"The King of Lies"

John Hart's, "The King of Lies," was nominated in 2007 for a first novel by  the Anthony Awards, the
Macavity Awards, the Barry Awards and the Edgar Awards.  After reading this complex tale I can understand why.

Hart, who was born and raised in North Carolina has set this novel about an humble lawyer in the same state.  Hart himself practiced criminal defense law before leaving to write this first novel while working for a major Wall Street firm.  His bio says he used to do foolish things like flying helicopters and sailing small boats across large oceans but has left that behind to make his home in North Carolina with his wife and daughters.  He declares writing books is safer but harder.  You can learn more about him and his books by visiting www.johnhartfiction.com.

Our hero is Jackson Workman "Work" Pickens who is still recovering from his mother's death a year ago and his father's mysterious disappearance soon afterwards.  He has a sister, Jean, with emotional problems, a law practice left him by his father that is not doing well (mainly because he became a lawyer to please his father not because he had a passion for it), and a socialite wife, Barbara, who would prefer to spend her time at the country club.  Their marriage has long since lost its passion and they both seek solace either in other activities or other people. 

The novel begins with the discovery of Work's father's body and the female detective in charge of the case who has already set her sights on Work as the murderer.  As Work tries to discover who did kill his father, he also tries to protect those near him who he thinks might be guilty so everyone ends up suspecting everyone else and friendships/relationships suffer.  Time begins to run out for Work to prove his innocence as more people around him die and suspicions focus on him.  This is a twisty, turny exciting read - can't wait to start his next book, "Down River."  pazt