What do you think?
Rate this book
Liquid Lies
One dead body.
One girl with a deadly secret.
Body count rising. Can she find the killer before she’s the next target?
One girl with a deadly secret.
Body count rising. Can she find the killer before she’s the next target?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2012
109 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Lois Lavrisa
16 books110 followersLois Lavrisa, recognized as a finalist in the 2013 Eric Hoffer Award, writes Mystery with a Twist. Her first mystery LIQUID LIES was an Amazon top 100 bestseller. Her new cozy mystery series, THE CHUBBY CHICKS CLUB is about sassy southern sleuths, set in Savannah, Georgia. DYING FOR DINNER ROLLS, book #1, became an Amazon Kindle top 100 bestseller, and was a 2104 Georgia Author of the year Fiction novel nominee. DYING FOR DINNER ROLLS was awarded a silver medal in the 2014 Readers' Favorite award. Book #2 MURDEROUS MUFFINS, a 2015 Georgia Author of the Year nominee and a 2015 Readers' Favorite Finalist. HOMICIDE BY HAMLET, book #3 a Readers' Favorite and nominee for Georgia Author of the Year. The final two books in the series, KILLING WITH KINGS book #4 and PUZZLED BY PURPLE book #5 will be released in 2017 and 2018.
Growing up on the south-side of Chicago provided her with an abundance of story ideas. Earning her Master and Bachelor of Science in journalism and Communication with minor in Public Relations-provided ample opportunity to get a ton of writing experience. After college she wrote training programs for a Fortune 500 Company and taught many years as an adjunct professor. Her 15 minutes of "fame" came when she was Professional cheerleader for the NBA Chicago Bulls. She's been married to her aerospace husband Tom for over 25 years and they have four children- two sons and two daughters (and two cats who think they are her kids.) While juggling her packed schedule, she often daydreams about escaping to the beach with a glass (or two or three) of Riesling, a great book, fantastic friends, and loads of laughter.
Connect to her at her Website: www.loislavrisa.com. Facebook: Author, Lois Lavrisa or Twitter: @loislavrisa.
She's been married to her aerospace husband Tom for over 22 years and they have four children- two boys and two girls. She's a member of several writing organizations including: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Sisters in Crime (SIC). She served as vice president of the Low Country RWA (LRWA). For the past several years she's been a member of the Savannah Pen & Ink writers group. She's written for a local newspaper, a magazine and newsletters. Additionally, Lois has worked as an adjunct instructor at several universities as well as a technical writer.
You can connect with her at www.liquidlies.com or www.loislavrisa.com or on twitter @loislavrisa.
Growing up on the south-side of Chicago provided her with an abundance of story ideas. Earning her Master and Bachelor of Science in journalism and Communication with minor in Public Relations-provided ample opportunity to get a ton of writing experience. After college she wrote training programs for a Fortune 500 Company and taught many years as an adjunct professor. Her 15 minutes of "fame" came when she was Professional cheerleader for the NBA Chicago Bulls. She's been married to her aerospace husband Tom for over 25 years and they have four children- two sons and two daughters (and two cats who think they are her kids.) While juggling her packed schedule, she often daydreams about escaping to the beach with a glass (or two or three) of Riesling, a great book, fantastic friends, and loads of laughter.
Connect to her at her Website: www.loislavrisa.com. Facebook: Author, Lois Lavrisa or Twitter: @loislavrisa.
She's been married to her aerospace husband Tom for over 22 years and they have four children- two boys and two girls. She's a member of several writing organizations including: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Sisters in Crime (SIC). She served as vice president of the Low Country RWA (LRWA). For the past several years she's been a member of the Savannah Pen & Ink writers group. She's written for a local newspaper, a magazine and newsletters. Additionally, Lois has worked as an adjunct instructor at several universities as well as a technical writer.
You can connect with her at www.liquidlies.com or www.loislavrisa.com or on twitter @loislavrisa.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 24, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Reading Level: New Adult
Recommended for: Fans of mysteries, esp. romantic suspense/thrillers
Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, murder, attempted murder
My Thoughts: Although this book was written before the official designation of the New Adult “genre”, this is precisely what it is: CiCi is 22 in most of the book (18 in the prologue), just out of college, and trying to put her life together when it ends up completely ripped apart. My heart just broke for her.
