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Nick Barrett #3
The Lies of Saints
They say it was a suicide. They had a reason for hushing up a murder.
The apparent suicide of a young cadet at the Citadel leads Nick Barrett back two decades to dark, dark secrets. First there's the disappearance of a South Carolina beauty pageant queen. Then there's the rich Charleston is a city that glitters with the gold but under all that wealth of the elite lies a century-old conspiracy that will endanger Nick's life and the people he loves most.
The apparent suicide of a young cadet at the Citadel leads Nick Barrett back two decades to dark, dark secrets. First there's the disappearance of a South Carolina beauty pageant queen. Then there's the rich Charleston is a city that glitters with the gold but under all that wealth of the elite lies a century-old conspiracy that will endanger Nick's life and the people he loves most.
258 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2003
15 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Sigmund Brouwer
256 books407 followersSigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 6, 2019
This was the last in a three-part series. I loved each one! The author's writing draws you in from the beginning with detailed descriptions of the setting, including the significance of Charleston history, and the characters. I could not put this series down until I finished the last page of THE LIES OF SAINTS.
While I love the suspense, I especially loved the sisters who own the antique shop where Nick likes to hang out. They are a hoot! It was also gratifying to see Nick grow spiritually.
I hated to see this series end and hope the author will consider another book. I'd like to know what happens to Angel and if Nick and Kellie get together.
This series was the first I'd ever read by this author. I will be adding him to my favorites list! I highly recommend these books and this author.
While I love the suspense, I especially loved the sisters who own the antique shop where Nick likes to hang out. They are a hoot! It was also gratifying to see Nick grow spiritually.
I hated to see this series end and hope the author will consider another book. I'd like to know what happens to Angel and if Nick and Kellie get together.
This series was the first I'd ever read by this author. I will be adding him to my favorites list! I highly recommend these books and this author.
February 7, 2024
The Lies of Saints is the third Nick Barrett novel by Sigmund Brouwer, the first two being Out of the Shadows and Crown of Thorns, linked to my reviews.
Nick was born into an elite Charleston family but was considered and outsider because his mother was. After his father’s death and his mother’s abandonment, he was raised in an uncle’s family, always aware he was not really a part of the family except by blood.
The first book had Nick coming back to Charleston after several years due to receiving a clue about his mother’s disappearance. He comes into an inheritance and the family home.
He’s not really a detective or investigator—he teaches astronomy. But a detective friend has been in a serious car accident, and Nick volunteers to help her.
It turns out that the hazing and apparent suicide of a Citadel cadet two decades ago is related to the disappearance of a debutante, both of which are also connected to a current case. As Nick asks questions, he’s repeatedly warned not to stir up this hornet’s nest. But as he continues unraveling surprising connections, he finds himself in danger.
Some favorite quotes:
I don’t often read this kind of book, but it’s nice for a change. I like Brouwer’s breezy style of writing here. Though there are dark and scary turns, there’s a lot of underlying humor and banter as well as a few sweet moments.
Nick was born into an elite Charleston family but was considered and outsider because his mother was. After his father’s death and his mother’s abandonment, he was raised in an uncle’s family, always aware he was not really a part of the family except by blood.
The first book had Nick coming back to Charleston after several years due to receiving a clue about his mother’s disappearance. He comes into an inheritance and the family home.
He’s not really a detective or investigator—he teaches astronomy. But a detective friend has been in a serious car accident, and Nick volunteers to help her.
It turns out that the hazing and apparent suicide of a Citadel cadet two decades ago is related to the disappearance of a debutante, both of which are also connected to a current case. As Nick asks questions, he’s repeatedly warned not to stir up this hornet’s nest. But as he continues unraveling surprising connections, he finds himself in danger.
Some favorite quotes:
Merely going through rites was a much easier task than following the spirit behind them (p. 40, Kindle app).
Without God, life was dust and had no meaning. With God, hope transformed life and its sorrows (p. 158).
“I understand,” I said. “I will tell this woman how you feel.”
Life burst into the old woman’s face. She pointed at me, still clutching the shawl. “You, young man, have no idea how I feel!”
It was a well-deserved rebuke. “No,” I said quietly. “I don’t” (p. 160).
Not so fast, my junior-grade sidekick (p. 201).
I don’t often read this kind of book, but it’s nice for a change. I like Brouwer’s breezy style of writing here. Though there are dark and scary turns, there’s a lot of underlying humor and banter as well as a few sweet moments.
July 27, 2019
A page-turner ...
...which I found to be well-written. The characters, like in the first of this series, "Crown of Thorns," are believable and intriguing. As in the first book, there are formatting problems, such as it looks as though returns are randomly placed, even before the end of a paragraph. And there are font inconsistencies, especially when italics are used. So both of the books need further editing, but the writing is so good I most definitely will keep reading the series.
...which I found to be well-written. The characters, like in the first of this series, "Crown of Thorns," are believable and intriguing. As in the first book, there are formatting problems, such as it looks as though returns are randomly placed, even before the end of a paragraph. And there are font inconsistencies, especially when italics are used. So both of the books need further editing, but the writing is so good I most definitely will keep reading the series.
March 29, 2021
Just finished this series. I liked learning a little about Charleston history and the families of old Charlestion. I really like the characters of the ladies of the antiques store and the building relationship between them and Nick. I enjoyed watching the development of Nick and Annie relationship. What a smart young girl Annie is--too smart for her age. Nick sure goes through a lot of punishment in all three of these books. I would like to see more of his detective friend's story and his PI friend, Kellie.
April 3, 2022
5 Stars
5 stars for The Lies of Saints. This author is a real story teller. His descriptions are so on point that I feel as if I'm walking the streets of Charleston with him. I've now read all three Nick Barrett mysteries and sincerely hope there are more to come for these characters.
5 stars for The Lies of Saints. This author is a real story teller. His descriptions are so on point that I feel as if I'm walking the streets of Charleston with him. I've now read all three Nick Barrett mysteries and sincerely hope there are more to come for these characters.
September 19, 2018
A relatively enjoyable romp. Some of the writing is a bit clumsy, and the storytelling is fragmented at times ; the author skips over scenes that would be interesting for the reader. But an easy light read.
December 18, 2019
I've always liked Brouwer's books and this is no different. A Christian detective thriller... what could be more fun!
April 2, 2021
The book was fast-paced and interesting. I felt that the scene sometimes jumped too fast without filling in information that the reader needs. I have now finished the Nick Barrett series.
July 23, 2021
The plot jumped around way too much but it has some good points
March 4, 2014
In the final of this three books series, Nick Barrett is investigating a 25 year old disappearance. What he learns uncovers deeply held secrets of the rich of Charleston. Another great book where each answer leads to more questions.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 17, 2007
It was hard to get into, but that may be because I hadn't read the two books that came before this one. It was the first Christian physchological thriller I've read and about 50 pages in I started enjoying the book. Much less violent than secular ones.
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October 11, 2007Bouwer, Sigmund PB
August 6, 2008
Liked this series. Although a Canadian, he has mastered the genre of southern gothic fiction.
December 28, 2011
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but really just had trouble getting through the second two, though maybe I just wasn't in the "mood" and will try them again someday.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews