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The Weight of Lies
In this gripping, atmospheric family drama, a young woman investigates the forty-year-old murder that inspired her mother’s bestselling novel, and uncovers devastating truths—and dangerous lies.
Reformed party girl Meg Ashley leads a life of a privilege, thanks to a bestselling horror novel her mother wrote decades ago. But Meg knows that the glow of their very public life hides a darker reality of lies, manipulation, and the heartbreak of her own solitary childhood. Desperate to break free of her mother, Meg accepts a proposal to write a scandalous, tell-all memoir.
Digging into the past—and her mother’s cult classic—draws Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia and an unusual woman said to be the inspiration for the book. At first, island life seems idyllic, but as Meg starts to ask tough questions, disturbing revelations come to light…including some about her mother.
Soon, Meg’s search leads her to question the facts of a decades-old murder. She’s warned to leave it alone, but as the lies pile up, Meg knows she’s getting close to finding a murderer. When her own life is threatened, Meg realizes the darkness found in her mother’s book is nothing compared to the chilling truth that lurks off the page.
Reformed party girl Meg Ashley leads a life of a privilege, thanks to a bestselling horror novel her mother wrote decades ago. But Meg knows that the glow of their very public life hides a darker reality of lies, manipulation, and the heartbreak of her own solitary childhood. Desperate to break free of her mother, Meg accepts a proposal to write a scandalous, tell-all memoir.
Digging into the past—and her mother’s cult classic—draws Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia and an unusual woman said to be the inspiration for the book. At first, island life seems idyllic, but as Meg starts to ask tough questions, disturbing revelations come to light…including some about her mother.
Soon, Meg’s search leads her to question the facts of a decades-old murder. She’s warned to leave it alone, but as the lies pile up, Meg knows she’s getting close to finding a murderer. When her own life is threatened, Meg realizes the darkness found in her mother’s book is nothing compared to the chilling truth that lurks off the page.
372 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2017
3630 people are currently reading
11257 people want to read
About the author
Emily Carpenter
18 books1,211 followersEMILY CARPENTER BIO:
Emily Carpenter is the critically acclaimed, Amazon bestselling author of suspense novels, Burying the Honeysuckle Girls, The Weight of Lies (which received starred reviews by both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly), Every Single Secret, Until the Day I Die, all released by Lake Union. Her most recent release is REVIVING THE HAWTHORN SISTERS, which Publishers Weekly called a “refreshingly modern gothic tale” and Kirkus called “an exciting, gothic-tinged quest.” After graduating from Auburn with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, she moved to New York City. She’s worked as an actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant for the CBS shows, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. She’s a member of Tall Poppy Writers, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her family. You can visit Emily at emilycarpenterauthor.com and on Facebook and Twitter (@EmilyDCarpenter) and Instagram (@emily.d.c).
Emily Carpenter is the critically acclaimed, Amazon bestselling author of suspense novels, Burying the Honeysuckle Girls, The Weight of Lies (which received starred reviews by both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly), Every Single Secret, Until the Day I Die, all released by Lake Union. Her most recent release is REVIVING THE HAWTHORN SISTERS, which Publishers Weekly called a “refreshingly modern gothic tale” and Kirkus called “an exciting, gothic-tinged quest.” After graduating from Auburn with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, she moved to New York City. She’s worked as an actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant for the CBS shows, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. She’s a member of Tall Poppy Writers, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her family. You can visit Emily at emilycarpenterauthor.com and on Facebook and Twitter (@EmilyDCarpenter) and Instagram (@emily.d.c).
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February 6, 2019
Oh, excuse me. I was busy staring at that gorgeous cover. I've actually been eyeballing that cover ever since we posted the reveal on this blog a few months back; it's what initially drew me into wanting to read the book. This is most certainly a book you can judge by the cover because it's brilliant! Be prepared for a gushing, swooning, fangirling review of the most exciting sense. This was a very structured, complex book, so I'm going to break it down below for you, spoiler free of course. If you choose not to read the full review, just note that this book comes highly recommended from me and is in the running for one of my top reads of 2017!
First let's touch on the plot. Yes, I know, I hardly ever discuss the plot points of the stories I review, but this one needs a small discussion to prepare the reader for what they are in for, a large dose of exciting and unique storytelling. If you read the blurb above then you realize that the main plot involves protagonist Meg, daughter to mega superstar and horror writer Frances Ashley (think fame level of Stephen King but hyped up a bit more). Bonus points as our main character is a person of color and issues of racism/sexism are incorporated into the plot, so this is no sugar coated "white person saves the day" ordeal. *hand clap* The main plot in it's most basic sense involves Meg trying to uncover secrets about her mother and the book she wrote in relation to real life crimes that occurred at the "real life" hotel that is a setting in her book. Still with me? Great. Next comes the alternating chapters; these are excerpts from Frances Ashley's book titled Kitten and correspond with the main plot chapters in a way that you'll pick up on as you read the book. While we're on the subject of Kitten, I must say that I found myself so intrigued in this inception like book-within-a-book ordeal that I feel a companion novel of the entire Kitten story would be something I'd devour in an instant. Yes, most of the mystery is revealed in The Weight of Lies: A Novel, but I think it would be a mind blowing read even knowing what I already know about the book. To sum it up, these two components, along with a handful of blog posts from fan sites, are what comprise TWOL. I know it sounds confusing, but I promise as you read it makes complete sense and flows well.
This was a wonderfully diverse book that touched on a good bit of tough issues that are comprised in a fictional account, yet examples of real world problems we currently face. Much of the story focuses on various Native American tribes and the atrocities that were committed against them and what was stolen from them. I absolutely love how Emily has written a story that slaps you in the face with reality; here you will not find hand holding and you must check your white privilege at the door, yet on the flip side there is also not a sense of white shaming here. This was simply a story stating how things are without apology and I find it encouraging. It is always refreshing for me to read about the struggles faced by people of different backgrounds and races than my own; I think it's important to be consistently reminded that, while I didn't have a say in my DNA, I can choose to use my voice to make other's heard.
The thing that stood out most to me in regards to the plot is it's simultaneous complexity and compulsiveness. There are quite literally no words I have to describe what I just read; I simply want to hand a book to all fans of psychological suspense and say "Read this so we can talk about it and use all the words I can't in my spoiler free review". I've not read a book anywhere close to this before; it has the creepy vibe and unique formatting of Night Film, the in depth characterization of a Gillian Flynn novel, all while somehow seeming more intelligent than either of those with a flare of it's own pizazz. You caught me, I've been waiting to use the word pizazz for months now in a review. My point is, this book gives you the satiety of a book that is layered with robust characters and a growing sense of dread all while having the quick pace and laid back air of a book that isn't pretentious or pompous. I flew through the pages, and when I wasn't reading the book I was thinking about it, donning my detective cap and trying to solve multiple mysteries at once. I may have contemplated using our basement as one of those crime scene rooms at the police station with all the pictures on the wall and red yarn. Mr. Humphrey said no. :(
I think I've rambled long enough, but my main point is READ THE DANG BOOK! I know, it doesn't come out for a few months, but pre-order it! This is one that is worth purchasing, trust me. I can't sing praises highly enough for this novel; I truly loved Carpenter's Burying the Honeysuckle Girls last year and was so pleased to have found that her books just get better (if that's possible) with each one she writes. My brain can't comprehend how she kept everything straight to formulate the structure for this book, but let's just say I'm glad it was her and not me. I truly didn't have the ending figured out and was very pleased with the entire plot, beginning to end. Well done and I'm so excited to read more reviews on this one as it's let loose into the wild!
*Many thanks to Emily for my early copy; it was a delight and a privilege to read it so early and I can't wait to see what your brilliant brain dreams up next! <3
First let's touch on the plot. Yes, I know, I hardly ever discuss the plot points of the stories I review, but this one needs a small discussion to prepare the reader for what they are in for, a large dose of exciting and unique storytelling. If you read the blurb above then you realize that the main plot involves protagonist Meg, daughter to mega superstar and horror writer Frances Ashley (think fame level of Stephen King but hyped up a bit more). Bonus points as our main character is a person of color and issues of racism/sexism are incorporated into the plot, so this is no sugar coated "white person saves the day" ordeal. *hand clap* The main plot in it's most basic sense involves Meg trying to uncover secrets about her mother and the book she wrote in relation to real life crimes that occurred at the "real life" hotel that is a setting in her book. Still with me? Great. Next comes the alternating chapters; these are excerpts from Frances Ashley's book titled Kitten and correspond with the main plot chapters in a way that you'll pick up on as you read the book. While we're on the subject of Kitten, I must say that I found myself so intrigued in this inception like book-within-a-book ordeal that I feel a companion novel of the entire Kitten story would be something I'd devour in an instant. Yes, most of the mystery is revealed in The Weight of Lies: A Novel, but I think it would be a mind blowing read even knowing what I already know about the book. To sum it up, these two components, along with a handful of blog posts from fan sites, are what comprise TWOL. I know it sounds confusing, but I promise as you read it makes complete sense and flows well.
This was a wonderfully diverse book that touched on a good bit of tough issues that are comprised in a fictional account, yet examples of real world problems we currently face. Much of the story focuses on various Native American tribes and the atrocities that were committed against them and what was stolen from them. I absolutely love how Emily has written a story that slaps you in the face with reality; here you will not find hand holding and you must check your white privilege at the door, yet on the flip side there is also not a sense of white shaming here. This was simply a story stating how things are without apology and I find it encouraging. It is always refreshing for me to read about the struggles faced by people of different backgrounds and races than my own; I think it's important to be consistently reminded that, while I didn't have a say in my DNA, I can choose to use my voice to make other's heard.
The thing that stood out most to me in regards to the plot is it's simultaneous complexity and compulsiveness. There are quite literally no words I have to describe what I just read; I simply want to hand a book to all fans of psychological suspense and say "Read this so we can talk about it and use all the words I can't in my spoiler free review". I've not read a book anywhere close to this before; it has the creepy vibe and unique formatting of Night Film, the in depth characterization of a Gillian Flynn novel, all while somehow seeming more intelligent than either of those with a flare of it's own pizazz. You caught me, I've been waiting to use the word pizazz for months now in a review. My point is, this book gives you the satiety of a book that is layered with robust characters and a growing sense of dread all while having the quick pace and laid back air of a book that isn't pretentious or pompous. I flew through the pages, and when I wasn't reading the book I was thinking about it, donning my detective cap and trying to solve multiple mysteries at once. I may have contemplated using our basement as one of those crime scene rooms at the police station with all the pictures on the wall and red yarn. Mr. Humphrey said no. :(
I think I've rambled long enough, but my main point is READ THE DANG BOOK! I know, it doesn't come out for a few months, but pre-order it! This is one that is worth purchasing, trust me. I can't sing praises highly enough for this novel; I truly loved Carpenter's Burying the Honeysuckle Girls last year and was so pleased to have found that her books just get better (if that's possible) with each one she writes. My brain can't comprehend how she kept everything straight to formulate the structure for this book, but let's just say I'm glad it was her and not me. I truly didn't have the ending figured out and was very pleased with the entire plot, beginning to end. Well done and I'm so excited to read more reviews on this one as it's let loose into the wild!
