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The Truth We Bury
In this intense, multilayered domestic drama, two families become entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and betrayal that results in an act of violence so shocking their love may not survive.
On the outside, Lily Isley’s life seems a wealthy husband, a ritzy gated community in Dallas, and a handsome son, AJ—a decorated marine about to be married to his love, Shea. But when a bridesmaid is murdered in AJ’s apartment and he can’t be found, Lily’s world collapses and a long-held family secret is at risk of exposure.
Dru Gallagher’s life took a different course. After her ex-husband, suffering from post-traumatic stress, threatened her and her daughter, Shea, with a shotgun, Dru was forced to leave her marriage and forge ahead as a working-class single mom. Now, the anger she sees in war veteran AJ’s eyes is heartbreakingly familiar—and makes Dru deeply afraid for her daughter’s safety…especially after Shea’s best friend and maid of honor is found dead.
With a killer on the loose and time running out, Lily and Dru, two very different women, unite in a single to save their precious children from scandal, even from death. But will the mothers’ protection be enough, or will the fateful secret they expose—and the truth it reveals—destroy every hope of love?
On the outside, Lily Isley’s life seems a wealthy husband, a ritzy gated community in Dallas, and a handsome son, AJ—a decorated marine about to be married to his love, Shea. But when a bridesmaid is murdered in AJ’s apartment and he can’t be found, Lily’s world collapses and a long-held family secret is at risk of exposure.
Dru Gallagher’s life took a different course. After her ex-husband, suffering from post-traumatic stress, threatened her and her daughter, Shea, with a shotgun, Dru was forced to leave her marriage and forge ahead as a working-class single mom. Now, the anger she sees in war veteran AJ’s eyes is heartbreakingly familiar—and makes Dru deeply afraid for her daughter’s safety…especially after Shea’s best friend and maid of honor is found dead.
With a killer on the loose and time running out, Lily and Dru, two very different women, unite in a single to save their precious children from scandal, even from death. But will the mothers’ protection be enough, or will the fateful secret they expose—and the truth it reveals—destroy every hope of love?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
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About the author
Barbara Taylor Sissel
12 books712 followersBarbara Taylor Sissel writes issue oriented, upmarket women’s fiction that is threaded with elements of suspense and defined by its particular emphasis on how crime affects the family. Next to writing books she loves to edit them, and with more than fifteen years in the profession, both as a bestselling author and as a developmental editor, she's got experience. Contact her via her website if you're interested. Please include the details of your fiction project (a brief summary and total word count) for more information and her availability.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
July 29, 2017
This review was featured in my Mini Review Monday segment
This story is narrated from the perspective of two mothers, Lily and Dru, each having a child marrying the other’s. Lily’s son A.J. is a military hero and Dru’s daughter Shea has experienced a tough life as the child of a single mother with an abusive father. While this story may seem predictable to some readers, perhaps even done over many times before, I felt that aspect didn’t detract from my journey with these characters. There was a comfort and familiarity with Sissel’s writing, and I was so pleased to see the hard topic of PTSD brought to light in this novel. As the story progresses and we try to determine just what happened to Shea’s maid of honor, the ugliness and heartache surrounding those who return from the horrors of war is brought to light in a way that I simply couldn’t ignore. While the story was, at times, heartbreaking and heavy, The Truth We Bury: A Novel maintained a hopeful and uplifting message that we all could stand to experience many times over. Highly recommended to those looking for an emotional read that portrays some timely issues that the reader will ponder long after that final page is turned.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
This story is narrated from the perspective of two mothers, Lily and Dru, each having a child marrying the other’s. Lily’s son A.J. is a military hero and Dru’s daughter Shea has experienced a tough life as the child of a single mother with an abusive father. While this story may seem predictable to some readers, perhaps even done over many times before, I felt that aspect didn’t detract from my journey with these characters. There was a comfort and familiarity with Sissel’s writing, and I was so pleased to see the hard topic of PTSD brought to light in this novel. As the story progresses and we try to determine just what happened to Shea’s maid of honor, the ugliness and heartache surrounding those who return from the horrors of war is brought to light in a way that I simply couldn’t ignore. While the story was, at times, heartbreaking and heavy, The Truth We Bury: A Novel maintained a hopeful and uplifting message that we all could stand to experience many times over. Highly recommended to those looking for an emotional read that portrays some timely issues that the reader will ponder long after that final page is turned.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
August 21, 2017
As a mother myself, the premise for this domestic suspense grabbed my attention and I am thankful to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
The Truth we Bury is told from the points of view of two mothers, Lily and Dru, whose children AJ (a decorated marine) and Shea are about to get married.
When Shea's maid of honour is found dead in AJ's apartment and AJ is nowhere to be found, he quickly becomes the lead suspect for the murder.
The reader comes along for the emotional and heartbreaking ride as we experience Lily and Dru's reactions, of their anguish as each mother strives to do what they must in order to protect their child, with their own difficult past influencing their behaviour and choices.
Our attention is drawn to the topic of PTSD, shining a light on those having to deal with the horrors of war, how it affects them and those closest to them.
Although slow paced and somewhat predictable at times, this sometimes heavy and emotional tale was nicely balanced out with a hopeful and uplifting note too, that will stay with you after the final page has been turned.
