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A Suitable Lie
Some secrets should never be kept…
Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she’s his perfect match … and she loves his son like he is her own.
When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. Desperate for that happy-ever-after, he ignores it. A dangerous mistake that could cost him everything.
A brave, deeply moving, page-turning psychological thriller, A Suitable Lie marks a stunning departure for one of Scotland’s finest crime writers, exploring the lengths people will go to hide their deepest secrets, even if it kills them…
Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she’s his perfect match … and she loves his son like he is her own.
When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. Desperate for that happy-ever-after, he ignores it. A dangerous mistake that could cost him everything.
A brave, deeply moving, page-turning psychological thriller, A Suitable Lie marks a stunning departure for one of Scotland’s finest crime writers, exploring the lengths people will go to hide their deepest secrets, even if it kills them…
372 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
October 18, 2018
It's not often a book takes my breath away but by the end of "A Suitable Lie", I was left totally breathless and gasping for air!
From the very first sentence I was glued to the pages and although very disturbing to read at times, it was compelling, addictive and utterly brilliant. I've only read one or two books before, that focus on domestic abuse where the man is the victim and I thought the author portrayed this story with such delicacy and empathy yet still bringing home the importance of recognising domestic violence. I had so much sympathy for Andy putting his family first and at times I did feel for Anna since it was very obvious she was a seriously troubled woman. There's so much I could comment on about the story but I don't want to give away any spoilers, so you'll just have to take my word for it, that this is a really intriguing book with a storyline that would give many TV dramas a run for their money! Apart from the main issue this book covers, there is a fantastic psychological domestic thriller unwinding throughout that I thought was just fabulous. Well crafted, plotted and executed, the author Michael J Malone has written a corker of a story, that for me will stay in my mind for a very long time.
One of the best psychological thrillers I have EVER read, I can't recommend this book enough - as long as you are fully aware there are moments which may cause upset if you're triggered by domestic violence. I have also read and loved "House of Spines" written too by this author and I have his latest offering "After He Died" waiting to read very soon and have very high hopes for it.
I can't recommend Michael J Malone and "A Suitable Lie" enough, although very much an adult story, I just know thriller readers of all ages will devour this book!
5 shiny gold stars!
Thank you to my friend and fellow reader Rachel Hall for her copy of my book.
From the very first sentence I was glued to the pages and although very disturbing to read at times, it was compelling, addictive and utterly brilliant. I've only read one or two books before, that focus on domestic abuse where the man is the victim and I thought the author portrayed this story with such delicacy and empathy yet still bringing home the importance of recognising domestic violence. I had so much sympathy for Andy putting his family first and at times I did feel for Anna since it was very obvious she was a seriously troubled woman. There's so much I could comment on about the story but I don't want to give away any spoilers, so you'll just have to take my word for it, that this is a really intriguing book with a storyline that would give many TV dramas a run for their money! Apart from the main issue this book covers, there is a fantastic psychological domestic thriller unwinding throughout that I thought was just fabulous. Well crafted, plotted and executed, the author Michael J Malone has written a corker of a story, that for me will stay in my mind for a very long time.
One of the best psychological thrillers I have EVER read, I can't recommend this book enough - as long as you are fully aware there are moments which may cause upset if you're triggered by domestic violence. I have also read and loved "House of Spines" written too by this author and I have his latest offering "After He Died" waiting to read very soon and have very high hopes for it.
I can't recommend Michael J Malone and "A Suitable Lie" enough, although very much an adult story, I just know thriller readers of all ages will devour this book!
5 shiny gold stars!
Thank you to my friend and fellow reader Rachel Hall for her copy of my book.
March 31, 2017
Andy suffered the tragic loss of his wife during the birth of their son. Now he’s tasked with single-handedly raising his son. After four years of devotion and being a good dad, his brother decides it’s time to drag poor Andy to a pub and kick up some dust. He meets a beautiful and mysterious woman named Anna. After a whirlwind romance they quickly fall in love and Andy asks her to marry him. Andy feels like things are really turning around in his life. (For the second time). Unfortunately, his mother and brother see things very differently regarding the blushing bride. Blinded by new love, Andy ignores their warnings and rushes full on into marriage.
Things change very quickly for Andy, as Anna's behavior becomes ever-more erratic and violent. Sometimes an unwarranted quip, other times a physical blow.
The book is very well written and the story-line very well executed. It was just difficult to read at times. The abuse both verbal and physical was relentless. Watching a strong, well-adjusted male lose his self -worth, self-esteem and finally himself altogether was almost too much. Was it because it was a woman who was portrayed as the abuser? Hmmm…
But at the same time when I wasn't reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it...wondering how it was going to end. That's a sign of a great book right? One that stays with you all day. One that you can't wait to get back to.
If you have difficulty reading books dealing with domestic violence then this is may not be the book for you. But if you enjoy a good psychological/domestic thriller then you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Michael J. Malone for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Things change very quickly for Andy, as Anna's behavior becomes ever-more erratic and violent. Sometimes an unwarranted quip, other times a physical blow.
The book is very well written and the story-line very well executed. It was just difficult to read at times. The abuse both verbal and physical was relentless. Watching a strong, well-adjusted male lose his self -worth, self-esteem and finally himself altogether was almost too much. Was it because it was a woman who was portrayed as the abuser? Hmmm…
But at the same time when I wasn't reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it...wondering how it was going to end. That's a sign of a great book right? One that stays with you all day. One that you can't wait to get back to.
If you have difficulty reading books dealing with domestic violence then this is may not be the book for you. But if you enjoy a good psychological/domestic thriller then you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Michael J. Malone for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2016
Find my reviews on my blog: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com
Date Read: 11/18/16
Pub Date: 01/01/17
5 STARS
Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she’s his perfect match, and she loves his son like he is her own. When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. Desperate for that happy-ever-after, he ignores it—a dangerous mistake that could cost him everything.
The first words that come to mind when I think of this book-SHOW STOPPER. My breath was literally taken away by this fantastic tale of abuse and deceit. You might find some minor spoilers in here, but nothing that is a giveaway as it's alluded to in the book description. If you are wanting to go into this book completely blind, you may want to stop reading here. What I'm including in my review is revealed near the beginning of the book, but even so I like to give warning.
I'm always impressed when an author can pull off a realistic and fairly accurate plot involving domestic abuse, but am even more impressed when he/she can do so from an alternate perspective. Domestic abuse involving the female abusing the male is, while rare, a very real thing. It's taboo, ugly, and rarely discussed due to differing viewpoints on the matter. Some people feel it's impossible for a woman to physically abuse a man with her bare hands, while others see clearly just how impossible of a situation it would be to fall into. A man cannot defend himself in this position, and if children are involved the matter is further complicated. This is the avenue of discovery we embark on following A Suitable Lie. I'm not going to give away specifics, but Malone does an excellent job slowly ratcheting up the tension and level of violence, while also showing the many facets that a life of abuse holds.
"Get Out.
What if you can't? What if you are certain it will stop, despite all the evidence to the contrary. You love the person, you don't want to give up on them despite everything. You just tell yourself a suitable lie and carry on."
The characters overall were very well plotted; some were despicable, others were twisty and surprising, but most were consistently good natured. The story did a fine job of showing how, even when you think your abuse is being hidden, your loved ones can always pick up on what is wrong and are eventually drawn into the bloodbath. There is so much heart and soul behind this book; I got the feeling this is a subject the author is quite passionate about. I'm really grateful there are people willing to talk about things like this, because they matter and need to be brought to the forefront of society. Highly, HIGHLY recommended! This book is the epitome of tension and suspense; I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning just so that I could finish it all in one sitting. Extremely well written and looking forward to more from the author.
*Many thanks to Orenda Books and Michael J Malone for my copy; it was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
Date Read: 11/18/16
Pub Date: 01/01/17
5 STARS
Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she’s his perfect match, and she loves his son like he is her own. When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. Desperate for that happy-ever-after, he ignores it—a dangerous mistake that could cost him everything.
The first words that come to mind when I think of this book-SHOW STOPPER. My breath was literally taken away by this fantastic tale of abuse and deceit. You might find some minor spoilers in here, but nothing that is a giveaway as it's alluded to in the book description. If you are wanting to go into this book completely blind, you may want to stop reading here. What I'm including in my review is revealed near the beginning of the book, but even so I like to give warning.
I'm always impressed when an author can pull off a realistic and fairly accurate plot involving domestic abuse, but am even more impressed when he/she can do so from an alternate perspective. Domestic abuse involving the female abusing the male is, while rare, a very real thing. It's taboo, ugly, and rarely discussed due to differing viewpoints on the matter. Some people feel it's impossible for a woman to physically abuse a man with her bare hands, while others see clearly just how impossible of a situation it would be to fall into. A man cannot defend himself in this position, and if children are involved the matter is further complicated. This is the avenue of discovery we embark on following A Suitable Lie. I'm not going to give away specifics, but Malone does an excellent job slowly ratcheting up the tension and level of violence, while also showing the many facets that a life of abuse holds.