*Many thanks to Emily for my early copy; it was a delight and a privilege to read it so early and I can't wait to see what your brilliant brain dreams up next! <3
June 8, 2017
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
3.5 stars
The description of this book had me wanting to read it right away. There are also many positive reviews for this book right now. I wondered if I would love it as much as everyone else.
Megan (Meg) is partying with friends in Las Vegas. Celebrating a friends recent divorce. Sitting around the pool relaxing when someone brings her an envelope. Right away she knows what the elegant envelope is.
"A bomb. The kind that explodes without making a sound. The kind that destroys".
As soon as she sees it she starts feeling the needles and pinpricks, what feels like stinging wasps on her fingers and toes, aching, eventually most of her extremities would go numb. She's done some online searches about this neuropathy but hasn't yet sought out medical attention. Her mother favored doctors but she doesn't. Meg says she's an otherwise perfectly healthy twenty-four year old. Usually it only happens when she's stressed.
The envelope = stress
It's on her mother's favorite stationary. To say her relationship with her mother, Frances is strained is putting it mildly. They clash, always have. After a particularly brutal verbal altercation, they haven't spoken in three years.
So she's more than surprised to open the envelope and find an invitation to her mother's birthday. It's for the next day.
"Darling I miss you and love you. Please do come. Edgar isn't well".
Those words set Meg into motion.
Edgar...
She's also been waiting to find out if she's been hired by a company she has been volunteering with. She really wants the position she applied for. It's the most fulfilling work she's ever done. But mainly it offers INDEPENDENCE...something she's never experienced.
A story within a story...a book within a book - which may or may not be based on real events.
Before each chapter is an excerpt from the book "Kitten".
Kitten was an odd child.
"The child had some oddities - a few secretive tendencies and strange habits"
KITTEN is the book that haunted Meg's childhood. When she's given the option to challenge her mother AND the book....will she take it? Will she write the tell-all exposing her mother, her childhood, and only god knows what else?
I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about this book. I was definitely gripped by the story and quite often didn't want to put the book down. But I also found myself getting distracted with so much going on at once and I wasn't always sure if something was happening in the present or the past.
Overall, I did think this was an entertaining and unique story and I look forward to reading more from Emily Carpenter.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars
The description of this book had me wanting to read it right away. There are also many positive reviews for this book right now. I wondered if I would love it as much as everyone else.
Megan (Meg) is partying with friends in Las Vegas. Celebrating a friends recent divorce. Sitting around the pool relaxing when someone brings her an envelope. Right away she knows what the elegant envelope is.
"A bomb. The kind that explodes without making a sound. The kind that destroys".
As soon as she sees it she starts feeling the needles and pinpricks, what feels like stinging wasps on her fingers and toes, aching, eventually most of her extremities would go numb. She's done some online searches about this neuropathy but hasn't yet sought out medical attention. Her mother favored doctors but she doesn't. Meg says she's an otherwise perfectly healthy twenty-four year old. Usually it only happens when she's stressed.
The envelope = stress
It's on her mother's favorite stationary. To say her relationship with her mother, Frances is strained is putting it mildly. They clash, always have. After a particularly brutal verbal altercation, they haven't spoken in three years.
So she's more than surprised to open the envelope and find an invitation to her mother's birthday. It's for the next day.
"Darling I miss you and love you. Please do come. Edgar isn't well".
Those words set Meg into motion.
Edgar...
She's also been waiting to find out if she's been hired by a company she has been volunteering with. She really wants the position she applied for. It's the most fulfilling work she's ever done. But mainly it offers INDEPENDENCE...something she's never experienced.
A story within a story...a book within a book - which may or may not be based on real events.
Before each chapter is an excerpt from the book "Kitten".
Kitten was an odd child.
"The child had some oddities - a few secretive tendencies and strange habits"
KITTEN is the book that haunted Meg's childhood. When she's given the option to challenge her mother AND the book....will she take it? Will she write the tell-all exposing her mother, her childhood, and only god knows what else?
I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about this book. I was definitely gripped by the story and quite often didn't want to put the book down. But I also found myself getting distracted with so much going on at once and I wasn't always sure if something was happening in the present or the past.
Overall, I did think this was an entertaining and unique story and I look forward to reading more from Emily Carpenter.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2022
Frances Ashley, brilliant creator of monsters, was the biggest monster of them all. And I had to be free of her.
I keep moving back and forth between two and three stars for The Weight of Lies, and I may be feeling worse about it because I saw some really gushing reviews and just expected... more, but so much of this book did nothing for me.
The premise was really different and clever, which I can rarely say about mystery/thrillers. The chapters alternate between Meg Ashley investigating an old murder on which her mother-- famous author Frances Ashley --based her most beloved and hotly-debated book, Kitten, and snippets from the book itself.
Kitten has generated a cult following and inspired many amateur investigators to come up with their own theories, and now Meg is determined to find out the truth. Partly from curiosity, but more so that she can write a scathing exposé on her mother, deploring the cold, calculating person (and mother) she is.
Sounds good. Though I don't think the author took the excitement beyond the premise. Meg herself was quite dry and boring to me, and I really struggled to care about what the conclusion would be or whether Meg would get it on with Koa or if she would survive the whole ordeal. None of the characters are explored in any complex way.
I also thought the conclusion was weak and unexciting. While I didn't predict the twist, my reaction was more "uh" than "oh my god". And I was really confused about some of the quick turnarounds certain characters did at the end; far too easily earned forgiveness and dismissals of pretty awful betrayals, in my opinion. I found the behaviour of one of the main characters extremely inconsistent and didn't really buy the whole
Yeah, definitely no more than two stars.
June 24, 2017
2 stars. I had to push myself to finish this book.
After seeing so many great reviews, I had high hopes for this book and unfortunately it fell completely flat for me. I just couldn’t get into the storyline or the characters’ lives whatsoever. I didn’t like the main character Meg. She was spoiled, selfish, immature and grew to be quite annoying! I also found she did things that didn’t fit with her persona – her character was inconsistent for me. Even though her childhood was not a happy one, I could not sympathize with her.
The novel started off well. I liked the idea of the storyline and how it was a book about a book. I also liked the old manor house on the island and the atmosphere that was created. However, quite quickly the story became unrealistic and somewhat absurd. The love story seemed forced and awkward – it didn’t fit for me - I felt it was added to simply include some romance in the book.
I figured out one of the big twists early on in the book which NEVER happens for me (my GR friend Brenda would have been so proud of me – maybe Norma is rubbing off on me?? Haha!). This ended up taking away from the dramatic and implausible ending which fell completely flat for me.
I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this book, so please read other reviews before deciding on this one.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Carpenter for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
After seeing so many great reviews, I had high hopes for this book and unfortunately it fell completely flat for me. I just couldn’t get into the storyline or the characters’ lives whatsoever. I didn’t like the main character Meg. She was spoiled, selfish, immature and grew to be quite annoying! I also found she did things that didn’t fit with her persona – her character was inconsistent for me. Even though her childhood was not a happy one, I could not sympathize with her.
The novel started off well. I liked the idea of the storyline and how it was a book about a book. I also liked the old manor house on the island and the atmosphere that was created. However, quite quickly the story became unrealistic and somewhat absurd. The love story seemed forced and awkward – it didn’t fit for me - I felt it was added to simply include some romance in the book.
I figured out one of the big twists early on in the book which NEVER happens for me (my GR friend Brenda would have been so proud of me – maybe Norma is rubbing off on me?? Haha!). This ended up taking away from the dramatic and implausible ending which fell completely flat for me.
I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this book, so please read other reviews before deciding on this one.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Carpenter for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2017
The Weight of Lies is a gripping mystery/suspense about a wronged daughter determined to investigate the truth behind her mother’s “success.”
Meg Ashley, daughter of famous horror novelist Frances Ashley, has a tumultuous relationship with her mother. While her mother is happy to play up their relationship for the camera, their relationship behind closed doors is close to nonexistent.
After three years of not speaking,Meg returns home and gets lured into a revenge plot: She can sell the story of her troubled childhood,make lots of money, and rid herself of her mother in her life for good. In order to make this book as appealing as possible, Meg sets off to the coastal Georgia islands to investigate the child, now woman, who served as inspiration for her mother’s famous horror novel, Kitten.
On Bonny island, Meg finally feels like she has found a home. She feels an instant connection with Doro, the inspiration for Kitten and Bonny island. As Meg finds herself growing closer to Doro, the truth behind her mother’s lies slowly start to come to light and Meg realizes that all is not all that she thought it to be. Meg’s life is put in danger, and she must decide whether or not to trust Frances.
There’s a lot going on in The Weight of Lies . In addition to the mother/daughter drama and the mystery behind Kitten, there’s also romance, and a lot of Native American mythology. At times, there’s almost too much going on. However, I couldn’t put this book down!! The creepy atmosphere of Bonny Island adds a layer of creepiness. I loved trying to solve the mystery behind Kitten. The ending is jam packed and wrapped up a little too neatly. Overall, I would definitely recommend.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars!
A unique read with a book within a book.
Why I wanted to read this one…….I was really intrigued by the title and cover of this book which had me wanting to read it right away. I have also seen so many great reviews for this novel that had me curious enough to see if I would love it as much as some of my other friends did. I didn't love it but it was an enjoyable read though.
Thoughts & what it's all about…(Since Brenda’s thoughts and review is once again very similar to mine some of her wonderful review is intertwined into mine.)
THE WEIGHT OF LIES by EMILY CARPENTER is an atmospheric, interesting, engaging, and entertaining read here that was uniquely told with a story within a story. A mystery from the past was interwoven with excerpts from a horror novel which added some suspense and tension to the story. There is some family drama, complicated relationships, hidden lies, and unexpected truths with plenty of twists and turns that did keep me interested in seeing how this story was going to all playout.
The story is told from the perspective of our main character, Megan (Meg) who is estranged from her Mother who has written a famous novel that has many cult followers. At first to spite her mother Meg agrees to write her own novel based on her Mother and her relationship with her. Revenge turns dangerous as she is drawn into the mystery of the past that is inspired by her Mother’s novel “Kitten” as Meg goes on a truth seeking mission to uncover the truth behind Kitten. As she digs up the past, things start to get dark and creepy as she uncovers lies and begins to question who she can trust and not trust.
