Into the Fire

Liar Like Her by D.L. Wood is Book 2 in the Secrets and Lies Suspense Series. 

Quinn Bello lied to her parents when she was 12. The result was a near tragedy. Escaping the brand of being a liar – or trying to – she left her Seaglass Cove, Florida, memories behind by becoming a lawyer in Tampa. But things got tough after some success, work became exceedingly demanding, stress escalated, medication was advised, and at first it worked, but then it didn't. A different medication was prescribed and Quinn's life dove into a haze of medication, alcohol, extreme paranoia which seemed to increase her migraines, and irregular heartbeats. Her life with her fiancé worsened and dissolved, a horrifying incident in court forced her disbarment. 

She returned to Seaglass Cove, became the manager of her parents' realty while they enjoyed a cruise, living in one of the five oceanfront dwellings they rented to tourists. Prior to her new job, she attended an offshoot from her church, the rehab/ministry facility next door and made the best friend of her life with the woman (Lena) who operated it. In town she still felt conspicuous as if everyone knew her childhood and recent past so she mostly volunteered at the ministry facility, ate regularly at a food truck that served Mexican food, and frequently stopped at "The Shed", the coffee, etc., stand that also served delicious meals. Owned by an attractive man (Ian Wolfe) who'd been in Seaglass Cove for only six months, he seemed not to have heard about her past and treated her with interest and attention. 

Having been clean and sober with no desire for any of her previous indulgences, she loves the beach living and wishes she could truly put her past behind her. But when she discovers a shocking reality in her home only to find when one of her previous "friends" who is the sheriff responds to the 911 call, there is no evidence of what she found in her home when they go to investigate. 

From that point, Quinn is assumed to have relapsed. Everyone seems to know what happened in Tampa, law enforcement treats her as if she's still in the same state of mind and refuses to take her claims seriously. Two more crimes are attributed to her, neither of which she has any knowledge of while incriminating, although questionable, evidence against her shows up. 

Her only friends are Ian and Lena and before she knows it, she's poured out her past and present to Ian. He surprises her by totally believing her story and wants to help her any way he can. Little does she know how much she's going to need his help.

D.L. Wood has written a very good "gaslighting" story which supplies ample suspense, a reasonable romance that doesn't overpower the mystery, and well-developed, interesting characters with some great dialogue. The two novels so far in the Secrets and Lies Suspense Series are definitely entertaining and solidly composed mysteries. 

Father, please continue to bless D.L. for her efforts to create good mysteries while honoring you with her writing. Keep her supplied with stories and please meet her needs. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.