Ugandan-born Kiwi author Charity Norman sure knows how to pack a punch in her mystery and thriller tales, while eschewing high-concept hooks and hyped-up #OMGThatTwist endings. The former barrister draws readers in with the depth of her characters and quality of her writing, and splits your defences with well-placed uppercuts, rather than looping haymakers.
Her outstanding rural suspense, Remember Me, winner of the 2023 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel, was the last book to make me cry, and in Home Truths Norman stirs similarly strong, if different, emotions. Livia Denby is used to dealing with criminals in her role as a Yorkshire probation officer, but now she’s at risk of a lengthy prison term, as a jury is deliberating whether Livia is guilty of attempted murder and other crimes.
After the happiness of a family birthday turns to tragedy, Livia’s husband, Scott, a well-respected teacher, stumbles into the world of online conspiracy theories and grifting charlatans. As Scott seeks answers, or comfort, the lives of Livia and their children, Heidi and Noah, are upturned, inviting more tragedy and terror. What would you do if your child’s life was in danger?
Home Truths is a terrifying and all-too- plausible tale of how the wounds of grief can cause otherwise sensible people to go down disinformation rabbit holes. Masterfully written, it shows a massively talented author at the top of her game.
Reviewed by Craig Sisterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE AUTHORCharity Norman is an ex-barrister who lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her first novel, Freeing Grace, was published in 2010. Second Chances (After the Fall) was a Richard and Judy Book Club choice and World Book Night title. See You in September (2017) was shortlisted for Best Crime Novel in the 2018 Ngaio Marsh Awards for Crime Fiction.
The Secrets of Strangers is her sixth book and has been shortlisted for Best International Crime Fiction at the 2021 Ned Kelly Awards and shortlisted for Best Novel at the 2021 Ngaio Awards. In 2023, her seventh novel Remember Me was awarded the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel.
0 Comments