The Liar's Diary
by Patry Francis (Goodreads author!)
published
2007
(first published 2008)
by Dutton Adult
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binding
Hardcover, 320 pages
isbn
0525949909
(isbn13: 9780525949909)
description
An accomplished poet with a keen eye for detail and the written word, Patry Francis has written a riveting debut novel that will thrill fans of Jodi Picoult and Sue Miller.
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 346)
The Liar s Diary[return:]by Patry Francis[return:]Review by Aaron Paul Lazar[return:][return:] [return:][return:]The Liar s Diary, a psychological suspense novel by debut author Patry Francis, should be tooled in fragrant red leather with gilt edges, and placed on your bookshelf in a place of honor. [return:][return:]Be forewarned. When you buy it, allow for an uninterrupted block of time. Forget sleep. The lure of The Liar s Diary is strong, for it will call your name incessantly, and your d...more
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Read in February, 2007
You better set yourself aside a good chunk of time when you pick up The Liar's Diary (the stunning debut novel by Patry Francis) because I can tell you from personal experience that once you start reading, you're not going to want to stop until you've finished.
On the surface, this is a book about the seemingly perfect Cross family, living their slightly flawed lives out in the suburbs (the only flaw appears to be the superficial flaw of the son who is overweight) and the woman, the unwanted...more
On the surface, this is a book about the seemingly perfect Cross family, living their slightly flawed lives out in the suburbs (the only flaw appears to be the superficial flaw of the son who is overweight) and the woman, the unwanted...more
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(3 people liked it)
1 comments
Read in March, 2008
Because I know a ton of writers, and I like to support their efforts, I often buy books which are not really my own particular genre or taste. I never regret it because we all need all the support we can get in this business...but every once in awhile, I get this fabulous surprise in a package that I don't really expect to like.
Just such a gift is Patry Francis's "The Liar's Diary" which is touted as a "seductive psychological thriller" and a murder mystery. (not my...more
Just such a gift is Patry Francis's "The Liar's Diary" which is touted as a "seductive psychological thriller" and a murder mystery. (not my...more
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Read in March, 2008
I had a difficult time with this book. It had twists and turns and beautiful writing, but then the twist near the end felt like it belonged on Lifetime and I wanted to throw it across the room.
Then I thought about it a few hours later. Then a few days later. It started to dawn on me that even though the ending had initially felt contrived, it wasn't. It was damned near perfect. And now, two weeks later, I'm still mulling over it. I guess that's a clear sign that it was worth the read.
Then I thought about it a few hours later. Then a few days later. It started to dawn on me that even though the ending had initially felt contrived, it wasn't. It was damned near perfect. And now, two weeks later, I'm still mulling over it. I guess that's a clear sign that it was worth the read.
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Read in June, 2008
Jeanne Cross, a school secretary, appears to have the perfect family. Her husband, Gavin, is a respected doctor, and their son, Jamie, is well liked by his peers. When Jeanne becomes acquainted with Ali Mather, a music teacher,she finds the first friend of her adult life. Although their friendship isn't easy, Ali becomes very important to Jeanne. Ali's murder forces Jeanne to unwillingly examine her life. This book was not an enjoyable read for me. It had more than one plot device that I d...more
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Read in December, 2006
recommends it for:
mystery and psychological thriller fans
Fans of twisting plots and psychological thrillers really need to check out this first time novelist's offering. It's guaranteed to keep you guessing from beginning
to end. It begins with the seemingly mismatched friendship of Ali Mather, a free spirited musician who cares little of what people think of her, and Jeanne Cross, high school secretary and cookie-cutter suburban housewife and mother. It ends with the repercussions of a grisly murder than changes--or ends--everyone's lives. In...more
to end. It begins with the seemingly mismatched friendship of Ali Mather, a free spirited musician who cares little of what people think of her, and Jeanne Cross, high school secretary and cookie-cutter suburban housewife and mother. It ends with the repercussions of a grisly murder than changes--or ends--everyone's lives. In...more
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This is a mesmerizing story of betrayal, murder, unthinkable acts and the overwhelming desire to force a smile through it all. It is full of twists, turns, and enough surprises to keep you on your toes until you’ve read the final page. Patry did a wonderful job of conveying myriad of emotions both from and for her memorable characters. The rollercoaster journey undertaken by the protagonist (Jeanne Cross) will often leave you wondering what you would do if faced with similar dilemmas.
