The Family Lie, by P L Kane
A scream cut through the night as they watched flames engulf the woodland. Fire ripped through the trees, leaving only charred branches behind. And then they saw it… on the ashen forest floor… was a body.
Police officer, Mitchel Prescott answered the phone with a shaking hand. It was the one call he had been dreading. It was the hospital at Green Acres… his father Thomas, had died in the night.
Returning to the small town he had been avoiding since he was a child, Mitch must lay his father to rest.
When he arrives, the close-knit residents refuse to speak about Thomas’ death, other to explain he was found burnt to death in the woods and his dementia was the likely cause.
But when Mitch discovers traces of accelerant on his father’s body, he’s certain it wasn’t an accident. Then his childhood home is broken into, his father’s study ransacked, and a rock thrown through the window warning him to leave.
Mitch is convinced Thomas had discovered something that had got him into trouble… something that would threaten his entire family.
But what secret is worth killing for?
An utterly gripping thriller that will have you reading long into the night. Fans of Shari Lapena and Helen Phifer will love The Family Lie!
From the 4 and 5* reviews on Netgalley and Amazon for The Family Lie:
‘Now this is a chillingly atmospheric thriller. What it reminded me of immediately was the cult folk horror movie The Wicker Man (1976) (British Lion Films). PC Mitchel Prescott resigns from his force following his involvement in an avoidable riot. At the same time he receives a message from Green Acres’ hospital to say his father Thomas has died; he’d been involved in a fire. Mitchel’s older sister Bella (a psychic who’s only goal is to help people) refuses to go back to their childhood village. She has a fairly simple life living in her caravan in a seaside town. Mitchel and partner Lucy have a shaky relationship but he promises they will talk about their future when he returns as he heads off hundreds of miles away on his motorbike to Green Acres to make arrangements for his father and try to discover what exactly happened to him. His aunt and uncle still live there and make him welcome – he settles into his father’s house (which is still standing) and tries to discover what happened. His father didn’t die IN a fire – he was ON fire – but no one seems worried about investigating any further, except to say that he had been suffering from dementia. There’s a new commune in situ just outside the village; the phone lines are always unreliable; he’s told of local break-ins and the blame rests solely on outsiders. Green Acres has a rich history involving witchcraft… Then weird things start to happen. Once she’d learned of her father’s death Bella cannot shake her blinding headaches and experiences terrifying hallucinations. Mitchel starts to experience similar things – including a break-in and his mobile phone being taken. When a property developer is found smouldering in the village square – well, what next? Despite the set-backs Mitchel continues to try to solve the mystery of his father’s death, whilst Bella’s waking nightmares lead her to engage the help of her friend Ashley to take her to Green Acres – she’s sure her brother is in danger. Can they get there in time to save him? There are lots of tense and creepy moments in this… An horrific ending – but look out for the final twist!’
‘The way this book starts?! It grabbed me by the wrists and didn’t let go, I couldn’t put the book down, I just had to KNOW! Anyway, we meet Mitchel, his father passed away, he had to run home and handle his estate. There is so much going on, but it’s slowly burning, and I’m not going to lie I am not a huge fan of slow burns, but the way this author wrote this book he was prepping us for the Family DRAMA that was about unfold, and the mystery about this town he grew up in. CREEPY STUFF GOING ON IN HERE! There are characters that you least expect also there is Cult-ish things going on, urban legends, witchy things. It’s a great mix… give it a chance, I was left with my mouth open still in shock on what I was reading. I think because I’m into all of this stuff I enjoyed it so much.’
‘What a thrilling read! Wonderful, well-written plot and storyline that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed-out characters and found them believable. Great drama and suspense with wonderful world-building. Can’t wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading!’
‘I just was consumed by this book! The plot just had me hooked from the start, this is exactly the type of story that I love. A bit dark and creepy, the wee hint that something just isn’t right but you can’t put your finger on what exactly. It’s very well written and was a delight to read.’
‘Slow Burn Suspense… When Mitchel Prescott returns to the small town he once called home, following the death of his father, he knows that things do not sit right and he soon becomes certain that his father’s death was no accident. An unsavoury can of worms is about to be opened. A slow burn suspense, tense and immersive. Compelling reading.’