"Get Out.
What if you can't? What if you are certain it will stop, despite all the evidence to the contrary. You love the person, you don't want to give up on them despite everything. You just tell yourself a suitable lie and carry on."
The characters overall were very well plotted; some were despicable, others were twisty and surprising, but most were consistently good natured. The story did a fine job of showing how, even when you think your abuse is being hidden, your loved ones can always pick up on what is wrong and are eventually drawn into the bloodbath. There is so much heart and soul behind this book; I got the feeling this is a subject the author is quite passionate about. I'm really grateful there are people willing to talk about things like this, because they matter and need to be brought to the forefront of society. Highly, HIGHLY recommended! This book is the epitome of tension and suspense; I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning just so that I could finish it all in one sitting. Extremely well written and looking forward to more from the author.
*Many thanks to Orenda Books and Michael J Malone for my copy; it was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
June 2, 2017
Andy Boyd is a widower left with a young son before he's even thirty when he meets Anna one night out at the bar. After a whirlwind romance the two get married and it seems like things can't get better. I'm not sure if this will spoil it for anyone, so stop reading if you really don't want to know but I found it really admirable that someone covered the idea of domestic abuse where the husband is the one being abused. I personally have experience with this and I could actually see parallels in the way Andy behaves with my experience of it. It was actually quite difficult for me to keep reading this one as the abuse got worse. It was really emotionally harrowing. That said I would have given it four stars but I can't get behind that ending. I know the author foreshadowed it some what but it still felt like the ending was unnecessary and I think the book would have done better without it. Also the writing was just average so I wasn't that impressed. I really really enjoyed the concept behind the book and I do think the author did a good job portraying the struggles someone living with an abusive partner has to go through.
October 27, 2016
A Suitable Lie – apt title for a novel that speaks to the horror and realities of domestic abuse, the lies we tell ourselves and the lies we tell other people – in this novel Michael Malone puts the rare twist of fate into his narrative showing it from the opposite angle to that which is much talked about.
There are many books that show the sheer psychological affects of violence against women in domestic situations, but when that is flipped on its head and it is the man who endures, the sad truth is it is not much talked about. Like it couldnt happen. Like the male will always have dominance over the female in strength both mental and physical and will always be able to walk away. We question it far more in that scenario, make assumptions, say well look he can just fight it off, defend himself, its ridiculous to think that he couldnt. Right?
Wrong.
Michael Malone with his Tour de Force of a novel throws you into a marital war zone and quietly but steadily breaks down your defences, shows you a harsh reality, breaks your heart. Andy thinks he has found happiness but his new wife Anna is damaged, badly, her bubbly outer image hides a dark and twisted internal reality that comes out in violent and unimaginable ways. Manipulative, controlling, hiding behind a facade, Anna will indeed change Andy’s life forever.
It is a tough read. You do want to shout. As Andy is broken down, steadily losing a grip on himself, becoming more isolated and distraught this is hard hitting and emotionally traumatic. Even more so because there is a child involved, there were times when I cried for him. For all of them actually, yes even Anna.
I wanted to put it down. Then I had to pick it up again. The writing is intense, clever, thought provoking, indelible. A Suitable Lie is a harsh yet compelling reality check, a story that will grip you, throw you under a bus, pick you up again then chuck you off a cliff. A slow burner with a dark soul, this is a Grimm fairytale there is no Disney here. But it speaks truth. No matter how much you wish it didnt.
Happily Ever After. Nope not so much.
A truly incredible novel. I doubt I’ll ever forget it. Mr Malone needs to be writing more like this. I like the books that break me.
Highly Recommended
There are many books that show the sheer psychological affects of violence against women in domestic situations, but when that is flipped on its head and it is the man who endures, the sad truth is it is not much talked about. Like it couldnt happen. Like the male will always have dominance over the female in strength both mental and physical and will always be able to walk away. We question it far more in that scenario, make assumptions, say well look he can just fight it off, defend himself, its ridiculous to think that he couldnt. Right?
Wrong.
Michael Malone with his Tour de Force of a novel throws you into a marital war zone and quietly but steadily breaks down your defences, shows you a harsh reality, breaks your heart. Andy thinks he has found happiness but his new wife Anna is damaged, badly, her bubbly outer image hides a dark and twisted internal reality that comes out in violent and unimaginable ways. Manipulative, controlling, hiding behind a facade, Anna will indeed change Andy’s life forever.
It is a tough read. You do want to shout. As Andy is broken down, steadily losing a grip on himself, becoming more isolated and distraught this is hard hitting and emotionally traumatic. Even more so because there is a child involved, there were times when I cried for him. For all of them actually, yes even Anna.
I wanted to put it down. Then I had to pick it up again. The writing is intense, clever, thought provoking, indelible. A Suitable Lie is a harsh yet compelling reality check, a story that will grip you, throw you under a bus, pick you up again then chuck you off a cliff. A slow burner with a dark soul, this is a Grimm fairytale there is no Disney here. But it speaks truth. No matter how much you wish it didnt.
Happily Ever After. Nope not so much.
A truly incredible novel. I doubt I’ll ever forget it. Mr Malone needs to be writing more like this. I like the books that break me.
Highly Recommended
April 19, 2018
I finished this three weeks ago and it's still with me.
Let me tell you what reading this did to me. I read a couple of reviews by book bloggers but none stood out like Emma’s from damppebbles.com. I read her review and knew that I had to get this and read it right away. So I went into this having read the blurb a couple of times and Emma’s review. Maybe I’m denser than I want to admit, but I had no idea what awaited me in these pages.
Well drawn characters and situations that, while I was not in agreement with some decisions made, I totally understood. The situations were believable and the character’s actions were all understandable. In fact the only thing I found that was over the top was the pain this inflicted on me.
I had to take breaks while reading this. Many breaks, mostly to get coffee. This isn’t unusual for me because I often break for a cup of joe. The difference is I usually just want coffee, with this story I needed coffee. Which was good because I barely ate while reading this. Some breaks were to allow myself to calm down.
There was no roller coaster ride for me, just one low after another. I felt helpless, livid, sick to my stomach. I cried tears of frustration and I could feel my blood pressure rising. There was a relentless pounding on my emotions.
I wanted to throw the book across the room, but I was reading this on my laptop, so, no. I wanted to dnf this a couple of times along the way.
This beat me up so much that there came a time when I broke. It was inevitable. I became numb and I no longer hurt, I still cared but I no longer felt. I was out of it. I felt no joy, no sadness, no anger, no pain. This wasn’t a choice – the writing and the story took me to the brink and then pushed me over the edge. When I landed, I dusted off the seat of my jeans and continued on, somewhat indifferent to what played out but needing to know just the same.
If I had known what this story dealt with, I might have pushed this down on my TBR, if it made it on to it at all. Chances are I would not have read this, ever. That said, I do not regret for one minute having done so. I read for different reasons and being entertained is a big one, but if a story can elicit visceral reactions like this one did – well, my time was well spent.
I haven’t been this upset since Wuthering Heights.
I went online to see what Ayr, Scotland looks like and I felt homesick. I’ve never been, but it’s so lovely and I want to go. Quaint doesn’t even begin to describe High Street.
Highly recommended.
Let me tell you what reading this did to me. I read a couple of reviews by book bloggers but none stood out like Emma’s from damppebbles.com. I read her review and knew that I had to get this and read it right away. So I went into this having read the blurb a couple of times and Emma’s review. Maybe I’m denser than I want to admit, but I had no idea what awaited me in these pages.
Well drawn characters and situations that, while I was not in agreement with some decisions made, I totally understood. The situations were believable and the character’s actions were all understandable. In fact the only thing I found that was over the top was the pain this inflicted on me.
I had to take breaks while reading this. Many breaks, mostly to get coffee. This isn’t unusual for me because I often break for a cup of joe. The difference is I usually just want coffee, with this story I needed coffee. Which was good because I barely ate while reading this. Some breaks were to allow myself to calm down.
There was no roller coaster ride for me, just one low after another. I felt helpless, livid, sick to my stomach. I cried tears of frustration and I could feel my blood pressure rising. There was a relentless pounding on my emotions.
I wanted to throw the book across the room, but I was reading this on my laptop, so, no. I wanted to dnf this a couple of times along the way.
This beat me up so much that there came a time when I broke. It was inevitable. I became numb and I no longer hurt, I still cared but I no longer felt. I was out of it. I felt no joy, no sadness, no anger, no pain. This wasn’t a choice – the writing and the story took me to the brink and then pushed me over the edge. When I landed, I dusted off the seat of my jeans and continued on, somewhat indifferent to what played out but needing to know just the same.
If I had known what this story dealt with, I might have pushed this down on my TBR, if it made it on to it at all. Chances are I would not have read this, ever. That said, I do not regret for one minute having done so. I read for different reasons and being entertained is a big one, but if a story can elicit visceral reactions like this one did – well, my time was well spent.
I haven’t been this upset since Wuthering Heights.
