The Book of Lies
by Brad Meltzer; Scott Brick, reader
Published by Hachette Audio (September 2 release)
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Reviewed by Maria Elmvang
In Genesis, Cain commits fratricide when he murders his brother, Abel. This is the first and most famous murder in the history of the world, yet the murder weapon itself has been lost to time. The Bible mentions nothing about it. Was it a rock? A sharpened stick? Or perhaps Cain’s bare hands? According to Brad Meltzer’s theories, it was something else entirely, and in his thrilling book, The Book of Lies, Cal Harper finds himself on a breathless search for the world’s first murder weapon, eager to find it before time runs out and the hunter suddenly becomes the hunted. But on every step of the way he has to watch out for Ellis–a ruthless murderer with a tattoo of the ancient markings of Cain.
Cal’s quest takes him to Cleveland, to the home of Jerry Siegel, the creator of Superman. Jerry’s father was killed by a shot from a gun, thus inspiring Jerry to invent the bullet-proof man. Someone had attempted to murder Cal’s own father by that same weapon, but where is the connection? What links the world’s first murder to Superman and to Cal’s father?
In this mixture of folklore and mystery, Brad Meltzer once again proves that he is the master of suspense. As always he manages to capture his audience from the very first word, because he dares to throw the reader out into the middle of the action, rather than slowly ease them in thorough introductions. His writing skills are so undeniable that one easily forgives him small inconsistencies and plot holes, because he has the ability to make the reader believe in him completely while reading. It wasn’t until after I had finished the book that I sat back and thought, “Hey, but what about….”
The Book of Lies has been recorded for Hachette Audio by Scott Brick, who does full justice to Brad Meltzer’s writings. His voice is easy to understand and expressive, and he knows how to take himself out of the equation, so that my attention was focused on the plot, and not on his interpretation of it.
I found myself taking bike detours to work and even offering to do the dishes after dinner– anything to have time for “just one more chapter.”
Armchair Interviews says: Brad Meltzer does NOT disappoint!
Author’s Web site: http://www.BradMeltzer.com