What I liked….I loved the creepy atmosphere of Bonny Island and the old mansion turned hotel which added to the creepiness and brought some edge to the story. I also really enjoyed the Native American mythology that was interwoven into the story.
What I didn't like…..There was so much going on throughout this story that I did find somewhat distracting to figure out if it was in the past or the present.
To sum it all up it was a gripping, steady-paced, and an enjoyable read with a neat and satisfying ending. Would recommend!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Carpenter for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
All of Brenda and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twosisterslostinacouleerea...
A unique read with a book within a book.
Why I wanted to read this one…….I was really intrigued by the title and cover of this book which had me wanting to read it right away. I have also seen so many great reviews for this novel that had me curious enough to see if I would love it as much as some of my other friends did. I didn't love it but it was an enjoyable read though.
Thoughts & what it's all about…(Since Brenda’s thoughts and review is once again very similar to mine some of her wonderful review is intertwined into mine.)
THE WEIGHT OF LIES by EMILY CARPENTER is an atmospheric, interesting, engaging, and entertaining read here that was uniquely told with a story within a story. A mystery from the past was interwoven with excerpts from a horror novel which added some suspense and tension to the story. There is some family drama, complicated relationships, hidden lies, and unexpected truths with plenty of twists and turns that did keep me interested in seeing how this story was going to all playout.
The story is told from the perspective of our main character, Megan (Meg) who is estranged from her Mother who has written a famous novel that has many cult followers. At first to spite her mother Meg agrees to write her own novel based on her Mother and her relationship with her. Revenge turns dangerous as she is drawn into the mystery of the past that is inspired by her Mother’s novel “Kitten” as Meg goes on a truth seeking mission to uncover the truth behind Kitten. As she digs up the past, things start to get dark and creepy as she uncovers lies and begins to question who she can trust and not trust.
What I liked….I loved the creepy atmosphere of Bonny Island and the old mansion turned hotel which added to the creepiness and brought some edge to the story. I also really enjoyed the Native American mythology that was interwoven into the story.
What I didn't like…..There was so much going on throughout this story that I did find somewhat distracting to figure out if it was in the past or the present.
To sum it all up it was a gripping, steady-paced, and an enjoyable read with a neat and satisfying ending. Would recommend!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Carpenter for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
All of Brenda and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twosisterslostinacouleerea...
June 26, 2017
I really enjoyed the book within the book here with The Weight of Lies and found this be an interesting, engaging, and entertaining read. A mystery from the past is interwoven with excerpts from a horror novel, revealing the stories in parallel timing adding suspense and tension to the story. There is some family drama, complicated relationships, hidden lies, unexpected truths with plenty of twists and turns that kept me interested in this unique story right to the end.
The story is told from the perspective of resentful and neglected Meg who is estranged from her Mother who has written a famous novel that has many cult followers. At first to spite her mother Meg agrees to write her own novel based on her Mother and her relationship with her. Revenge turns dangerous as she is drawn into the mystery of the past that is based on her Mother’s novel “Kitten” Meg goes on a truth seeking mission to uncover the truth behind Kitten. As she digs up the past, things start to get dark and creepy as she uncovers lies, and begins to question who she can trust and not trust.
I loved the southern gothic feel here with the isolated island and the old mansion turned hotel that added to the creepiness and danger to the story. I highly recommend for thriller lovers who might like to change things up with a little drama to the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Carpenter for a copy to read and review.
All of Norma’s and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
The story is told from the perspective of resentful and neglected Meg who is estranged from her Mother who has written a famous novel that has many cult followers. At first to spite her mother Meg agrees to write her own novel based on her Mother and her relationship with her. Revenge turns dangerous as she is drawn into the mystery of the past that is based on her Mother’s novel “Kitten” Meg goes on a truth seeking mission to uncover the truth behind Kitten. As she digs up the past, things start to get dark and creepy as she uncovers lies, and begins to question who she can trust and not trust.
I loved the southern gothic feel here with the isolated island and the old mansion turned hotel that added to the creepiness and danger to the story. I highly recommend for thriller lovers who might like to change things up with a little drama to the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Carpenter for a copy to read and review.
All of Norma’s and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
May 22, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I found another gem of a book that y’all need to add to your summer reading lists ASAP! This was such a compelling read, I simply devoured it and it could be the ultimate definition of a page turner. It has a totally unique and fascinating premise, characters that ranged from the relatable to the odd and scary, and a stunning atmosphere that was creepy and gorgeous at the same time. Don’t forget a crazy, multilayered mystery that goes back forty years and a hint of romance, what more could you want?!
This was a book within a book, what I like to call bookception, don’t be hesitant and assume it’s confusing because it’s not at all. Meg is the daughter of a super famous author best known for her cult classic, Kitten. It’s a classic seventies horror novel (think Carrie) and has a huge fan base. The formatting was genius and really gripped me, in between each chapter from Meg in present day you get excerpts from Kitten as well. I loved the kitschy vibe of these sections and if Mrs. Carpenter could go ahead and make Kitten a full length novel that would be great! The similarities between Kitten and what was actually happening in Meg’s life were eerie and awesome.
The atmosphere had me completely absorbed, Meg travels to the hotel Kitten was based on and it’s now a ramshackle pit with only a handful of people working there. It was simultaneously spooky and beautiful and I fell right down the rabbit hole alongside Meg as she tried to untangle a massive web of lies her mother wove. Doro is the hotels owner and part of the inspiration behind the book and was such a complex and interesting character as well.
This was a total binge read despite the complicated structure, it made me turn the pages faster as I grew desperate to know not only what Meg would uncover but also how Kitten ended. I’m blown away by how flawlessly Carpenter plotted this, it’s truly impressive. There is a lot of diversity here as the island has ties to Native American history which was a totally appreciated addition by me. I think it’s safe to say that Carpenter is the queen of Souther Gothic fiction, this book was a marvel.
I found another gem of a book that y’all need to add to your summer reading lists ASAP! This was such a compelling read, I simply devoured it and it could be the ultimate definition of a page turner. It has a totally unique and fascinating premise, characters that ranged from the relatable to the odd and scary, and a stunning atmosphere that was creepy and gorgeous at the same time. Don’t forget a crazy, multilayered mystery that goes back forty years and a hint of romance, what more could you want?!
This was a book within a book, what I like to call bookception, don’t be hesitant and assume it’s confusing because it’s not at all. Meg is the daughter of a super famous author best known for her cult classic, Kitten. It’s a classic seventies horror novel (think Carrie) and has a huge fan base. The formatting was genius and really gripped me, in between each chapter from Meg in present day you get excerpts from Kitten as well. I loved the kitschy vibe of these sections and if Mrs. Carpenter could go ahead and make Kitten a full length novel that would be great! The similarities between Kitten and what was actually happening in Meg’s life were eerie and awesome.
The atmosphere had me completely absorbed, Meg travels to the hotel Kitten was based on and it’s now a ramshackle pit with only a handful of people working there. It was simultaneously spooky and beautiful and I fell right down the rabbit hole alongside Meg as she tried to untangle a massive web of lies her mother wove. Doro is the hotels owner and part of the inspiration behind the book and was such a complex and interesting character as well.
This was a total binge read despite the complicated structure, it made me turn the pages faster as I grew desperate to know not only what Meg would uncover but also how Kitten ended. I’m blown away by how flawlessly Carpenter plotted this, it’s truly impressive. There is a lot of diversity here as the island has ties to Native American history which was a totally appreciated addition by me. I think it’s safe to say that Carpenter is the queen of Souther Gothic fiction, this book was a marvel.
December 28, 2018
1.5 Stars— I decided to read “The Weight of Lies” by Emily Carpenter after finishing a couple of true crime book and wanting a change of pace. I knew nothing about the author but the premise of the book sounded interesting. The book starts out strong when Meg, the daughter of a very famous author, is talked into writing her autobiography which includes an expose of the underlying mystery which formed the basis of her mom the author’s most famous book. Meg’s agent arranges for her to stay on an isolated island where her mother wrote this book with the lady who her mom’s book was supposedly based, Doro. In her mom’s book, Doro is accused of killing her friend Emily but the actual murder was never solved and left many people feeling sorry for Doro for having to live with suspicion hanging over her for her entire life. It is at this point the book goes from a good premise to a ridiculous, over the top mess. I can’t even begin to go into describing how stupid and unrealistic the plot is on this mysterious island without ruining the book for those who might read this after me. Needless to say I was disappointed and shaking my head throughout the last half of the book. Why did I finish this train wreck? I’m still asking how I can get those few hours of my life back to read something better than the “Sharknado” of suspense books.
June 9, 2017
Manipulators. Deceivers. Stone Liars.
Meg Ashley has stared into their eyes up close and personal. She's learned from the very best and carries her own calling card in deception. Funny how one has a tendency to recognize the dark corners in someone else's uneven life......
Frances Ashley, Meg's mother, is a well known author living the high life in New York City after her blockbuster horror novel, Kitten. Ol' Kitten has led to a series of other successful novels that have made Frances rich. Very rich, indeed.
But Meg and Frances' relationship has always been like a lit match near a canister of gasoline. Meg hasn't had many interactions with Frances for years, but her palm has been turned upward while receiving money into her bank account. Strange how principles can take a hit when it comes to dollar signs. Stranger in fact, Meg has decided to write a tell all book about the famous Frances and heads down to Bonny Island, Georgia where the story of Kitten all began.
"Here be dragons." Here be actual murders that took place forty years ago with the Kitten based character, Doro Kitchens, residing in a now closed bed and breakfast. Meg wants the lowdown on Frances who worked there as a young woman. What did Frances know about the young girls who died on this forsaken island? And who is the mysterious Susan Doucette who reigns as the queen bee of the Kitten fan club on overkill? (Oh, pardon the pun!)
Whoa! There are many oddities here with characters who seem doomed to destroy one another. There's the tang of a saltwater marsh, wild horses running the island, Guale people with a Caddo history, and the reality that this isle can only be accessed by boat. But there's also the suffocating humidity in the air that hangs heavy like the Spanish moss. Who can you actually trust in this dark, isolated existence?
Emily Carpenter presents a storyline that exists on a very sharp edge. It's not for everyone. My own take, initially, was that this was to be a Mommy Dearest novel with the usual spoiled daughter raging and ranting. Oh, but no. Meg's feet will sink a bit into that squooshy marsh. Carpenter lines her story with snappy dialogue: "I flipped him a mental bird." This one is deeply character driven and atmospheric. Carpenter uses insets of the book, Kitten, interlaced within her storyline that sets a dire tone. My only concern was the slow pace of the final moments of the wrap-up in the finale. Give serious consideration to this one, dear readers.