I went online to see what Ayr, Scotland looks like and I felt homesick. I’ve never been, but it’s so lovely and I want to go. Quaint doesn’t even begin to describe High Street.
Highly recommended.
April 27, 2017
Four years after his wife died, leaving him a single parent to their son Pat, Andy is thrilled when he meets Anna – the first woman he’s dated or had feelings for since losing his wife. Anna gets along great with his son, and they marry shortly after meeting. Andy couldn’t be happier.
Things take a turn for the worst on their wedding night and Andy ends up in the hospital. Thinking his injury was an accident, he thinks nothing of it…until he gets home and something similar happens again. It’s not long before he starts to wonder who he really married and are he and his son safe from her?
This is a hard review to write without totally spoiling things, but I do want to be clear that there is a lot of abuse, both physical and verbal, that occurs in this book, because I know that can be triggering for some people. While the abuse doesn’t occur in the traditional “husband beats wife” scenario, there is definitely spousal abuse that happens, to the point where it was hard for me to read (and I don’t have any history with physical abuse that would be triggering). If this is a trigger for you, do not read this book.
That all said, I really enjoyed A Suitable Lie. Regardless of how hard it was for me to read, it reminded me a little bit of Behind Closed Doors – just in the reverse. Seeing how hard it can be to leave an abusive marriage and how it affects children when you stay was something that I felt like was portrayed realistically. I really liked Andy as a protagonist, and I felt so awful for him throughout the entire book, even when I wanted to shake him because of the stupid choices he was making.
I hated his wife Anna and wanted nothing more than to see her lose by the end of the book. I won’t spoil anything for anyone, so I won’t talk about the ending, but I will say that I was super hooked throughout the entire book and read it in two sittings.
I’d definitely recommend this one for fans of the domestic/psychological thriller genres, as long as you can handle reading books that contain physical abuse. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and it was a 4 star read for me!
Things take a turn for the worst on their wedding night and Andy ends up in the hospital. Thinking his injury was an accident, he thinks nothing of it…until he gets home and something similar happens again. It’s not long before he starts to wonder who he really married and are he and his son safe from her?
This is a hard review to write without totally spoiling things, but I do want to be clear that there is a lot of abuse, both physical and verbal, that occurs in this book, because I know that can be triggering for some people. While the abuse doesn’t occur in the traditional “husband beats wife” scenario, there is definitely spousal abuse that happens, to the point where it was hard for me to read (and I don’t have any history with physical abuse that would be triggering). If this is a trigger for you, do not read this book.
That all said, I really enjoyed A Suitable Lie. Regardless of how hard it was for me to read, it reminded me a little bit of Behind Closed Doors – just in the reverse. Seeing how hard it can be to leave an abusive marriage and how it affects children when you stay was something that I felt like was portrayed realistically. I really liked Andy as a protagonist, and I felt so awful for him throughout the entire book, even when I wanted to shake him because of the stupid choices he was making.
I hated his wife Anna and wanted nothing more than to see her lose by the end of the book. I won’t spoil anything for anyone, so I won’t talk about the ending, but I will say that I was super hooked throughout the entire book and read it in two sittings.
I’d definitely recommend this one for fans of the domestic/psychological thriller genres, as long as you can handle reading books that contain physical abuse. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and it was a 4 star read for me!
December 11, 2016
Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she's his perfect match... And she loves his son, too. When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. He ignores it; a dangerous mistake that could cost him everything.
WOW! What have I just read? I've read something that I can only describe as sheer brilliance. Michael J. Malone is a new author to me and having read this book, it really surprises me that I've never picked up his work before.
For me, this takes a psychological thriller to another level. The story reveals the dark and most disturbing reality of domestic noir. Michael has managed to portray this both eloquently and extremely believable. The mixture of emotions become polar as we see Andy and Anna slowly develop into an unnerving and very upsetting dysfunctional relationship and an abusive marriage with both psychological and physical connotations.
The writing style is quite genius. With such a dark storyline, Micheal manages to engage with some very witty humor and many emotional and heartbreaking scenarios. I thought this was exceptionally clever to achieve a balance in this epic story without it going too dark.
To sum up in words. Very enthralling, chilling, passionate, disturbing and most of all, outstanding! It had me gripped from page one and kept me turning the pages somehow not wanting it to end. And talking of the end, what an ending it was.
I don't have to think about giving this 5* I knew halfway through the book. Highly recommended!!
WOW! What have I just read? I've read something that I can only describe as sheer brilliance. Michael J. Malone is a new author to me and having read this book, it really surprises me that I've never picked up his work before.
For me, this takes a psychological thriller to another level. The story reveals the dark and most disturbing reality of domestic noir. Michael has managed to portray this both eloquently and extremely believable. The mixture of emotions become polar as we see Andy and Anna slowly develop into an unnerving and very upsetting dysfunctional relationship and an abusive marriage with both psychological and physical connotations.
The writing style is quite genius. With such a dark storyline, Micheal manages to engage with some very witty humor and many emotional and heartbreaking scenarios. I thought this was exceptionally clever to achieve a balance in this epic story without it going too dark.
To sum up in words. Very enthralling, chilling, passionate, disturbing and most of all, outstanding! It had me gripped from page one and kept me turning the pages somehow not wanting it to end. And talking of the end, what an ending it was.
I don't have to think about giving this 5* I knew halfway through the book. Highly recommended!!
November 3, 2016
I actually went into this book without reading the description so to be honest I had no idea what was in store for me in A Suitable lie. Having now read it and been totally blown away, I have to say I am so ashamed that I have never read any of this authors books and I will certainly be seeking out his others to read and enjoy also.
Not knowing what to expect when I first met Andy, I was really pleased for him when he met Anna. I liked Andy straight away and thought that him and his son Pat deserved every happiness and I was glad that he could feel that at last he was able to move on and start living again.
Anna just seemed like the perfect partner for Andy, good looking, independent, strong and best of all she was great with Pat. That all changes on Andy and Anna’s wedding night and what happens from then on just left me speechless. In fact it actually knocked me sideways to start with as it made me feel so uncomfortable and I honestly didn’t know if I wanted to carry on.
I’ve read plenty of books with story lines to do with domestic abuse and obviously it doesn’t make for pleasant reading. Andy’s story though just seems to sink into every part of your being, so much so that the injustices that he was facing felt personal to the reader also.
As soon as I realised the type of person that Anna actually was, well, all I can say is that by the end I hated her with a passion I have never felt for a character in a novel before. The anger that built up in me was quite scary, it felt like it was going to bubble over. So many times I felt like chucking the book at something as Anna made me so mad. I felt so frustrated on Andy’s part and I so desperately wanted to stop the pain and hurt that she was causing him.
There are some really likeable characters alongside Andy, like his mum and his brother Jim. Also Sheila, his work colleague is someone that gives Andy light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
I loved the brotherly love between Andy and Jim, and Jim certainly brought some much needed light relief at times as he is such a free spirit. He is someone you would definitely want on your side when the cards are down and you can see how much he idolises Andy and his nephews. It was extremely touching.
A Suitable Lie is an extremely well written novel that will stay with me for a long time to come. Andy’s story will ignite a fire inside readers and have them feeling emotions that they never knew they could feel from a book. Without a doubt this is one of the best novels I have read, not just this year, but in my life time so far. Powerful and moving, this is THE must read of 2016!
My thanks to Karen at Orenda for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not knowing what to expect when I first met Andy, I was really pleased for him when he met Anna. I liked Andy straight away and thought that him and his son Pat deserved every happiness and I was glad that he could feel that at last he was able to move on and start living again.
Anna just seemed like the perfect partner for Andy, good looking, independent, strong and best of all she was great with Pat. That all changes on Andy and Anna’s wedding night and what happens from then on just left me speechless. In fact it actually knocked me sideways to start with as it made me feel so uncomfortable and I honestly didn’t know if I wanted to carry on.
I’ve read plenty of books with story lines to do with domestic abuse and obviously it doesn’t make for pleasant reading. Andy’s story though just seems to sink into every part of your being, so much so that the injustices that he was facing felt personal to the reader also.
As soon as I realised the type of person that Anna actually was, well, all I can say is that by the end I hated her with a passion I have never felt for a character in a novel before. The anger that built up in me was quite scary, it felt like it was going to bubble over. So many times I felt like chucking the book at something as Anna made me so mad. I felt so frustrated on Andy’s part and I so desperately wanted to stop the pain and hurt that she was causing him.
There are some really likeable characters alongside Andy, like his mum and his brother Jim. Also Sheila, his work colleague is someone that gives Andy light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
I loved the brotherly love between Andy and Jim, and Jim certainly brought some much needed light relief at times as he is such a free spirit. He is someone you would definitely want on your side when the cards are down and you can see how much he idolises Andy and his nephews. It was extremely touching.
A Suitable Lie is an extremely well written novel that will stay with me for a long time to come. Andy’s story will ignite a fire inside readers and have them feeling emotions that they never knew they could feel from a book. Without a doubt this is one of the best novels I have read, not just this year, but in my life time so far. Powerful and moving, this is THE must read of 2016!
