The Lies We Hide: An Absolutely Gripping and Darkly Compelling Novel

By: S. E. Lynes

Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard

The truth can set you free, or make you a prisoner...

Thirty years ago, Nicola Watson lived with her parents and older brother in a respectable suburb. At 10 years old, she didn’t yet understand why her stomach tightened when she heard her father’s heavy tread as he returned home late at night, or why it made her brother Graham’s stammer get worse, or why one night her mother Carol woke them both, wide-eyed and whispering, and took them out of their home and into the unknown.

Now a successful lawyer in the city, with a life poles apart from her dark beginnings, Nicola has returned home for her mother’s funeral. But as she stands in her mother’s house, remembering the woman who sacrificed everything for her children, Nicola has to confront the guilt that she feels for leaving her family behind. And the belief that she played a part in the events that led to her brother going to prison for murder.

All Carol wanted was to protect her children, but escaping her husband was only the beginning of the story. And when Nicola learns the truth of what her mother did, it will change everything she thought she knew about herself and her family.

A gripping, emotional story of family secrets, and the strength of a mother’s love in the darkest times. The next powerful listen for fans of The Silent Wife, Kerry Lonsdale and Emily Bleeker.

©2019 S.E. Lynes (P)2019 Bookouture

Startling twists near the end

(As posted in GoodReads)
Wow, what fascinating and unexpected twists at the end! Despite the fact that it's not a mystery, running questions about the characters and their motives and activities were constant throughout. And the questions "what really happened?" and "Who's the good guys, and are they entirely good?" were prevalent throughout. And, although, they were primarily answered by the end, the question of whether anyone was actually good and whether any activities were correct/justified is an ongoing question just in general. It's an interesting look into a screwed up situation and family for which there really wasn't a good answer.

Only bearable speeded up to 1.45

90% of this is sappy set-up, an interminable wait for ANYTHING to happen. The last 10% is the simple wind-up you've seen coming for a long time. Wish I hadn't bothered. (I really did listen to most of it at a very high speed, and it was still draggy )

Good story

good narrator. listened to the end waiting for the secrets and lies to come out

Well done

I was in an incredibly abusive relationship for many many years at the same time trying to raise two daughters. This book beautifully captures what Carol went through in a way that touched me deeply. Just like Carol found Jim I found the kindest most loving man to end my days with so my story ends happily. Well done to this author

Good listen

S.E. Lynes has become one of my favorite authors and Tamsin Kennard an excellent narrator. This book held my interest from start to finish, narrative acting is spot on.