‘Told via chapters flitting between Mitch and Bella’s perspectives this was a creepy read with an undertone of menace. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-told tale finding it unpredictable and intriguing. The Family Lie, my second novel from P.L. Kane was very worthy and I expect I'll be picking up his next read. Highly recommended.’
‘Wow this is such a brilliant thriller, I am so looking forward to reading more by this author as this book blew me away. If this book got made into a film it would be awesome. The story takes you on a journey where you never really know where it will lead, the story builds up and up to a dramatic and shocking climax… I liked the pace of this book and how tense it made me feel, I wanted to discover if foul play was on the cards or something else. There are a few parts that are a bit graphic like when they mention the body but I expected it. I now am going to keep PL Kane’s name and look out for more books by this awesome author. It was my kind of thriller and I would recommend it. It deserves more than five stars.’
‘“A scream cut through the night as they watched flames engulf the woodland. Fire ripped through the trees, leaving only charred branches behind. And then they saw it… on the ashen forest floor… was a body.” Did you get goosebumps reading that? I know I sure did! I am so excited for The Family Lie to hit shelves, so I can purchase a couple of copies for my reading group. The storyline was fluid, the chapters perfectly narrated and characters so well developed, you loved to hate them! I was not a huge fan of Mitch, BUT I thoroughly enjoyed his sister Bella…The twist was a bit out of left field but it contributed to the story and left me completely satisfied when it concluded. If you are a fan of family drama thrillers, this is the book for you!’
‘I read Her Husband’s Grave and when I saw a new release I had to get it. A fast-paced, spine-tingling read that will have you holding your breath with every twist and turn of the plot. Mitch, I loved his character. Going back home to bury his father after a fire accident he discovers this might not have been an accident after all! And when no will in his old small town will talk to him about it… Weird things start happening to Mitch! Did his father discover something that would have gotten him killed? This story was amazing! And had me hooked from beginning to end. The writing flowed effortlessly and the story was packed with mystery and twists as it spiralled its way to a compelling climax!’
‘I found this book quite intriguing. I’ve never read a fiction book on this topic before (don’t want to say too much in case I spoil anything!!) so this was a first for me. The book started off with a whammy and I was instantly thinking “wow wtf?!” However, rather than the galloping thrilling rollercoaster I had anticipated, it was a slow burn that revealed its murky evil at the end. I feel the book was based a lot on the characters and who they are, or were…. (as there were quite a lot of them – some rather unlikeable, especially at the end!) rather than focusing on twists and suspense. I actually liked both Mitch and Bella while also finding them rather frustrating – sometimes Mitch’s actions can come across “cop out-ish” and I wanted to say “come on man, grow a pair!” But there was a vulnerable and humorous side to him, his relationship with Cat (bless) and Lucy (oh god, Lucy! Ha ha) Bella on the other hand I really wanted to know why she wasn’t there helping her brother out… If you are feeling like you don’t know where it’s going, or that Mitch’s decisions / actions are frustrating you, I would encourage you to read to the end for the final reveal – it really will explain it all!! The final reveal is quite a good one. A little far fetched? Maybe. But it’s fiction so fair enough. In fact, it wasn’t dark enough for me, and I feel there was the opportunity to go daaaaaark with this one, but maybe that wasn’t where the author wished it to go. Oh and there’s one last little surprise at the end…’
‘I absolutely loved this book, and didn’t want to put it down. I very much expected it to be your run-of-the-mill true crime story, but actually it took a bit of a turn and started going down the more “supernatural” cult type story… I absolutely loved the direction the book took, it added a whole new level of interest to the storyline and really helped me speed through the last quarter of the book because I just needed to know what happened next! Definitely a must read for me!’
‘PL Kane is the master of suspense. Excellent writing. Wow, I loved it! I was so, so gripped by the narration that it was hard for me to put my Kindle down. He wrote a good book with good characters. Definitely recommend this book to all.’
‘This is a psychological thriller that from the opening chapter managed to set the stage and pull me straight into the given narrative, capturing my attention and compelling me to keep heading forward. What a ride this book was to read! I sailed through the pages and had a great time reading it. It was just what I needed.’