Estelle and Hazel were a complete hoot; they were sort of like Lucy and Ethel and definitely the comedy relief in this book. I actually figured out the mystery well in advance of the denouement, which is pretty unusual for me. I'm not sure if it was just super obvious or if I'm developing a suspicious mind...
All in all a highly enjoyable story, full of twists, turns, and red herrings, a devious plot, and generally very entertaining.
Disclosure: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I later noticed it was on NetGalley and added it to my reading over there so as to have the additional place to post the review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: One dead body.
One girl with a deadly secret.
Body count rising. Can she find the killer before she’s the next target?
Reading Level: New Adult
Recommended for: Fans of mysteries, esp. romantic suspense/thrillers
Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, murder, attempted murder
My Thoughts: Although this book was written before the official designation of the New Adult “genre”, this is precisely what it is: CiCi is 22 in most of the book (18 in the prologue), just out of college, and trying to put her life together when it ends up completely ripped apart. My heart just broke for her.
Estelle and Hazel were a complete hoot; they were sort of like Lucy and Ethel and definitely the comedy relief in this book. I actually figured out the mystery well in advance of the denouement, which is pretty unusual for me. I'm not sure if it was just super obvious or if I'm developing a suspicious mind...
All in all a highly enjoyable story, full of twists, turns, and red herrings, a devious plot, and generally very entertaining.
Disclosure: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I later noticed it was on NetGalley and added it to my reading over there so as to have the additional place to post the review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: One dead body.
One girl with a deadly secret.
Body count rising. Can she find the killer before she’s the next target?
February 2, 2013
After a brilliantly dark and intriguing start, when two teens are 'invited' to 'party' with a trucker and end up killing him in self-defense so they can escape, they make a pact never to tell what happened. One girl goes to France, the other stays in their small town, gets engaged, they drift apart. Four years later, Francesca returns home to tell CiCi that they are being blackmailed about the trucker's death. Then, Francesca turns up dead and CiCi becomes a prime suspect.
CiCi is determined to find the real killer. Her list of suspects changes regularly as she finds different clues, draws different conclusions. More people close to CiCi are murdered, including her current best friend, a charmingly sweet and funny guy with grandiose visions of being like Sherlock Holmes. Before he dies, he gives her one more mysterious clue.
Meanwhile, the son of the dead trucker has found Francesca and CiCi. I he the blackmailer? Did he kill Francesca? How could CiCi be falling for him?
Through unlikely twists and turns, the story comes to a surprising end. At first, I LOVED the book, then it got a little flighty, but the end was worth it! As far as characters go, CiCi was okay, she meant well, but was not strong as a sleuth. Her romantic relationships throughout the story were questionable. In the end, I DID like this read. 3.5 stars.
This copy was provided by NetGalley and Sunlake Press (IBPA) in exchange for an honest review.
CiCi is determined to find the real killer. Her list of suspects changes regularly as she finds different clues, draws different conclusions. More people close to CiCi are murdered, including her current best friend, a charmingly sweet and funny guy with grandiose visions of being like Sherlock Holmes. Before he dies, he gives her one more mysterious clue.
Meanwhile, the son of the dead trucker has found Francesca and CiCi. I he the blackmailer? Did he kill Francesca? How could CiCi be falling for him?
Through unlikely twists and turns, the story comes to a surprising end. At first, I LOVED the book, then it got a little flighty, but the end was worth it! As far as characters go, CiCi was okay, she meant well, but was not strong as a sleuth. Her romantic relationships throughout the story were questionable. In the end, I DID like this read. 3.5 stars.
This copy was provided by NetGalley and Sunlake Press (IBPA) in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2013
I think that I usually do a good job of suspending disbelief when reading or watching a movie. Usually makes the whole experience more fun. I just couldn't do it for Liquid Lies. In fact I couldn't finish it, which is almost unheard of for me. The far-fetched decisions made by the various characters coupled with coincidences that are beyond the imagination were far beyond ignoring and scream how badly the writer struggled to create a workable timeline. Spoiler alert: Consider this scene; "Let's race around the lake in the maiden voyage of my new speedboat - at night. What was that? Oh, we bumped into the dis-embodied head of my best friend from high school." That wasn't the first episode like that but that was the one that I couldn't get past.
Skip this one. While almost free on Kindle, your time has value, too.
Skip this one. While almost free on Kindle, your time has value, too.
December 1, 2015
This book was a little predictable. I enjoy the typical cozy mystery that always involves that impossible romance. It's worth reading, the characters are enjoyable and lovable.
