Liar City

Liar City (2023) Allie Therin (Sugar & Vice)

No one knows where the empaths came from. All people know is they have to be touching you to read you–and that they are all pacifists, unable even to defend themselves.

Because the real empath she knew wouldn’t be doing shots with rich workaholics; he’d be lecturing everyone on the evils of drinking and driving and hiding their car keys.

Reese has been living with his half-sister, but she is a police detective, and he sometimes consults for the police, as a way to help with the rent, but that hasn’t been going well.

This was obviously going to be good news, an unknown caller at four a.m. on a Tuesday.

Since events in March, Reese has picked up a new and unwanted talent–the ability to tell when someone is lying. And it doesn’t make things easier for him.

(T)he worst part was Gretel herself wasn’t a liar. She was worse: a true believer with unshakable faith in her own bias.

Several things.

First, this story throws you right into the middle of things, so you have to jump in with both feet and trust the story not to leave you behind. There are several other books I can think of that do this, and with good effect.

But it also means I’m going to want to read it again, to pick up bits and pieces I missed.

Secondly, a lot of the characters in this story are assholes.

Special Agent Damian Nolan darkened the screen of his tablet before lowering the window to reveal an officer with a panicked expression. “What?”

“Did you see the truck that just arrived on scene?”

“I’m not traffic control, I’m busy,” said Nolan. “Get rid of them.”

“Sir, it’s the driver. We were told—”

He cut her off. “Don’t tell me about the problem, tell me when it’s solved.”

I’m not quite sure why we have to spend so much time with Nolan, but I really don’t like it.

The main mystery of the story is resolved, but there is so much more about the world we don’t know–and that I really do want to know.

Publisher: Carina Adores

Rating: 7/10

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