‘The plot of the book was such a great page turner… Very well written. I truly cannot wait to read another wonderful book from this new to me great author. This was a truly great book.’
‘Gripping, thrilling, suspenseful. Drew me in and couldn’t put it down, literally! Finished in one day. Highly recommended.’
‘An enjoyable thriller that I loved reading. It was gripping and captivating I couldn’t put it down. A really good book.’
‘Oooooh I liked this. It was a page turner. I was kept enthralled by the storyteller’s ability to suck me in rapidly.’
‘Excellent story! Totally engrossing! Looking forward to reading more by this author! Could not put this down!’
‘I love this cover! It’s so beautiful! The story was anything but! Lol! But I definitely loved it! So good! One twist after the other!’
And here's what other people have said...
‘The Family Lie has one of the most gripping and atmospheric openings I’ve read in a crime novel this past year. The novel literally starts with a man on fire! And so sets up a tale of twisting intrigue as Mitch Prescott tries to uncover what really happened to his father, and the family secrets that lie within. PL Kane has a strong grasp on grabbing the reader’s attention, and I was intrigued by the cast of characters – including Cat, the black cat that befriends Mitch on his arrival, and Mitch’s somewhat odd sister who can supposedly speak to the dead. I enjoyed the story and the reading experience, but although the middle did slow down a bit, this prepares the reader for a creepy and memorable finale… Congratulations.’ Rebecca Millar Editorial.
‘This gave me definite Hot Fuzz vibes – small towns give me the creeps. So insular and sinister – which this small rural town definitely is. Mitch has no idea what’s going on when he returns to Green Acres to put his late father’s affairs in order. The fact his father may have been murdered, the utterly useless local police, his weird aunt and uncle. He needs answers but getting them proves deadly. Thank goodness for his psychic sister Bella – the true hero of the book – Cat the cat, and Bella’s copper pal, because Mitch is out of his depth. Gripping and sinister, this is a really clever, enjoyable thriller about insidious evil and why you need a cat. Also, cults, small town strangeness and secrets.’ Rambling Mads (full review here)
‘I don’t think I’ve ever known such a powerful start to a book, and when Mitch discovers how his father died has some shocking and hard hitting moments. Bella is a great character and I enjoyed her moments. This definitely has some unique moments, and I don’t think I’ve read a book involving cults before. If you fancy reading something very unusual, and quite different, this is the book for you!’ Books and Bobs (full review here)
‘This is a book that throws you straight in at the deep end, with an intense and fast-paced dual perspective and a real blurring of lines between reality and nightmares. I’d say for me my biggest criticism of this was the slight confusion of what genre this initially fit into, it felt like it was floating somewhere between crime and fantasy, but actually as the book went along it was easy to see how this was a strategy to put you into the same mental state as Mitch. This book was written in a very psychologically intense manner, initially difficult to understand exactly what’s going on but soon understanding this is intentional and remedied by the ending which was very satisfying to me. I don’t want to give too much away because I went in very much blind and I enjoyed watching it unfold, but there was part of this book near the end that was such a chilling and terrifying read. I finished this book around 2am and struggled to sleep after reading such a creepy scene and have had a few looking over my shoulder and being suspicious of rustling moments since, nothing but a testament to Kane’s writing. I really recommend this to those of you who enjoy psychological thrillers and darker crime books and I loved the way it subverted a sometimes typical genre.’ @labibliobecca>
‘This book was really addictive once I got stuck in! I couldn't put it down! Lots of mystery and intrigue, I'd like to think it’s far fetched but I guess this kind of stuff does happen somewhere in this crazy world!! It gave me some Hot Fuzz vibes in places… Great characters, interesting story and total surprise ending!! Was not expecting that! Looking forward to reading more from this author.’ @kels_reads 4*