My thanks to Karen at Orenda for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
I haven't read any books by Michael J Malone before despite lots of recommendations in my book club so I decided it was time to pop my Malone cherry! OMG this is a total "knicker gripper sphincter clencher" as we like to say at TBC!. A truly gripping and highly disturbing and uncomfortable book. Without giving away the storyline or spoil the book A Suitable Lie is a very tense and thought provoking psychological thriller which kept me gripped throughout.
October 26, 2016
1-2-3 and breathe ……I really had to get my emotions in check before I wrote this review, this book literally took my breath away. Michael J Malone has done something incredible, never have I felt so emotionally drained after reading a novel. Whilst reading this book I experienced so many emotions, anger, bewilderment and intense dislike to name but a few. A Suitable Lie has to be one of the most unsettling and disturbing stories I have read in a long time. If you are looking for a fast paced read then this book won’t be for you, but if you are looking for a book that is hard hitting with characters you will invest in emotionally then I would highly recommend it.
After loosing his first wife Andy thinks he has been given a second chance when he meets Anna, she is everything he could ever wish for that is until the unthinkable happens on his wedding night and he ends up in hospital. What follows is an unsettling and at times very disturbing and brutal portrayal of domestic abuse. Unusually the conventional roles of domestic abuse are reversed, and the reader follows Andy and Anna as a marriage built on love and trust crumbles leaving a trail of destruction and bitterness in its wake.
This novel is very much a realistic portrayal of a difficult subject, as for the characters they are so well developed I found myself immersed in what was happening to them. My heart shattered into a hundred pieces as Andy’s personality is slowly but deliberately chipped away at by the ever volatile Anna. Some of Anna’s actions chilled me to the bone and the malevolence surrounding her made for a very uncomfortable read at times.As Anna’s behaviour becomes more erratic the author paints a vivid picture of the abuse so much so at times I found my stomach churning and the tears falling. The author descriptions are so vivid and believable that I felt like I was there observing Andy and Anna’s destructive relationship which made for a very emotional read
A Suitable Lie is a very realistic portrayal of domestic abuse and the author deals with the subject with great empathy and understanding. Yes there are some very graphic scenes but in the authors defence if you are writing a book about abuse you aren’t going to be able to sugar coat the details if you want a story that’s credible.
This is a book that highlights domestic abuse and explores issues surrounding a subject that is shrouded in secrecy and fear. The author has written a book that is both profound and insightful and brings a very little talked about subject into the open. I don’t feel comfortable saying I enjoyed this book considering the subject matter, what I will say is it’s beautifully written, heartbreaking and very realistic. Michael J Malone has written a book that will continue to haunt me in the weeks to come.
I won’t be giving A Suitable Lie 5 stars, but I will be giving it the very prestigious GOLD STAR AWARD, I give this award to a book I feel covers every aspect of what I look for in a good read, fantastic plot, great characters and a storyline that drew me in from the first page and kept me in its grip until I reached the very last page.
After loosing his first wife Andy thinks he has been given a second chance when he meets Anna, she is everything he could ever wish for that is until the unthinkable happens on his wedding night and he ends up in hospital. What follows is an unsettling and at times very disturbing and brutal portrayal of domestic abuse. Unusually the conventional roles of domestic abuse are reversed, and the reader follows Andy and Anna as a marriage built on love and trust crumbles leaving a trail of destruction and bitterness in its wake.
This novel is very much a realistic portrayal of a difficult subject, as for the characters they are so well developed I found myself immersed in what was happening to them. My heart shattered into a hundred pieces as Andy’s personality is slowly but deliberately chipped away at by the ever volatile Anna. Some of Anna’s actions chilled me to the bone and the malevolence surrounding her made for a very uncomfortable read at times.As Anna’s behaviour becomes more erratic the author paints a vivid picture of the abuse so much so at times I found my stomach churning and the tears falling. The author descriptions are so vivid and believable that I felt like I was there observing Andy and Anna’s destructive relationship which made for a very emotional read
A Suitable Lie is a very realistic portrayal of domestic abuse and the author deals with the subject with great empathy and understanding. Yes there are some very graphic scenes but in the authors defence if you are writing a book about abuse you aren’t going to be able to sugar coat the details if you want a story that’s credible.
This is a book that highlights domestic abuse and explores issues surrounding a subject that is shrouded in secrecy and fear. The author has written a book that is both profound and insightful and brings a very little talked about subject into the open. I don’t feel comfortable saying I enjoyed this book considering the subject matter, what I will say is it’s beautifully written, heartbreaking and very realistic. Michael J Malone has written a book that will continue to haunt me in the weeks to come.
I won’t be giving A Suitable Lie 5 stars, but I will be giving it the very prestigious GOLD STAR AWARD, I give this award to a book I feel covers every aspect of what I look for in a good read, fantastic plot, great characters and a storyline that drew me in from the first page and kept me in its grip until I reached the very last page.
December 2, 2016
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Remember a few months back when I was raving everywhere I possibly could about Behind Closed Doors? I even said it was domestic noir at its finest. I still adore that book, but A Suitable Lie is edging it out of it’s spot now. This book really gets under your skin, it consumes you and I mean that in the best possible way.
I don’t think this is a huge spoiler, but just in case here is your warning. Andy and Anna are in a abusive relationship, but the unique twist here is that Anna is the abuser and Andy is the victim. There are loads of books about domestic violence where women are being abused, but there are not many with a male victim. Malone sheds some light on an important issue in a profound and harrowing manner.
I totally fell in love with Andy right from the start. He’s bold, funny, vivacious, strong, and loving. He’s a single father as his first wife, Patricia passed away. When he meets Anna, he’s immediately drawn to her and as they fall in love he feels like the happiest man alive. As soon as the marriage begins, Anna reveals a side of herself that is ugly and cold. As the story progresses, watching the breakdown of Andy truly broke my heart. Seeing him shrink and wither away before my eyes was both upsetting and unsettling. He became a shell of his own self and was almost completely unrecognizable. The beauty of this unraveling is that as a reader I was able to experience the awful transformation of Andy right along with him. This brought up so many different feelings that by the end, I was emotionally spent. I don’t mean that in a negative way, it was quite the experience and it left a lasting impression with me that I won’t soon forget.
A Suitable Lie is exquisitely crafted and tightly plotted. Watching a dysfunctional relationship was much like watching a car accident in that I couldn’t look away even if it was painful to watch. This book is truly special and unforgettable, I was moved to tears more than once but there were also moments of joy and laughter. I can’t recommend it more highly and I only hope that my review conveyed how highly I regard both this novel and the author.
Remember a few months back when I was raving everywhere I possibly could about Behind Closed Doors? I even said it was domestic noir at its finest. I still adore that book, but A Suitable Lie is edging it out of it’s spot now. This book really gets under your skin, it consumes you and I mean that in the best possible way.
I don’t think this is a huge spoiler, but just in case here is your warning. Andy and Anna are in a abusive relationship, but the unique twist here is that Anna is the abuser and Andy is the victim. There are loads of books about domestic violence where women are being abused, but there are not many with a male victim. Malone sheds some light on an important issue in a profound and harrowing manner.
I totally fell in love with Andy right from the start. He’s bold, funny, vivacious, strong, and loving. He’s a single father as his first wife, Patricia passed away. When he meets Anna, he’s immediately drawn to her and as they fall in love he feels like the happiest man alive. As soon as the marriage begins, Anna reveals a side of herself that is ugly and cold. As the story progresses, watching the breakdown of Andy truly broke my heart. Seeing him shrink and wither away before my eyes was both upsetting and unsettling. He became a shell of his own self and was almost completely unrecognizable. The beauty of this unraveling is that as a reader I was able to experience the awful transformation of Andy right along with him. This brought up so many different feelings that by the end, I was emotionally spent. I don’t mean that in a negative way, it was quite the experience and it left a lasting impression with me that I won’t soon forget.
A Suitable Lie is exquisitely crafted and tightly plotted. Watching a dysfunctional relationship was much like watching a car accident in that I couldn’t look away even if it was painful to watch. This book is truly special and unforgettable, I was moved to tears more than once but there were also moments of joy and laughter. I can’t recommend it more highly and I only hope that my review conveyed how highly I regard both this novel and the author.
February 23, 2019
3.5 rounded to 4 for this author’s bravery in tackling domestic abuse that portrays a man as victim rather than perpetrator. The writing was sound, the characters believable, but what really sold me was my own reaction. Initially, when it was revealed that Andy was being abused, and rather horrifically at that, my response was a knee jerk reaction to see him as weak and unreliable. I actually at one point stopped reading and thought, “What the HELL?” I was victim blaming! I couldn’t believe that my own biases were that deeply ingrained that I didn’t even consciously choose that path, and instead it just sort of happened! When I realized what I had done, I was mortified. Any book that can make me rethink my own prejudices is one worthy of praise. Predictable, somewhat slow and not exactly,an enjoyable read, it is instead one that might actually change your perspective as it did mine.
