Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Once a Liar by A.F.Brady. It's crime fiction with the vibe of a psychological thriller.
A.F. Brady (Alex) was born and raised in New York City. She started writing as a child, loved it, but didn't pursue a writing career until writing The Blind. She is an avid reader; everything from suspense to historical biographies, take out menus and Greek mythology. She is currently working on her third novel.
Alex is a lifelong Yankee fan, a lover of Guns n Roses and Metallica, and always willing to stay up late for a good chat. She is a huge dog person, needs labels to face the same direction, and adores the sea.
She received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brown University and two master's degrees in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. She currently owns and operates a counseling private practice where she treats individuals and couples.
Alex loves to hear from readers, and is happy to participate in book club discussions of any of her books. Feel free to reach out!
Follow Alex - @afbradynyc on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy Once a Liar
About the book
Peter Caine, a cutthroat Manhattan defense attorney, is extremely adept at his job. On the surface, he is charming and handsome, but inside he is cold and heartless. A sociopath practically incapable of human emotions, he has no remorse when he fights to acquit murderers, pedophiles and rapists.
When Charlie Doyle, the daughter of the Manhattan DA—and Peter’s former lover—is murdered, Peter’s world is quickly sent into a tailspin as the DA, a professional enemy of Peter’s, embarks on a witch hunt to avenge his daughter’s death, stopping at nothing to ensure Peter is found guilty of the murder.
Peter sets out to prove his innocence, and as he pieces together his defense, he finds that it’s those closest to us who are capable of the greatest harm.
It might not be mentioned until later in the book, but it is clear beyond a shadow of a doubt what Peter is. It is absolutely crystal why 'I don't care' is his favourite catch phrase, albeit it one he says in his head.
His ex-wife has passed away and his son has come to live with him. The son he has more or less ignored for the entirety of his life, and who is aware how badly he treated his ex-wife. It's fair to say their relationship is awkward and bordering on fractious, however Peter does have Claire there to help Jamie adjust and settle in.
The tables are turned on the successful criminal defense attorney when he is accused of murdering his bit on the side, who happens to be the daughter of his professional nemesis. Peter becomes the target du jour in his own career environment. The worst kind of nightmare.
It's crime fiction with the vibe of a psychological thriller. A close-up of a man who studies emotions to be able to replicate them, because he doesn't feel them. A man intent on success and maintaining the image of a 'regular' successful guy in every situation. No one can guess that everyone is equal to a sum of zero value as far as he is concerned.
Brady makes an interesting choice in a sense that her main character is someone completely unsympathetic and then waits to see how the reader reacts to him being drawn into a situation where any normal person capable of empathy would feel some essence of sympathy towards him. He isn't a person you want to support, in fact you may even cheer his demise. We care enough to feel sorry for him, which is a complete paradox, because he cares exactly zero percent.
It's a gripping read with the type of character you kind of love to hate.
Buy Once a Liar at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ; pub date 13 Jun. 2019. Buy at Amazon com.
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