November 22, 2012
I was sent this free from the publishers, Sunlake Press. I was looking forward to reading it as its the type of book I normally like, however I was a tad disappointed. It kicks of with a good start, introducing us to Cecilia and Francesca, best friends out for a birthday. CiCi as Cecilia prefers to be called just can't say no to her friend, Francesca, which really is the main fault with her. After a flat-tyre and a run-in with a trucker, they end up making a pact and then not speaking to each other for four years.
The story skips over these four years and starts when Francesca re-enters CiCi's life. Again she is unable to say no to her and this leads to more complications, a murder, a blackmailer and just to cap it off, another murder.
All these things could have been avoided if CiCi had been able to say no to her friend. Instead she finds herself with a police officer who thinks she's the killer, a fiance who decides to break things off and a new guy who could be either the killer, the blackmailer or both. Oh and she's finds herself falling for him.
The middle part of this story is a little slow and boggy, it takes its time to get going and then just when you think it's not going to take off, it does just that. You get dragged to the end of the story, where we find out just who has done what and why, then to top it off with a bit of sugar, we get a happy ending.
I would recommend this to anyone who is just wanting to dip their toe into a crime/thriller that's a light and easy read.
The story skips over these four years and starts when Francesca re-enters CiCi's life. Again she is unable to say no to her and this leads to more complications, a murder, a blackmailer and just to cap it off, another murder.
All these things could have been avoided if CiCi had been able to say no to her friend. Instead she finds herself with a police officer who thinks she's the killer, a fiance who decides to break things off and a new guy who could be either the killer, the blackmailer or both. Oh and she's finds herself falling for him.
The middle part of this story is a little slow and boggy, it takes its time to get going and then just when you think it's not going to take off, it does just that. You get dragged to the end of the story, where we find out just who has done what and why, then to top it off with a bit of sugar, we get a happy ending.
I would recommend this to anyone who is just wanting to dip their toe into a crime/thriller that's a light and easy read.
February 11, 2014
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
Despite the promising premise, this book just did not click very well with me. It wasn't horribly bad. In fact, for the most part, the writing was okay. But, there were some issues that took away from my pleasure in reading it.
For a twenty-two-year-old, CiCi certainly acted quite immature at times. Her attempts at humour during serious situations felt inappropriate and quite juvenile.
A lot of the "startling" revelations and even the murderer were foreshadowed well before they were revealed, so the ending did not come as a surprise. And, speaking of the climatic scene, I again found CiCi's sense of humour annoying.
Mark, her other best friend, was a sweet, likeable guy, but a little naive and gullible. Jacob was okay, but I didn't really feel the romantic connection between him and CiCi. Aunt Estelle and her friend, Hazel, were both quirky characters that added some lighthearted humour to the story.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this story more, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Other readers may find it much more to their taste than I did.
Despite the promising premise, this book just did not click very well with me. It wasn't horribly bad. In fact, for the most part, the writing was okay. But, there were some issues that took away from my pleasure in reading it.
For a twenty-two-year-old, CiCi certainly acted quite immature at times. Her attempts at humour during serious situations felt inappropriate and quite juvenile.
A lot of the "startling" revelations and even the murderer were foreshadowed well before they were revealed, so the ending did not come as a surprise. And, speaking of the climatic scene, I again found CiCi's sense of humour annoying.
Mark, her other best friend, was a sweet, likeable guy, but a little naive and gullible. Jacob was okay, but I didn't really feel the romantic connection between him and CiCi. Aunt Estelle and her friend, Hazel, were both quirky characters that added some lighthearted humour to the story.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this story more, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Other readers may find it much more to their taste than I did.
May 19, 2013
Given the 2 star rating it's easy to assume that this is a bad book. That is not the case. Liquid Lies is a short read about a woman named Cici harboring a horrible secret with an old high school friend that is coming to surface. Cici figures she is on the list of potential victims and is determined to find the killer before they find her.
Liquid Lies is extremely short so I won't give anything away. The plot is actually pretty interesting and the twists that the author Lois Lavrisa sets up are none I would see coming. This is a good mystery for someone on the go and needs to pass a couple hours time.
The reason for the 2-star rating is because there is a lack of depth. The situations seemed rushed and there was never a chance to actually care for any of the characters. Not even Cici who is narrating the whole goings on. There's also the niggling that Cici seems younger than she is supposed to be.