September 6, 2016
A dark and unnerving psychological thriller that draws you deep into the lives of the characters and refuses to let go. This is a brilliantly written book; I could not put it down.
I knew within minutes of reading this novel that I was in for a treat. I've spent years of my police career dealing with high-risk victims of domestic abuse, and Michael Malone has captured both the physical and emotional torment suffered in this hard-hitting book. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a 'misery' read. This is a twisty turny bite your nails thriller that will have you shouting at your kindle / paperback. I swear, my nails must be embedded in mine!
I absolutely loved the characters - good and bad, and the setting was expertly written. I cannot wait to see what Michael produces after this. I was very fortunate to receive an advance review copy of this book.
I knew within minutes of reading this novel that I was in for a treat. I've spent years of my police career dealing with high-risk victims of domestic abuse, and Michael Malone has captured both the physical and emotional torment suffered in this hard-hitting book. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a 'misery' read. This is a twisty turny bite your nails thriller that will have you shouting at your kindle / paperback. I swear, my nails must be embedded in mine!
I absolutely loved the characters - good and bad, and the setting was expertly written. I cannot wait to see what Michael produces after this. I was very fortunate to receive an advance review copy of this book.
March 30, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
December 15, 2016
Oh my. What. A. Book.
I went through a myriad of emotions whilst reading this and there were times when I had to force myself to carry on – for no other reason than I was being a wimp. I was scared of how much further the violence and abuse would escalate. This book also made me angry. Angry that anyone could treat someone they profess to love in such a vile and evil way, and also, although I feel bad for admitting this, at times I felt anger and frustration at Andy for being determined to keep everything hidden and for taking the blame. He told himself that it was his fault that this was happening. He must have done something wrong.
Michael Malone superbly conveys the shame and humiliation felt by Andy and his descent into despair. His determination to try and shield his boys from the ever increasing madness means that those who love him and could help him are shut out, not knowing why.
We are horrified when we hear of women being abused by men but this doesn’t happen to men. Does it. Only it does and it’s just as horrific and unacceptable whichever of the sexes is the abuser. Although this book is set in the late 1990’s I’m not so sure that attitudes have changed significantly with law enforcement seeming to automatically take the women’s side. Andy Boyd is a big man – big in stature but also in heart. He was brought up to believe that men don’t hit women. He is also aware that if he retaliated he could inflict far more damage so he doesn’t. In addition, there is the the risk of him losing his children. He takes whatever physical and mental abuse comes his way whilst trying to remember that somewhere inside that angry and damaged person is someone he loves.
The characters here are expertly drawn and sadly, so very realistic. Sometimes I felt as though I were a bystander, looking through a window at someone’s dysfunctional marriage. As much as you might want to look away, you can’t. You are transfixed but desperately hope that all will be well. There is violence, there has to be to tell this story but it’s not graphic or gratuitous. There is also a touch of humour now and again to bring a little light relief from the darkness. Andy is not the only one to face such such deeply personal issues. There are other characters and their situations and actions also affect him. Andy was a very easy character to feel sympathy for. A widower with a young son whom he adores, he is loyal, kind hearted and would be many women’s idea of a perfect partner. It would be too easy to hate Anna (and there were many times when I did hate her, with a passion!) but when she wasn’t being angry and manipulative, she could be loving. She certainly was a very complex person with deep rooted issues.
Michael Malone has written an emotional, thought provoking and powerful story that may just break your heart. It’s not an easy read but I think it’s a necessary one, if only to highlight that it’s not just women who suffer abuse. It’s getting to that time when I’m thinking about my Top Books of the year. There is no doubt that this will be one of them.
I went through a myriad of emotions whilst reading this and there were times when I had to force myself to carry on – for no other reason than I was being a wimp. I was scared of how much further the violence and abuse would escalate. This book also made me angry. Angry that anyone could treat someone they profess to love in such a vile and evil way, and also, although I feel bad for admitting this, at times I felt anger and frustration at Andy for being determined to keep everything hidden and for taking the blame. He told himself that it was his fault that this was happening. He must have done something wrong.
Michael Malone superbly conveys the shame and humiliation felt by Andy and his descent into despair. His determination to try and shield his boys from the ever increasing madness means that those who love him and could help him are shut out, not knowing why.
We are horrified when we hear of women being abused by men but this doesn’t happen to men. Does it. Only it does and it’s just as horrific and unacceptable whichever of the sexes is the abuser. Although this book is set in the late 1990’s I’m not so sure that attitudes have changed significantly with law enforcement seeming to automatically take the women’s side. Andy Boyd is a big man – big in stature but also in heart. He was brought up to believe that men don’t hit women. He is also aware that if he retaliated he could inflict far more damage so he doesn’t. In addition, there is the the risk of him losing his children. He takes whatever physical and mental abuse comes his way whilst trying to remember that somewhere inside that angry and damaged person is someone he loves.
The characters here are expertly drawn and sadly, so very realistic. Sometimes I felt as though I were a bystander, looking through a window at someone’s dysfunctional marriage. As much as you might want to look away, you can’t. You are transfixed but desperately hope that all will be well. There is violence, there has to be to tell this story but it’s not graphic or gratuitous. There is also a touch of humour now and again to bring a little light relief from the darkness. Andy is not the only one to face such such deeply personal issues. There are other characters and their situations and actions also affect him. Andy was a very easy character to feel sympathy for. A widower with a young son whom he adores, he is loyal, kind hearted and would be many women’s idea of a perfect partner. It would be too easy to hate Anna (and there were many times when I did hate her, with a passion!) but when she wasn’t being angry and manipulative, she could be loving. She certainly was a very complex person with deep rooted issues.
Michael Malone has written an emotional, thought provoking and powerful story that may just break your heart. It’s not an easy read but I think it’s a necessary one, if only to highlight that it’s not just women who suffer abuse. It’s getting to that time when I’m thinking about my Top Books of the year. There is no doubt that this will be one of them.
September 12, 2017
3.75 Stars
Long and a bit predictable but overall a pretty good read.
Long and a bit predictable but overall a pretty good read.
November 3, 2016
A good premise and an okay storyline overall but not written well. Maybe a good editor could have forced a few rewrites to cut out the cheesy dialogue plus far too much boring detail about banking. The way in particular that Andy and his brother Jim are given such grating one liners in their conversation made it impossible to empathize with them and the only character that you could feel any liking for was Anna which really given the story should not be the case.
I was surprised that the author has other books. It really read to me like something written in a school assignment which is a shame as there definitely could be a good book in there if rewritten and reshape.
And one final annoyance. The whole thing about Malcolm being gay was so badly written it made reading those bits of the book uncomfortable as I just cringed and it took you out of the zone of being in the story. We are supposed to be amazed at the wonder of Andy for not being homophobic. What a hero.
I was surprised that the author has other books. It really read to me like something written in a school assignment which is a shame as there definitely could be a good book in there if rewritten and reshape.
And one final annoyance. The whole thing about Malcolm being gay was so badly written it made reading those bits of the book uncomfortable as I just cringed and it took you out of the zone of being in the story. We are supposed to be amazed at the wonder of Andy for not being homophobic. What a hero.
November 1, 2016
So, after being told by so many readers and reviewers that this was their top book of 2016 and that I HAD to read it, I finally gave in. But I was worried that this book and its author now had an awful lot to live up to. So did it? Absolutely 100% yes!!
Domestic violence is always going to be a tricky subject to write about, there is typically going to be half of a partnership that you are going to detest for their abusive nature. So to be able to evoke feelings of sympathy for both parties is a pretty impressive feat. But that's exactly what the author has managed to do here. When we meet Andy he is about to have a rare night out with his brother Jim. Andy has been a widow since his wife died giving birth to their son but that night he meets Anna, a beautiful young woman who is about to bring love and joy back to his life. But on their wedding night, Andy sees a side to Anna that shocks him. Now, Andy is a big, burly Scotsman and Anna a petite 7 stone so it's understandable that Andy feels embarrassed and unable to admit to his family what is really behind his cuts and bruises. And all the signs that scream "domestic abuse" for a woman (withdrawing from their family, lying about injuries, making excuses for their partner) well, they aren't so easy to spot when it's a male victim. Society still seems to see it as a bit of a joke unfortunately, long after those sketch shows of the 1970s, with their scenes featuring the woman of the house chasing her husband with a rolling pin, were consigned to the depths of social history.
For me the highlight of this book was how much I loved the character of Andy. Right from the start I found myself thinking "he is going to make one lucky girl very happy!" He was close to his family and was a nice young man, one who was brought up to respect women and his peers. So it was no surprise that he reacted as he did when Anna started to show her true colours. No matter how close you are to you family, there is still a sense of shame hanging over you if you have to admit what is happening to the people who love you the most.
This is a hard hitting book, one that is difficult to read at times but utterly compelling. From start to finish I found it hard to tear myself away from the horror of what was happening. I wanted to close my eyes to chase away the images being conjured up by the wonderfully descriptive prose but with so many emotions running around my head there was no escape. I experienced fear for Andy and his family, loathing for Anna but also a huge sympathy for them all-how different their lives could have been. My heart just ached for them all in a situation where there were never going to be any winners, just survivors.