I received a copy of The Weight of Lies through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Emily Carpenter for the opportunity.
Meg Ashley has stared into their eyes up close and personal. She's learned from the very best and carries her own calling card in deception. Funny how one has a tendency to recognize the dark corners in someone else's uneven life......
Frances Ashley, Meg's mother, is a well known author living the high life in New York City after her blockbuster horror novel, Kitten. Ol' Kitten has led to a series of other successful novels that have made Frances rich. Very rich, indeed.
But Meg and Frances' relationship has always been like a lit match near a canister of gasoline. Meg hasn't had many interactions with Frances for years, but her palm has been turned upward while receiving money into her bank account. Strange how principles can take a hit when it comes to dollar signs. Stranger in fact, Meg has decided to write a tell all book about the famous Frances and heads down to Bonny Island, Georgia where the story of Kitten all began.
"Here be dragons." Here be actual murders that took place forty years ago with the Kitten based character, Doro Kitchens, residing in a now closed bed and breakfast. Meg wants the lowdown on Frances who worked there as a young woman. What did Frances know about the young girls who died on this forsaken island? And who is the mysterious Susan Doucette who reigns as the queen bee of the Kitten fan club on overkill? (Oh, pardon the pun!)
Whoa! There are many oddities here with characters who seem doomed to destroy one another. There's the tang of a saltwater marsh, wild horses running the island, Guale people with a Caddo history, and the reality that this isle can only be accessed by boat. But there's also the suffocating humidity in the air that hangs heavy like the Spanish moss. Who can you actually trust in this dark, isolated existence?
Emily Carpenter presents a storyline that exists on a very sharp edge. It's not for everyone. My own take, initially, was that this was to be a Mommy Dearest novel with the usual spoiled daughter raging and ranting. Oh, but no. Meg's feet will sink a bit into that squooshy marsh. Carpenter lines her story with snappy dialogue: "I flipped him a mental bird." This one is deeply character driven and atmospheric. Carpenter uses insets of the book, Kitten, interlaced within her storyline that sets a dire tone. My only concern was the slow pace of the final moments of the wrap-up in the finale. Give serious consideration to this one, dear readers.
I received a copy of The Weight of Lies through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Emily Carpenter for the opportunity.
June 2, 2017
Betrayal, Secrets, and Lies... The perfect summer read!
The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter is a solid psychological thriller that is gripping, suspenseful and loaded with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The cast of characters are complex, disturbing, and questionable - and some are just downright creepy. This novel is part southern gothic and part "whodunit" murder mystery that begins on the road to revenge but ends in a way so unexpected, your jaw will drop! This is the most unique, well-written, book-within-a-book, thriller I have read in a long time, add in that stunning cover and you have the perfect novel!
I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this novel.
The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter is a solid psychological thriller that is gripping, suspenseful and loaded with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The cast of characters are complex, disturbing, and questionable - and some are just downright creepy. This novel is part southern gothic and part "whodunit" murder mystery that begins on the road to revenge but ends in a way so unexpected, your jaw will drop! This is the most unique, well-written, book-within-a-book, thriller I have read in a long time, add in that stunning cover and you have the perfect novel!
I want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this novel.
June 3, 2017
Four put this on your summer reading list ASAP stars
I selected this book on NetGalley purely because of the cover and ended up getting sucked in by the characters, the island setting, and the constant lies that spilled out from the pages. The Goodreads description is so good that I won't rehash the plot, but I will say that this story makes "Mommie Dearest" and "Flowers in the Attic" appear like Disney classics.
I do believe one of my Goodreads friends mentioned in their review that they hadn't liked Megan Ashley in the beginning. Neither did I! But as the mystery deepened I could certainly empathize with Megan's desire to get to the truth.
A truly awesome read!
Thanks to NetGalley for an uncorrected digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
I selected this book on NetGalley purely because of the cover and ended up getting sucked in by the characters, the island setting, and the constant lies that spilled out from the pages. The Goodreads description is so good that I won't rehash the plot, but I will say that this story makes "Mommie Dearest" and "Flowers in the Attic" appear like Disney classics.
I do believe one of my Goodreads friends mentioned in their review that they hadn't liked Megan Ashley in the beginning. Neither did I! But as the mystery deepened I could certainly empathize with Megan's desire to get to the truth.
A truly awesome read!
Thanks to NetGalley for an uncorrected digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2017
4.5 If you like your summer reading on the edgier side, then look no further than The Weight of Lies.
Meg is the daughter of the famous author Frances Ashley and like many mother daughter relationships, there is plenty of friction. Frances has written a successful book about a murder that has attracted a cult like following over the years with many conspiracy theories. As Meg learns more about the book and her mother's past she begins to wonder if the book is more fact than fiction. The book really heats up when Meg starts digging for answers.
This is a book with in a book and that format works well here. It adds to the suspense as we're given little details along the way.
Meg is the daughter of the famous author Frances Ashley and like many mother daughter relationships, there is plenty of friction. Frances has written a successful book about a murder that has attracted a cult like following over the years with many conspiracy theories. As Meg learns more about the book and her mother's past she begins to wonder if the book is more fact than fiction. The book really heats up when Meg starts digging for answers.
This is a book with in a book and that format works well here. It adds to the suspense as we're given little details along the way.
June 6, 2017
When I started this story, I didn't like the main character. It's due to the skill of the writer that she can make a character I have nothing in common with and initially found irritating into someone who was likeable and relatable.
I was getting the "poor little rich girl" vibe at first. She claims to be estranged from her mother, but lives off her money and continues to enjoy a cushy lifestyle. She wouldn't have that without Frances Ashley... famous author and celebrity. Skilled in weaving a tale, Frances lacks that mothering instinct and Meg has always felt it. Their relationship has been tremulous to say the least, and after a final blow-out, they haven't spoken in years. Until Meg receives her usual invitation to her mother's birthday party. Planning to ignore it, an added note gives her pause: Edgar, her mother's agent and the only person Meg considers family, isn't well.
She rushes to be by his side and see her mother, but Frances isn't there. Spurned by her mother yet again, this is the straw that breaks the camel's back. She accepts a proposal to write her version of Mommie Dearest, a tell-all about her famous mother and her various issues. That won't be all of the book, however. Her mother's most famous book, Kitten, is nearing it's 40th anniversary. Still popular, it boasts many devoted fans. Rumors have swirled about the story of murder being based on truth for years, which has effected the lives of those thought to be characters in the book in major ways. The truth about Kitten and Frances Ashley is sure to be a bestseller... and with the help of others exposed by Frances, Meg is going to write it.
Meg heads to an island where the former hotel Kitten takes place at sits, slowly crumbling. Closed to guests, only a few staff members and the owner is left behind. She's determined to get to the bottom of the story behind the book that made her mother a celebrity, but there may be people out there unwilling to let those secrets see the light of day.
Some light romance, mostly suspense and family drama. Very enjoyable. If you figure out this book before the last third or so, I commend you because I had no idea where it was going. I found it extremely hard to put down. If it weren't for some niggles I had with the ending, it would be a five star read for me. As it is, it's a 4.5.
My thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for granting my wish to read an ARC of this novel! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
I was getting the "poor little rich girl" vibe at first. She claims to be estranged from her mother, but lives off her money and continues to enjoy a cushy lifestyle. She wouldn't have that without Frances Ashley... famous author and celebrity. Skilled in weaving a tale, Frances lacks that mothering instinct and Meg has always felt it. Their relationship has been tremulous to say the least, and after a final blow-out, they haven't spoken in years. Until Meg receives her usual invitation to her mother's birthday party. Planning to ignore it, an added note gives her pause: Edgar, her mother's agent and the only person Meg considers family, isn't well.
She rushes to be by his side and see her mother, but Frances isn't there. Spurned by her mother yet again, this is the straw that breaks the camel's back. She accepts a proposal to write her version of Mommie Dearest, a tell-all about her famous mother and her various issues. That won't be all of the book, however. Her mother's most famous book, Kitten, is nearing it's 40th anniversary. Still popular, it boasts many devoted fans. Rumors have swirled about the story of murder being based on truth for years, which has effected the lives of those thought to be characters in the book in major ways. The truth about Kitten and Frances Ashley is sure to be a bestseller... and with the help of others exposed by Frances, Meg is going to write it.
Meg heads to an island where the former hotel Kitten takes place at sits, slowly crumbling. Closed to guests, only a few staff members and the owner is left behind. She's determined to get to the bottom of the story behind the book that made her mother a celebrity, but there may be people out there unwilling to let those secrets see the light of day.
Some light romance, mostly suspense and family drama. Very enjoyable. If you figure out this book before the last third or so, I commend you because I had no idea where it was going. I found it extremely hard to put down. If it weren't for some niggles I had with the ending, it would be a five star read for me. As it is, it's a 4.5.
My thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for granting my wish to read an ARC of this novel! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
June 24, 2017
For all reviews and recommendations please visit
https://booknationbyjen.wordpress.com
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How well do you really know someone? After reading The Weight of Lies you may ask yourself that question! Meg Ashley, daughter of Frances Ashley, the cult classic horror novelist, is fed up with the neglect and lack of interest her mother has had in her for so many years. For revenge, she agrees to write a tell-all book, the truth about her mom, the famous author, and about her troubled childhood as she prepares to rid her life completely of her self centered mother. While conducting research and digging into the past, Meg begins to uncover some information that has to do with a murder her mother had written about in her best-seller, Kitten, several decades ago. The fictional novel was based on a real murder and actual people, and the cult followers had their theories about who committed the crime in real life. Arriving on Bonny Island, where the murder took place, Meg meets some of the people who appeared as characters in her mother’s book, and while digging deeper she begins to uncover information that leads her to believe she had been told some lies about her younger years. As Meg is trying to understand crucial details about her own past she is also learning particulars about the murder. Everybody is telling lies and Meg is unsure of who to trust, if anyone. When she receives warnings to back off she knew she was getting close to solving the murder mystery and learning the truth about her past but she was in danger.
The Weight of Lies keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing every step of the way!
https://booknationbyjen.wordpress.com
and follow my Book Nation by Jen Facebook page.
How well do you really know someone? After reading The Weight of Lies you may ask yourself that question! Meg Ashley, daughter of Frances Ashley, the cult classic horror novelist, is fed up with the neglect and lack of interest her mother has had in her for so many years. For revenge, she agrees to write a tell-all book, the truth about her mom, the famous author, and about her troubled childhood as she prepares to rid her life completely of her self centered mother. While conducting research and digging into the past, Meg begins to uncover some information that has to do with a murder her mother had written about in her best-seller, Kitten, several decades ago. The fictional novel was based on a real murder and actual people, and the cult followers had their theories about who committed the crime in real life. Arriving on Bonny Island, where the murder took place, Meg meets some of the people who appeared as characters in her mother’s book, and while digging deeper she begins to uncover information that leads her to believe she had been told some lies about her younger years. As Meg is trying to understand crucial details about her own past she is also learning particulars about the murder. Everybody is telling lies and Meg is unsure of who to trust, if anyone. When she receives warnings to back off she knew she was getting close to solving the murder mystery and learning the truth about her past but she was in danger.