Overall, there isn't anything horrible about this novel. Liquid Lies pretty well written.This novel would be best suited for fans of Young Adult or someone who's in for a quick read at the beach.
Liquid Lies is extremely short so I won't give anything away. The plot is actually pretty interesting and the twists that the author Lois Lavrisa sets up are none I would see coming. This is a good mystery for someone on the go and needs to pass a couple hours time.
The reason for the 2-star rating is because there is a lack of depth. The situations seemed rushed and there was never a chance to actually care for any of the characters. Not even Cici who is narrating the whole goings on. There's also the niggling that Cici seems younger than she is supposed to be.
Overall, there isn't anything horrible about this novel. Liquid Lies pretty well written.This novel would be best suited for fans of Young Adult or someone who's in for a quick read at the beach.
January 18, 2013
This book was not bad, but also not great. It starts off 4 years earlier when CiCi and her best friend Francesca were celebrating the latter's 18th birthday. By the end of the night, a their innocence was gone and their friendship over. And now, 4 years later, someone has come forward to blackmail them. Soon the mystery grows and bodies are piling up.
Many of the reviewers say the book is hilarious. I did not notice any hilarity. Yeah, CiCi's aunt is a lousy cook. But the joke was not ha-ha funny at all. Also, when the book started, there seemed to be an abundance of hunky men around CiCi. But I quickly figured who she would end up with. I also guessed who the killer was, about half way through the book.My last minor complaint is that the author's writing was not smooth, but rather choppy. I do no plan on reading any more of her books.
Many of the reviewers say the book is hilarious. I did not notice any hilarity. Yeah, CiCi's aunt is a lousy cook. But the joke was not ha-ha funny at all. Also, when the book started, there seemed to be an abundance of hunky men around CiCi. But I quickly figured who she would end up with. I also guessed who the killer was, about half way through the book.My last minor complaint is that the author's writing was not smooth, but rather choppy. I do no plan on reading any more of her books.
October 15, 2013
I am a little conflicted about this book. While I was reading it, I thought it was suitable for a younger reader, except maybe for the minor sex scenes involved. The story and main character seemed to be almost cheerful and strangely upbeat considering how many deaths there were, and the facts that CiCi lost two of her best friends and broke up with her fiance she had been in a relationship with for like ten years. Over all, it was entertaining, with a bit of goofy humor and a relatively good plot idea. I wouldn't consider it a serious read. I guess the up side is, you can read about all the bad things that happen and still manage to smile at the end.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2012
Murder, blackmail, young and old people, and powerful people all make this story an exciting rollercoaster ride. Just how many secrets do you and your best friend share and how many could come back to haunt you? Cici and her best friend went on an adventure years ago and it turned bad so they haven't seen each other since then. The secret about that day comes back to haunt Cici and her friend in the form of blackmail and then murder happens. The characters in this book come to life and the story holds you captive trying to guess who is the blackmailer and who is the murderer. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a lover of mysteries, suspense or thrillers.
May 22, 2012
Liquid Lies is one of those books that when you start it, it's hard to put down. Secrets can be destructive which CiCi gets to know very well. I liked that the book was written in the first person because it made me feel like I was as much involved as the character. Well-written, fast-paced, suspenseful, in fact everything one could ask in a mystery, this was a no-brainer to rate…5 stars!
May 5, 2021
I listened to this on audiobook.
This was an enjoyable and entertaining story, abeit a little far fetched at times re some of the instances that happened.
The story was relatively easy going not to taxing or complicated storyplot so very easy listening. I did guess who the murder was but not his motive so that was fun to discover.
This was an enjoyable and entertaining story, abeit a little far fetched at times re some of the instances that happened.
The story was relatively easy going not to taxing or complicated storyplot so very easy listening. I did guess who the murder was but not his motive so that was fun to discover.
March 5, 2018
I received a free copy from NetGalley. A little predictable. Nothing too gross or scary, with a cute guy who may be good or may be bad thrown in for good measure. A nice read during a storm or on the beach.
June 13, 2020
A story with many twists. A mistake when 2 girls were young, comes back to haunt and blackmail them when older. Murder and can the one find the killer. A life now torn apart. Good mystery with some humor.
