Little Black Lies is the debut novel of Sandra Block, It is a psychological and suspenseful tale that held my interest from the beginning to the end and I enjoyed every minute. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Kara Bartell who I have not listened to previously but would love to again. I thought she did such an amazing job with the different characters and scenes throughout the novel. As I listened to her I could picture this book as a movie in my head and that’s exactly what I look for from a narrator – bringing the story alive in my mind and making me feel as though I’m right there.
Zoe Goldman is a resident doctor on a psychiatric ward. Having mental issues of her own she made the decision to spend her life helping those who suffer. While Zoe listens to her patients and their stories we learn that she has some pretty major issues of her own that become apparent when she begins suffering from some wicked nightmares again. She dreams of a fire that rages out of control and her fear and then the loss of her mother because of this fire. She questions her adoptive mother but she’s suffering from dementia and isn’t always much help and upsets easily. Yet there are a few times where she will make comments that mystify Zoe and make her even more determined to find out the truth that seems to be lingering in the far reaches of her mind.
Things become even more complicated for Zoe as she’s assigned a patient named Sofia. Sofia has been in mental wards most of her life having been accused of killing her mother. As she talks with Sofia and tries to understand what this woman did she becomes even more obsessed with finding out the truth about her own birth mother and unlocking the meaning behind her nightmares and her own mental issues. As she delves deeper and deeper into the mystery surrounding her childhood she realizes that the one person who can help her – her adoptive mother – is slipping away more each day.
Little Black Lies was a great listening experience for me. I enjoyed Zoe as a character although a few times I would have liked to smack her but that’s besides the point. It’s nice to see a character with a mental illness being successful in a career. The ending is great with a twist that may surprise some readers. Highly recommended for those who enjoy psychological, suspense filled books!
i don’t listen to audio books, but you make it seem very appealing. I’m impressed that you know and think about the reader, I guess I always assumed they would all be good.
Elizabeth, I’ve really started listening to audiobooks in the last few years and I just love them. They are such a different experience from reading a print book.
I love books like that but do better with them in print. I’m adding this to my wish list!
Kathy, I wish I could listen to everything I have to review instead of reading now. lol. I find I can get so much more done while listening.
I’m glad to hear that this one works well on audio. I’ve had it on my list and may just get to it that way. Thanks!
Kay, it was really good on audio. I would have liked this one in print as well but the audio just brings it alive.
Sounds like a great book… Thank you for a chance to win…
Thank you for taking the time to read my book and for your lovely review. Kara Bartell nailed the accents, didn’t she? Thanks again…
Sandra, you’re very welcome. I really enjoyed listening to your book and yes the narration was just perfect!