raw but relatable way. Fans of Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan are sure to enjoy Little Liar.

The Accused

We meet Nick. He’s a small-time actor who is now a teacher. Nick is getting on with life & has a beautiful family. In an instant, his world is shattered. A student accuses Nick of sexual misconduct. Lisa does a great job here as she tells readers what happens from Nick’s point of view. Quickly, the fallout occurs. The news spreads all over town.

Not only does the accusation immediately alter Nick’s life, but his wife’s career is hanging in the balance. Should she support her husband? Does she really know if he is telling the whole truth? This couple has some really important decisions & statements to make. The truth is, they risk losing everything. 

The Accuser

Angela is a hot mess. Readers first meet her after an altercation at school. Initially, I’m left with a terrible impression of the young girl. Remember the old talk show Sally Jessy Raphael? She had these “wild teens” on the show. Then a drill instructor comes out, gets in their face & they are off to boot camp. Angela reminds me of one of those kids who needs to get sent to boot camp.

But, when I hear the story from her point of view I can’t help but feel for her. She doesn’t have a stable home life. The blow-ups between Angela & her mother are monumental! Her dad is around, but not fully in the picture. It seems to me she is in bad need of discipline, support, stability & love. Surely, she didn’t make this story up, right? Even worse, if she’s telling the truth then her life is fully changed. Ugh, either way, it makes my heart ache!

THE VERDICT

I am Into This book. Lisa Ballantyne uses alternating narrators that really increase the tension throughout the story. Readers are left wondering who to trust. As the cover states, there are 2 sides of one truth & I did not see this truth coming.

Special thanks to Lisa Ballantyne, Little, Brown Book Group UK & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LISA BALLANTYNE

Lisa Ballantyne was born in Armadale, West Lothian, Scotland and studied English Literature at University of St Andrews.

She lived and worked in China for many years and started writing seriously while she was there. Before being published, Lisa was short-listed for the Dundee International Book Prize.

Her debut novel, The Guilty One was translated into over 25 languages, long-listed for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and short-listed for an Edgar Allan Poe Award. The Guilty One was also the Autumn 2012 Richard and Judy Book-club Winner. Redemption Road is her new novel. She lives in Glasgow.