This is a mostly well-written mostly captivating read for lovers (like myself) of a good, in-depth family saga. Everyone in the Tabor family has secrets, some more shallow (Phoebe) and some more damaging (Harry). Camille was my favorite character and was the best developed of the adult Tabor children. Simon's story is also interesting, but Phoebe's story and character fell flat for me. I didn't like or care about Phoebe at all. Lastly, I'll just say that I don't know how they drank that many Arnold Palmers and didn't drown in the pool. I assume from the context that they were the alcoholic version, although I looked them up and the version of iced tea and lemonade made with vodka is called a John Daly. Maybe a question for Ms. Wolas?

Thank you to BookBrowse and the publisher for the ARC of Lola. Not knowing anything at all about LA street gangs, I have no idea if this story rings true at all, but I did appreciate Lola and the other strong female characters in Love's book, especially Lucy and Lorraine.

Also, having been very close to an addict in my family, I found Love's portrayal of her mother Maria to hold true, especially in the description: "They're addicts are just at the top or bottom of their respective lifelong roller-coaster ride, waiting to drop, or waiting to climb up from rock bottom."

I would read this book just for the chapter about the whales. Beautiful, disturbing, heartbreaking. The same can be said for the story, which is highly readable and engaging.

My only complaints involve the character development, which for Rachel especially, was a bit lacking. Callum was a bit too simpering. Catrin was a bit too tough.

This is the fifth Sharon Bolton novel I have read, and I am a fan. I especially enjoyed Dead Scared (Lacey Flint #2).

With Little Black Lies, Ms Bolton has again achieved an original, smart novel that is well beyond a mere formulaic mystery.