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
February 10, 2024
A good story but was more like a Nancy Drew adult version. Lots of typos. I enjoyed the main character's sense of humor and her passion. She tries to find a killer while keeping a big secret. I probably won't read more by this author as it was too unlikely.
July 16, 2025
This was an enjoyable mystery with a few twists and turns. My favorite characters were Hazel and Estelle because of their antics.
Many thanks to Sunlake Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Many thanks to Sunlake Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 23, 2018
Received a free copy for a review. Entertaining and fun with interesting characters.
November 12, 2020
great book gripping
April 20, 2022
Not sure I understand the poor reviews - This was a real edge of your seat page turner for me !
December 28, 2022
Good read
This was a very good book. I truly enjoyed it. I will follow this arthur. This book has everything I enjoy in a book. Suspense, romance, murder and mayhem. Very good.
This was a very good book. I truly enjoyed it. I will follow this arthur. This book has everything I enjoy in a book. Suspense, romance, murder and mayhem. Very good.
September 26, 2025
This book was obvious from the door and the protagonist was an idiot, as were most the characters. I'm glad it was short, as it was painful!
June 17, 2022
Liquid Lies by Lois Vavrisa is a fun romantic murder mystery. The characters are likeable, and I get the impression that Lavrisa is not averse to killing off even the most likeable of characters. This is a good thing. There were a couple of clever twists in the plotline that were only a bit unbelievable. I thorougly enjoyed the lighthearted fare.
August 10, 2012
I received a free download of "liquid Lies" by Lois Lavrisa through the Free Par-Tay, to read on my Kindle.
I loved this book.Best friends CiCi and Francesca went out on the town, to celebrate Francesca's 18th birthday.Ken, CiCi's boyfriend, had bought the girls concert tickets and everything for the girls last night out together, as Francesca was moving the next day to Europe, to live with her Aunt.But when they experienced car problems, they pulled into a truck stop, and CiCi changed the tire.Francesca was the wild one, and she hooked up with a trucker, who said he had some beer in the cab, and they could extend the party.But things go from bad to worse.But when the trucker tied to attack Francesca in the cab,both girls defended themselves. They hit him over the head with a tire iron laying on the floor of the cab.Needless to say...he was dead and they had to get out of there fast.They made a pact between themselves to never tell anyone about this night, and what had happened.
Four years later, CiCi is working for a tow company that ran the mail boat and jet ski rental company on Round Lake.This is a summer job for both her and friend Mark,the Captain, who is studying to be a mortician.At this point CiCi is engaged to Dr.Ken Wilson, her high school sweetheart.Then Francesca comes back from Europe, and tells CiCi that she is being blackmailed...so she tells CiCi Police or Payoff? The blackmailer says if the money isn't dropped off that night, the police will be notified.What choice do they have? Francesca pulls the money out of her trust fund, and CiCi must do the drop-off.Later, CiCi goes for a boat ride with Ken, on his new boat...but they discovered Francesca's decapitated lifeless body floating in the water.CiCi is determined to find the blackmailer and the killer.
2 Girls with a secret and one is dead.This was a super well written mystery suspense thriller.I was glued to the book right from from the start.
I loved this book.Best friends CiCi and Francesca went out on the town, to celebrate Francesca's 18th birthday.Ken, CiCi's boyfriend, had bought the girls concert tickets and everything for the girls last night out together, as Francesca was moving the next day to Europe, to live with her Aunt.But when they experienced car problems, they pulled into a truck stop, and CiCi changed the tire.Francesca was the wild one, and she hooked up with a trucker, who said he had some beer in the cab, and they could extend the party.But things go from bad to worse.But when the trucker tied to attack Francesca in the cab,both girls defended themselves. They hit him over the head with a tire iron laying on the floor of the cab.Needless to say...he was dead and they had to get out of there fast.They made a pact between themselves to never tell anyone about this night, and what had happened.
Four years later, CiCi is working for a tow company that ran the mail boat and jet ski rental company on Round Lake.This is a summer job for both her and friend Mark,the Captain, who is studying to be a mortician.At this point CiCi is engaged to Dr.Ken Wilson, her high school sweetheart.Then Francesca comes back from Europe, and tells CiCi that she is being blackmailed...so she tells CiCi Police or Payoff? The blackmailer says if the money isn't dropped off that night, the police will be notified.What choice do they have? Francesca pulls the money out of her trust fund, and CiCi must do the drop-off.Later, CiCi goes for a boat ride with Ken, on his new boat...but they discovered Francesca's decapitated lifeless body floating in the water.CiCi is determined to find the blackmailer and the killer.
