Sweet Little Lies, a psychological crime, fiction novel by debut author Caz Frear, is filled with relatability, suspense, and an understanding of the basic nature of seemingly harmless lies. The story is narrated by Cat Kinsella, a detective with London’s Metropolitan Police Force. Cat is assigned to a case involving a murder of a young woman, who Cat quickly discovers was killed uncomfortably close to the pub her father owns. Through working the case while attempting to expel the demons from her troubled childhood, Cat realizes that everything about her past she has tried so hard to wrap up, may slowly unravel beyond her control.
Sweet Little Lies is an undeniably brilliant first novel for Frear. It contains just enough suspense to send readers into a page-turning frenzy, but not too much that it becomes overwhelming. The narrator’s lack of honesty with the other characters creates a satisfying sense of dramatic irony, and the other characters are slowly revealed to be carrying secrets and lies as well.
The London setting in Sweet Little Lies offers a compelling glimpse at a foreign country’s justice system, but I found the British slang to be a bit confusing at times. Unfamiliar terms and locations slowed down my reading speed, but it might have been for the best as I was able to fully comprehend the twisted ending I could never have guessed. Ultimately, Sweet Little Lies is a fulfilling read that isn’t to be missed.