A Suitable Lie is a book that will stay with its reader for a long time after finishing it. Be prepared to run through a full range of emotions, and see which one stays with you at the end. Mine was sadness that I had finished reading such a powerful book but tinged with hope that it may have, somewhere or somehow, changed one person's life.
Highly recommended by me and many thanks to Karen at Orenda for my review copy of A Suitable Lie.
Domestic violence is always going to be a tricky subject to write about, there is typically going to be half of a partnership that you are going to detest for their abusive nature. So to be able to evoke feelings of sympathy for both parties is a pretty impressive feat. But that's exactly what the author has managed to do here. When we meet Andy he is about to have a rare night out with his brother Jim. Andy has been a widow since his wife died giving birth to their son but that night he meets Anna, a beautiful young woman who is about to bring love and joy back to his life. But on their wedding night, Andy sees a side to Anna that shocks him. Now, Andy is a big, burly Scotsman and Anna a petite 7 stone so it's understandable that Andy feels embarrassed and unable to admit to his family what is really behind his cuts and bruises. And all the signs that scream "domestic abuse" for a woman (withdrawing from their family, lying about injuries, making excuses for their partner) well, they aren't so easy to spot when it's a male victim. Society still seems to see it as a bit of a joke unfortunately, long after those sketch shows of the 1970s, with their scenes featuring the woman of the house chasing her husband with a rolling pin, were consigned to the depths of social history.
For me the highlight of this book was how much I loved the character of Andy. Right from the start I found myself thinking "he is going to make one lucky girl very happy!" He was close to his family and was a nice young man, one who was brought up to respect women and his peers. So it was no surprise that he reacted as he did when Anna started to show her true colours. No matter how close you are to you family, there is still a sense of shame hanging over you if you have to admit what is happening to the people who love you the most.
This is a hard hitting book, one that is difficult to read at times but utterly compelling. From start to finish I found it hard to tear myself away from the horror of what was happening. I wanted to close my eyes to chase away the images being conjured up by the wonderfully descriptive prose but with so many emotions running around my head there was no escape. I experienced fear for Andy and his family, loathing for Anna but also a huge sympathy for them all-how different their lives could have been. My heart just ached for them all in a situation where there were never going to be any winners, just survivors.
A Suitable Lie is a book that will stay with its reader for a long time after finishing it. Be prepared to run through a full range of emotions, and see which one stays with you at the end. Mine was sadness that I had finished reading such a powerful book but tinged with hope that it may have, somewhere or somehow, changed one person's life.
Highly recommended by me and many thanks to Karen at Orenda for my review copy of A Suitable Lie.
November 27, 2016
I was so desperate to read this book, I could not even wait for the ARC I was being sent from the lovely Karen Sullivan/ Orenda Publishing! Instead, I immediately purchased the kindle version and began to read the second it arrived! Talk about a great opening! I was instantly hooked and wanted more!
OMFG ~ have you ever read a book that made you question your beliefs? Made you question your understanding of a topic that remains in the shadows? Pulled at your emotions until you felt stripped bare and exposed? That my #bookjunkie friends…that is THIS book!!
Michael J. Malone has taken a tough and often hidden issue and tore it wide open….but not how you may think! Set in Ayr, Mr Malone weaves the threads of trust, loss, anger, control, jealous, resentment, past trauma and questioning the norm throughout the pages of this story.
There is a raw realism that really turns the topic of domestic violence on it’s head. I work with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and I am often shocked at the lack of understanding when it comes to male victims. It is real people! Violence is violence no matter the gender of the individual on the receiving end! *steps off her high horse* – sorry, but it had to be said.
The pace is perfect for the story and builds up to the climax so we are left gasping for air. I tried to figure out the twists, but Mr Malone played a few cards that threw me right off track!
The main character, Andy is believable, strong, vulnerable and controlled. Controlled in his determination of NOT using violence as a defence but also by his wife, Anna – who displays all the signs of a domestic violence perpetrator. The shame, excuses, willingness to forgive are all classic examples of victims of DV – however, rather than being a woman, as we would all expect – Mr Malone shows courage in talking about a subject that is rarely ever spoken about! Superb!!
Anna is troubled, and initially very likeable – charming, alluring and easy to forgive. She says all the right things to keep Andy under her control. It is all about power and instrumental violence and this woman uses whatever means necessary to get what she wants. Manipulative, deceitful, making sure Andy is all hers – even if it means using emotional blackmail at the expense of Andy’s son. What an evil cow! ….sorry, it just had to be said!
There are other strands within the plot which intrigued me and kept me guessing – all the while being interlinked so we don’t lose sight of the plot. This book exposes the truth we sometimes close our eyes to. Truly magnificent; a superb piece of writing with twists you won’t believe!
Guess what, #bookjunkies….this is definitely one of my Top Reads of 2016! (That is two for you Mr Malone! Woohoo!) I cannot recommend this book enough! Head on over to amazon and download this #badboy – you won’t regret it!
OMFG ~ have you ever read a book that made you question your beliefs? Made you question your understanding of a topic that remains in the shadows? Pulled at your emotions until you felt stripped bare and exposed? That my #bookjunkie friends…that is THIS book!!
Michael J. Malone has taken a tough and often hidden issue and tore it wide open….but not how you may think! Set in Ayr, Mr Malone weaves the threads of trust, loss, anger, control, jealous, resentment, past trauma and questioning the norm throughout the pages of this story.
There is a raw realism that really turns the topic of domestic violence on it’s head. I work with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and I am often shocked at the lack of understanding when it comes to male victims. It is real people! Violence is violence no matter the gender of the individual on the receiving end! *steps off her high horse* – sorry, but it had to be said.
The pace is perfect for the story and builds up to the climax so we are left gasping for air. I tried to figure out the twists, but Mr Malone played a few cards that threw me right off track!
The main character, Andy is believable, strong, vulnerable and controlled. Controlled in his determination of NOT using violence as a defence but also by his wife, Anna – who displays all the signs of a domestic violence perpetrator. The shame, excuses, willingness to forgive are all classic examples of victims of DV – however, rather than being a woman, as we would all expect – Mr Malone shows courage in talking about a subject that is rarely ever spoken about! Superb!!
Anna is troubled, and initially very likeable – charming, alluring and easy to forgive. She says all the right things to keep Andy under her control. It is all about power and instrumental violence and this woman uses whatever means necessary to get what she wants. Manipulative, deceitful, making sure Andy is all hers – even if it means using emotional blackmail at the expense of Andy’s son. What an evil cow! ….sorry, it just had to be said!
There are other strands within the plot which intrigued me and kept me guessing – all the while being interlinked so we don’t lose sight of the plot. This book exposes the truth we sometimes close our eyes to. Truly magnificent; a superb piece of writing with twists you won’t believe!
Guess what, #bookjunkies….this is definitely one of my Top Reads of 2016! (That is two for you Mr Malone! Woohoo!) I cannot recommend this book enough! Head on over to amazon and download this #badboy – you won’t regret it!
June 20, 2017
The main character of this book, Andy, goes through a lot throughout the story. Trying to find happiness after losing his wife in childbirth, he thinks he's found it when he meets Anna.
The way the story is written does a great job of making you think one thing and then showing you something else. I felt happy for Andy, and then with no warning, both he and I had the rug pulled out from under our feet, and I was shocked and surprised at the turn of events.
Anna is a fantastic character with a complex personality. Somewhere in that personality was a yearning to be happy, have a 'normal' family life, but her childhood and it's repercussions got in the way. Her treatment of Andy can be difficult to read, but the writing is both powerful and emotive.
The book explores an important social issue, one that even in 2017, needs more light shining on it. Looks can be deceptive, and it's not always the who, or why, you think it is.
An excellent book that will stay in my mind. Highly recommended.
The way the story is written does a great job of making you think one thing and then showing you something else. I felt happy for Andy, and then with no warning, both he and I had the rug pulled out from under our feet, and I was shocked and surprised at the turn of events.
Anna is a fantastic character with a complex personality. Somewhere in that personality was a yearning to be happy, have a 'normal' family life, but her childhood and it's repercussions got in the way. Her treatment of Andy can be difficult to read, but the writing is both powerful and emotive.
The book explores an important social issue, one that even in 2017, needs more light shining on it. Looks can be deceptive, and it's not always the who, or why, you think it is.
An excellent book that will stay in my mind. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2016
Ok. First of all, I started this book at 14:00 and finished at 18:00 - it was one of those books. Now I will be up front and tell you that, this review contains mild spoilers, so if you are unaware of the basic themes of this book, and want to read it and be completely spoiler free, then do not carry on reading this. There. Warned you. I’ve done my bit… Still with me? Then welcome.
Andy Boyd is a single father. Widowed after his wife died in childbirth, he has raised his son Pat alone, prioritising his needs over everything and truly believing his one chance at true love had come and gone. Until he met Anna.
