I have never read anything by Lisa Gardner before. But when my life feels hectic and overwrought, my favorite genre for escape is a thriller. And when time is short, there is little better than a short story.
Three Truths and A Lie is a story to be released in early January, and it is mesmerizing and stultifying and appropriately gory all at once. I came in from a long, twelve hour conference day, and read it that night.
“All right. Let’s begin.”
“So you know the game, three truths and a lie? Most of the details of what I’m going to tell you will be the truth. One will be a lie.”
And it is that line, of course, that compelled me to read this short story. Not that I wasn’t intrigued by the premise: a wealthy man is found dead in a seedy hotel room, with his amputated leg in a bathtub filled with dry ice. How come? Who did it?
It’s a detective story perfectly told, which makes me think I’ll read another novel by Lisa Gardner soon. Oh, that we were all as clever as her heroine addressing an audience of writers with this particular plot.
Sounds intriguing! I must say, I’m drawn more to the dialogue you quoted than the plot gist, which is strange… What can be more attention-grabbing than an amputated leg?
Will try to remember to download this story in January…
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I’m not sure if you mean the quote, or the leg, caught your attention most…but, it was quite an attention-grabbing read. I thought Gardner’s lie a most excellent one; not tricky or manipulative at all. More like an O. Henry short story, which makes me say, “Oh!” at the end because of course it was there all along. But, not obviously.
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Ack, my sentence was unclear. I meant the quote grabbed me more, even though the leg is quite attention-grabbing as a plot point already.
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Got it!
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Ugh. A 12-hour conference? I hope there were danish or donuts involved! 🙂 I’ll bet you’re counting the days until your winter break. I know I’m ready for another vacation. We head to Oregon on Christmas Day and I look forward to leisurely walks in the woods and along the bluff, overlooking the ocean. This time of year is so hectic at work and home. I think I’ll have to delve into a few mysteries myself. I’ve picked up and put down at least a half dozen books since my return from Germany. NOTHING is capturing my attention. I’ve not yet tried Lisa Gardner, and I hate to acquire more books when my stacks are overflowing. Maybe I’ll give Debbie Crombie or Martha Grimes a read. I have plenty of their books waiting their turn.
Be well, dear friend.
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Lesley, it was a twelve hour day of conferences with parents! Not that I don’t love meeting each child’s mother and father, and talking about their strengths, but I just get so very weary! The requirements of teaching are not as easy for me as they once were…
I have never been to Oregon, but how lovely to walk along cliffs and bluffs…that would be my favorite part of the vacation, I’m sure.
Mysteries and thrillers, when they’re well written (NOT like Gone Girl, for me) are so theraputic for me. They truly let me escape as I become involved in the plot. I have Murder in The Marais (by Cara Black) which I look forward to soon. But, first there’s the Emma read along, and a few others I have committed to for this winter.
Happy Thanksgiving month to you, Les! I know we rest on the strength of its meaning: family and appreciation of each little thing. xoxo
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I’m a Lisa G fan from way back when. Glad to read you liked this one.
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Trust you to know the good mystery writers before I find them, Diane! If her other novels are as well written as this short story, I’m sure I’ll be a fan, too. Thanks, as always, for visiting.
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