Her Dark Lies: A Novel

This was the absolutely, hands-down, best Gothic suspense that I have read since Victoria Holt’s classic “Bride of Pendorric.” This book swept me away to Isola, an imaginary island off the coast of Italy and was so creepy that I almost felt like I needed to look over my shoulders as I was reading. The story centered around Claire, a young woman from Nashville who falls in love with a multi-millionaire named Jack Compton. Jack’s family owns the island and his family’s history and the villa in which they reside there were fascinating and made this book a totally compulsive read. Getting to know Jack’s family in the pages of this book was a pleasure, kind of. I found that some were nicer and more accepting of Claire than others. My particular favorite was Jack’s grandfather Will, the patriarch of the family who suffers from dementia but who has more wisdom than many others in the household. The characters and the setting made this novel a stellar read. Each time a new character was introduced, I wanted to get to know them well and quickly, and the author did a wonderful job of making sure that I knew what I needed to know to continue to progress into the labyrinth that was Claire’s love story. Most characters had a secret, some more than one, that ended up like a spider’s web of lies and deceit. There were so many hidden places in the family villa on Isola that I loved exploring this ancient home, with so many secrets within its walls and in its gardens. The horror of the events that occurred leading up to Claire’s wedding was well wrapped up in a plot that was extremely intricate and complicated. But the author made it all seem so simple to understand because she unwound truths slowly, like a cornucopia of bountiful mysteries. I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book! I wish my mom were still alive for me to discuss it with her because she introduced me to Victoria Holt and I’m sure that she would agree that J.T. has achieved the same summit of writing a truly entertaining gothic suspense. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy mystery, suspense, thriller and a Gothic atmosphere that is its own character in the book. Disclaimer I purchased an autographed copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I'm a huge fan of J.T Ellison, so I was excited to find she had written a new novel. I pre-ordered it and counted the days until it arrived. I even told myself, "I'm going to relax and read this one slowly and enjoy it ." Instead of my usual I finish a 400 page book in 4-6 hours. So, I began "Her Dark Lies." There went the promise I made to myself. Because the adventure began In life I can't ride roller coasters or any big rides anymore, as I'm a Fibromyalgia mess, this book has more twists turns, and blindingly fast spins, just when you think you maybe, nope, surprise, another loop. My adrenaline is pumping just typing this review.

Wow, wow, wow!!!! There are not enough stars to give this book! It's exhilarating, it's entertaining, it's phenomenal, it's everything you want in a murder mystery/psychological thriller. The writing alone is exceptional and the characters are proficiently developed. I hated for this book to end and even though I thought I had everything figured out before the end it was written so well that I didn't care. You will become consumed by the story. I highly recommend this book.

Pack your bags, and fasten your seatbelts… You are about to attend an unforgettable wedding in a cliff-top villa on a beautiful private island off the Italian coast. Smart, irresistible artist Claire Hunter is marrying her love, the charming and enormously wealthy Jack Compton. What could go wrong? J. T. grips us in Chapter 1 and doesn’t let go. Secrets, fireworks, crypts, all those secretive guests, and a huge storm bearing down on the island. And, oh yes, bodies. Everyone has a reason to lie – but there is one lie far darker than the others. Don’t miss this wedding, but trust no one. 

A solid story. Loved the setting and plot twists! The alternating 1st and 3rd person points of view were done very well, and didn't get me confused with the story. I felt like things were wrapped up a little too quickly in the end, and I would have liked to see some more with a few of the characters, but overall a good read. I'll definitely pick up more of her work!

Artist Claire Hunter is about to marry wealthy Jack Compton at his family’s private villa on secluded Isle Isola. A few days before they leave for Italy, someone breaks into their home. Who and why? And who killed the intruder—Claire or one of the Compton bodyguards? And why is Jack insistent on it being the latter.

Things go from bad to worse. Upon arriving on the island, restoration workers discover a woman’s bones. A severe storm alters the wedding plans. There is a security breach. Someone ruins Claire’s wedding dress. That’s not the worst of it. Murder is afoul. And the big question—is Jack’s first wife still alive?

I’ve read J. T. Ellison’s books before, but this one is probably my favorite. There are enough plot twists to keep the story interesting. It’s told from multiple points of view. While I guessed the killer’s identity, I didn’t figure out the accomplice. The author kept me guessing until near the end.

I would give this book five stars if not for the last couple of chapters. The events are a little murky and even after reading them a second time, I’m still not sure. I like things nice and neat, and this book kept me wondering.

Jutting from sparkling turquoise waters off the Italian coast, Isle Isola is an idyllic setting for a wedding. In the majestic cliff-top villa owned by the wealthy Compton family, up-and-coming artist Claire Hunter will marry handsome, charming Jack Compton, surrounded by close family, intimate friends…and a host of dark secrets.

From the moment Claire sets foot on the island, something seems amiss. Skeletal remains have just been found. There are other, newer disturbances, too. Menacing texts. A ruined wedding dress. And one troubling shadow hanging over Claire’s otherwise blissful relationship—the strange mystery surrounding Jack’s first wife.

Then a raging storm descends, the power goes out—and the real terror begins…

My Thoughts: Claire Hunter is the first-person narrator of Her Dark Lies for most of the story. But an unknown alternate narrator keeps us on our toes as we try to figure out the secrets each of the characters is keeping.

First, we are not completely sure that Jack isn’t hiding important events, and even each of his family members are suspect.

Strange events keep unfolding in the week before the wedding, and suddenly people begin dying, one by one.

Twists and turns kept me turning the pages as I tried to decide who and what to believe. 4.5 stars.

I am a long time fan of JT Ellison and had been eagerly waiting for this book to be released. Unfortunately it did not live up to the hype. I found it to be evocative of Foley's Guest List, big wedding, isolated Islands, no easy way to leave - gosh the murderer must be present. The story was well written and I know there are few totally new ideas, I'll also admit to reading way too many books, but this just didn't meet expectations. That said, I will try her next book and hope for a return to her previous quality.

Claire & Jack are counting the days until their wedding. The ceremony will take place in Italy on the Isle Isola in the massive private cliff-top villa that's been in the groom's family for generations. Claire is marrying into wealth & privilege. No more tattoos. No more piercings. She's a lady in satin & pearls, now. Soon she will belong to a servant-laden, helicopter-flying, island-owning, yacht-sailing, computer-mogul-gazillionaire, privacy-at-all-costs family. Nothing has prepared her for the majestic splendor of the Villa, the lush gardens & the breathtaking views of the sea, BUT from the moment Claire sets foot on the island, strange things start to happen. Jack does not talk about his first wife. Nor does anyone in his family. Speaking about it is completely off-limits. Claire & Jack never got to the heart of things that mattered. There are things he's never told her. Likewise, there are things she's never told him. Someone does NOT want the wedding to take place. Who & why??? The family has plenty of enemies. The list of people who would be happy to see them fall is long.