Echoes of Lies (A&B Crime) [Paperback]

The plot has already been reviewed rather well, and to discuss it any more would give away plot developments that could spoil things for those who haven't yet read this 'must read' novel. So, I'll stick to what I liked about "Echoes of Lies." The solution to the criminal act of who tortured Daniel Hood, and why is resolved a quarter way through the book. This leads private detective Brodie Farrell and Daniel to another crime and another innocent whose life is at stake. And the identity of the mastermind behind that crime was quite easy to guess as well. No, it's not the crimes or how Daniel and Brodie arrive at the solutions of these crimes that makes this book such compelling reading, but rather the manner in which Bannister makes the reader examine concepts such as punishment of the crime, justice, retribution and revenge. Daniel, the victim of torture, is a character that many will seldom come across, whether in fiction or in real life. The question that nagged at me while I read this book -- is Daniel doing the right thing? -- haunted me even after I had finished the book. This is a book that makes you think and question the accepted social mores about justice and retribution. And is what ultimately makes "Echoes of Lies" such compelling reading.

Bannister did an excellent job in the pacing and execution of the novel -- each new development in the mystery led to an even deeper one. And I liked the manner in which Bannister made each new incident development in the mystery result in the 'fleshing out' of characters as well as insights into their motives.

"Echoes in Lies" is an excellent read. I finished the book in one go -- I simply couldn't put it down. It's not quite the traditional mystery novel, but is a great read nonetheless. Here's my advice: run (don't walk) to your nearest library/bookstore and get this book!

Not long after completing her assignment, Brodie sees a picture of the man she found accompanied by an article in which the newspaper states he was tortured and killed. Brodie admits to the police her role in the victim's death only to learn he remains alive in a hospital under watch. She asks for absolution and receives it from the victim and soon Brodie and Daniel become friends, joining forces to track down the person who hired her. Soon the plot thickens as they find the torturers who thought Daniel was part of a scheme to kidnap a child.

This novel is quite different than the Castlemane series, but remains a solid tale. Brodie and Daniel are interesting characters with strong moral cores that takes them outside the law to do what each one feels is right. ECHOES OF LIES is a combination character story packed inside a Bond-like thriller.

Harriet Klausner

And he doesn't know. Miraculously, he survives physically, and confronts his torturers. Miraculously, he unravels the mysteris surrounding kidnapping and death. And at the end, the truth is too destructive to be told. The last sentence of the book is Daniel's lie to the police inspector: "No," he lied. "She never knew, and I never told her."

This book is truly good writing. More than just a challenging read or a thriller, it contains a penetrating depth of thought which makes it intellectually satisfying as well.