‘Wow, this book certainly starts with a bang, instantly sinking its proverbial claws into you and dragging you in. The Family Lie is a story about family, loss and the damage that one big secret can cause. After a stressful few days, Mitch arrives in his hometown to deal with his deceased father’s affairs and prepare the house to sell. But as more details emerge about his father’s demise he can’t help but don his police hat and investigate the matter further. He has no idea what he is getting himself into, and just how deep this secret really runs. The switch of chapters between Mitch and his sister, Bella, gave us an idea of both characters who are vital to the story. It’s really intriguing to see the contrast of the two siblings and how both deal with emotion and stress. Their strained relationship is stretched to its limit upon their father’s death and we see both react in different ways… I enjoyed the storyline and the twists in the story, which were not all expected. I especially liked Bella and her personality… The ending was dramatic and tensions rose in the last few chapters… I liked where the story went in the end, it was a twist which we haven’t seen as much in thrillers and was a refreshing change from the norm.’ Lizzie’s Little Book Nook (full review here)
‘I rather enjoyed that! The Family Lie is pretty creepy with an underlying hint of menace and the town of Green Acres is definitely somewhere I would not want to visit! Its oddness reminded me of the setting of Royston Vasey from The League of Gentlemen but the characters in The Family Lie are more threatening in a duplicitous kind of way. Although it has quite a gruesome and intriguing beginning, it took me a little while to get into the story as it flicks back and forth between Mitch and his sister Bella. When their father dies, Bella refuses to return to Green Acres so Mitch is the one who goes back home to arrange his father’s funeral. Mitch has just quit his job in the police force but he sniffs out something sinister about his father’s death and begins to investigate, but someone seems intent to stop him. I loved the character of Bella and her psychic ability which added a supernatural air of mystery to the whole proceedings. There is so much more to Bella’s story than meets the eye and I loved discovering everything about her. It’s odd but I didn’t really take to Mitch as much as Bella, although I loved Mitch’s interactions with the cat, but I think perhaps I just found Bella to be a more interesting character. Chilling and intriguing with a hint of the supernatural, anything could happen in The Family Lie which makes it impossible to predict and difficult to put down. I enjoyed it; it’s an entertaining, disturbing and imaginative crime thriller.’ The Book Magnet 4* (full review here)
‘Mitch Prescott finds himself a bit lost after resigning from the police force in the wake of a riot that went horribly wrong. It doesn’t help that this happens on the same day he finds out that his estranged father has died and he has to return home to the small town of Green Acres he has been avoiding for years in order to organise a funeral – something he always thought his sister would do. Things in Green Acres seem decidedly off. No one wants to talk to him about what happened to his father, a prospective property development is causing waves with the locals, and a strange cult-like commune has sprung up in the neighbourhood. Things only get weirder when Mitch discovers that the circumstances of his father’s death are highly unusual. What was his father up to? And where the hell is his sister? As Mitch uses his investigative skills, and his uncanny sixth sense, to try to uncover what is going on in Green Acres, he becomes convinced that something is afoot in this small community, and he is going to do his best to find out what it is. The Family Lie is a slow burn tale of secrets, lies and conspiracy that builds its tension nicely as Mitch goes about finding out exactly what is going on in both his home town and at the dark heart of his fractured family. It starts its life as a police procedural that goes way left of field into the delicious realms a mystery that draws heavily on folklore, witchcraft and weird small community dynamics to ham up The Wicker Man vibes to the max, throwing in some nice horror scenes along the way. I must admit that I wasn’t too sure whether this story would hook me, but the supernatural vibes ended up dragging me right into the eerie goings on in Green Acres. It’s a quick, easy read that makes for an entertaining, cross-genre tale, and it has a rather splendid cat in it too, who ended up being my favourite character. There is some scope here for a sequel that could team up Mitch and his sister in a supernatural investigative venture, which would be quite intriguing. Lots of fun, especially in the run up to spooky season.’ Brown Flopsy (full review here)
