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The Guild #1
Living Lies: A Novel of the Iranian Nuclear Weapons Program
"Living Lies" is an enthralling story about espionage, human frailty, and loyalty. The plot focuses on a covert Iranian nuclear weapons program, as written by a senior CIA operations officer whose career was devoted to battling the spread of weapons of mass destruction. He also led the CIA team which disrupted the deadliest nuclear weapons network in history. This is the first installment of a series of espionage thrillers.
The story begins as the U.S. is eagerly pursuing negotiations with Iran regarding their nuclear weapons program. A well-placed source in the Iranian delegation provides seemingly critical intelligence on their positions after he volunteers to a gullible CIA officer. The Iranian source, however, is a double agent controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A more talented CIA officer, Lane Andrews, recruits a legitimate source. His source discovers the stark truth in Iran and reports back at great risk to himself. Lane struggles in vain to convince the CIA that there is a double agent influencing the negotiations, but the U.S. and Iran strike a deal. The CIA Director, a narcissistic billionaire, is delighted that Iran has caved into the U.S. demands. Except it secretly hasn't. "Living Lies" will keep readers on the edge as they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Lane must find a way to do the right thing and prevent largescale death and destruction in a world where trustworthiness is nonexistent. This is an unforgettable espionage thriller that will keep you coming back for more with each page. Get ready for an adventure filled with thrills, danger, and excitement in "Living Lies"!
The story begins as the U.S. is eagerly pursuing negotiations with Iran regarding their nuclear weapons program. A well-placed source in the Iranian delegation provides seemingly critical intelligence on their positions after he volunteers to a gullible CIA officer. The Iranian source, however, is a double agent controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A more talented CIA officer, Lane Andrews, recruits a legitimate source. His source discovers the stark truth in Iran and reports back at great risk to himself. Lane struggles in vain to convince the CIA that there is a double agent influencing the negotiations, but the U.S. and Iran strike a deal. The CIA Director, a narcissistic billionaire, is delighted that Iran has caved into the U.S. demands. Except it secretly hasn't. "Living Lies" will keep readers on the edge as they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Lane must find a way to do the right thing and prevent largescale death and destruction in a world where trustworthiness is nonexistent. This is an unforgettable espionage thriller that will keep you coming back for more with each page. Get ready for an adventure filled with thrills, danger, and excitement in "Living Lies"!
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2021
52 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
James Lawler
1 book32 followersJames Lawler served for 25 years as a CIA operations officer in various international posts and was a member of CIA's Senior Intelligence Service (SIS-3) from 1998 until retirement in 2005. He was a specialist in the recruitment of foreign spies, and he spent well over half of his CIA career battling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As Chief of the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Takedown Team, which resulted in the disruption of the most dangerous nuclear weapons network in history, Mr. Lawler was the recipient of one of the CIA's Trailblazer Awards in 2007, marking the 60th anniversary of CIA. DCI George Tenet sent Mr. Lawler a note which stated, “Jim, what you and your team have achieved will rank up there as one of the most spectacular intelligence accomplishments in the history of the CIA." And former CIA Deputy Director John McLaughlin noted that the effort was “the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a perfect intelligence operation.”
Mr. Lawler also received the Director's Award from DCI Tenet, the U.S. Intelligence Community's HUMINT Collector of the Year Award, and the Donovan Award from the CIA's Deputy Director of Operations.
Prior to his career in intelligence, Mr. Lawler was a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law. He has completed two novels: Living Lies, an espionage story of the Iranian nuclear weapons program, and “In the Twinkling of an Eye,” about a devastating covert Russian-North Korean genetic bioweapons program. Both have been cleared by the CIA’s Publication Review Board. "Living Lies" has just been published and "In the Twinkling of an Eye" will be released in early 2022. He is currently writing his third espionage novel, The Traitor’s Tale, about treachery and treason deep within the CIA.
Mr. Lawler also received the Director's Award from DCI Tenet, the U.S. Intelligence Community's HUMINT Collector of the Year Award, and the Donovan Award from the CIA's Deputy Director of Operations.
