The Truth We Bury

A Novel

By: Barbara Taylor Sissel

Narrated by: Donna Postel

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

In this intense, multilayered domestic drama, two families become entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and betrayal that results in an act of violence so shocking their love may not survive.

On the outside, Lily Isley's life seems perfect: a wealthy husband, a ritzy gated community in Dallas, and a handsome son, AJ - a decorated marine about to be married to his love, Shea. But when a bridesmaid is murdered in AJ's apartment and he can't be found, Lily's world collapses and a long-held family secret is at risk of exposure.

Dru Gallagher's life took a different course. After her ex-husband, suffering from post-traumatic stress, threatened her and her daughter, Shea, with a shotgun, Dru was forced to leave her marriage and forge ahead as a working-class single mom. Now, the anger she sees in war veteran AJ's eyes is heartbreakingly familiar - and makes Dru deeply afraid for her daughter's safety...especially after Shea's best friend and maid of honor is found dead.

With a killer on the loose and time running out, Lily and Dru, two very different women, unite in a single goal: to save their precious children from scandal, even from death. But will the mothers' protection be enough, or will the fateful secret they expose - and the truth it reveals - destroy every hope of love?

©2017 Barbara Taylor Sissel. (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

okay

kinda predicted ending and it fizzled out too soon in my opinion. solid read I guess

Alright story

These two mothers did not work together to save their children, as the details state. I guessed the "bad guy" the moment he was introduced to the story. The character, Edward, was of no consequence to the story at all. The notion that real-life adults keep these kind of secrets is nonsense...it was like a mediocre Hallmark made for tv movie. But if you like that sort of thing, then this book is for you.

Unlikeable Characters In An Unlikeable Story

I'm compelled to write because I found the character of Drew almost unbearable in her unyielding judgement about everyone and everything-including her daughter Shay. The story is positioned as a thriller, but it's so formulaic that I had already figured out the culprit at a third of the way through, and then had to suffer to the end out of respect to the writer.

I can certainly complement Ms. Sissel as she drew exposition that was real to life with personalities that were authentic. However, the effort to complete the book wasn't outweighed with satisfaction.

The narrator was more than competent and used just the right whiny, sniveling tone with Drew-making me dislike her even more!

Read if you like Soaps

If you like soap operas than you love this book. The book is about 2 murders that take place and the suspected individual who for most of the book can't be found until the end. Of course he did not do it. Unfortunately it's more like watching a soap opera such as Days of our Lives. I do not recommend this book unless you like soaps.

You just never know about people.

This book made me think about the characters even when I wasn't reading. They are complex and are like many people I have known and know in my life. Injuries sometimes can't be seen on the outside and when a handsome young man with PTSD from the war is thought to be a murderer, some families and friends stick together while others fall apart. The real question is who is the murderer. Excellent book with equally fine narration.

Lots of twists and turns!

I didn't see who was behind the killings until they were exposed. The characters in the story were great, you either loved them or hated them; which is awesome when they can evoke that kind of emotion.

Very Heavy Themes

The writing is very good, and the characters are well developed. However this is not a book for the faint of ❤. Lot of death, and seeing who is really responsible. Also, a lot of regrets.

the truth

What disappointed you about The Truth We Bury?

Mostly the narrator. the dialog was very corny. Seems more like a young adult book

What could Barbara Taylor Sissel have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

improve dialog and ge another narrator

What didn’t you like about Donna Postel’s performance?

It was over done. She had too much intensity when it wasn't needed. Just made it sound silly.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

So far I haven't found any