Convinced by his brother to join him and his friends on a rare night out, Andy is instantly taken with the stranger he meets in a nightclub. She is beautiful and funny and when he finally introduces her to Pat, is so perfect with him that he’s certain that he may just have found his second chance of happiness. After a whirlwind romance they marry and it is only then that Andy begins to really understand his bride. To see the truth she had kept hidden.
Spending his wedding night in hospital was just the result of an unfortunate accident. Wasn’t it? Andy loves Anna and she loves him. He has to accept that, to believe that he can forgive anything in order to keep his family together. And when Anna tells him that she is pregnant, it is even more important that they stay together. But just how much can Andy forgive, and will staying silent about what is happening end up costing him everything?
…
‘A Suitable Lie’ is a beautifully written, often harrowing tale. From the very first page I was engaged and invested in Andy. He was such a personable character, so in love with his son, that you couldn’t help but like him and feel for him. When he met Anna, I was happy for him, but that meant meeting the ‘real’ Anna was all the more shocking. And this is where Michael J. Malone has created a true work of art. This is domestic noir flipped on it’s head and it is tragically, shockingly brilliant.
Andy is not oblivious to the subject of domestic abuse; one of his employees has suffered at the hands of her husband for years, and Andy has to help her deal with the aftermath. But that is the normal, and I am loathe to say ‘understood’ face of domestic or spousal abuse. The man against the woman. The strong aggressor against the weaker sex. So when Andy becomes the victim, his smaller, ‘weaker’ wife the aggressor, there is an extra layer of shame that he feels, not just from the beatings he endures or the guilt he is made to feel, but the embarrassment of allowing someone so much smaller to dominate him. He cannot speak to anyone, not even his colleague, because he knows they will not believe him. It’s simply not possible. The setting and Andy’s stature perhaps adds another layer of disbelief to his story, as he is a burly, rugby playing Scotsman, not typically the kind of person you would accept could allow this to happen.
The idea of spousal abuse, wife to husband, may be more accepted these days, more reported and more likely to be prosecuted, but when you bear in mind this book is set in the late 1990’s, the lack of action, the lack of belief by anyone that Andy could possibly be a victim, is completely understandable. There are many themes touched upon in the book that are very telling of this period in history, where the world was just starting to wake up to political correctness, and anything outside of the norm was treated with suspicion or derision. Malone has captured this era perfectly, and the acceptance of Anna’s behaviour by Andy, the reluctance to retaliate is all the more poignant because he is doing it to set an example to his sons. His love for Pat and his younger brother is beautiful and all consuming. He will not physically stop Anna because he understands his power, how he could hurt her. He will not leave her because he knows he will lose his sons. And part of him still loves her, the part that knows that deep down she is hurting and scared too.
Malone has built up a brilliant character in Anna too. Yes she is psychotic, controlling, jealous, but her back story is also tragic and disturbingly real. Reading about it was very hard for me as there were so many echoes of my own childhood in those pages that I had to form an almost clinical detachment in order to read on. I recognise much of my own youthful anger in Anna and it is strange to be able to empathise with someone who can be so cruel. And yet I do. And I am glad that I did read on. Malone does not play any aspect of the violence for shocks. It is written so simply, so sympathetically, that it is this understated way of relaying what has happened that makes the imagery all the more evocative, more shocking. It reflects Andy’s peaceful nature, so that the words you read are far more jarring.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse or suffered a violent childhood then I do advise caution while reading. But I also think you should read this book. It is a truly moving story and brought forth such a range of emotions in me. I could feel myself welling up at times and at others, as I said earlier, I had to read with clinical detachment, but this is a purely personal experience. I could often feel my heart pounding in my chest, willing Andy to find a way, willing him to take action, desperate for Anna not to defeat him, and stunned by the cruel way in which everything could so easily be taken away. But no matter what I was feeling about the book, I simply could not walk away. I read this in one single afternoon. I shall remember it for much longer. A stunning book, this is another truly beautiful offering from the Orenda stable.
Andy Boyd is a single father. Widowed after his wife died in childbirth, he has raised his son Pat alone, prioritising his needs over everything and truly believing his one chance at true love had come and gone. Until he met Anna.
Convinced by his brother to join him and his friends on a rare night out, Andy is instantly taken with the stranger he meets in a nightclub. She is beautiful and funny and when he finally introduces her to Pat, is so perfect with him that he’s certain that he may just have found his second chance of happiness. After a whirlwind romance they marry and it is only then that Andy begins to really understand his bride. To see the truth she had kept hidden.
Spending his wedding night in hospital was just the result of an unfortunate accident. Wasn’t it? Andy loves Anna and she loves him. He has to accept that, to believe that he can forgive anything in order to keep his family together. And when Anna tells him that she is pregnant, it is even more important that they stay together. But just how much can Andy forgive, and will staying silent about what is happening end up costing him everything?
…
‘A Suitable Lie’ is a beautifully written, often harrowing tale. From the very first page I was engaged and invested in Andy. He was such a personable character, so in love with his son, that you couldn’t help but like him and feel for him. When he met Anna, I was happy for him, but that meant meeting the ‘real’ Anna was all the more shocking. And this is where Michael J. Malone has created a true work of art. This is domestic noir flipped on it’s head and it is tragically, shockingly brilliant.
Andy is not oblivious to the subject of domestic abuse; one of his employees has suffered at the hands of her husband for years, and Andy has to help her deal with the aftermath. But that is the normal, and I am loathe to say ‘understood’ face of domestic or spousal abuse. The man against the woman. The strong aggressor against the weaker sex. So when Andy becomes the victim, his smaller, ‘weaker’ wife the aggressor, there is an extra layer of shame that he feels, not just from the beatings he endures or the guilt he is made to feel, but the embarrassment of allowing someone so much smaller to dominate him. He cannot speak to anyone, not even his colleague, because he knows they will not believe him. It’s simply not possible. The setting and Andy’s stature perhaps adds another layer of disbelief to his story, as he is a burly, rugby playing Scotsman, not typically the kind of person you would accept could allow this to happen.
The idea of spousal abuse, wife to husband, may be more accepted these days, more reported and more likely to be prosecuted, but when you bear in mind this book is set in the late 1990’s, the lack of action, the lack of belief by anyone that Andy could possibly be a victim, is completely understandable. There are many themes touched upon in the book that are very telling of this period in history, where the world was just starting to wake up to political correctness, and anything outside of the norm was treated with suspicion or derision. Malone has captured this era perfectly, and the acceptance of Anna’s behaviour by Andy, the reluctance to retaliate is all the more poignant because he is doing it to set an example to his sons. His love for Pat and his younger brother is beautiful and all consuming. He will not physically stop Anna because he understands his power, how he could hurt her. He will not leave her because he knows he will lose his sons. And part of him still loves her, the part that knows that deep down she is hurting and scared too.
Malone has built up a brilliant character in Anna too. Yes she is psychotic, controlling, jealous, but her back story is also tragic and disturbingly real. Reading about it was very hard for me as there were so many echoes of my own childhood in those pages that I had to form an almost clinical detachment in order to read on. I recognise much of my own youthful anger in Anna and it is strange to be able to empathise with someone who can be so cruel. And yet I do. And I am glad that I did read on. Malone does not play any aspect of the violence for shocks. It is written so simply, so sympathetically, that it is this understated way of relaying what has happened that makes the imagery all the more evocative, more shocking. It reflects Andy’s peaceful nature, so that the words you read are far more jarring.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse or suffered a violent childhood then I do advise caution while reading. But I also think you should read this book. It is a truly moving story and brought forth such a range of emotions in me. I could feel myself welling up at times and at others, as I said earlier, I had to read with clinical detachment, but this is a purely personal experience. I could often feel my heart pounding in my chest, willing Andy to find a way, willing him to take action, desperate for Anna not to defeat him, and stunned by the cruel way in which everything could so easily be taken away. But no matter what I was feeling about the book, I simply could not walk away. I read this in one single afternoon. I shall remember it for much longer. A stunning book, this is another truly beautiful offering from the Orenda stable.
October 2, 2016
In the interest of honesty, I found myself struggling at the start of A Suitable Lie. I have read so many psychological thrillers/ domestic noir in recent months and I wasn’t grabbed immediately with this one. However, once I found my stride I couldn’t put it down.
I was rooting for Andy from the beginning. Such a great character, all you want is for him to have a little happiness in his life after becoming widowed. When he meets Anna, life looks so full of promise for him that it’s hard to see where anything could go wrong. Outwardly, they are the perfect couple, but therein lies the problem…
Everything looks different from the outside, and A Suitable Lie documents the free fall that can happen when there is deep-seated and long-buried issues waiting to rear their ugly head. The reader can sense it, and when it begins its impossible not to be put through the emotional ringer along with Andy and his family.