Prior to his career in intelligence, Mr. Lawler was a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law. He has completed two novels: Living Lies, an espionage story of the Iranian nuclear weapons program, and “In the Twinkling of an Eye,” about a devastating covert Russian-North Korean genetic bioweapons program. Both have been cleared by the CIA’s Publication Review Board. "Living Lies" has just been published and "In the Twinkling of an Eye" will be released in early 2022. He is currently writing his third espionage novel, The Traitor’s Tale, about treachery and treason deep within the CIA.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 18, 2021
It’s been my experience that espionage thrillers written by former spies are better than those written by the outsiders. I can’t debate the merits of the technology aspects of the story, but the operations and tradecraft rang true. I have the pleasure of knowing this author, and even if I hadn’t known he was the author I could have guessed between the folksy writing style and the intricate wine descriptions. I might even be able to guess upon whom a few of the baddies were based. ;-)
November 10, 2021
This is a really good first effort by Jim Lawler and I look forward to his next work. It begins more like a modern day Bond blockbuster trying to grab you rather than build and develop the characters and plot lines. This work is more in the line of a Dale Brown or Clive Cussler than a Clancy or Baldacci so in that it has all the earmarks of a bestseller.
Jim’s personal insight into clandestine and intelligence operations gives this book additional credibility and character in creating the narrative. The strength of the book is in the middle chapters where the plot twists and interagency tensions come to the fore and distinct personalities play more of a key role into the plot.
Jim’s personal insight into clandestine and intelligence operations gives this book additional credibility and character in creating the narrative. The strength of the book is in the middle chapters where the plot twists and interagency tensions come to the fore and distinct personalities play more of a key role into the plot.
January 18, 2022
In writing this review, I must admit that the author, Jim Lawler, was a Houston running buddy of mine in the early 80’s. One day, he mentioned he and his wife would be moving to the DC area; that is the last I heard from him for over 35 years. The next time I saw him he informed me he had recently retired from the CIA; then a couple of years later he tells me he has written a book I might like. As a retired physician, I rarely read fiction, but focus on historical biographies and the like. Now having read Living Lies, I can tell you it is an exciting thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. I am not saying this because Jim is an old friend of mine, but because it is true! I have mentioned Living Lies to many of my friends and will probably be purchasing the book to give as presents. As I told him, this would be a great multi-episode Netflix/Amazon series. It is very well written and fast-moving, has great character development, intrigue, romance, a thrilling end, and a realistic insight into how a CIA Operations Officer thinks, works, and functions. In summary, I can promise you will love this book; it will not disappoint. (FYI, the husband of the owner's Amazon account wrote this review)
December 12, 2021
James Lawler’s ‘Living Lies’ is a treat. In this genre, there's a world of difference between writers who are intelligence officers, and those who are not. James’ mastery of the craft is on full display, reminiscent of Jason Matthew’s Red Sparrow trilogy. The authenticity shines through, from tradecraft to science to in-house politics. Even if "neutron phasing" isn't plausible, it would have been less than credible to write a story about a nuclear weapons program without some discussion of physics and James has struck the balance with details that are credible and not about the heads of the lay reader. The tradecraft is spot on. The character development is exceptional; all the protagonists and antagonists feel real. Looking forward to his next book.
August 21, 2025
The book’s main strength comes from the author’s experience as a CIA counterproliferation officer, so he draws from his own experiences. The main character feels underdeveloped and cliche and the Iranian characters sound and feel American, which takes me out of it. No Iranian IRGC general will hum obscure Rolling Stones songs for plot convenience. I think the next book will be better. Could’ve been better, could’ve been worse.
July 14, 2022
True fiction
Having heard Mr Lawler on a DarkNet Diaries podcast episode I was looking forward to reading this. Living lies certainly did not disappoint!
The feeling of realistic interaction and human nature strengths and weaknesses brings a feeling of reality to the story.
Having heard Mr Lawler on a DarkNet Diaries podcast episode I was looking forward to reading this. Living lies certainly did not disappoint!
The feeling of realistic interaction and human nature strengths and weaknesses brings a feeling of reality to the story.
September 29, 2021
Phenomenal read written by a true master of spy craft. I simply couldn’t put it down.
February 4, 2022
Mr. Lawler's 'Living Lies' was the first fictional book I've read in almost 30 years. Typically, I'm immediately "turned off" at the very notion of reading fictional content. However, in this case, after learning of Mr. Lawler's real life endeavor's as the CIA's most accomplished nuclear spy hunter in the Agency's history, responsible for bringing down the world's deadliest group of nuclear weapons proliferators, it was hard not to be interested in seeing what kind of thoughts were running through his mind when writing this literary masterpiece.