A tale of a mother's angst and guilt, family secrets and lies, this was a great introduction to Barbara Taylor Sissel for me and I will be looking out for more of her books.
The Truth we Bury is told from the points of view of two mothers, Lily and Dru, whose children AJ (a decorated marine) and Shea are about to get married.
When Shea's maid of honour is found dead in AJ's apartment and AJ is nowhere to be found, he quickly becomes the lead suspect for the murder.
The reader comes along for the emotional and heartbreaking ride as we experience Lily and Dru's reactions, of their anguish as each mother strives to do what they must in order to protect their child, with their own difficult past influencing their behaviour and choices.
Our attention is drawn to the topic of PTSD, shining a light on those having to deal with the horrors of war, how it affects them and those closest to them.
Although slow paced and somewhat predictable at times, this sometimes heavy and emotional tale was nicely balanced out with a hopeful and uplifting note too, that will stay with you after the final page has been turned.
A tale of a mother's angst and guilt, family secrets and lies, this was a great introduction to Barbara Taylor Sissel for me and I will be looking out for more of her books.
July 4, 2017
What happens when your son is accused of murder and all the evidences seem to point towards him being guilty. He is also on the run and nowhere to be seen, do you doubt his innocence or do you keep being adamant that all must be a misunderstanding and he is just a victim? This is what The Truth We Bury tries to explore and it does it pretty well with the dual perspective of two mothers: the mother of AJ, the man everyone believes to be a murdered, and the mother of Shea, the woman he is supposed to marry.
The dual perspective works wonderfully, providing two contrasting perspective that really help the reader stay on the top of the problem and view the whole story from a bird’s-eye view. Normally in thrillers that deal with murders from the perspective of people close to the suspect it is easy to get carried away and take their judgment as the absolute truth. In this case because we get the point of view of two mothers both close to the suspect and the victim, but who believe completely different things, the dynamic changes a bit.
Lily, AJ’s mother, desperately wants her son to be innocent and she believes despite his dark past that now seems more ominous than ever, she still believes him to be incapable of such a deed. Add to that the fact that she was never close to him because of her own past mistakes, and you can add a lot of guilt and regret to the mix.
Then you have Dru, Shea’s mother, who wants nothing else than to protect her baby girl and keep her as far away as possible from her fiancé who she never approved of and who now appears to be a cold blooded murdered. Of course, Shea wants nothing of that and just as Lily believes AJ had nothing to do the murder.
This come and go between perspectives is extremely entertaining, both women will have to make compromises if they want to work together and find out the truth and protect their children and family. The book starts strong and it eases a bit half-way in but after the half-point it just won’t let you go once the revelation of what really happened starts to dawn on the reader and then on the characters.
What I liked about this book was that it laid all of its cards on the table, no hiding-information-from-the-reader-to-make-a-plot-twist-work, which I’m honestly starting to hate. Instead, if you paid enough attention all the revelations will be at your grasp before they are revealed to the characters, which I don’t find to be a problem in a thriller. I don’t have to be shocked in order to be entertained, the characters and the situations they found themselves in did all of that. The only thing that I did find underwhelming was the big truth that the title of the book hints at, it was obvious from the start and I found it hard to believe that it was such a surprise to the characters.
Overall this was a great domestic drama filled with suspense. The dynamic between the two families made for a tense read, with all the slow build-up and conflict that gradually accumulates throughout the novel, something has to give.
I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The dual perspective works wonderfully, providing two contrasting perspective that really help the reader stay on the top of the problem and view the whole story from a bird’s-eye view. Normally in thrillers that deal with murders from the perspective of people close to the suspect it is easy to get carried away and take their judgment as the absolute truth. In this case because we get the point of view of two mothers both close to the suspect and the victim, but who believe completely different things, the dynamic changes a bit.
Lily, AJ’s mother, desperately wants her son to be innocent and she believes despite his dark past that now seems more ominous than ever, she still believes him to be incapable of such a deed. Add to that the fact that she was never close to him because of her own past mistakes, and you can add a lot of guilt and regret to the mix.
Then you have Dru, Shea’s mother, who wants nothing else than to protect her baby girl and keep her as far away as possible from her fiancé who she never approved of and who now appears to be a cold blooded murdered. Of course, Shea wants nothing of that and just as Lily believes AJ had nothing to do the murder.
This come and go between perspectives is extremely entertaining, both women will have to make compromises if they want to work together and find out the truth and protect their children and family. The book starts strong and it eases a bit half-way in but after the half-point it just won’t let you go once the revelation of what really happened starts to dawn on the reader and then on the characters.
What I liked about this book was that it laid all of its cards on the table, no hiding-information-from-the-reader-to-make-a-plot-twist-work, which I’m honestly starting to hate. Instead, if you paid enough attention all the revelations will be at your grasp before they are revealed to the characters, which I don’t find to be a problem in a thriller. I don’t have to be shocked in order to be entertained, the characters and the situations they found themselves in did all of that. The only thing that I did find underwhelming was the big truth that the title of the book hints at, it was obvious from the start and I found it hard to believe that it was such a surprise to the characters.
