Beautiful Lies
by Lisa Unger
Published by First Vintage Crime/Black Lizard—Vintage Books A Division of Random House
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Reviewed by Joyce Sparrow
A young freelance writer sweeps up a child from the path of an approaching car on a busy New York City street, and the resulting publicity begins the unexpected revelations behind her idyllic life.
The secrets of illegal adoptions by people with the desire to save at-risk children begin to unfold. Ridley Jones lived a comfortable childhood with her beloved parents and a caring uncle, Max. Ridley’s brother Ace side-steps into life as an addict living in abandoned New York City buildings while Ridley completes college and moves on to become a successful writer. When mysterious messages begin to appear on Ridley’s doorstep, her new neighbor, Jake, and her brother, Ace, work to unveil the secrets of her childhood.
You follow Ridley on her painful journey of discovery where friends, relatives, and lovers do not appear as they really are. This is a plot-driven story showing the secrets hidden behind the relationships of an unknowing adopted child who is now an adult. Ridley has broken off with her long-term boyfriend and taken up with her new neighbor, Jake, who plays a strong role in the plot. Ridley’s parents give her the love and confidence she needs; however, she finds they withheld information from her. Ace, her brother, who has a strained relationship with the family, maintains ties with Ridley and uses his connection in the New York City homeless world to help Ridley uncover the secrets. And finally, it is Ridley’s long-term boyfriend who holds one of the biggest secrets of the story.
Filled with danger, surprise, and suspense, it is recommended for fans of contemporary thrillers who like to uncover relationships that aren’t what they seem to be.
Armchair Interviews says: Good suspense and good storytelling with adoption at its core.