The Lies of Saints is the third Nick Barrett novel by Sigmund Brouwer, the first two being Out of the Shadows and Crown of Thorns, linked to my reviews.
Nick was born into an elite Charleston family but was considered and outsider because his mother was. After his father's death and his mother's abandonment, he was raised in an uncle's family, always aware he was not really a part of the family except by blood.
The first book had Nick coming back to Charleston after several years due to receiving a clue about his mother's disappearance. He comes into an inheritance and the family home.
He's not really a detective or investigator---he teaches astronomy. But a detective friend has been in a serious car accident, and Nick volunteers to help her.
It turns out that the hazing and apparent suicide of a Citadel cadet two decades ago is related to the disappearance of a debutante, both of which are also connected to a current case. As Nick asks questions, he's repeatedly warned not to stir up this hornet's nest. But as he continues unraveling surprising connections, he finds himself in danger.
Some favorite quotes:
Merely going through rites was a much easier task than following the spirit behind them (p. 40, Kindle app).
Without God, life was dust and had no meaning. With God, hope transformed life and its sorrows (p. 158).
"I understand," I said. "I will tell this woman how you feel."
Life burst into the old woman's face. She pointed at me, still clutching the shawl. "You, young man, have no idea how I feel!"
It was a well-deserved rebuke. "No," I said quietly. "I don't" (p. 160).
Not so fast, my junior-grade sidekick (p. 201).
I don't often read this kind of book, but it's nice for a change. I like Brouwer's breezy style of writing here. Though there are dark and scary turns, there's a lot of underlying humor and banter as well as a few sweet moments.
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