Domestic violence and abuse is awful, and real, and it can happen to anyone. It’s not easy to talk about as a victim, and it’s hard subject matter to write about. Michael J. Malone has tackled the issue with the sensitivity and tact you would expect, all the while keeping it thoroughly believable. A Suitable Lie evokes so many emotions and as a reader you will essentially run the gamut along with the characters. I defy you not to feel drained after reading it, I know I did.
If you like psychological thrillers, then this is the book for you. It is dark, powerful and highly emotive. An excellent cast of characters, with the wilds of Scotland framing the scenes, A Suitable Lie is a superb and moving account of one mans survival in a situation that nobody should have to experience.
Highly recommended.
I was rooting for Andy from the beginning. Such a great character, all you want is for him to have a little happiness in his life after becoming widowed. When he meets Anna, life looks so full of promise for him that it’s hard to see where anything could go wrong. Outwardly, they are the perfect couple, but therein lies the problem…
Everything looks different from the outside, and A Suitable Lie documents the free fall that can happen when there is deep-seated and long-buried issues waiting to rear their ugly head. The reader can sense it, and when it begins its impossible not to be put through the emotional ringer along with Andy and his family.
Domestic violence and abuse is awful, and real, and it can happen to anyone. It’s not easy to talk about as a victim, and it’s hard subject matter to write about. Michael J. Malone has tackled the issue with the sensitivity and tact you would expect, all the while keeping it thoroughly believable. A Suitable Lie evokes so many emotions and as a reader you will essentially run the gamut along with the characters. I defy you not to feel drained after reading it, I know I did.
If you like psychological thrillers, then this is the book for you. It is dark, powerful and highly emotive. An excellent cast of characters, with the wilds of Scotland framing the scenes, A Suitable Lie is a superb and moving account of one mans survival in a situation that nobody should have to experience.
Highly recommended.
October 9, 2016
An unnerving psychological thriller. Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth. Then he meets Anna. But Anna is not all that she seems. Why the hell did you hit her, Andy Boyd. You've lost everything. The police will never believe that Anna had struck first. Highly recommended as a page turner domestic noir.
November 10, 2016
Feeling like an intrusive fly on the wall I read this book during an uncomfortably compelling 24 hours.
The beginning is full of hope, as a widower with a young son meets a young woman who offers him a rare and unexpected chance of happiness. The middle is riddled with disbelief at just how well marital carnage can go undetected if you can become practised in telling A Suitable Lie . The conclusion is ingeniously twisted drama at its finest.
As this story proves, never assume anything. No one has the faintest idea of what goes on behind closed doors, or how they would react if they realised they were living with an abuser. Learning that the receiver of this abuse was a broad shouldered, strong minded, career driven male with the full support of his family took my breath away and was a stark reminder that it can happen to anyone.
Seeing how any individual’s personality is painfully manipulated until their confidence is diminished is dreadful to witness, but how does an ordinary family man respond? He's no stranger to fighting his corner in a pub brawl or dealing with cantankerous customers at the bank, but in his own home does he stand there and take it all, or defend himself and risk being accused of being a wife beater? It’s a difficult call. How do you escape such a mentally, emotionally, and physically draining situation, learning your new family is growing and the only choice you have is to do nothing, other than reluctantly accept your wife’s Jekyll and Hyde nature believing your own sacrifice will be enough to protect them?
Andy Boyd’s submissive behaviour following the regular humiliation carried out by his wife, Anna, never seems enough for her, so she approaches their intimate moments with new levels of vindictiveness.
Watching Andy become an expert in eggshell walking was excruciating to see, more so as he became withdrawn from his previously buoyant personality. Some scenes are more difficult to digest than others, but as I watched him on the verge of breaking the strength and composure he demonstrated in front of his children revealed more about his character than anything else.
You can see people hovering with concern at the edge of his life, but not really knowing the cause or extent of his problems they are powerless to guide him on a journey of endurance as dark, dark thoughts enter his mind. But it's not just Andy Boyd who is suffering, as we meet a few other characters who are praying for release from a personal nightmare they are also living. There are so many secrets being hidden by those afraid that the truth consume them if they admit it to anyone, but mostly themselves.
A Suitable Lie is relentlessly shocking and intensely suffocating at times. Despite the sensitive subject matter and acutely distressing scenes it’s staggeringly well written and impossible to walk away from.
(I received a copy of this title from the publisher with my thanks, and this is my unbiased review.)
The beginning is full of hope, as a widower with a young son meets a young woman who offers him a rare and unexpected chance of happiness. The middle is riddled with disbelief at just how well marital carnage can go undetected if you can become practised in telling A Suitable Lie . The conclusion is ingeniously twisted drama at its finest.
As this story proves, never assume anything. No one has the faintest idea of what goes on behind closed doors, or how they would react if they realised they were living with an abuser. Learning that the receiver of this abuse was a broad shouldered, strong minded, career driven male with the full support of his family took my breath away and was a stark reminder that it can happen to anyone.
Seeing how any individual’s personality is painfully manipulated until their confidence is diminished is dreadful to witness, but how does an ordinary family man respond? He's no stranger to fighting his corner in a pub brawl or dealing with cantankerous customers at the bank, but in his own home does he stand there and take it all, or defend himself and risk being accused of being a wife beater? It’s a difficult call. How do you escape such a mentally, emotionally, and physically draining situation, learning your new family is growing and the only choice you have is to do nothing, other than reluctantly accept your wife’s Jekyll and Hyde nature believing your own sacrifice will be enough to protect them?
Andy Boyd’s submissive behaviour following the regular humiliation carried out by his wife, Anna, never seems enough for her, so she approaches their intimate moments with new levels of vindictiveness.
Watching Andy become an expert in eggshell walking was excruciating to see, more so as he became withdrawn from his previously buoyant personality. Some scenes are more difficult to digest than others, but as I watched him on the verge of breaking the strength and composure he demonstrated in front of his children revealed more about his character than anything else.
You can see people hovering with concern at the edge of his life, but not really knowing the cause or extent of his problems they are powerless to guide him on a journey of endurance as dark, dark thoughts enter his mind. But it's not just Andy Boyd who is suffering, as we meet a few other characters who are praying for release from a personal nightmare they are also living. There are so many secrets being hidden by those afraid that the truth consume them if they admit it to anyone, but mostly themselves.
A Suitable Lie is relentlessly shocking and intensely suffocating at times. Despite the sensitive subject matter and acutely distressing scenes it’s staggeringly well written and impossible to walk away from.
(I received a copy of this title from the publisher with my thanks, and this is my unbiased review.)
September 28, 2016
This book really got to me and not because it in any way parallels my life, it doesn't. With the setting being Ayr where I was brought up, the character Andy felt so real and like somebody I could easily know. As events unfolded I had a few moments when I was close to tears but it was actually after I had finished reading the book and thought about the complete story that it really affected me. This is a powerful tale of an abusive relationship and the secrets that folk will keep as they try to preserve their 'happy-ever-after'. I applaud Mr Malone for throwing the spotlight on a seldom discussed topic and in writing a book that won't easily be forgotten.
February 17, 2017
I got the audible companion along with this kindle book - the narration was absolutely fantastic.
A Suitable Lie is a fabulously dark story, which absolutely captures the world of the victim of domestic violence; disbelief at the mental and physical abuse inflicted by the person who is supposed to love and cherish you, the denial and will to believe that it will stop, the shame and trying to hide what is happening from friends and family, allowing yourself to become distanced from family and friends, lies about the injuries, the impact it has on ability to work and function on a normal level ... the list is endless.
It's chilling, compelling, sickening and utterly engrossing. The characters are complex and intriguing, the story is well paced and believable. Not a comfortable read/listen in any shape or form. Domestic noir at it's very best. 5 massive stars
A Suitable Lie is a fabulously dark story, which absolutely captures the world of the victim of domestic violence; disbelief at the mental and physical abuse inflicted by the person who is supposed to love and cherish you, the denial and will to believe that it will stop, the shame and trying to hide what is happening from friends and family, allowing yourself to become distanced from family and friends, lies about the injuries, the impact it has on ability to work and function on a normal level ... the list is endless.
It's chilling, compelling, sickening and utterly engrossing. The characters are complex and intriguing, the story is well paced and believable. Not a comfortable read/listen in any shape or form. Domestic noir at it's very best. 5 massive stars
September 19, 2016
Well, I devoured this in about thirty-six hours. Could not stay away from it. Thought about it when I wasn't reading it. A Suitable Lie explores a topic not easily discussed, and not often talked about, but one that really needs such attention - and Michael Malone writes so beautifully and honestly about it. It will linger long in my mind. Cannot recommend enough.
March 8, 2018
DNF at 45%
The theme of the book was great but I never felt connected to the writing style or the characters. I tried to struggle through and finish it but I couldn’t force myself any more. I’m completely drained of will and motivation to complete this book. Sorry.
The theme of the book was great but I never felt connected to the writing style or the characters. I tried to struggle through and finish it but I couldn’t force myself any more. I’m completely drained of will and motivation to complete this book. Sorry.
January 3, 2018
Harrowing domestic noir. 3.5 stars.
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