Also, there was the promise (although a fictional tale) that it would read more like nonfiction, as all the reviews I read prior to digging into the novel were from people in the Intelligence Community who said 'Living Lies' gives a "true to life" portrayal of how those who live in this secret world really operate. The combination of knowing Mr. Lawler lived in this kind of shadowy world for decades (making him an expert in the field) and thus offered the potential to learn something from him and not simply be entertained, was the tipping point for me.
I don't want to spoil things for anyone who'd decide to read 'Living Lies' and see what they may learn from Mr. Lawler, or simply be entertained by the manner in which he wrote the novel, but I assure all readers it'll be both a learning experience and you'll be thoroughly entertained while you learn. In fact, on the learning side, if what I read was just 5% based in reality of some of the experiences he had in his life, it's absolutely shocking to me that would even be possible. It's very hard to grasp what you're reading, although fiction, is an accurate portrayal of what this life is like.
For me this is what makes 'Living Lies' truly unique and special, that you're provided the opportunity to learn valuable insights only someone like himself could tell you, be wildly entertained and then as you put down the novel start questioning if what you just read could possibly have an ounce of truth behind it. To have to read it over and over again in disbelief and think there's no way what you're reading could be based on someone's actual real life experiences. Then once you're finally able to come to terms with and accept the fact that it is, you're left with a sense of complete and utter awe.
Imagine reading a story about your favorite superhero, perhaps Superman or some other fictional character who saves the world, and then finding out Superman is a real person. And that Superman now writes fictional novels based on his own life's experiences taking down the most dangerous, evil villains on earth. It's quite extraordinary, in my view, when the reader is unable to discern if what they're reading is based in some sort of reality or is purely a fictional portrayal of how the people in this line of work operate. And then understand its contents actually comes from the author's first hand knowledge of how navigating these high stakes, life and death situations truly feels like.
Lastly, I'd like to say one of the most important things when looking for some "good reads" is make sure you not only choose a topic which interests you, but choose books where you know the author cares about his/her readers and is willing to invest his/her private time enhancing your own experience reading their works. I know Mr. Lawler cares deeply for his readers as he took the time to do something very special for me which I'll cherish for the rest of my life. He's extremely approachable and encourages his fans to reach out to him, so for all those who do read 'Living Lies' you're in for a serious jaw dropper and an unbelievable experience if you decide to get in touch with him personally.
Superman is real, he just doesn't wear a cape and leap tall buildings in a single bound. But he does take down the most dangerous bad guys the world has ever seen and has an email address. You may learn from him (and maybe even receive something extra special like I did) if you wish to drop him a line. I very much look forward to reading his next novel coming out later this year and I hope he continues to write even more in the years to come as I've become a huge fan of his. Enjoy everyone!
Also, there was the promise (although a fictional tale) that it would read more like nonfiction, as all the reviews I read prior to digging into the novel were from people in the Intelligence Community who said 'Living Lies' gives a "true to life" portrayal of how those who live in this secret world really operate. The combination of knowing Mr. Lawler lived in this kind of shadowy world for decades (making him an expert in the field) and thus offered the potential to learn something from him and not simply be entertained, was the tipping point for me.
I don't want to spoil things for anyone who'd decide to read 'Living Lies' and see what they may learn from Mr. Lawler, or simply be entertained by the manner in which he wrote the novel, but I assure all readers it'll be both a learning experience and you'll be thoroughly entertained while you learn. In fact, on the learning side, if what I read was just 5% based in reality of some of the experiences he had in his life, it's absolutely shocking to me that would even be possible. It's very hard to grasp what you're reading, although fiction, is an accurate portrayal of what this life is like.
For me this is what makes 'Living Lies' truly unique and special, that you're provided the opportunity to learn valuable insights only someone like himself could tell you, be wildly entertained and then as you put down the novel start questioning if what you just read could possibly have an ounce of truth behind it. To have to read it over and over again in disbelief and think there's no way what you're reading could be based on someone's actual real life experiences. Then once you're finally able to come to terms with and accept the fact that it is, you're left with a sense of complete and utter awe.
Imagine reading a story about your favorite superhero, perhaps Superman or some other fictional character who saves the world, and then finding out Superman is a real person. And that Superman now writes fictional novels based on his own life's experiences taking down the most dangerous, evil villains on earth. It's quite extraordinary, in my view, when the reader is unable to discern if what they're reading is based in some sort of reality or is purely a fictional portrayal of how the people in this line of work operate. And then understand its contents actually comes from the author's first hand knowledge of how navigating these high stakes, life and death situations truly feels like.