Overall this was a great domestic drama filled with suspense. The dynamic between the two families made for a tense read, with all the slow build-up and conflict that gradually accumulates throughout the novel, something has to give.
I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2017
In this intriguing novel by Barbara Taylor Sissel, the murder of a young girl opens up a Pandora's box of betrayal, lies, and regret. All of the evidence points to AJ Isley, a young man with a tainted, violent past....the only people who are convinced of his innocence are his mother, Lily, and his fiancée, Shea. There are so many layers to this story, as it takes a path as twisty as the Texas Hill Country where the story takes place. The Truth We Bury is a great suspense, one which leaves the reader pondering and questioning as the story goes on, but also hooks the reader emotionally.
July 19, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
2.5/5
I had high hopes for this book, I love a good domestic suspense and the premise for this captured my attention easily. I'm so torn about how I actually feel about The Truth We Bury, there were parts I liked and parts I didn't at all, so I'll just explain my stance and let you decide what you think.
There was something compulsive about this book, I read it really fast and it mostly held my attention. The authors writing style was solid and she clearly has a talent. This would be a great read for a book club as there are several themes and issues one could dissect and discuss. One that I really appreciated was the subject of PTSD. It explored how it effects not only those suffering from it, but also how it impacts their families and loved ones. The families whose lives intersect had plenty of secrets and what's a domestic suspense without loads of secrets?!
While all of what I mentioned previously was great, there was something lacking overall that made this an enjoyable read for me. This is told using dual narratives, that of two mothers whose children are engaged. I always like this style, I just felt there needed to be more distinction between their sections here. The characters also fell a bit flat for me, they needed to be more fleshed out and I didn't really care about them all that much which is always a sign that something is missing for me. The pacing was also on the slow side and I would've liked things to be more suspenseful than they were. The premise was solid, there just needed to be more meat, you know what I mean?
Overall, this wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't one of my favorites. It was light, an emotional mystery that I felt was lacking depth. I found it to be pretty predictable and was left wanting more in the end.
2.5/5
I had high hopes for this book, I love a good domestic suspense and the premise for this captured my attention easily. I'm so torn about how I actually feel about The Truth We Bury, there were parts I liked and parts I didn't at all, so I'll just explain my stance and let you decide what you think.
There was something compulsive about this book, I read it really fast and it mostly held my attention. The authors writing style was solid and she clearly has a talent. This would be a great read for a book club as there are several themes and issues one could dissect and discuss. One that I really appreciated was the subject of PTSD. It explored how it effects not only those suffering from it, but also how it impacts their families and loved ones. The families whose lives intersect had plenty of secrets and what's a domestic suspense without loads of secrets?!
While all of what I mentioned previously was great, there was something lacking overall that made this an enjoyable read for me. This is told using dual narratives, that of two mothers whose children are engaged. I always like this style, I just felt there needed to be more distinction between their sections here. The characters also fell a bit flat for me, they needed to be more fleshed out and I didn't really care about them all that much which is always a sign that something is missing for me. The pacing was also on the slow side and I would've liked things to be more suspenseful than they were. The premise was solid, there just needed to be more meat, you know what I mean?
Overall, this wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't one of my favorites. It was light, an emotional mystery that I felt was lacking depth. I found it to be pretty predictable and was left wanting more in the end.
July 1, 2017
Barbara Taylor Sissel has done it again, sucked me into an engrossing murder-mystery set deep in the heart of rural Texas. THE TRUTH WE BURY is a fast-paced story loaded with suspense and intrigue that explores the depths people go to protect those they love, no matter their faults, flaws, and secrets. It’s a page-turner of a novel that’ll keep you reading straight through. A wonderful pick for a book club, too. I highly recommend.
*I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
This book was a great murder mystery. So many secrets and lies and tons of family drama kept me reading way past my bedtime! I loved the characters. I felt Lily's pain as she tried to protect her son. I felt Shea's excitement about the wedding then her love for A.J. while she is defending knowing in her heart he couldn't have killed her bridesmaid. It is a wonderful who-done-it book that keeps you guessing until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 9, 2017
Two mothers, one question: What would you do if your grown child was implicated in a brutal murder?
As evidence mounts against a missing decorated marine, his mother and future mother-in-law, two women who share nothing but the need to protect their adult children, become unlikely allies. Both women have already lost so much and stand to lose so much more. But in the race to uncover the truth and catch a killer, they find courage and compassion. As family secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed, they also find the strength to take ownership of their own mistakes.
This would make a fantastic book club read. There is much to discuss!
As evidence mounts against a missing decorated marine, his mother and future mother-in-law, two women who share nothing but the need to protect their adult children, become unlikely allies. Both women have already lost so much and stand to lose so much more. But in the race to uncover the truth and catch a killer, they find courage and compassion. As family secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed, they also find the strength to take ownership of their own mistakes.
This would make a fantastic book club read. There is much to discuss!