The Weight of Lies keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing every step of the way!
June 20, 2017
3.75 Stars. Overall, this book was very suspenseful. I did not enjoy the alternating chapters of the "book within the book". They were a distraction and IMO did not add anything to the book's storyline. However, I did enjoy the writing and will definitely read more by Emily Carpenter.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
4.5 Stars rounded down to 4 for Goodreads.
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter is one masterly woven tale, let me tell you! Besides the fact that I am totally in love with this cover, I loved the story as well.
I was really immersed in this read although it did take me a bit to get into it. It started off a little slow for me, but became a real page turner by the time I hit page 70 or so. I say that because I was on page 60 something and got to the end of 369 pages in one day. It ended up being quite the fast read and I didn't want to put it down once I got into it (so I really didn't!).
At first the vibe I got from Meg was spoiled rich kid with a "poor me I have a celebrity mom" complex. BUT that is not how this story goes. I loved the depth you end up seeing out of her character and learning about what she has been through with her mom, Frances.
There were a few moments in the book that I actually said "oh shit!" out loud, it was that good. There was also some good sexusal tension in this book that I just loved (and I'm not talking about Frances and her new beau). It didn't detract from the main plot at all, it was just a little bit of romance -- if you would even call it that -- splashed in.
I LOVED the excerpts from "Kitten" throughout the book. Nothing beats a book within a book, especially when they are both entertaining to read (and creepy at that)! The Weight of Lies also had my heart racing a couple of times. Not just because of spooky/creepy/romance either. Even when Meg is fighting with Frances over the phone was enough to get my heartrate up. I love when an author can do that through prose.
The last chapter was pretty much an epilogue and I loved the style in which it was written. It reminded me of what you'd see scrolling at the end of a movie based on a true story. It had such a great feel to it and it really was the perfect ending to this book.
Final Thought: If you haven't read this yet you need to! I will definitely be going back and reading Burying the Honeysuckle Girls now, I am actually kind of sad I haven't read that yet knowing how good this one is now. Loved this book and highly recommend it for the lover of a good mystery. In this book the mystery kind of sneaks up on you though, so keep your eyes open! ;)
4.5 Stars rounded down to 4 for Goodreads.
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter is one masterly woven tale, let me tell you! Besides the fact that I am totally in love with this cover, I loved the story as well.
I was really immersed in this read although it did take me a bit to get into it. It started off a little slow for me, but became a real page turner by the time I hit page 70 or so. I say that because I was on page 60 something and got to the end of 369 pages in one day. It ended up being quite the fast read and I didn't want to put it down once I got into it (so I really didn't!).
At first the vibe I got from Meg was spoiled rich kid with a "poor me I have a celebrity mom" complex. BUT that is not how this story goes. I loved the depth you end up seeing out of her character and learning about what she has been through with her mom, Frances.
There were a few moments in the book that I actually said "oh shit!" out loud, it was that good. There was also some good sexusal tension in this book that I just loved (and I'm not talking about Frances and her new beau). It didn't detract from the main plot at all, it was just a little bit of romance -- if you would even call it that -- splashed in.
I LOVED the excerpts from "Kitten" throughout the book. Nothing beats a book within a book, especially when they are both entertaining to read (and creepy at that)! The Weight of Lies also had my heart racing a couple of times. Not just because of spooky/creepy/romance either. Even when Meg is fighting with Frances over the phone was enough to get my heartrate up. I love when an author can do that through prose.
The last chapter was pretty much an epilogue and I loved the style in which it was written. It reminded me of what you'd see scrolling at the end of a movie based on a true story. It had such a great feel to it and it really was the perfect ending to this book.
Final Thought: If you haven't read this yet you need to! I will definitely be going back and reading Burying the Honeysuckle Girls now, I am actually kind of sad I haven't read that yet knowing how good this one is now. Loved this book and highly recommend it for the lover of a good mystery. In this book the mystery kind of sneaks up on you though, so keep your eyes open! ;)
June 24, 2017
This is a difficult book for me to review, I have mixed feelings about it. This book is told from the point of view of Megan Ashley, the daughter of a very well known horror book author. Now that she is an adult, age 24, she has distanced herself from her mother, they were never close. Her mother was always busy writing or doing something to further push the sales of her book. Megan spent much of her youth in boarding schools. After one particular confrontation between Megan and her mother Frances, the two haven’t spoken in about three years. Megan is surprised when she gets an invitation to her mother’s birthday party on the date of the party. She decides to go, mainly because her mother wrote on the invitation that Edgar is sick. He is her mother’s agent and the only person that Megan ever felt close to.
I was having problems with this book by this time. Although Megan states that she doesn’t want to have anything to do with her mother she is still, at age 24, living off of the money that her mother gives her. I really didn’t like her character. She seemed really wrapped up in herself and not really caring about anyone else. She has pretty much failed at getting any kind of a “real” job and seems like a somewhat weak, whiny young adult who has led a rich kid lifestyle, even if it wasn’t exactly what she wanted. Maybe more back story on the mother-daughter relationship would have been good.
At any rate the plot starts revving up from here. Megan is approached by her mother’s assistant to write a “tell all” story about her childhood and what it has been like to be the daughter of someone who even has a cult following. After some trepidation she finally decides that she wants to do this.
Megan goes to Bonny, Georgia, the place where the book “Kitten” took place. After each chapter we switch back to passages from the actual book “Kitten” and events now taking place on Bonny island between Megan, the keeper of the hotel and other people who were all written about in one way or another in her mother’s book. I will not get into the plot, there are lots of other reviews for that.
I usually am fine when a story switches back and forth in time but the inclusion of chapters from the “Kitten” book just seemed like an unwelcome distraction at times. There was just too much going on. I will say that the “tell all” was a surprise to me, even though I had my suspicions.
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries but would really just call it an average read for me. I enjoyed her previous book "Burying the Honeysuckle Girls" much more.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, thank you.
I was having problems with this book by this time. Although Megan states that she doesn’t want to have anything to do with her mother she is still, at age 24, living off of the money that her mother gives her. I really didn’t like her character. She seemed really wrapped up in herself and not really caring about anyone else. She has pretty much failed at getting any kind of a “real” job and seems like a somewhat weak, whiny young adult who has led a rich kid lifestyle, even if it wasn’t exactly what she wanted. Maybe more back story on the mother-daughter relationship would have been good.
At any rate the plot starts revving up from here. Megan is approached by her mother’s assistant to write a “tell all” story about her childhood and what it has been like to be the daughter of someone who even has a cult following. After some trepidation she finally decides that she wants to do this.
Megan goes to Bonny, Georgia, the place where the book “Kitten” took place. After each chapter we switch back to passages from the actual book “Kitten” and events now taking place on Bonny island between Megan, the keeper of the hotel and other people who were all written about in one way or another in her mother’s book. I will not get into the plot, there are lots of other reviews for that.
I usually am fine when a story switches back and forth in time but the inclusion of chapters from the “Kitten” book just seemed like an unwelcome distraction at times. There was just too much going on. I will say that the “tell all” was a surprise to me, even though I had my suspicions.
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries but would really just call it an average read for me. I enjoyed her previous book "Burying the Honeysuckle Girls" much more.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, thank you.
June 5, 2017
*4.5 stars
Last year I wanted to read Emily Carpenter's, The Burying the Honeysuckle Girls, but never got around to it. So when I saw the many great reviews of her second novel, I clicked request on Netgalley quickly!
It did take me a few chapters to get into this. I didn't think I was going to like Megan. She complained about her mother a lot and I was hoping she wasn't going to be a pampered socialite. Her mother happens to be a famous novelist because she wrote a novel called, Kitten, 40 years ago. With the anniversary of the book coming up, Megan is propositioned to write a tell-all book about her mom. Megan has no problem doing this because of the strained relationship between the two. So Megan goes to Bonny Island, located in Georgia, to uncover secrets about Kitten. Was it written based on the little girl that lived there, who actually was the true killer, and/or did her mother fabricate the whole book or was she basing the novel on truth? Bonny Island is very isolated so its just Megan and a few inhabitants. This lends to a very atmospheric story. You really never know who to believe. Is everyone telling lies? You just have to read it to find out!
I thought this was written very well and it kept me glued to the pages.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Last year I wanted to read Emily Carpenter's, The Burying the Honeysuckle Girls, but never got around to it. So when I saw the many great reviews of her second novel, I clicked request on Netgalley quickly!
It did take me a few chapters to get into this. I didn't think I was going to like Megan. She complained about her mother a lot and I was hoping she wasn't going to be a pampered socialite. Her mother happens to be a famous novelist because she wrote a novel called, Kitten, 40 years ago. With the anniversary of the book coming up, Megan is propositioned to write a tell-all book about her mom. Megan has no problem doing this because of the strained relationship between the two. So Megan goes to Bonny Island, located in Georgia, to uncover secrets about Kitten. Was it written based on the little girl that lived there, who actually was the true killer, and/or did her mother fabricate the whole book or was she basing the novel on truth? Bonny Island is very isolated so its just Megan and a few inhabitants. This lends to a very atmospheric story. You really never know who to believe. Is everyone telling lies? You just have to read it to find out!
I thought this was written very well and it kept me glued to the pages.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
4-4.5 stars
Yes, yes, yes, all the yes’s. Put this book on your 2017 To Read list. Go on, I’ll wait right here while you download it…
I love the “book-in-a-book” format of storytelling, and The Weight of Lies and Emily Carpenter doesn’t disappoint. The book flips back and forth between TWoL in current time, and of the book Kitten, which is really the main star in this book. Kitten is a creepy, cult classic type book that has maintained a high level of fame and fan base over a 40 year span.
It was one of those books that you just want to keep turning pages at lightning speed because you NEED to know what is next, but you also don’t want to read too fast because then you know the book will be over. The pacing is just perfect and for someone who reads a lot of psychological thrillers, I definitely did not have this one figured out. Which is just the way I like it!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes family drama, buried secrets types of books. This one will grip you immediately and have you hooked until the very end.
4-4.5 stars
Yes, yes, yes, all the yes’s. Put this book on your 2017 To Read list. Go on, I’ll wait right here while you download it…
I love the “book-in-a-book” format of storytelling, and The Weight of Lies and Emily Carpenter doesn’t disappoint. The book flips back and forth between TWoL in current time, and of the book Kitten, which is really the main star in this book. Kitten is a creepy, cult classic type book that has maintained a high level of fame and fan base over a 40 year span.
