Karin Slaughter absolutely knocks it out of the park with this one! She is one of my few pre-order authors because she has maintained a remarkably high standard of quality over many books. Generally I prefer her Grant County series books over the standalones, but False Witness is one of her finest works.
The story is about two adult sisters whose lives were shaped by a traumatic event from their childhood. As adults, they struggle to deal with the shame and stress of keeping their actions that night a secret. Callie is a drug addict, and although Leigh is at first glance moderately successfuly, she engages in self-sabatoging behaviors in her career and in her relationships. Leigh is a defence attorney, and her new client has knowledge of their past that threatens to blow up Leigh and Callie's fragile lives.
What sets Karin Slaughter apart from other thriller writers is her ability to create characters who feel real and evoke empathy in the reader despite the characters' (or perhaps because of their) flaws. Though most pages focus on Leigh and Callie, the other people in their lives such as Leigh's husband Walter and the veterinarian who Callie sometimes works for are equally engaging. I also enjoy the way Slaughter gently includes her perspective on current events. As evidenced by the references to characters putting on and taking off masks, she does this in a way that feels organic and is not disruptive to the story.
Long time readers will love this book. Since it is a standalone, False Witness could also serve as an introduction for a new reader to all Karin Slaughter does well.
The story is about two adult sisters whose lives were shaped by a traumatic event from their childhood. As adults, they struggle to deal with the shame and stress of keeping their actions that night a secret. Callie is a drug addict, and although Leigh is at first glance moderately successfuly, she engages in self-sabatoging behaviors in her career and in her relationships. Leigh is a defence attorney, and her new client has knowledge of their past that threatens to blow up Leigh and Callie's fragile lives.
What sets Karin Slaughter apart from other thriller writers is her ability to create characters who feel real and evoke empathy in the reader despite the characters' (or perhaps because of their) flaws. Though most pages focus on Leigh and Callie, the other people in their lives such as Leigh's husband Walter and the veterinarian who Callie sometimes works for are equally engaging. I also enjoy the way Slaughter gently includes her perspective on current events. As evidenced by the references to characters putting on and taking off masks, she does this in a way that feels organic and is not disruptive to the story.
Long time readers will love this book. Since it is a standalone, False Witness could also serve as an introduction for a new reader to all Karin Slaughter does well.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
