Block has created a sassy protagonist in Zoe Goldman, a resident in a psychiatric ward in Buffalo, New York. Zoe cares about her patients, but her own life is a little complicated--the mother who adopted her at four-years-old has dementia, and Zoe and her brother are deeply saddened as their mother loses more and more of her memory. Zoe's former lover has moved, and their relationship may or may not survive, and Zoe's childhood nightmares have returned with a vengeance.
Then a sociopath, who as a teenager murdered her mother, arrives on her ward, and Zoe finds herself more curious about her own birth murder and what the confusing nightmares about a fire might mean. Her adoptive mother, however, either can't remember or refuses to relate much information. The love between Zoe and her adoptive mother is obvious, but the lack of information and/or misinformation about Zoe's birth mother eats at her. Are Zoe's nightmares a result of her mind trying to give her a warning?
I received Little Black Lies from NetGalley, and wasn't sure what to expect. It was such a pleasant surprise to find myself immersed in characters and narrative. I look forward to more from Sandra Block.
NetGalley/Grand Central Publishing/Hachette
Mystery/Psychological. Feb. 17, 2015. Print version: 352 pages.
The premise of this novel sounds fascinating. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteEvidently Block, as a neurologist, is quite familiar with treatment of psychiatric patients, but I was surprised at the dependence on drugs. The suspense only begins to mount later in the book, but Zoe Goldman is an intriguing character and held my interest.
DeleteI can see why you liked this one, Jenclair. I think I would too. Zoe sounds like a great character. And I'm curious about the psychiatric ward setting. I think though what intrigues me most is Zoe and her adoptive mother.
ReplyDeleteYes, even in her dementia, Zoe's mother is keeping secrets!
DeleteOK, you sold me on this one too. I'll be on the lookout for it. I'm just loving finding so many new books to add to my list. Now to think about reading them!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is, I think, a little misleading to the kind of story this is. I enjoyed it!
DeleteSounds good! I am glad you enjoyed this and posted about it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back to posting on your blog!
DeleteThe cover is sure eye-catching but the premise sounds even better! I'm going to check this out.
ReplyDeleteThe premise is much better than the cover!
DeleteThat does sound good - and that cover is creeping me out - is that just me???
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
The cover is why I didn't expect much from the book, but the content has much more to offer!
DeleteThank you so much for taking the time to read the book and post this wonderful review! I truly appreciate it. By the way, another Zoe Goldman book is coming out soon... :)
ReplyDelete:) I look forward to more of Zoe!
ReplyDelete