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Read in July, 2007
recommended to Natalie by:
Gather.comrecommends it for: Those who enjoy psychological thrillers!
Patry Francis' book THE LIAR'S DIARY is now out in paperback. Anyone who doesn't own a copy, should run right out and buy one! I couldn't put this book down for a moment. Last summer I felt compelled to read every word of the hardcover edition well into the wee hours of the morning. It's a bit like watching a stunning performance beneath a circus big top. We can't help holding our breath as we watch these people walk a tightrope of personal duplicity and intrigue.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Rebecca by:
Brendarecommends it for: suspense lovers
What kind of secrets does a family hide behind their perfect facade, and what does it take for these secrets to come to light? That's the premise behind The Liar's Diary- an explosive read that will have you suprised up until the last page. Awesome!
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Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
women
My only apprehensions with this book were not really criticisms, but more personal taste issues. I found the main character too much of a passive victim to be completely sympathetic, and there are gay elements to the story I felt were unfortunate clichés.
The writing was stellar and the story kept me going. In truth, this is probably more of a woman's book, and that may be why I had trouble relating completely with the protagonist.
The writing was stellar and the story kept me going. In truth, this is probably more of a woman's book, and that may be why I had trouble relating completely with the protagonist.
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Read in April, 2008
This is an excellent, suffocatingly tight mystery. I could hardly put it down! The characters are complex and believable. I did not see the ending coming. If you like to be kept in suspense, I recommend this book. (It's a heartbreaking story, but there is a glimmer of hope, and that's all I'm going to say about that.)
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This book is impossible to put down. The characters are complex, the plot is intricate, and it unfolds in wonderfully shocking ways. I found myself thinking about this book day and night, unable to avoid the deep psychological questions it addresses. To say I was invested in the characters and their situation would be putting it mildly indeed. It is one of the most compelling books I have ever read.
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Read in February, 2008
This book was like an awesome roller coaster ride: one you want to go right back on again, immediately. In fact, I finished it late last night and may re-read today. Very surprising twists, well-written, interesting characters (though I had a slightly hard time believing in Gavin, the husband), just very interesting in general--especially the end. Reading this book is time well spent.
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Read in May, 2008
At first, I had a hard time getting into this book. I wasn't identifying with either of the main characters and truthfully I didn't like either of them. The more I read, however, the more sympathetic they both became. The plot had many twists and turns which I loved - and an ending that I didn't see coming. Definately a must read - thanks Tracy!!!
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Read in March, 2008
A delightfully, juicy read, that is absolutely compelling. The plot winds through a spicy tangle of lies and secrets that finally end in murder; you will be second guessing everything until the end.
The characters are all too human, flaws and deception motivate their actions and breathe a fascinating life into each page.
A must read.
The characters are all too human, flaws and deception motivate their actions and breathe a fascinating life into each page.
A must read.
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Read in March, 2008
Wow. This was one book I didn't see coming. It started off strong and just kept going... An amazing realization of the secrets we all keep from the world, and the power behind them. Phenomenal read. The characters are so strong, and so easy to relate to, as haunting as they are. An ending you'll NEVER see coming. Incredible read!!!!
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Read in March, 2008
I am listening to this book. The main character is exasperating, but it is for my book club so I persevere. ADD - well I made it through the book and it kept me intrigued enough to finish it. I generally enjoy listening to books, but in this case I think the actress interpreting the book influenced my poor reaction to it. .
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At first it doesn't seem like a mystery, but it truly is. The story gets a bit slow in the middle, but the writing style keeps you interested. The twist at the end took me by complete surprise and most "twists" do not. What an engrossing look at the complex relationships we enter and why we stay in them.
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Read in July, 2008
I had a tough time getting into this book, so I may have missed something in the beginning that would have really turned me onto the story. But, as it turns out, I couldn't stay focused and really had to push to the ending, which I felt like came right out of the blue, but not really in a good way. Alas.
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Read in May, 2008
After having this from the library for about three months (I'm a terrible patron), I finally had time to read it this weekend. It's good that I didn't have a lot going on, because once I started I didn't want to stop. I would recommend it for anyone who likes a good twisty/turny story.
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