Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Born in Darkness
Lies We Bury explores the aftermath of captivity through a gripping thriller lens.
The Setup
Marissa Mo was born in a bunker to a woman held captive by a monster. Now an adult trying to live normally as a crime scene photographer, her past comes roaring back when a serial killer begins staging murders that mirror her childhood prison. To stop the killer, Marissa must confront the trauma she's spent years burying.
What Works
Unique Premise
The "born in captivity" backstory sets this apart from typical thrillers.
Trauma Portrayal
Marissa's PTSD and coping mechanisms feel realistic and sensitively handled.
Portland Setting
The Pacific Northwest atmosphere adds to the dark tone.
Serial Killer Mystery
The connection between past and present creates compelling tension.
Protagonist Development
Marissa's journey toward confronting her past is emotionally resonant.
Considerations
Heavy Subject Matter
The captivity elements and serial killer plot may be intense for some readers.
Pacing
The dual timeline occasionally slows momentum.
Red Herrings
Some misdirections may feel obvious to experienced thriller readers.
Final Thoughts
Lies We Bury delivers a haunting thriller that explores how the past shapes us while delivering genuine suspense and surprising revelations.
Rating: 4.0/5
Best for: Fans of psychological thrillers, readers interested in trauma-informed fiction, and those who enjoy dark mysteries with complex protagonists
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