Lastly, I'd like to say one of the most important things when looking for some "good reads" is make sure you not only choose a topic which interests you, but choose books where you know the author cares about his/her readers and is willing to invest his/her private time enhancing your own experience reading their works. I know Mr. Lawler cares deeply for his readers as he took the time to do something very special for me which I'll cherish for the rest of my life. He's extremely approachable and encourages his fans to reach out to him, so for all those who do read 'Living Lies' you're in for a serious jaw dropper and an unbelievable experience if you decide to get in touch with him personally.
Superman is real, he just doesn't wear a cape and leap tall buildings in a single bound. But he does take down the most dangerous bad guys the world has ever seen and has an email address. You may learn from him (and maybe even receive something extra special like I did) if you wish to drop him a line. I very much look forward to reading his next novel coming out later this year and I hope he continues to write even more in the years to come as I've become a huge fan of his. Enjoy everyone!
February 21, 2025
I was fortunate enough to meet Jim Lawler at a recent event celebrating his latest work, and, after reading Living Lies, I’m convinced he’s a standout in the spy novel category. Fans of the genre should find his writing thoroughly engaging, and I suspect I’ll soon have equally high praise for his other titles.
Lawler spent a career at the CIA handling missions most of us will only glimpse through redacted files—if we ever glimpse them at all. The bulk of his achievements, therefore, remain shrouded in classified obscurity. Fortunately, his books offer a rare window into the secretive world that shaped him as both a spy and a storyteller. Getting so much of this past CIA the publishing review board is, in itself, a minor miracle—one that readers can be genuinely thankful for.
Beyond the intrigue, Lawler’s personal experience and operator-level insights lend his writing an authenticity not easily found elsewhere. His narratives pulse with a sense of realism that can only come from someone who has been in the thick of it. If you appreciate an author who’s genuinely lived the mission, Living Lies should secure a spot on your must-read list. Read it for the plot, but stay for the sly glimpses into an arcane side of American espionage.
Lawler spent a career at the CIA handling missions most of us will only glimpse through redacted files—if we ever glimpse them at all. The bulk of his achievements, therefore, remain shrouded in classified obscurity. Fortunately, his books offer a rare window into the secretive world that shaped him as both a spy and a storyteller. Getting so much of this past CIA the publishing review board is, in itself, a minor miracle—one that readers can be genuinely thankful for.
Beyond the intrigue, Lawler’s personal experience and operator-level insights lend his writing an authenticity not easily found elsewhere. His narratives pulse with a sense of realism that can only come from someone who has been in the thick of it. If you appreciate an author who’s genuinely lived the mission, Living Lies should secure a spot on your must-read list. Read it for the plot, but stay for the sly glimpses into an arcane side of American espionage.
December 10, 2021
This novel tells a gripping spy story that is at once enticing and human. This reason alone is enough to go grab a copy. The author’s extensive background as a consummate professional in the field certainly heightens the credibility of the writing. More than that, though—and this is perhaps the book’s greatest strength—Lawler’s background allows him to expand upon the fight at home. The American democracy is at times unwieldy and politically treacherous; these elements come through with great clarity in the plot of “Living Lies”. If you’re looking for a story about a spy saving the world alone and unafraid you may want to look somewhere else. If though, you want to delve into the grit of a team of patriots who fight to uncover truth when many would rather bury their heads in the sand, you’ve come to the right place. And better yet, you’ll get a story far closer to reality than you might imagine. 5 stars for “Living Lies”. I cannot wait to learn more about the Guild.
January 24, 2022
Very solid quasi-realistic spy fiction. As many of the other reviewers, I prefer more realistic spy fiction and generally like books, such as this one, written by ex-spies. I am not and have not been a spy, so my sense of realism is subjective. Nevertheless, this book has a lot of details that ring true, especially given the recent history of our relationship with Iran including the JCPOA. The book also has some well-drawn characters. For me, probably the most notable aspect of the book is the manner in which it captures bureaucratic infighting within the CIA and the government more broadly (as well as the corruption and infighting within the Iranian government). The plot wrinkle related to the CIA relying on a tech company to host its data in the cloud also resonated. A very good first effort. I look forward to more books from the same author.