2 Girls with a secret and one is dead.This was a super well written mystery suspense thriller.I was glued to the book right from from the start.
March 12, 2013
Liquid Lies
Overview
One dead body.
One girl with a deadly secret.
Body count rising. Can she find the killer before she’s the next target?
Review
***
Liquid Lies is a mystery/suspense novel about 2 best friends, Cecilia Coe known as CiCi and Francesca, the Mayor’s daughter. All was going well until the night of Francesca’s 18th birthday. Due to an error of judgement, furthered by alcohol the girls get into the cab of a trucker, who reveals an unpleasant trait of character. The resulting actions destroy the girl’s friendship and Francesca leaves America for France.
Four years on and CiCi is enjoying life, having a job she is good at and now engaged to Ken, a local doctor. Unfortunately, Francesca’s reappearance sets off a trail of unfortunate events, resulting in murder.
CiCi’s character is quirky with a great sense of humour and although her thought processes are not ideally suited to an amateur sleuth, she muddles through her increasing list of suspects.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Lois Lavrisa and I did enjoy it but not as much as I thought I would when I started. The characters are interesting and I liked the eccentricity of Aunt Estelle and Hazel, also the long suffering Detective Wurkowski, who displayed great patience albeit, tinged with exasperation. Mark, CiCi’s new best friend was charming but gullible. However, without giving away the plot, I was surprised that a number of days were allowed to lapse before CiCi met up with the murderer. There were a number of twists but I wasn’t surprised by the ending, having worked out in advance who was who.
I would recommend Liquid Lies for a short, light read; it’s not a heavy thriller but has some quirky characters.
Overview
One dead body.
One girl with a deadly secret.
Body count rising. Can she find the killer before she’s the next target?
Review
***
Liquid Lies is a mystery/suspense novel about 2 best friends, Cecilia Coe known as CiCi and Francesca, the Mayor’s daughter. All was going well until the night of Francesca’s 18th birthday. Due to an error of judgement, furthered by alcohol the girls get into the cab of a trucker, who reveals an unpleasant trait of character. The resulting actions destroy the girl’s friendship and Francesca leaves America for France.
Four years on and CiCi is enjoying life, having a job she is good at and now engaged to Ken, a local doctor. Unfortunately, Francesca’s reappearance sets off a trail of unfortunate events, resulting in murder.
CiCi’s character is quirky with a great sense of humour and although her thought processes are not ideally suited to an amateur sleuth, she muddles through her increasing list of suspects.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Lois Lavrisa and I did enjoy it but not as much as I thought I would when I started. The characters are interesting and I liked the eccentricity of Aunt Estelle and Hazel, also the long suffering Detective Wurkowski, who displayed great patience albeit, tinged with exasperation. Mark, CiCi’s new best friend was charming but gullible. However, without giving away the plot, I was surprised that a number of days were allowed to lapse before CiCi met up with the murderer. There were a number of twists but I wasn’t surprised by the ending, having worked out in advance who was who.
I would recommend Liquid Lies for a short, light read; it’s not a heavy thriller but has some quirky characters.
September 21, 2012
“Liquid Lies” by Lois Lavrisa is a gut-churning, suspense-filled murder mystery, that reminded me why I used to be such an avid fan of murder mysteries.
Best friends Francesca and CiCi had spent the day celebrating Francesca’s eighteenth birthday, prior to her leaving for a four-year European experience, when things suddenly went horribly wrong. The two girls promised each other they would never, ever talk about what happened to anybody, ever, for any reason, period.
When next the story picks up, the four years have passed, and Francesca is back in town. Out of the blue, things suddenly go horribly wrong again, even worse than before, and now Francesca is no more. What happened to her? Did it have anything to do with what happened four years earlier? Did something happen in Europe that came back to haunt her? What about her rumored affair with an older married man known only as “Ace”?
I have often prided myself on my ability to figure out ‘whodunit’ early in any murder mystery. Not so with Liquid Lies. There are 46 chapters in this book, and I think I was ‘certain’ who the killer was in each chapter. However, it was a different person in each chapter that I was convinced was the guilty party!
The clues mounted throughout the book, but always seemed to point to a new culprit. In the end – the surprisingly twisty end, I might add – it all came together perfectly. But I spent an awful lot of time concerned the wrong person was going to prison for the crime(s) she did not commit.