It was one of those books that you just want to keep turning pages at lightning speed because you NEED to know what is next, but you also don’t want to read too fast because then you know the book will be over. The pacing is just perfect and for someone who reads a lot of psychological thrillers, I definitely did not have this one figured out. Which is just the way I like it!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes family drama, buried secrets types of books. This one will grip you immediately and have you hooked until the very end.
did-not-finish
March 8, 2019It pains me to do this, but I'm giving up at 25%. I loved reading Emily Carpenter's previous books, but THE WEIGHT OF LIES just isn't clicking with me. I really, really dislike the main character, Meg. She's a twenty-something spoiled, snarky, annoying brat. I listened to parts on audio, and even the narrator's performance of Meg grated on my nerves. (And I've enjoyed this narrator on past books!) I was very intrigued by the premise, and perhaps Meg's character will transform, but have decided not to continue. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
September 16, 2017
The Weight of Lies suffers from weighty absurdity and unrealistic measures. While the blurb promises an enthralling ride via a book within a book, its actuality gifts predictable ending, forcing me to push through to get to a ridiculous "twist".
Megan's pretty unlikable. She's selfish, easily swayed, annoying and naïve. Granted, I adore unlikeable characters. They're my cup of tea. However, Megan reads like hot dog water. She makes dumb decisions and by story's end, instead of twenty-four, you feel, as though, you followed a twelve-year-old - one compelling you to ignore. I should feel sorry for her background and impending doom, instead my eyes rolled so much I had to push them forward so I could see yawn-inducing second half.
Granted, the story leaked promise. The misaligned daughter of a famous novelist seeks to find the truth behind her mother's famous story and ends up crashing a party she should have declined. I borrowed the novel for that promise alone. But, what occurs is a crammed and unnecessary love story in an attempt to dissuade readers from saying, "What in the hell am I reading?"
Let's not even discuss using Native Americans as a trope to heighten tension, spicing your plot, and add drama.
By the time I reached the final third of the story, I bypassed the tons of description to read the Lifetime Channel-inspired dialogue. One major twist's offered right away, but I would've ignored if not thrown in my face more than once.
Verdict: 2 out of 5 Guale scalpings
Megan's pretty unlikable. She's selfish, easily swayed, annoying and naïve. Granted, I adore unlikeable characters. They're my cup of tea. However, Megan reads like hot dog water. She makes dumb decisions and by story's end, instead of twenty-four, you feel, as though, you followed a twelve-year-old - one compelling you to ignore. I should feel sorry for her background and impending doom, instead my eyes rolled so much I had to push them forward so I could see yawn-inducing second half.
Granted, the story leaked promise. The misaligned daughter of a famous novelist seeks to find the truth behind her mother's famous story and ends up crashing a party she should have declined. I borrowed the novel for that promise alone. But, what occurs is a crammed and unnecessary love story in an attempt to dissuade readers from saying, "What in the hell am I reading?"
Let's not even discuss using Native Americans as a trope to heighten tension, spicing your plot, and add drama.
By the time I reached the final third of the story, I bypassed the tons of description to read the Lifetime Channel-inspired dialogue. One major twist's offered right away, but I would've ignored if not thrown in my face more than once.
Verdict: 2 out of 5 Guale scalpings
February 14, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“We needed each other—possibly even loved each other in some strange, flawed way—but it didn’t matter. We were doomed to destroy each other.”
Truly, nothing could be closer to the truth than these words of wisdom that Meg Ashley used to describe her relationship with her mother, Frances White, a highly reputable and esteemed writer who built her entire career on a instant cult-classic, Kitten , that illustrated a fictional account of a real-life murder that took place during her teenage years. Emily Carpenter's sophomore novel The Weight of Lies is the entanglement of of what happens when the past bleeds into the present, the lines between fiction and reality are blurred and the bond of family ties, literary secrets and racial idiosyncrasies are put to the test that have Megan not only fighting for her life, but seeking the real truth behind the story that catapulted her mother to instantaneous success.
It does sound appealing, doesn't it?
“You tell me a story,
You weave me a tale.
But I travel alone
Down the dark, twisted trail.”
And to be totally fair, it was a compelling read - not in the way that the clues were laid out, but how it kept my interest till the end just so I could get the satisfaction of knowing what was the real truth. That pay-off has to come. And the story really captured the true essence of the title; how the weight of lies of so many I enjoyed the Gothic creepy and eerie vibes of the forlorn and forsaken Georgia hotel that Meg came to, to investigate further into her mother's past. 👍🏻👍🏻 '“Sometimes, in our lives, we do what other people want us to. Simply because we can’t muster the strength to go another, braver way.' The descriptions were hauntingly cryptic and that sense of foreboding was not only prevalent, but the limited cast of characters made you feel even more secluded on the remote island - completely cut-off from everyone and everything. 😥
But, there was something about Meg's character and her drive to expose her mother's past secrets - simply on the intent of writing a tell-all book about her rotten childhood and shedding light on all her mother's scandalous indiscretions and the rocky relationship they've had since then - didn't quite sit well with me. 🙎🏻♀️ I mean, haven't you heard the expression, don't air out your dirty laundry?' The fact that she was not only so easily convinced to follow up on the investigation, but even after repeatedly warned not to pursue the truth, and get some sort of sick twisted pleasure out of it - it just didn't seem like something a likeable character would behave as. 🫤
“Why? Some mysteries are never solved, that’s the sad truth. There is no more. No proof, no way of finding proof. It’s all over.”
Meg was not a likeable character. I did not feel any motivation to cheer her on or sympathize with her relationship with her mother, Frances. Frances may have been a bona fide actress in covering up her tracks, but it didn't quite make sense why she was so adamant about uncovering the truth about it - NOW, if not being pushed into doing so. 'The sheer number of possible scenarios and what-ifs was becoming ridiculous.'That part of the story also quickly devolved faster than how it took to convince her to jump at the chance of ruining her mother's reputation. 🙄 It just further proved how utterly gullible she was and how easily it would be for her to make hasty decisions and jump to conclusions without any substantial evidence.
I could also have very much done without the inclusion of snippets of the actual Kitten novel that alternated after each chapter. All those extra names diverted from the actual plot and made it very confusing for me to even recall which character was from the book and which one was from real life. 😩 If the story had simply centered on the real one, I think it could have been a more self-contained novel. 'Sometimes adults find comfort in childhood tales.' They were too short to even be seen as necessary and quite frankly, were trashy writing, at best. Nothing that even remotely resembled good writing, so one must wonder what on earth were people thinking to have it gain such a cult following. 😮💨
“Our enemies are all around us, ready to take what is ours. But you can’t let them. Once you’ve lost what belongs to you—your belief, your faith, your land—you’ve lost everything.”
There was inclusion of racial discrimination - namely for Native Americans; but I failed to see the need for it, as it failed to have any real purpose to the plot, besides making it more convoluted and mysterious than it was already necessary. Was it added to simply make it more intriguing? To show how the disparaging views during the 70s were that could have led to the eventual craziness that unfolded around the murders that consumed the lives of so many? Not to mention the inappropriate and offensive comments; I know that they aren't included to reflect the author's true thoughts, but when one person commented on Meg's appearance as one that could have akin to anything from a Native American to a South Asian to a Brazilian to an African, I was just, like 'oh wow'. 😒 Never thought I would see the day that the color of skin tone could be affiliated to nearly so many different races! I guess that just hit a nerve because so many random people would look at me and say to me that I don't look Pakistani, and all I can think then, is Bruh, I've never even left Pakistan, how can I NOT look Pakistani??' 😣
Suffice to say, this was neither a memorable read or a worthwhile one, kind of a disappointment, to be quite honest. What started off with some promise, steadily became more of a bigger mess that made it a struggle for me to get to an end that satisfied me. Such is the weight of lies. 😔
“We needed each other—possibly even loved each other in some strange, flawed way—but it didn’t matter. We were doomed to destroy each other.”
Truly, nothing could be closer to the truth than these words of wisdom that Meg Ashley used to describe her relationship with her mother, Frances White, a highly reputable and esteemed writer who built her entire career on a instant cult-classic, Kitten , that illustrated a fictional account of a real-life murder that took place during her teenage years. Emily Carpenter's sophomore novel The Weight of Lies is the entanglement of of what happens when the past bleeds into the present, the lines between fiction and reality are blurred and the bond of family ties, literary secrets and racial idiosyncrasies are put to the test that have Megan not only fighting for her life, but seeking the real truth behind the story that catapulted her mother to instantaneous success.
It does sound appealing, doesn't it?
“You tell me a story,
You weave me a tale.
But I travel alone
Down the dark, twisted trail.”
And to be totally fair, it was a compelling read - not in the way that the clues were laid out, but how it kept my interest till the end just so I could get the satisfaction of knowing what was the real truth. That pay-off has to come. And the story really captured the true essence of the title; how the weight of lies of so many I enjoyed the Gothic creepy and eerie vibes of the forlorn and forsaken Georgia hotel that Meg came to, to investigate further into her mother's past. 👍🏻👍🏻 '“Sometimes, in our lives, we do what other people want us to. Simply because we can’t muster the strength to go another, braver way.' The descriptions were hauntingly cryptic and that sense of foreboding was not only prevalent, but the limited cast of characters made you feel even more secluded on the remote island - completely cut-off from everyone and everything. 😥
But, there was something about Meg's character and her drive to expose her mother's past secrets - simply on the intent of writing a tell-all book about her rotten childhood and shedding light on all her mother's scandalous indiscretions and the rocky relationship they've had since then - didn't quite sit well with me. 🙎🏻♀️ I mean, haven't you heard the expression, don't air out your dirty laundry?' The fact that she was not only so easily convinced to follow up on the investigation, but even after repeatedly warned not to pursue the truth, and get some sort of sick twisted pleasure out of it - it just didn't seem like something a likeable character would behave as. 🫤
“Why? Some mysteries are never solved, that’s the sad truth. There is no more. No proof, no way of finding proof. It’s all over.”
Meg was not a likeable character. I did not feel any motivation to cheer her on or sympathize with her relationship with her mother, Frances. Frances may have been a bona fide actress in covering up her tracks, but it didn't quite make sense why she was so adamant about uncovering the truth about it - NOW, if not being pushed into doing so. 'The sheer number of possible scenarios and what-ifs was becoming ridiculous.'That part of the story also quickly devolved faster than how it took to convince her to jump at the chance of ruining her mother's reputation. 🙄 It just further proved how utterly gullible she was and how easily it would be for her to make hasty decisions and jump to conclusions without any substantial evidence.
I could also have very much done without the inclusion of snippets of the actual Kitten novel that alternated after each chapter. All those extra names diverted from the actual plot and made it very confusing for me to even recall which character was from the book and which one was from real life. 😩 If the story had simply centered on the real one, I think it could have been a more self-contained novel. 'Sometimes adults find comfort in childhood tales.' They were too short to even be seen as necessary and quite frankly, were trashy writing, at best. Nothing that even remotely resembled good writing, so one must wonder what on earth were people thinking to have it gain such a cult following. 😮💨
“Our enemies are all around us, ready to take what is ours. But you can’t let them. Once you’ve lost what belongs to you—your belief, your faith, your land—you’ve lost everything.”
There was inclusion of racial discrimination - namely for Native Americans; but I failed to see the need for it, as it failed to have any real purpose to the plot, besides making it more convoluted and mysterious than it was already necessary. Was it added to simply make it more intriguing? To show how the disparaging views during the 70s were that could have led to the eventual craziness that unfolded around the murders that consumed the lives of so many? Not to mention the inappropriate and offensive comments; I know that they aren't included to reflect the author's true thoughts, but when one person commented on Meg's appearance as one that could have akin to anything from a Native American to a South Asian to a Brazilian to an African, I was just, like 'oh wow'. 😒 Never thought I would see the day that the color of skin tone could be affiliated to nearly so many different races! I guess that just hit a nerve because so many random people would look at me and say to me that I don't look Pakistani, and all I can think then, is Bruh, I've never even left Pakistan, how can I NOT look Pakistani??' 😣
Suffice to say, this was neither a memorable read or a worthwhile one, kind of a disappointment, to be quite honest. What started off with some promise, steadily became more of a bigger mess that made it a struggle for me to get to an end that satisfied me. Such is the weight of lies. 😔
May 18, 2017
There are family secrets and then there are family secrets....
Megan Ashley has grown up living a very privileged life. Her Mother is a best selling "Horror" writer - think the female version of Stephen King. There is a lot of angst in their relationship. In public, her Mother, the famous Frances Ashley, is loving and present. They appear to be a happy Mother-Daughter duo. In Private, there is a cold distance, manipulation, secrets, and isolation. Meg is not happy that she was constantly shipped away to boarding schools while her Mother lived in the limelight of her own success.
Success that Frances Ashley found after writing the Novel "Kitten" at the age of 19. A novel that has a cult like following. A novel which tells the story of the murder of a young girl, which happened years ago on Bonny Island, Georgia.
Meg wants to start a new life and be independent from her famous Mother. The two women have not spoken in three years. Then one day, Meg receives an invitation to attend her Mother's Birthday party which is quickly followed by tragic news. Meg, sad and alone, is approached to write a tell all book about her Mother and the story behind her world famous book "Kitten".
Meg goes to Bonny Island and soon meets the real life woman, Dorothy, who everyone believes is the inspiration behind the book "Kitten". She and Dorothy form a kinship and Meg feels like she is at home. She enjoys the people working at the once popular hotel. She begins to ask questions and delve into the murder of the young Native American girl. There are several suspects but who carried out the heinous crime? I like that we are faced with several suspects and theories as to who killed the girl. Will Meg ever get the answers she is looking for? As Meg gets closer to the truth, it appears that not everyone is as they seem. Almost everyone that Meg comes into contact with has his/her own secrets and agendas. Secrets they are willing to do anything to keep. Who can be trusted when the proverbial shit hits the fan?
I enjoyed the novel within a novel in this book. It is not a unique idea but it worked to tell some back story. This book is full of lies, plot twists, secrets, family secrets, long buried anger, suspicion and doubt. Meg is a great and likable character. She is strong yet also flawed and with a much understood chip on her shoulder. All she ever wanted was a Mom but what she got was a celebrity in love with her own fame.
This book is very atmospheric and the island itself feels like a character in this book. There is a plot twist I did not see coming - which I love. The ending had everything tied up nicely. Some may argue a little too nicely but it worked for me. I found this to be a solid mystery/thriller with a little romance thrown in.
I received a copy of this book from the Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Megan Ashley has grown up living a very privileged life. Her Mother is a best selling "Horror" writer - think the female version of Stephen King. There is a lot of angst in their relationship. In public, her Mother, the famous Frances Ashley, is loving and present. They appear to be a happy Mother-Daughter duo. In Private, there is a cold distance, manipulation, secrets, and isolation. Meg is not happy that she was constantly shipped away to boarding schools while her Mother lived in the limelight of her own success.
Success that Frances Ashley found after writing the Novel "Kitten" at the age of 19. A novel that has a cult like following. A novel which tells the story of the murder of a young girl, which happened years ago on Bonny Island, Georgia.
Meg wants to start a new life and be independent from her famous Mother. The two women have not spoken in three years. Then one day, Meg receives an invitation to attend her Mother's Birthday party which is quickly followed by tragic news. Meg, sad and alone, is approached to write a tell all book about her Mother and the story behind her world famous book "Kitten".
Meg goes to Bonny Island and soon meets the real life woman, Dorothy, who everyone believes is the inspiration behind the book "Kitten". She and Dorothy form a kinship and Meg feels like she is at home. She enjoys the people working at the once popular hotel. She begins to ask questions and delve into the murder of the young Native American girl. There are several suspects but who carried out the heinous crime? I like that we are faced with several suspects and theories as to who killed the girl. Will Meg ever get the answers she is looking for? As Meg gets closer to the truth, it appears that not everyone is as they seem. Almost everyone that Meg comes into contact with has his/her own secrets and agendas. Secrets they are willing to do anything to keep. Who can be trusted when the proverbial shit hits the fan?
I enjoyed the novel within a novel in this book. It is not a unique idea but it worked to tell some back story. This book is full of lies, plot twists, secrets, family secrets, long buried anger, suspicion and doubt. Meg is a great and likable character. She is strong yet also flawed and with a much understood chip on her shoulder. All she ever wanted was a Mom but what she got was a celebrity in love with her own fame.
This book is very atmospheric and the island itself feels like a character in this book. There is a plot twist I did not see coming - which I love. The ending had everything tied up nicely. Some may argue a little too nicely but it worked for me. I found this to be a solid mystery/thriller with a little romance thrown in.
I received a copy of this book from the Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
February 5, 2017
The Weight of Lies is a spell-binding, heart-pounding story about a young woman who, after deciding to write a tell-all book about her famous mother, becomes embroiled in dark secrets, lies, and murder…
Megan Ashley has lived a privileged life, the daughter of best-selling novelist Frances Ashley; but Meg has spent years being neglected and rejected by her mother. Digging into her mother’s past takes Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia, the setting for her mother’s most famous novel, Kitten, about the murder of a young girl; an island with a sordid history, and still home to Dorothy, who is the inspiration for the main character in the book. As Meg digs deeper into her mother’s past, she finds herself in danger, never knowing who to trust, who to believe, and who she should fear. The story takes us on a journey full of twists and turns, as Meg unravels the truth. A cast of characters so vivid, so dark, that even readers will be shocked when the truth is finally revealed! Intertwined with the story are scenes from the book, Kitten; as life imitates art, or is art imitating life?? This book is a whirlwind of emotions; at the heart is a story about a young woman seeking and searching for a mother’s love; and the chilling, dark reality of devastating truths. A truly riveting, compelling book. One of my favorite passages is this: "None of the good in life was purely so. None was untainted. It was all a mix. Dark and light." I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Megan Ashley has lived a privileged life, the daughter of best-selling novelist Frances Ashley; but Meg has spent years being neglected and rejected by her mother. Digging into her mother’s past takes Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia, the setting for her mother’s most famous novel, Kitten, about the murder of a young girl; an island with a sordid history, and still home to Dorothy, who is the inspiration for the main character in the book. As Meg digs deeper into her mother’s past, she finds herself in danger, never knowing who to trust, who to believe, and who she should fear. The story takes us on a journey full of twists and turns, as Meg unravels the truth. A cast of characters so vivid, so dark, that even readers will be shocked when the truth is finally revealed! Intertwined with the story are scenes from the book, Kitten; as life imitates art, or is art imitating life?? This book is a whirlwind of emotions; at the heart is a story about a young woman seeking and searching for a mother’s love; and the chilling, dark reality of devastating truths. A truly riveting, compelling book. One of my favorite passages is this: "None of the good in life was purely so. None was untainted. It was all a mix. Dark and light." I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
Last year I read the fantastic Burying the Honeysuckle Girls by Emily Carpenter and I've been waiting a while now to read her next book The Weight of Lies. So, was this book as good as Burying the Honeysuckle Girls? Yes and no. Yes in that the story is intriguing and frustrating puzzling. But, no in that I was not as taken with the story in the book as in Burying the Honeysuckle Girls. Don't take me wrong, Emily Carpenter has once again proven that she can write a story that keeps your interest all the way until the end. But, I found the chapters from the book Kitten that intervened the story not as interesting as the rest of the book. Can't say why really, it just never really truly got to me in the same way that the rest of the story did.
Nevertheless, The Weight of Lies is a great book. Several times during the books progressed was I frustrated beyond words. I really wanted to find out what happened all those years ago when Meg Ashley mother was staying at the hotel on Bonny Island, Georgia. The events inspired her to write the cult classic Kitten. But, is there any truth to the book? Or is it all fiction? Meg travels to the island to investigate the truth and meets the woman behind the main character Kitten and is charmed by her. But, she keeps discovering lies after lies while she digs for the truth. And, it seems that her quest for answers is perhaps not healthy for her. Could she be in danger?
I liked this book because it's such a fantastic story with lots of twists and turns. Emily Carpenter has once again proven what a fantastic author she is and I can't wait to see what she write next!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Nevertheless, The Weight of Lies is a great book. Several times during the books progressed was I frustrated beyond words. I really wanted to find out what happened all those years ago when Meg Ashley mother was staying at the hotel on Bonny Island, Georgia. The events inspired her to write the cult classic Kitten. But, is there any truth to the book? Or is it all fiction? Meg travels to the island to investigate the truth and meets the woman behind the main character Kitten and is charmed by her. But, she keeps discovering lies after lies while she digs for the truth. And, it seems that her quest for answers is perhaps not healthy for her. Could she be in danger?
I liked this book because it's such a fantastic story with lots of twists and turns. Emily Carpenter has once again proven what a fantastic author she is and I can't wait to see what she write next!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
July 24, 2017
I received a copy of The Weight of Lies from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Weight of Lies is a complex and stuffed (perhaps a bit overstuffed) book that is full of family dysfunction, long-kept secrets and a healthy dose of suspense. It focuses on the strained and tumultuous relationship between Meg Ashley and her diva mother, Frances, a best-selling author of Kitten, a horror novel with a cult-like following. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading it. I most certainly did not expect to find it as hard to put down as I did since I was never able to finish the author’s debut, Burying the Honeysuckle Girls. I think I may have to revisit that book and give it a little more time to grow on me.