February 8, 2022
As a former member of the intelligence community and a fellow author of an espionage action thriller, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Living Lies. Apart from the fact that it is a captivating fast-paced pager turner that has you wanting to read just one more chapter, James Lawler presents a realistic depiction of what intelligence work is really like. He is a contemporary American version of John LeCarré. For his first novel, it is a great read. You won't be disappointed.
January 12, 2022
3.5/5. Could have definitely been edited down a little bit and there were a lot of minor characters to keep track of, but the story was exciting and authentic. The 2nd half definitely picked up the pace with a thrilling conclusion. You can’t go wrong with a spy novel written by an actual former spy.
May 23, 2022
great story, good characters, very believable.
One beef, author got a bit carried away at the end. Thought he went over the top with a movie script ending that really wasn't required. toned down a bit and would have been just as tense and exciting. Is anyone that good a shot with a weapon they'd just picked up?
One beef, author got a bit carried away at the end. Thought he went over the top with a movie script ending that really wasn't required. toned down a bit and would have been just as tense and exciting. Is anyone that good a shot with a weapon they'd just picked up?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. I will start with the fact that spy thrillers are not really my jam, but when my brother-in-law, a retired CIA case officer, writes a book then I need to read it! It’s a thrilling inside look into CIA life and by the end I had trouble putting it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen. If you like spy thrillers, don’t hesitate to pick this up!
Read
July 19, 2025Ugh I’m so glad I’m finally done. The second half was much more engaging. All the threads coming together. I cried when stan morris and ali died. That’s something. Some really funny white man describing women moments. A week to read 325 pages? I did read kotlc during this book. Was a good change of pace.
June 19, 2022
I got this book on the recommendation of author Marc Cameron - it was a great book and hard to put down once all the characters were introduced. I have ordered James's next book In The Twinkling of an Eye - which will be here August 1.
May 30, 2023
I have just completed reading Living Lies. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story and plot line were riveting, the characters real, the events plausible, and the topic timely. It was well written, well edited, and emotionally moving.
Bravo, Jim. Well done.
Bravo, Jim. Well done.
April 14, 2024
Outstanding Novel
This is a fast-paced great read. The author really tells a fantastic story, but all based on real life experiences. Looking forward to reading much more of James Lawler’s books.
This is a fast-paced great read. The author really tells a fantastic story, but all based on real life experiences. Looking forward to reading much more of James Lawler’s books.
December 13, 2021
What a great spy novel!! The characters and moving pieces were masterfully constructed. The end was riveting and - as a retired practitioner- disturbingly believable. Highly recommend reading.
November 22, 2022
It’s a compelling story, but perhaps not the best writing. The writer uses his expertise though to provide an in-depth and readable story
October 11, 2025
This is a modern take on the cold-war espionage trope; very
compelling, and with human and organizational details that ring true.
If you liked this, consider John Hersey's Hiroshima
compelling, and with human and organizational details that ring true.
If you liked this, consider John Hersey's Hiroshima
February 4, 2022
Mr. Lawler's 'Living Lies' was the first fictional book I've read in almost 30 years. Typically, I'm immediately "turned off" at the very notion of reading fictional content. However, in this case, after learning of Mr. Lawler's real life endeavor's as the CIA's most accomplished nuclear spy hunter in the Agency's history, responsible for bringing down the world's deadliest group of nuclear weapons proliferators, it was hard not to be interested in seeing what kind of thoughts were running through his mind when writing this literary masterpiece.
Also, there was the promise (although a fictional tale) that it would read more like nonfiction, as all the reviews I read prior to digging into the novel were from people in the Intelligence Community who said 'Living Lies' gives a "true to life" portrayal of how those who live in this secret world really operate. The combination of knowing Mr. Lawler lived in this kind of shadowy world for decades (making him an expert in the field) and thus offered the potential to learn something from him and not simply be entertained, was the tipping point for me.
I don't want to spoil things for anyone who'd decide to read 'Living Lies' and see what they may learn from Mr. Lawler, or simply be entertained by the manner in which he wrote the novel, but I assure all readers it'll be both a learning experience and you'll be thoroughly entertained while you learn. In fact, on the learning side, if what I read was just 5% based in reality of some of the experiences he had in his life, it's absolutely shocking to me that would even be possible. It's very hard to grasp what you're reading, although fiction, is an accurate portrayal of what this life is like.
For me this is what makes 'Living Lies' truly unique and special, that you're provided the opportunity to learn valuable insights only someone like himself could tell you, be wildly entertained and then as you put down the novel start questioning if what you just read could possibly have an ounce of truth behind it. To have to read it over and over again in disbelief and think there's no way what you're reading could be based on someone's actual real life experiences. Then once you're finally able to come to terms with and accept the fact that it is, you're left with a sense of complete and utter awe.
Imagine reading a story about your favorite superhero, perhaps Superman or some other fictional character who saves the world, and then finding out Superman is a real person. And that Superman now writes fictional novels based on his own life's experiences taking down the most dangerous, evil villains on earth. It's quite extraordinary, in my view, when the reader is unable to discern if what they're reading is based in some sort of reality or is purely a fictional portrayal of how the people in this line of work operate. And then understand its contents actually comes from the author's first hand knowledge of how navigating these high stakes, life and death situations truly feels like.
Lastly, I'd like to say one of the most important things when looking for some "good reads" is make sure you not only choose a topic which interests you, but choose books where you know the author cares about his/her readers and is willing to invest his/her private time enhancing your own experience reading their works. I know Mr. Lawler cares deeply for his readers as he took the time to do something very special for me which I'll cherish for the rest of my life. He's extremely approachable and encourages his fans to reach out to him, so for all those who do read 'Living Lies' you're in for a serious jaw dropper and an unbelievable experience if you decide to get in touch with him personally.
Superman is real, he just doesn't wear a cape and leap tall buildings in a single bound. But he does take down the most dangerous bad guys the world has ever seen and has an email address. You may learn from him (and maybe even receive something extra special like I did) if you wish to drop him a line. I very much look forward to reading his next novel coming out later this year and I hope he continues to write even more in the years to come as I've become a huge fan of his. Enjoy everyone!
Also, there was the promise (although a fictional tale) that it would read more like nonfiction, as all the reviews I read prior to digging into the novel were from people in the Intelligence Community who said 'Living Lies' gives a "true to life" portrayal of how those who live in this secret world really operate. The combination of knowing Mr. Lawler lived in this kind of shadowy world for decades (making him an expert in the field) and thus offered the potential to learn something from him and not simply be entertained, was the tipping point for me.
I don't want to spoil things for anyone who'd decide to read 'Living Lies' and see what they may learn from Mr. Lawler, or simply be entertained by the manner in which he wrote the novel, but I assure all readers it'll be both a learning experience and you'll be thoroughly entertained while you learn. In fact, on the learning side, if what I read was just 5% based in reality of some of the experiences he had in his life, it's absolutely shocking to me that would even be possible. It's very hard to grasp what you're reading, although fiction, is an accurate portrayal of what this life is like.
For me this is what makes 'Living Lies' truly unique and special, that you're provided the opportunity to learn valuable insights only someone like himself could tell you, be wildly entertained and then as you put down the novel start questioning if what you just read could possibly have an ounce of truth behind it. To have to read it over and over again in disbelief and think there's no way what you're reading could be based on someone's actual real life experiences. Then once you're finally able to come to terms with and accept the fact that it is, you're left with a sense of complete and utter awe.
Imagine reading a story about your favorite superhero, perhaps Superman or some other fictional character who saves the world, and then finding out Superman is a real person. And that Superman now writes fictional novels based on his own life's experiences taking down the most dangerous, evil villains on earth. It's quite extraordinary, in my view, when the reader is unable to discern if what they're reading is based in some sort of reality or is purely a fictional portrayal of how the people in this line of work operate. And then understand its contents actually comes from the author's first hand knowledge of how navigating these high stakes, life and death situations truly feels like.
Lastly, I'd like to say one of the most important things when looking for some "good reads" is make sure you not only choose a topic which interests you, but choose books where you know the author cares about his/her readers and is willing to invest his/her private time enhancing your own experience reading their works. I know Mr. Lawler cares deeply for his readers as he took the time to do something very special for me which I'll cherish for the rest of my life. He's extremely approachable and encourages his fans to reach out to him, so for all those who do read 'Living Lies' you're in for a serious jaw dropper and an unbelievable experience if you decide to get in touch with him personally.
Superman is real, he just doesn't wear a cape and leap tall buildings in a single bound. But he does take down the most dangerous bad guys the world has ever seen and has an email address. You may learn from him (and maybe even receive something extra special like I did) if you wish to drop him a line. I very much look forward to reading his next novel coming out later this year and I hope he continues to write even more in the years to come as I've become a huge fan of his. Enjoy everyone!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews