The King of Lies

By: John Hart

Narrated by: David Chandler

Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

John Hart creates a literary thriller that is as suspenseful as it is poignant, a riveting murder mystery layered beneath the southern drawl of a humble North Carolina lawyer. When Work Pickens finds his father murdered, the investigation pushes a repressed family history to the surface and he sees his own carefully constructed facade begin to crack.

Work's troubled sister, her combative girlfriend, his gold digging socialite wife, and an unrequited lifelong love join a cast of small town characters that create no shortage of drama in this extraordinary, fast-paced suspense novel.

Hart's mastery of prose and plot belie his newcomer status as he explores the true heart of a man. An illuminating anatomy of a murder and the ripple effect it produces within a family and a community, The King of Lies is a stunning debut.

©2006 John Hart (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

• Mystery Writers of America 2007 Edgar Nominee, Best First Novel by an American Author

"[A] stunning debut, an exceptionally deep and complex mystery thriller....Few readers will be able to resist." (Publishers Weekly)
"This is a first novel that lunges off the page, just grabs the reader by the throat and won't let go....Hart is a fine stylist, turning phrases with a panache that recalls Raymond Chandler." (Booklist)

LOVED IT!

One of the best listens in a long time!!! Story is compelling. Performance is fab!

almost didn't finish

John Hart does not create sympathetic main characters. I finished the book, and I'm glad I did, but there was a long stretch where I questioned that use of my time. Having said that, I will probably try another of his books. He's a good writer. I think the deficiency is in my impatience with dark situations.

Perfect Trifecta

Didn't see THAT coming! Really enjoyed this fast paced mystery. Looking forward to other work by D Chandler and John Hart.

More a character-study; less a mystery

This story is a mystery, but it is also very much a character-focused story, centered on the life of lawyer Work Pickens, his family and professional life. Other main characters are his wife Barbara, his sister Jean, Vanessa, and his deceased parents.
I liked the bit of dry, wry humor. And I liked that a part of this story has to do with a romantic love interest of Work and his marital issues.
But I was not surprised at who the culprit was revealed to be, though I wouldn’t say that it was completely obvious throughout most of the book. The writing was good and tells Work’s story very well. That’s what held my interest, not the mystery.

Terrific Novel - An Easy Listen

This was my first exposure to John Hart & I enjoyed it. I was unable to guess the killer although I tried. The mystery unfolded in ways that were unique. The ending was acceptable. Loose story components were resolved. It's a good listen

King of lies

This is my third time reading this book. I consider it to be one of the best books of this century. And I eagerly await each book that John Hart writes, and I’m never disappointed. I know they will never be quick, because like some writers, he does not regurgitate a new book every six months. John Hart is one of my favorite authors, which include James Lee Burke, and now added to my short list is Terry Roberts. I eagerly and patiently await John Harts next book.

King of Lies

This was an incredibly good novel, I couldn’t stop listening. Well written, brilliant character development, and perfectly suspenseful. This is the third of John Hart’s books I’ve listened to and I’m about to start my fourth!!

Hated it as I was unable to stop listening.

Johh Hart is a very good writer who makes you feel the pain of his very-definitely-flawed protagonist. The story catches you from the first chapter, even though it hurts and you hang on til the end. First book of his that I've listened to/read, but I will definitely try another.

Probably a good read, terrible audio

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not, but perhaps if it was just the book, rather than the audiobook, it might be worth killing some time, but it wouldn't be a life changing read.

What didn’t you like about David Chandler’s performance?

This was recorded a while ago, so there were a lot more mouth noise and other weird body noises that they are able to avoid getting in the newer recordings. I don't blame the narrator, it's just unfortunate.

Good story; overblown language

The plotline and protagonist held my interest. The chAracters were distinct
The metaphors were so wild that they made me laugh




The characters were unique. That kept me listening despite wild metaphors and strange analogies