If you enjoy a good, suspenseful murder mystery, full of thrills, chills, and spills, you need to read Liquid Lies. I very much recommend this book to anybody who thinks he/she can handle the suspense!
Best friends Francesca and CiCi had spent the day celebrating Francesca’s eighteenth birthday, prior to her leaving for a four-year European experience, when things suddenly went horribly wrong. The two girls promised each other they would never, ever talk about what happened to anybody, ever, for any reason, period.
When next the story picks up, the four years have passed, and Francesca is back in town. Out of the blue, things suddenly go horribly wrong again, even worse than before, and now Francesca is no more. What happened to her? Did it have anything to do with what happened four years earlier? Did something happen in Europe that came back to haunt her? What about her rumored affair with an older married man known only as “Ace”?
I have often prided myself on my ability to figure out ‘whodunit’ early in any murder mystery. Not so with Liquid Lies. There are 46 chapters in this book, and I think I was ‘certain’ who the killer was in each chapter. However, it was a different person in each chapter that I was convinced was the guilty party!
The clues mounted throughout the book, but always seemed to point to a new culprit. In the end – the surprisingly twisty end, I might add – it all came together perfectly. But I spent an awful lot of time concerned the wrong person was going to prison for the crime(s) she did not commit.
If you enjoy a good, suspenseful murder mystery, full of thrills, chills, and spills, you need to read Liquid Lies. I very much recommend this book to anybody who thinks he/she can handle the suspense!
December 3, 2014
2 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
"Teenage best friends CiCi and Francesca made a decision that haunted them for the rest of their lives. What started as a celebration of Francesca's eighteenth birthday became a tragedy with repercussions neither could ever have imagined. Four years later, after keeping the incident buried, a blackmailer enters their lives, threatening to expose their secret. In the idyllic resort town of Round Lake, Jet Skiers, swimmers and boaters center their lives on their upscale waterfront homes in their picturesque, peaceful Wisconsin town.
Who would expect it to be torn apart by the selfish decisions of the wealthy few? Who would guess that underneath this picture of serenity lay murder, deceit--and more murder? Liquid Lies combines mystery's twists and unexpected turns with a touching coming of age story. As CiCi finds herself in the midst of a hideous chain of events, she must wrestle with lies and their unintended consequences. In the process she confronts her own worst demons, finding herself enveloped in a turbulent vortex of events. Armed only with her own integrity and willingness to take responsibility for her past mistakes, CiCi must make amends for the past to secure her future." (From Amazon)
The first person perspective of Cici is not that great. Her inner thoughts did not help the story flow or add any entertainment. There was not much suspense to heighten the story and the romance fell flat. The author was trying to steer the reader to not trust him and I thought he came off creepy even when I knew he was not the killer.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
"Teenage best friends CiCi and Francesca made a decision that haunted them for the rest of their lives. What started as a celebration of Francesca's eighteenth birthday became a tragedy with repercussions neither could ever have imagined. Four years later, after keeping the incident buried, a blackmailer enters their lives, threatening to expose their secret. In the idyllic resort town of Round Lake, Jet Skiers, swimmers and boaters center their lives on their upscale waterfront homes in their picturesque, peaceful Wisconsin town.
Who would expect it to be torn apart by the selfish decisions of the wealthy few? Who would guess that underneath this picture of serenity lay murder, deceit--and more murder? Liquid Lies combines mystery's twists and unexpected turns with a touching coming of age story. As CiCi finds herself in the midst of a hideous chain of events, she must wrestle with lies and their unintended consequences. In the process she confronts her own worst demons, finding herself enveloped in a turbulent vortex of events. Armed only with her own integrity and willingness to take responsibility for her past mistakes, CiCi must make amends for the past to secure her future." (From Amazon)
The first person perspective of Cici is not that great. Her inner thoughts did not help the story flow or add any entertainment. There was not much suspense to heighten the story and the romance fell flat. The author was trying to steer the reader to not trust him and I thought he came off creepy even when I knew he was not the killer.
May 7, 2013
Lately it seems as though all I have been reading is related to the paranormal in some way or another. Now that is all to the good but I am unable to maintain that as a steady diet or they will all start to run together. My genre of choice to break things up is romantic suspense. I find that they tend to shake loose any preconceived notions especially if the zombies aren't behind the local rash of killings.
And they aren't in LIQUID LIES. This is a very smooth romantic suspense with a lot of twists in turns. I very much enjoyed meet CiCi and her unusual cast of friends. And she would be the last person that I would expect to be running about trying to find out just who and why the murder was committed.
LIQUID LIES is a book with great characters, danger coming from all directions and a lot of unanswered questions. And let's not forget that even though I thought that I had the villain figured out a few times and was wrong. All the ingredients for a romantic suspense and Ms. Lavrisa does deliver.
I am just left with a few unanswered questions bugging me such as why would a tiny resort town need a top of the line cardiac center? And the one that bugs me the most is how flighty CiCi's emotions seem to be in the game of love and this is after she is pictured as the sensible one. I found these to be plot devices that really caused me to question the story rather then be taken along for the ride. I rate this book a 3.2.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
And they aren't in LIQUID LIES. This is a very smooth romantic suspense with a lot of twists in turns. I very much enjoyed meet CiCi and her unusual cast of friends. And she would be the last person that I would expect to be running about trying to find out just who and why the murder was committed.
LIQUID LIES is a book with great characters, danger coming from all directions and a lot of unanswered questions. And let's not forget that even though I thought that I had the villain figured out a few times and was wrong. All the ingredients for a romantic suspense and Ms. Lavrisa does deliver.
I am just left with a few unanswered questions bugging me such as why would a tiny resort town need a top of the line cardiac center? And the one that bugs me the most is how flighty CiCi's emotions seem to be in the game of love and this is after she is pictured as the sensible one. I found these to be plot devices that really caused me to question the story rather then be taken along for the ride. I rate this book a 3.2.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
April 3, 2013
On their last night together, best friends CiCi and Francesca end up at a truck stop fixing a flat tire. Cici is going to university and Francesca is going to Paris the next day. A creepy trucker invites them into his truck for a drink and they go. Really?!!? After suggesting a foursome with his son, he puts the moves on them and they end up killing him because he won't let them out of his truck. Seriously??!!
That's just the start of this book and I kept hoping it would get better.
The story picks up four years later. Francesca is getting blackmailed for the incident and demands CiCi make the payment (of only $20,000!). The next thing you know, CiCi and her boyfriend run into Francesca's head in the water in their boat. Yes, her head!
I tried to stick with it but the story was getting worse and the writing just wasn't grabbing me. I tried to read ahead to see "whodunnit" but eventually didn't care enough to find out.
That's just the start of this book and I kept hoping it would get better.
The story picks up four years later. Francesca is getting blackmailed for the incident and demands CiCi make the payment (of only $20,000!). The next thing you know, CiCi and her boyfriend run into Francesca's head in the water in their boat. Yes, her head!
I tried to stick with it but the story was getting worse and the writing just wasn't grabbing me. I tried to read ahead to see "whodunnit" but eventually didn't care enough to find out.
Read
May 12, 2012In a small lake community where CiCi lives with her aunt, she and her best friend, the mayor's daughter, go to a concert to celebrate high school graduation. In the parking lot of a diner the friend insists on going to a truckers truck, just for fun. The trucker attacks the girls and the trucker is killed by the fried. Fast forward 4 years after college and the friend returns home. She sees CiCi and demands she put blackmail money under a bench. She leaves. CiCi complies. When CiCi and her then fiancé are out on his new boat, they find the friends head in the water. CiCi's best friend, a guy, is murdered too. A new handyman, Jacob, is in town. It turns out that he is the truckers son. Jacob and CiCi get together and the mayor is the murderer.
October 27, 2012
I have to say, this is one of the better mystery novels that I have read. Lois did an exceptional job with this book.
When I first started reading this, I planned on setting it down after the first couple of chapters. But before I knew it, a couple hours passed and I was reading well into the night.
The story kept moving and didn’t have hundreds of pages of useless fluff that many other books seem so fond of. I understand what the author was doing and she pulled it off very well.
Great book and I will be keeping an eye on this author to see what other books she comes out with.
Highly recommended!
When I first started reading this, I planned on setting it down after the first couple of chapters. But before I knew it, a couple hours passed and I was reading well into the night.
The story kept moving and didn’t have hundreds of pages of useless fluff that many other books seem so fond of. I understand what the author was doing and she pulled it off very well.
Great book and I will be keeping an eye on this author to see what other books she comes out with.
Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews