The Weight of Lies: A Novel

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 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.

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Published Jun 6, 2017

382 pages

Average rating: 8

7 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

margardenlady
Dec 27, 2023
8/10 stars
I never saw all of that coming. Some of it, yes. But yikes - this mystery/thriller was a compelling read. A daughter solving - or trying to solve a decade old murder. A famous novel written about the crime, but made almost mythical. I seldom knew who to believe and yet, somehow the story held together. I did never completely understand the quotes from the Kitten novel, but they definitely set a tone for the story.
Anonymous
Jan 10, 2023
8/10 stars
4.3

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