August 20, 2017
This book is domestic suspense at its best! This book grabs you from the first page and never lets you go. It is a terrific murder mystery that will keep you guessing till the end and then, bam, shockwaves! This is also a book about love, trust, betrayal and forgiveness. It deals,also, with the affects of PTSD. How it affects the person who has it and also those around him. This book is so well written and the flow is simply incredible. The characters are true to life and I knew them all on such a personal level. They come alive and jump right into your life. I felt their love, their pain, their anxiety and their hope. This book kept me enthralled throughout. The plot is one that could truly happen and I loved that it keeps you guessing. It is vividly descriptive. You are at the ranch in Wyatt. You are in Dallas. This is a must read for suspense fans! Here are a few quotes that touched me. " They need to know we grow up; we don't grow perfect, and no matter how old we get, we never lose our need, or our capacity, for compassion and forgiveness." " I want to believe that given time, all wounds have the capacity to heal, if we are patient and kind to one another, if we forgive one another and tell the truth, if we keep love in our hearts."
April 23, 2017
In this engrossing murder mystery set in small town Texas, Barbara Taylor Sissel uses one of life's seemingly innocuous and happy events--a wedding--to explore the psychology of how parents seek to protect and control their children's lives, often resulting in tragedy. This is the wedding of AJ and Shea, two people who come loaded with baggage--their own, their wedding party's, and their parents', who have more than a few secrets. What do you do when the person your child plans to marry has mental health issues? When that person may be guilty of crimes, even murder? Sissel expertly examines these questions and the intense love and protectiveness of mothers against the backdrop of a deftly constructed suspense.
July 4, 2017
Highlights- This was a very easy read to get into, though it did not pull me away from any previously scheduled activities because some parts held my interest more than others. The pacing also varied from slow to fast in different parts of the story. I was very eager to read this book given the role of PTSD in military veterans as I am a VA clinical psychologist. The author sheds light on how this impacts both vets and their loved ones, with attention to the varying beliefs they can have about living with this diagnosis. She does a good job showing that not everyone who has this diagnosis is going to behave in the same way. I wish this would have received more attention throughout the book. In the end, I was not surprised by the who but I was surprised by the why!
Explanation of Rating- I gave this 3.5/5 stars. It was not fast paced throughout the novel but it definitely held my interest. Though I liked the characters, they haven’t stayed with me and I haven’t thought about them much since I swiped the last page on my Kindle.
Psychology Factors: I have already referred to the role of PTSD and the most notable point the author makes is how loved ones perceive it. One of my favorite quotes in the book was from a trauma survivor with PTSD, Shea’s dad, “What’s the difference between chronic drinking and chronic fear? The only difference is when someone quits drinking you can see the evidence!” He is trying to convince Shea’s mom that he has learned to manage his PTSD symptoms, but like many loved ones who have been disappointed or let down, she is scared to trust him. I was very glad to see the commonly experienced points of both the challenge to change and “convince” loved ones carried out in the plotline!
Despite my rating of 3.5/5 stars, I do recommend this as a light summer read; especially for book clubs and those interested in military, veterans, and psychology.
Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Explanation of Rating- I gave this 3.5/5 stars. It was not fast paced throughout the novel but it definitely held my interest. Though I liked the characters, they haven’t stayed with me and I haven’t thought about them much since I swiped the last page on my Kindle.
Psychology Factors: I have already referred to the role of PTSD and the most notable point the author makes is how loved ones perceive it. One of my favorite quotes in the book was from a trauma survivor with PTSD, Shea’s dad, “What’s the difference between chronic drinking and chronic fear? The only difference is when someone quits drinking you can see the evidence!” He is trying to convince Shea’s mom that he has learned to manage his PTSD symptoms, but like many loved ones who have been disappointed or let down, she is scared to trust him. I was very glad to see the commonly experienced points of both the challenge to change and “convince” loved ones carried out in the plotline!
Despite my rating of 3.5/5 stars, I do recommend this as a light summer read; especially for book clubs and those interested in military, veterans, and psychology.
Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review
June 26, 2017
Kudos to Barbara Sissel, author of "THE TRUTH WE BURY" for such an exciting and descriptive and entertaining story. The genres of this novel are Women's Fiction, Adult Fiction, Mystery and Suspense.
The author describes her characters as conflicted and complicated. and flawed. The story is narrated by the alternating perspectives of two mothers , whose children are about to get married. Both families are dysfunctional in many ways and have SECRETS. Shea and AJ are engaged to be married in a few weeks. Both mothers find fault with their children's significant other, and are truly not happy about the impending marriage.
One of the girls in the Bridal party is found dead in AJ's apartment and all clues seem to indicate that AJ might be responsible. AJ has PSTD from being in Afghanistan, and in the past he has made some bad choices and has a temper. There is a major problem that no one seems to know where AJ is. Is AJ guilty?
This novel has twists and turns, and some characters are very suspicious. There are other murders, and threatening actions that takes the reader on some suspenseful adventure.
Barbara Sissel brings up questions that are so relevant today. How should victims of PSTD be accepted and treated? How can family secrets of the past affect family relationships? How should a person accused of a crime be treated? How do you show acceptance of differences in physical appearances and social status?
I love the way the author discusses, family, friends, community, secrets, betrayal, loyalty, support, love, hope and and faith. This is an amazing and captivating novel that I highly recommend. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and Barbara Sissel for the Advanced Reading Copy(ARC) for my honest review and opinion.