When a letter is delivered to Meg while relaxing poolside in Las Vegas, she knows it is a birthday invitation from Frances and she has no intention of going. The letter contains a note from Frances saying she misses Meg - and that Edgar is not well. It’s the mention of Edgar, Frances’ longtime (and long-suffering) agent that causes Meg to drop everything and return to New York. During Meg’s childhood, Frances was an emotionally and physically absent parent and Edgar was the constant, supportive presence in Meg’s life.
Upon arriving home, Meg finds Frances’ new assistant, Asa. He tells Meg that Edgar has had a stoke and is in the hospital and that Frances has cancelled her party and flown to Palm Springs to get married to a French artist. Not long after, Asa approaches Meg with an offer: he has a lot of contacts in publishing and he wants Meg to write a juicy, tell-all about Frances and how terrible a mother she was while Meg was growing up. Not only that, he wants Meg to include the truth about a little girl murdered forty years ago - a tragedy that was the inspiration for Kitten. A tragedy Asa believes Frances distorted to create her bestseller.
Writing this book will take Meg to Georgia, to a small island that was the scene of the tragedy and a place a young Frances spent a summer - the summer of the murder. There Meg will meet the now-grown little girl who was friends with the murdered girl and who had her life ruined by Kitten. The woman has refused to speak to anyone about the events of that summer - until now: she will speak with Meg. What, on the surface, appears to be a rather simple interview and research trip, turns out to be eye-opening - not just about the crime but about her mother - and extremely dangerous for Meg.
The Weight of Lies is a very full story. It is a tale of family dysfunction, a decades old murder and long-buried secrets. There are also some romantic elements and some creepy elements. The book alternates between Meg’s first person perspective and eerie snippets - little teases - from Kitten. Some of the Kitten passages are just plain creepy and make me want to read a full-length version of Kitten. The Weight of Lies also explores the culture as well as the injustices dealt to Native Americans. There are a few other things going on - maybe a few too many but, overall, I really enjoyed The Weight of Lies. I did find that the ending went a little crazy and one part of the resolution was too pat but did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. I definitely recommend it for fans of family drama and suspense.
The Weight of Lies is a complex and stuffed (perhaps a bit overstuffed) book that is full of family dysfunction, long-kept secrets and a healthy dose of suspense. It focuses on the strained and tumultuous relationship between Meg Ashley and her diva mother, Frances, a best-selling author of Kitten, a horror novel with a cult-like following. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading it. I most certainly did not expect to find it as hard to put down as I did since I was never able to finish the author’s debut, Burying the Honeysuckle Girls. I think I may have to revisit that book and give it a little more time to grow on me.
When a letter is delivered to Meg while relaxing poolside in Las Vegas, she knows it is a birthday invitation from Frances and she has no intention of going. The letter contains a note from Frances saying she misses Meg - and that Edgar is not well. It’s the mention of Edgar, Frances’ longtime (and long-suffering) agent that causes Meg to drop everything and return to New York. During Meg’s childhood, Frances was an emotionally and physically absent parent and Edgar was the constant, supportive presence in Meg’s life.
Upon arriving home, Meg finds Frances’ new assistant, Asa. He tells Meg that Edgar has had a stoke and is in the hospital and that Frances has cancelled her party and flown to Palm Springs to get married to a French artist. Not long after, Asa approaches Meg with an offer: he has a lot of contacts in publishing and he wants Meg to write a juicy, tell-all about Frances and how terrible a mother she was while Meg was growing up. Not only that, he wants Meg to include the truth about a little girl murdered forty years ago - a tragedy that was the inspiration for Kitten. A tragedy Asa believes Frances distorted to create her bestseller.
Writing this book will take Meg to Georgia, to a small island that was the scene of the tragedy and a place a young Frances spent a summer - the summer of the murder. There Meg will meet the now-grown little girl who was friends with the murdered girl and who had her life ruined by Kitten. The woman has refused to speak to anyone about the events of that summer - until now: she will speak with Meg. What, on the surface, appears to be a rather simple interview and research trip, turns out to be eye-opening - not just about the crime but about her mother - and extremely dangerous for Meg.
The Weight of Lies is a very full story. It is a tale of family dysfunction, a decades old murder and long-buried secrets. There are also some romantic elements and some creepy elements. The book alternates between Meg’s first person perspective and eerie snippets - little teases - from Kitten. Some of the Kitten passages are just plain creepy and make me want to read a full-length version of Kitten. The Weight of Lies also explores the culture as well as the injustices dealt to Native Americans. There are a few other things going on - maybe a few too many but, overall, I really enjoyed The Weight of Lies. I did find that the ending went a little crazy and one part of the resolution was too pat but did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. I definitely recommend it for fans of family drama and suspense.
August 4, 2017
“You tell me a story, you weave me a tale” You had me at Kitten!
After a devastating fight between an overwhelmingly narcissistic mother and a trust fund daughter, Megan has not seen her mother Frances in over three years. Brought back to her mother’s home in New York under a false pretense, Megan is encouraged to look into her mother’s successes and into a potential coverup regarding her mother’s famous cult classic Kitten. In the story Kitten, there is a murder and a devestating web of lies. Are they true? Megan travels to find out the truth and expose her mother for the fraudulent icon she plays in real life.
The Weight of Lies is one of the most uniquely written thrillers I have read in a long time. Each chapter is cleverly juxtaposed with snipits of the mother’s book Kitten giving you a small glimpse into the book question as the main story unfolds. The characters are authentically developed and very relatable with makes this book easy to read. The story has such a spell-binding plot that I am sharing only the skeleton of the novel. You can fill in the gaps when you read this book!.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
After a devastating fight between an overwhelmingly narcissistic mother and a trust fund daughter, Megan has not seen her mother Frances in over three years. Brought back to her mother’s home in New York under a false pretense, Megan is encouraged to look into her mother’s successes and into a potential coverup regarding her mother’s famous cult classic Kitten. In the story Kitten, there is a murder and a devestating web of lies. Are they true? Megan travels to find out the truth and expose her mother for the fraudulent icon she plays in real life.
The Weight of Lies is one of the most uniquely written thrillers I have read in a long time. Each chapter is cleverly juxtaposed with snipits of the mother’s book Kitten giving you a small glimpse into the book question as the main story unfolds. The characters are authentically developed and very relatable with makes this book easy to read. The story has such a spell-binding plot that I am sharing only the skeleton of the novel. You can fill in the gaps when you read this book!.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 7, 2017
In this novel, Meg Ashley sets out to destroy her mother, Frances and in doing so needs to investigate a forty year old murder mystery that her mother, Frances, was involved in. Frances had written a highly successful novel, Kitten, based on the murder but things within the novel take on a life of its own as the novel generates cults dedicated to solving the mystery as well as having been a huge success for Frances. Meg's relationship with her mother is tumultuous and to get even, Meg decides to write a tell all book about her mother and of course this murder portrayed in the novel, Kitten, plays a huge part of it.
Meg returns to Bonny Island, Georgia, where the murder took place. The owner of a hotel Dorothy, and her mother, Frances, were friends as children as Meg's mother spent time there. Other characters involved in the murder come forth in Meg's investigation, many of them being suspects as well in this murder as the supposed murderer died before being brought to trial. Is it possible that the real murderer is still alive? As Meg tries to delve into secrets and lies that have been told, she is immersed in the novel and its peripheral characters to those who are real. The further she investigates the more lies appear and eventually the sinister nature of the book is fulfilled in Meg's life.
This sinister tale left this reader a bit dizzy as it flipped back and forth from excerpts from the original novel, Kitten, to present day and what Meg herself was living through. At times, the story line seemed to get quite murky as it wends its way towards its conclusion. However, it was an interesting read and one in which those who enjoy suspenseful tale that have a somewhat gothic feel will enjoy.
Thank you to NetGallery and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this novel for an unbiased review.
Meg returns to Bonny Island, Georgia, where the murder took place. The owner of a hotel Dorothy, and her mother, Frances, were friends as children as Meg's mother spent time there. Other characters involved in the murder come forth in Meg's investigation, many of them being suspects as well in this murder as the supposed murderer died before being brought to trial. Is it possible that the real murderer is still alive? As Meg tries to delve into secrets and lies that have been told, she is immersed in the novel and its peripheral characters to those who are real. The further she investigates the more lies appear and eventually the sinister nature of the book is fulfilled in Meg's life.
This sinister tale left this reader a bit dizzy as it flipped back and forth from excerpts from the original novel, Kitten, to present day and what Meg herself was living through. At times, the story line seemed to get quite murky as it wends its way towards its conclusion. However, it was an interesting read and one in which those who enjoy suspenseful tale that have a somewhat gothic feel will enjoy.
Thank you to NetGallery and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this novel for an unbiased review.
February 11, 2017
Megan Ashley has never read Frances Ashley’s blockbuster novel KITTEN, but her entire life has nonetheless been affected by the fame it delivered to her mother’s feet. Largely neglected by globetrotting Frances, shuffled from nanny to nanny and sent away to far off schools, adult Meg is estranged from her mother when this clever mystery begins. When an opportunity to finally become truly independent by writing a book of her own is presented, Meg ends up on Bonny Island, Georgia, the original setting for her mother’s novel and a place where untold secrets seem to linger.
THE WEIGHT OF LIES alternates between Meg’s time on the island and brilliantly focused, short excerpts from her mother’s original novel. Just when you think you might be able to put it down, even for a moment, one of those flashy, tension-filled KITTEN excerpts pulls you though into the next Meg chapter, and before you know it you’re still reading.
Theories abound as the mystery deepens and unravels. The cast of suspicious characters make you worry for Meg. You feel the palpable suspense that comes with the dim awareness that danger lurks just around the corner for her, but you’re never sure what form it will take or who will be behind it.
Filled with compelling writing delivered at a brisk pace, this novel will keep you guessing until the very end. Five stars.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
THE WEIGHT OF LIES alternates between Meg’s time on the island and brilliantly focused, short excerpts from her mother’s original novel. Just when you think you might be able to put it down, even for a moment, one of those flashy, tension-filled KITTEN excerpts pulls you though into the next Meg chapter, and before you know it you’re still reading.
Theories abound as the mystery deepens and unravels. The cast of suspicious characters make you worry for Meg. You feel the palpable suspense that comes with the dim awareness that danger lurks just around the corner for her, but you’re never sure what form it will take or who will be behind it.
Filled with compelling writing delivered at a brisk pace, this novel will keep you guessing until the very end. Five stars.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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