‘Police officer Mitch Prescott answers a call one evening to be told that his father Thomas has died in the night. A fire has spread through the forest and all that is left is a body on the ground. He must now go back to the hometown he has done his very best to avoid and sort out his father’s affairs and lay him to rest. He doesn’t relish this at all and soon becomes suspicious when it looks as though his father was in fact murdered. While he’s there, the home he grew up in is broken into and he receives warnings to leave which all point to the fact that Thomas had become involved in something dangerous and which has ultimately killed him. Mitch is determined to get to the bottom of his father’s death. What was he involved in? The Family Lie starts off with a bang – it really grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I couldn’t look away! Mitch as a character is flawed and there were a few moments that I didn’t like him much, but that made things interesting. I enjoyed the chapters as told by his sister Bella which added a spiritual aspect with descriptions of witchcraft making the story so much more than a standard crime thriller. I was eager to find out what happened to Thomas and couldn’t guess the ending which I was pleased about! The book is entertaining and the eerie setting adds so much atmosphere. Thomas was clearly in possession of a dangerous secret despite his dementia and I couldn’t wait to find out just what that secret was! A thoroughly gripping read.’ Jera’s Jamboree (full review here)
‘Well I had no clue what to anticipate from this story and it didn’t disappoint. I was completely gripped by the prologue especially when it involves someone getting burned alive. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, but what a great way to start this book. I also thought this would be a police detective thriller thanks to Mitch but it went down a completely different road which involves cults. I’m not going to say anymore on that as it will give it away but honestly you all need to read this book.’ Hannah’s Book Club 4* (full review here)
‘When police officer Mitch learns that his elderly father has passed away in the night, he knows he must return to the town he escaped so long ago. Thomas’ death is not as simple as it seems, however, when Mitch discovers accelerant on the body of his father. Small town mentality meets the boy who grew up and changed; a meeting of two opposing sides, neither willing to give in to the other. From the offset, I was hooked! This is a thriller worth being accelerated to the top of your TBR list! Protagonist Mitch’s turbulent work and home life are explored in a way that truly makes you want to punch him and hug him at the same time! It also acts as a clever narrative device, adding a sense of urgency and speed, that when compounded with the suspected murder and the strange familial relations, make for the perfect storm! There is a supernatural element to this tale, that hooked me even more! Mitch’s sixth sense is so finely honed and tuned to the strange and somewhat unnatural small town goings on that you find yourself tumbling deeper into the story until you find out the truths of Green Acres!’ @sarahlouisehope 4*
‘This is a fantastic thriller! I was scared, some scenes were quite a shock in this story with an amazing writing style. I loved every page. Plenty of mystery and drama in the story to keep you guessing, plenty of things happening and more clues, with every chapter a suspense. The characters I loved and in every chapter there was a new scene and mystery plot. Loved it.’ @rhianyddmmorris 4*
‘I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. There were so many suspenseful parts in this book where I just couldn’t put it down and thought “just one more chapter”. The plot and characters were very believable and I was pulled in by the writing. The book was somewhat disturbing in some places, very tense and full of mystery. I look forward to reading more by this author.’ @bookworm1346
‘I found this book quite intriguing. I’ve never read a fiction book on cult personality before, so a first for me. The book started off with a whammy and I was instantly thinking “wow wtf?!” However, rather than the galloping thrilling rollercoaster I had anticipated, it was a slow burn that revealed its murky evil at the end…’ @bookswithacuppa
‘Of course another great novel by PL Kane… Well written, well thought out and a completely unique novel… I especially loved how this novel intertwined nicely with Her Husband’s Grave. I can see how there is room to develop the characters further into additional novels.’ @BookishBonnie 4*
‘PL Kane has built a tinderbox of a novel. As its mystery is revealed, Kane fans the flames until the tension grows white-hot.’ AJ Gnuse – Author of Girl in the Walls.
‘Brilliantly clever and wonderfully plotted. Confirms Kane’s growing reputation as a top, top talent. Made me genuinely jealous not to have written it myself.’ David Mark – Bestselling author of the DS McAvoy series including Dark Winter, Cruel Mercy and Cold Bones.
‘The Family Lie grabbed me from the start with its shocking, fiery beginning! This is a chilling story, heavy with a creeping sense of unease, which delves into the lies and deceit hidden within family bonds. Highly recommended!’ Louise Mumford – Bestselling author of Sleepless.
‘Hugely atmospheric, full of suspense and surprises, PL Kane’s The Family Lie will keep you guessing to the end, and I mean right to the end! A truly sinister thriller about small town secrets and lies.’ Carole Johnstone – Bestselling author of Mirrorland.
You can read an interview about the book on Crime Time here and an extract here.
You can buy the e-book here, here, and from the publishers here. And you can buy the paperback here and here.
