The Lies We Tell by Jamie Holland

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not effect my opinion of the book or my review.

In The Lies We Tell, Holland deftly explores the heady topics of loss, grief, truth, and lies.

Set in 1974, Martie and Blaire have just lost their father, and their mother has moved them to Wisconsin for a fresh start. Martie is obsessed with the symptoms of a heart attack (what her mother told her her father died from), as well as the case of two sisters who have gone missing from what used to be Martie's hometown. Blaire, the older sister, is acting out, their mother is evasive and defensive, and Martie fears things will never be the same again.

So she searches for the truth, about what really happened to their family. But as she begins to find out more and more, she realizes that the truth may truly be what finally breaks her.

I read this book in less than a day. The writing style is simple and flows well, and Holland has a deft touch for getting into the head of thirteen year old Martie and making her feel real to the readers. It's a gripping story as well. I had to keep reading not only to find out the truth, but to find out if Martie and her family would be okay, where they would end up in life.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, well-written read that tugs on your emotions and makes you think.