The author describes her characters as conflicted and complicated. and flawed. The story is narrated by the alternating perspectives of two mothers , whose children are about to get married. Both families are dysfunctional in many ways and have SECRETS. Shea and AJ are engaged to be married in a few weeks. Both mothers find fault with their children's significant other, and are truly not happy about the impending marriage.
One of the girls in the Bridal party is found dead in AJ's apartment and all clues seem to indicate that AJ might be responsible. AJ has PSTD from being in Afghanistan, and in the past he has made some bad choices and has a temper. There is a major problem that no one seems to know where AJ is. Is AJ guilty?
This novel has twists and turns, and some characters are very suspicious. There are other murders, and threatening actions that takes the reader on some suspenseful adventure.
Barbara Sissel brings up questions that are so relevant today. How should victims of PSTD be accepted and treated? How can family secrets of the past affect family relationships? How should a person accused of a crime be treated? How do you show acceptance of differences in physical appearances and social status?
I love the way the author discusses, family, friends, community, secrets, betrayal, loyalty, support, love, hope and and faith. This is an amazing and captivating novel that I highly recommend. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and Barbara Sissel for the Advanced Reading Copy(ARC) for my honest review and opinion.
June 24, 2017
Holy Cow! This was such a wonderful surprise! Two mother's believing in their child and all the disappointments that follow.
The characters were well written with lots of depth and personality. This was a fast paced mystery/thriller that I was not able to predict until all was revealed.
My thanks to netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced readers copy.
The characters were well written with lots of depth and personality. This was a fast paced mystery/thriller that I was not able to predict until all was revealed.
My thanks to netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced readers copy.
July 25, 2017
3.5 STARS
A gripping story that had you wondering just who was this killer that killed the maid of honor from Shea and AJ's wedding just days before the wedding. AJ, a decorated marine with PTSD is the number one suspect. The bridesmaid was killed in his apartment and he's missing. Opinions of the in-laws and of the townspeople play a very big role in this story. It's not a cozy little mystery set in a small town outside Dallas. There are some very important issues dealt with while trying to find the killer.
I will say this book had me very, very frustrated with these police officers throughout the whole story. However, I guess I had the advantage of seeing things that they did not, but it still irked me.
This was a suspense mystery dealing with a lot of different emotions that I found very entertaining and was glad that I got the chance to read this book.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
A gripping story that had you wondering just who was this killer that killed the maid of honor from Shea and AJ's wedding just days before the wedding. AJ, a decorated marine with PTSD is the number one suspect. The bridesmaid was killed in his apartment and he's missing. Opinions of the in-laws and of the townspeople play a very big role in this story. It's not a cozy little mystery set in a small town outside Dallas. There are some very important issues dealt with while trying to find the killer.
I will say this book had me very, very frustrated with these police officers throughout the whole story. However, I guess I had the advantage of seeing things that they did not, but it still irked me.
This was a suspense mystery dealing with a lot of different emotions that I found very entertaining and was glad that I got the chance to read this book.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
July 26, 2017
Non-stop and over the top manufactured antics with incessant chatter further advocating, and advancing constant implausibilities.
The character development was weak, it took reading 60% of the book to get to any real plot other than hints at "secrets"'that you aren't that invested in finding out, but figure you must press on anyways. Once the loose ends are tied up in a messy bow, I found myself saying, "that's it!?!" You expect me to believe that beyond out there storyline and explanation? This makes the series "24" seem tame!
Sometimes, less is more in effectiveness.
*Thanks to Netgalley & Publisher for ARC in exchange for honest review.*
The character development was weak, it took reading 60% of the book to get to any real plot other than hints at "secrets"'that you aren't that invested in finding out, but figure you must press on anyways. Once the loose ends are tied up in a messy bow, I found myself saying, "that's it!?!" You expect me to believe that beyond out there storyline and explanation? This makes the series "24" seem tame!
Sometimes, less is more in effectiveness.
*Thanks to Netgalley & Publisher for ARC in exchange for honest review.*
July 3, 2017
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. What a fantastic murder mystery. It starts with a bang and keeps you interested all the way to the end. We begin with a girl's murder and Lily's son in the run. Then the lies, deception, and and many secrets are exposed. Every character was interesting, and I am also happy to see an author shed a light on PTSD. She did an incredible job with that subject. Unputdownable!
July 13, 2017
Compulsively readable and gorgeously written, Barbara Sissel Taylor’s The Truth We Bury had me enthralled from the first page to its stunning conclusion. Readers will love the blend of suspense, mystery, and family drama, and book clubs will find much to discuss. This is a novel you won’t want to miss.
January 18, 2018
Sarei proprio curiosa di sapere da dove cavolo hanno tirato fuori il titolo italiano di questo thriller. Non c'è proprio nessun parco nel libro e il titolo originale è "The Truth We Bury".
Misteri dell'editoria.
Misteri dell'editoria.
July 1, 2017
Review to follow.
January 19, 2018
3,5 stars
La storia è raccontata seguendo due punti di vista, quello di Lily, madre di AJ, e quello di Dru, madre di Shea. I figli delle due donne stanno per sposarsi nonostante a loro non vada molto a genio questa unione. Pochi giorni prima del matrimonio una delle damigelle di Shea viene ritrovata senza vita nell’appartamento di AJ e lui sembra scomparso. Alla ricerca di risposte le due donne accompagnate rispettivamente dal padre e dalla figlia cercheranno di svelare i segreti che avvolgono questo orribile delitto.
Il punto di vista di Lily mi è piaciuto molto, la sua battaglia contro i pregiudizi e le false accuse mi ha commosso. Crede ciecamente all’innocenza del figlio, ma riconosce di aver fatto degli sbagli e di essersi allontanata da lui. Ha momenti in cui dubita di tutto e tutti, persino di sé stessa e non si arrende nemmeno quando sembrano non esserci più speranze.
Dru, al contrario, mi ha molto irritato. Ho compreso ciò che la spingeva a certe conclusioni e anch’io probabilmente avrei creduto a determinati indizi, però il suo comportamento non mi è piaciuto. Vuole proteggere la figlia ma tutto ciò che fa è giudicarla e non crederle. Le sue azioni e i suoi pensieri mi hanno davvero infastidita, non fa nulla di concreto per risolvere il delitto. Le sue confessioni sul passato mi hanno fatto provare compassione nei suoi confronti, ma questo sentimento è stato in fretta soppiantato da altro. Forse sarebbe stato meglio avere solo il punto di vista di Lily o far legare di più le due donne. Ho comunque apprezzato il fatto che nonostante non mi piacesse il personaggio, l’autrice sia stata in grado di farmi provare emozioni nei suoi confronti.
Riguardo alla trama e al mistero ci sono due cose principali che sento di dover sottolineare. La prima è che dal primo istante ho capito chi fosse l’assassino, non sapevo ancora il movente o come si fossero svolti gli eventi ma ho subito compreso chi fosse stato.
Non so se questo sia dovuto alle mie capacità deduttive o ad una scelta in qualche modo banale, ma fatto sta che alla fin fine avevo compreso tutto, uno degli elementi che mi aveva confusa all’inizio e che ho compreso bene solo dopo una cinquantina di pagine è stata la grande rivelazione legata al movente e, ripensando alla storia, non riesco a comprendere se questa decisione di “confondere” senza lasciar capire bene un elemento sia stata intenzionale o meno. Il secondo aspetto che voglio sottolineare è il fatto che nonostante tutto la storia mi ha sorpreso e ha preso svolte inaspettate. Non mi sarei mai immaginata alcuni dei colpi di scena e mi ha fatto piacere, per quanto fossero elementi tetri, vedere l’autrice assumersi certi rischi.
La scrittura è molto scorrevole e permette di leggere velocemente il romanzo per arrivare al finale tanto atteso. Questo è un elemento di forza nei Thriller e sono stata felice di vedere come in un attimo Barbara Taylor Sissel sia stata in grado di ricreare l’atmosfera cupa e fredda che mi aveva avvolta e affascinata nel suo primo romanzo.
La finestra sul parco è un buon libro, lo consiglio agli appassionati del genere e a chi è in cerca di una storia che faccia riflettere alla ricerca della soluzione del mistero.
Il titolo non ha il minimo collegamento al romanzo, la copertina potrebbe richiamare un aspetto della storia, però davvero non riesco a capire a cosa si riferisca il titolo, non c’è nessun parco e nessuna finestra che rievochi elementi essenziali per la narrazione. Comunque non posso che consigliare i libri di questa autrice.
La storia è raccontata seguendo due punti di vista, quello di Lily, madre di AJ, e quello di Dru, madre di Shea. I figli delle due donne stanno per sposarsi nonostante a loro non vada molto a genio questa unione. Pochi giorni prima del matrimonio una delle damigelle di Shea viene ritrovata senza vita nell’appartamento di AJ e lui sembra scomparso. Alla ricerca di risposte le due donne accompagnate rispettivamente dal padre e dalla figlia cercheranno di svelare i segreti che avvolgono questo orribile delitto.
Il punto di vista di Lily mi è piaciuto molto, la sua battaglia contro i pregiudizi e le false accuse mi ha commosso. Crede ciecamente all’innocenza del figlio, ma riconosce di aver fatto degli sbagli e di essersi allontanata da lui. Ha momenti in cui dubita di tutto e tutti, persino di sé stessa e non si arrende nemmeno quando sembrano non esserci più speranze.
Dru, al contrario, mi ha molto irritato. Ho compreso ciò che la spingeva a certe conclusioni e anch’io probabilmente avrei creduto a determinati indizi, però il suo comportamento non mi è piaciuto. Vuole proteggere la figlia ma tutto ciò che fa è giudicarla e non crederle. Le sue azioni e i suoi pensieri mi hanno davvero infastidita, non fa nulla di concreto per risolvere il delitto. Le sue confessioni sul passato mi hanno fatto provare compassione nei suoi confronti, ma questo sentimento è stato in fretta soppiantato da altro. Forse sarebbe stato meglio avere solo il punto di vista di Lily o far legare di più le due donne. Ho comunque apprezzato il fatto che nonostante non mi piacesse il personaggio, l’autrice sia stata in grado di farmi provare emozioni nei suoi confronti.
Riguardo alla trama e al mistero ci sono due cose principali che sento di dover sottolineare. La prima è che dal primo istante ho capito chi fosse l’assassino, non sapevo ancora il movente o come si fossero svolti gli eventi ma ho subito compreso chi fosse stato.
