Plausible story well read

Where does Beautiful Lies rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Of the few books I've listened to so far, it ranks highly thanks to its fast pace and believable characters.

If you’ve listened to books by Lisa Unger before, how does this one compare?

This is the first book I've heard by Lisa Unger.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The intimate scenes between the lead characters were the most realistic.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were no scenes that particularly moved me but I felt drawn into the relationship between the two lead characters which unfolded naturally as the events of the story unfolded. The ending did not disappoint.

Any additional comments?

The storyline could have been tightened up. Some of the details of the character's emotions were not always necessary. Nevertheless the plot had enough interest to ride these slower passages.

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A Captivating collection of twists and turns

Would you listen to Beautiful Lies again? Why?

Yes. I think if I listened again I would discover different elements and aspects that I missed the first time. It's a complex story with interesting relationships and characters.

What did you like best about this story?

The way it unfolds from a normal everyday life into a story with drama, twists and intrigue.

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth Kaye – was your favourite?

The central character, Ridley.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The book concluded nicely and I felt the hope of a happy ending

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Gripping Thriller

What did you like most about Beautiful Lies?

Beautiful Lies is a very well written and engaging thriller with multiple strands running through it. It is primarily the story of Ridley, who because of a series of random events, becomes a media sensation for a few days. As a result she receives information which leads her to question, who she is and how she came to be the person she has always unquestioningly believed herself to be.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ridley is an engaging and likeable heroine. She feels real, a good person leading a normal life, she is kind, reliable and hardworking. Ridley is also a loving daughter but the events at the beginning of the novel cause her to question everything about her life and who she believes she is.

What about Elizabeth Kaye’s performance did you like?

This book was very well performed indeed. Elizabeth Kaye became Ridley Jones. She read with tremendous feel for the character and the events. One of the best read audiobooks I have listened to.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It had me guessing, trying to work out what was happening before it was revealed. I liked the story of Ridley and Jake, I don't want to give anything away so I will just say that this part of the story was powerfully written.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the first I have read/listened to by Lisa Unger. I was pleased to see that audible have several of her novels so look forward to hearing some more.Highly recommended.

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Or hidden truths?

An interesting tale of family intrigues which makes you wonder just how well does one really know your family!

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Good Story

For the most part I enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting and how it unfolded was mostly believable. The main character, Ridley, a freelance journalist, didn't seem as inquisitive as I think journalists would have to be. She just accepted some shaky explanations at face value.
The narrator is good, I would definitley listen to her again.
The 'creepy/ atmospheric' music between chapters annoyed me throughout the book, and at 20+ chapters, that's fairly annoying.

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Who's who?

A 30 something girl saves a child from being run over and is a bit of a media sensation as a result. Lots of people take notice, but one of them may be a bit kooky - implying she is his daughter and not the offspring of the local doctor after all.

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Oh dear!

Well the best that I can say is that I did actually see this through to the end. I found the writing odd in the extreme - one phrase was along the lines of: 'I wanted to climb inside him so that I could connect on a cellular level' I haven't yet work out what that means!! I really became irritated by this sort of rubbishy nonsense, the story was OKish - but I feel that it was 13 1/2 hours of my life that I will never get back.
The narrative was done on a 'confidential between you and me' 1st person basis which was awful. No more Lisa Unger for me I am afraid!!

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Were They Beautiful?

What made the experience of listening to Beautiful Lies the most enjoyable?

I quite liked the reader's performance. I also liked the twist, though I did see it happening. Less dwelling on the 'Will he?' 'Won't he?' 'Is he?' would have cut a lot of the book and for me, made it more enjoyable.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I guessed most of the ending from very early on, so it didn't have a big impact.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

the initial scene of the expected accident was the most compelling.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I wonder why you would ask this question of the book. i became more involved in the story at the end of the book.

Any additional comments?

Was Jake for real? Was Max? Was the solicitor? It all felt a little too big.

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Read her newer work, it's much better

I downloaded Beautiful Lies after I'd enjoyed In The Blood enormously. Big mistake. My bad however as I should have done my research. This was Miss Unger's first book and it shows. Terrible characterisation, hokey plot, awful dialogue. Save your credit for her more recent efforts and give this one a miss.

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Disappointing, dull and implausible

Would you try another book written by Lisa Unger or narrated by Elizabeth Kaye?

I was keen to try this book based on the previous reviews. I am usually have a verylaid back approach to books and will listen and read almost anything and just enjoy the experience. This book, however, was really painful to listen to! I cannot fault the narrator - she did her very best with a very poor quality, implausible and ultimately boring story!

What was most disappointing about Lisa Unger’s story?

The storyline was the most disappointing aspect of this book. It is just very poorly written and the protagonist is hard to warm to - she just comes across as being as slow as treacle. This other characters too are very stilted and forced, and I felt it was a real achievement to even make it to the end of the book.

What does Elizabeth Kaye bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The narrator did her utmost with a very poor piece of writing.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Serious disappointment!

Any additional comments?

If you are a fan of Dan Brown, and believe him to be a gifted storyteller and a talented weaver of tales - then this book will be right up your alley!

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