- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Available on NOOK devices and apps
Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Steve-Umstead
Posted October 3, 2011
I picked up 3 Lies on a referral from a friend, and had 'met' the author online. The plot sounded right up my alley, and from page one I was not disappointed. Clint Masters is a tech entrepreneur who has removed himself from the busy lifestyle that entailed, and finally settled down with a new girlfriend Beth, a young woman who requires daily dialysis. This medical condition comes into play right away in the story as she is kidnapped by a group of men intent on using her and several other hostages to blackmail the Supreme Court into a favorable decision on a major case. That's the most I'll give in terms of details, as it doesn't reveal much more than the blurb. The story itself is excellent. Well thought out plot twists, end of chapter cliffhangers, accurate technology, behind the scenes looks into the CIA and terrorist groups, and really well written characters. The pace moves forward at a great speed; not too fast as to be stilted, yet not too slow to be boring. It was most certainly a keep-reading late night book for me, one of the few that's done that for me. Kudos to Helen Hanson, as she has pulled off a masterful and believable suspense thriller. I can honestly say 3 Lies was one of the best, most enjoyable, most well-edited books I've read all year. I can highly recommend it to any thriller fan. Definite 5 stars.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged."3 Lies" has several elements I found appealing. I'm a computer geek, so the portion involving the CIA's computer issues was a natural fit. Clint, the protagonist, and his girlfriend Beth were both the kind of people I'd like to know, which helped pull me into the story and get me emotionally invested in the outcome. The contrast between Clint and his smarmy partner as well as the difference between Beth and Clint's estranged wife made them look even better.
Another thing I liked was that the plot was involved, in that it had multiple threads that eventually came together, yet I didn't have any difficulty keeping track of the different characters and threads. It takes talent for an author to keep a complex story with multiple things happening from becoming too difficult for the reader to keep everything straight.
None of this would matter were "3 Lies" not a great story. The different story threads kept me guessing. Although it became apparent how they were related, how (or if) everything would resolve was never obvious, which maintained the suspense. Several twists near the end were big surprises and made the ending even more satisfying.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
GraceKrispy
Posted June 27, 2011
This story takes two seemingly disparate storylines and ties them together nicely in the end. When the second storyline first appears, it's a bit jarring because of the completely new setting and characters. It's quickly apparent, however, that it will tie in somehow. Others may guess immediately how it will tie in, but I found it a nice surprise. The entire plot is very well thought out, and the last chapter feels like icing on the cake. I'm not sure I wanted such pretty icing, but it seems to fit, and it didn't leave me hanging.
Beth was a great character. It was easy to see why Clint would be so attracted to her, and why she would be inspirational to others. Clint was also a nicely fleshed out character, and it felt comfortable to engage with him as he struggled to find answers. I didn't find Doug to be as well-defined, however. His personality didn't feel solid in my mind. At times, his words or actions didn't quite go along with my understanding of his character and his position. He did show some growth, but it was less convincing to me because he wasn't firmly established in my mind. The rest of the characters I found perfectly developed in accordance with their relative importance in the story. This was a thriller with exciting plot events *and* well-defined characters; a very nice surprise.
I felt this was a great thriller- well-crafted and unique, and a wonderful first novel to recommend. However, there was something I can't put my finger on that felt unpolished.There was definitely a lot going on in this novel- a number of relationships and separate motivations of different characters. There were also a few twists to keep us guessing. All those things really added to the complexity of the novel, making it fuller and more interesting, but it also left room for a little more unexpected dissonance when things didn't feel like they quite matched up. The basic story elements were generally strong and in place, but something about the complete package felt slightly unfinished to me.
Full review at GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog
GeekyGirlCD
Posted May 22, 2011
WOW!! This book was awesome. I am was hooked from page 1 and I couldn't put it down..I think if you are into suspense/thrillers then I think you will love this one. I think it would also make a fantastic movie.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Jaidis
Posted March 27, 2011
I recently had the pleasure of reading 3 Lies by Helen Hanson. Right from the start the reader will be reeled in: hook, line and sinker. We meet Beth and Clint who happen to be a new couple. They provide each other stability in this crazy world. Clint is going through a divorce that he so desperately wishes would just hurry and end. Beth must receive dialysis three times a week in order to save her kidneys. They are a breath of fresh air for each other and things look promising. But when Beth is kidnapped and her dialysis machine left at home, Clint must face his feelings and discover the truth in order to save her life. Throw in Clint's soon-to-be ex-wife bringing some life altering news, friendships that may not be what they appear, and masked men bringing threats and you are left with one wild ride. Ms. Hanson's writing style is very likable and easy to follow. If you are looking for a great espionage thriller then look no further and read 3 Lies because you really can't go wrong. This book is suitable for most ages.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Kelvinator
Posted February 21, 2011
This was a great novel. I look forward to reading more of Ms Hanson's work
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Shasta7347
Posted January 1, 2011
I love suspenseful and thrilling books and this one is now at the top of my favorites list! The story line was catching from the first chapter and kept me waiting for what was going to happen next. While the main character Clint Masters, was the forefront of the story, the other characters were ever present and very well played out, so you never forgot where their roll came in to factor. With the presence of the CIA, Supreme Court, kidnapping, personal life drama and terrorists, this was an awesome read, with a great twist and mystery to keep you guessing until the final pages. Fantastic first novel! Can't wait to see what this author has next!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
LendMe™
Overview
FROM REVIEWERS:It takes talent for an author to keep a complex story with multiple things happening from becoming too difficult for the reader to keep everything straight. …a great story. The different story threads kept me guessing. Several twists near the end were big surprises and made the ending even more satisfying. ~ BigAl's Books and Pals – 7/19/11 - Amazon Top Reviewer
~~~
…Helen Hanson, she has an artistry that is hard to deny. Hanson has developed a diabolical plot, ones that seems both real and deadly....