Non so se questo sia dovuto alle mie capacità deduttive o ad una scelta in qualche modo banale, ma fatto sta che alla fin fine avevo compreso tutto, uno degli elementi che mi aveva confusa all’inizio e che ho compreso bene solo dopo una cinquantina di pagine è stata la grande rivelazione legata al movente e, ripensando alla storia, non riesco a comprendere se questa decisione di “confondere” senza lasciar capire bene un elemento sia stata intenzionale o meno. Il secondo aspetto che voglio sottolineare è il fatto che nonostante tutto la storia mi ha sorpreso e ha preso svolte inaspettate. Non mi sarei mai immaginata alcuni dei colpi di scena e mi ha fatto piacere, per quanto fossero elementi tetri, vedere l’autrice assumersi certi rischi.
La scrittura è molto scorrevole e permette di leggere velocemente il romanzo per arrivare al finale tanto atteso. Questo è un elemento di forza nei Thriller e sono stata felice di vedere come in un attimo Barbara Taylor Sissel sia stata in grado di ricreare l’atmosfera cupa e fredda che mi aveva avvolta e affascinata nel suo primo romanzo.
La finestra sul parco è un buon libro, lo consiglio agli appassionati del genere e a chi è in cerca di una storia che faccia riflettere alla ricerca della soluzione del mistero.
Il titolo non ha il minimo collegamento al romanzo, la copertina potrebbe richiamare un aspetto della storia, però davvero non riesco a capire a cosa si riferisca il titolo, non c’è nessun parco e nessuna finestra che rievochi elementi essenziali per la narrazione. Comunque non posso che consigliare i libri di questa autrice.
July 30, 2017
3.5 stars. It didn't blow my mind but it was pretty good. I had a bit of a reading slump in the middle of reading this so I finished it in 5 days instead of 1 or maybe 2 days. I liked the characters and had high suspicions of who was the culprit but I didn't fully figure it out on my own. Definitely a few twists in there as well. I will look for other books from this author and recommend this to anybody who likes mystery/thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 16, 2017
Thanks to Dennelle at Lake Union for getting me advance review copy of this book. I become a huge fan of Barbara when I read "Faultlines." I didn't think she could top that book. Barbara hits this one out of the ball park. You meet a group of young girls when one of them is about to get married. The live in a small town in Texas, where everyone knows their neighbors. Or do they really know them? One of the bridesmaids is murdered and the bride (Shea) husband-to-be (AJ) is the lead suspect. We meet the parents of girls' and AJ's family. Just when you think things can't get worse they do. Long buried secrets come out and effect the present. and the future. Sometimes we keep secrets from our loved one thinking we are protecting them. But what if we really aren't? What will the town do when these secrets come to light and cause horrific outcomes? You won't want to put this book down. I had to make myself not read it in one sitting. If you read one book this summer, you must read this book.
May 16, 2017
As you can see from all the books I have read by this author, I am a huge fan. I love her writing style, which is descriptive and allows the reader to get lost in the story. She also has a talent of weaving and interweaving suspense until it ends with a climatic ending. I thought, that since I have read so many of her books, that I would be able to figure it out but once again, an ending that I didn't see coming.
In THE TRUTH WE BURY, AJ and Shea are getting married in 2 weeks. A joyous occasion for the couple but both mothers have doubts that this is a good match (vague not to cause spoiler). But it all comes crumbling down when one of the bridesmaids is found murdered in the groom's apartment. The police start their investigation but AJ, the groom, goes missing and the evidence they do have, AJ is the main suspect.
Only AJ's fiance and his mother don't believe that AJ could do this. Or is this just denial?
A cryptic note is found and another bridesmaid is found murdered.
A parent's love, is it always unconditional? Are secrets and lies truly buried?
Once again, Ms. Sissel keeps the reader glued to the pages that are full of suspense!!
The only negative I had reading this book, since it was an ARC, is now I have to wait patiently for the next novel by this author.
I highly recommend this book and all of her earlier books and I'm sure like me, she will be on your "authors to read" list.
Bravo Ms. Sissel !!! Another extraordinary read!
Previous books read with reviews:
THE NINTH STEP, THE VOLUNTEER, EVIDENCE OF LIFE, SAFE KEEPING, CROOKED LITTLE LIES, FAULTLINES and THE LAST INNOCENT HOUR.
In THE TRUTH WE BURY, AJ and Shea are getting married in 2 weeks. A joyous occasion for the couple but both mothers have doubts that this is a good match (vague not to cause spoiler). But it all comes crumbling down when one of the bridesmaids is found murdered in the groom's apartment. The police start their investigation but AJ, the groom, goes missing and the evidence they do have, AJ is the main suspect.
Only AJ's fiance and his mother don't believe that AJ could do this. Or is this just denial?
A cryptic note is found and another bridesmaid is found murdered.
A parent's love, is it always unconditional? Are secrets and lies truly buried?
Once again, Ms. Sissel keeps the reader glued to the pages that are full of suspense!!
The only negative I had reading this book, since it was an ARC, is now I have to wait patiently for the next novel by this author.
I highly recommend this book and all of her earlier books and I'm sure like me, she will be on your "authors to read" list.
Bravo Ms. Sissel !!! Another extraordinary read!
Previous books read with reviews:
THE NINTH STEP, THE VOLUNTEER, EVIDENCE OF LIFE, SAFE KEEPING, CROOKED LITTLE LIES, FAULTLINES and THE LAST INNOCENT HOUR.
July 7, 2017
So excited to have received an advance copy of this before its release!
I loved this book. Beautifully written, Sissel’s latest work is the perfect emotional storm of family secrets, regret, and revenge. The Truth We Bury will keep you guessing until the final shocking reveal, all while making you wonder which of your own little buried truths could come back to haunt you.
Highly recommend!
I loved this book. Beautifully written, Sissel’s latest work is the perfect emotional storm of family secrets, regret, and revenge. The Truth We Bury will keep you guessing until the final shocking reveal, all while making you wonder which of your own little buried truths could come back to haunt you.
Highly recommend!
May 27, 2017
I loved this book, finished it in a few hours. It's a great book filled with suspense and family secrets where relationships and emotions mix together.
The story, which starts with the murder of a bridesmaid, tells the tale of two mothers. Lily whose son, AJ, is accused of murdering the bridesmaid and Dru, whose daughter, Shea, is AJ's fiancée and his staunch supporter.
Both the mothers have had a difficult emotional past which have left scars, and this influences their decisions and outlook. Each mother is trying to protect her own child. Lily feels both pain and and love for her son AJ, with whom she has not been able to connect, since his childhood and especially, after his return from the war. She struggles hard to prove his innocence. Dru, on the other hand, just wants to save her daughter from what she believes to be a grave mistake.
Barbara's words show the angst which the mothers experience. This book is a wonderful play of emotions seen from the point of view of both Lily and Dru. There are a lot of twists and turns, a good whodunit and family secrets, which doesn't fail to thrill.
Barbara's books are always a pleasure to read and she does not disappoint with this book. A great Book Club read too.
Thank you for writing this book..
The story, which starts with the murder of a bridesmaid, tells the tale of two mothers. Lily whose son, AJ, is accused of murdering the bridesmaid and Dru, whose daughter, Shea, is AJ's fiancée and his staunch supporter.
Both the mothers have had a difficult emotional past which have left scars, and this influences their decisions and outlook. Each mother is trying to protect her own child. Lily feels both pain and and love for her son AJ, with whom she has not been able to connect, since his childhood and especially, after his return from the war. She struggles hard to prove his innocence. Dru, on the other hand, just wants to save her daughter from what she believes to be a grave mistake.
Barbara's words show the angst which the mothers experience. This book is a wonderful play of emotions seen from the point of view of both Lily and Dru. There are a lot of twists and turns, a good whodunit and family secrets, which doesn't fail to thrill.
Barbara's books are always a pleasure to read and she does not disappoint with this book. A great Book Club read too.
Thank you for writing this book..
May 25, 2017
This was my first time reading a novel by this author, and I cannot wait to get my hands on more! The story kept me engrossed, and I had no idea what was coming! I loved the way the characters were developed, and ended up feeling like I knew them as close friends. This novel was an excellent look into the secrets we keep buried, and the impacts they have on our lives. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
January 5, 2018
Questo cosiddetto thriller lo avrebbe potuto scrivere anche un ragazzino che frequenta la scuola elementare !
Banale,stupido,noioso e scontato.
Non sono riuscita a capire il perchè di un simile titolo dato che non si parla di nessun parco.
Banale,stupido,noioso e scontato.
Non sono riuscita a capire il perchè di un simile titolo dato che non si parla di nessun parco.
April 21, 2019
I have to say I was pretty sure early on what would happen, but I didn't see some of the twists.
August 6, 2017
This is the second book by Barbara Taylor Sissel I've had the opportunity to read courtesy of NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. I gave it a 4 star rating. As a mother myself, this book grabbed me. I know I would do anything for my children as we see in the mothers in this book do. There's Lily, mother of AJ, and Dru, mother of Shea. AJ and Shea are to be married in just a couple weeks. Rather quickly we pick up that neither mother is very fond of their child's choice for a spouse. Right from the beginning we find out that one of Shea's bridesmaids is found murdered. The groom is missing and oh, the dead bridesmaid is found in his apartment. There's questions and opinions by all as the police try to solve the murder and find the missing groom. Is he the killer or another victim. I feel I would also struggle as we see Lily, mother of AJ, do. She questioning if her son could have done this and if he did, how well she handle it. She knows right from wrong but she's also his mom and in her gut she believes he's innocent. Both moms just want to protect their child. Several other events happen throughout this story as well as secrets kept for too long from too many people and it all comes bubbling up. I really enjoyed this story. It had just the right amount of family drama and suspense to keep me interested. Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.
August 9, 2017
Just not a favorite
The story line was okay, but the story telling just lacked some sophistication for me. There were also so many characters that it sometimes felt like a chore to keep up with each and what the reader was supposed to remember about their backstories.
The story line was okay, but the story telling just lacked some sophistication for me. There were also so many characters that it sometimes felt like a chore to keep up with each and what the reader was supposed to remember about their backstories.
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